Contingencies (Contingencies Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 item	Jan. 27, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014 Pending Litigation [Member] Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Pending Litigation [Member] Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Pending Litigation [Member] Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Pending Litigation [Member] Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Pending Litigation [Member] Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Pending Litigation [Member] CVR Related Liability at Fair Value [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 U.S. ex re. Baker vs. Community Health Systems, Inc. [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Matters Where Negative Outcome Is Reasonably Possible [Member] item	Sep. 30, 2014 U.S. ex re. Baker vs. Community Health Systems, Inc. [Member] Settled Litigation [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Class Action Shareholder Federal Securities Cases [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Matters For Which An Outcome Cannot Be Assessed [Member] item	Sep. 30, 2014 Shareholder Derivative Actions [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Matters For Which An Outcome Cannot Be Assessed [Member] item
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Contingent Value Right, Amount Per Share	$ 1.00
Deductible related to litigation and contingent value right	$ 18
Maximum payment to holders of CVRs	265
Number of contingent value rights outstanding	264,544,053
Contingent value right, period payable after final resolution	60 days
Contingent value right, percentage multiplier	90.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent	291	284
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current	42
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	7
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value			108		108		119	291		75
Legal Fees			$ 10	$ 2	$ 24	$ 7
Number of hospitals involved in litigation									3
Number of legal cases filed											3	3