Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Consolidated Pro Forma Operating Results) (Details) (Health Management Associates, Inc. [Member], USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Health Management Associates, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma net operating revenues	$ 14,135	$ 13,978
Pro forma net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (4)	$ (12)
Pro forma net loss per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)
Diluted	$ (0.04)	$ (0.11)