Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (56)	$ 75	$ (1,427)	$ 308
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	10	(21)	(11)	(22)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(7)	(9)	(8)	(10)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax		1	3	2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3	(29)	(16)	(30)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(53)	46	(1,443)	278
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	23	23	73	67
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (76)	$ 23	$ (1,516)	$ 211