Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 94	$ 22	$ 67	$ 165
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	11	10	20	47
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(5)	1	(2)	3
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	1	1	1	2
Other comprehensive income	7	12	19	52
Comprehensive income	101	34	86	217
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	32	18	75	52
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. shockholders	$ 69	$ 16	$ 11	$ 165