Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Numerator:
(Loss) Income from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ (54)	$ 83	$ (1,422)	$ 335
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes	23	23	73	67
(Loss) Income from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted	(77)	60	(1,495)	268
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(2)	(8)	(5)	(27)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted	$ (2)	$ (8)	$ (5)	$ (27)
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	110,888,040	115,319,986	110,672,520	114,981,457
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards		593,713		405,395
Employee stock options		439,717		448,679
Other equity-based awards		14,741		9,650
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	110,888,040	116,368,157	110,672,520	115,845,181