Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 100	$ 62	$ 42	$ (112)	$ 28	$ 4	$ 30	$ 79	$ 92	$ 141	$ 266
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests									(2)	(1)	(22)
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests									(2)	(1)	(22)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity from net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests									$ 90	$ 140	$ 244