Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (122)	$ (1,406)	$ (299)	$ (1,371)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	(2)	(2)	3	(21)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	2	(3)	5	(1)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	1	2	1	3
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1	(3)	9	(19)
Comprehensive loss	(121)	(1,409)	(290)	(1,390)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	15	26	36	50
Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (136)	$ (1,435)	$ (326)	$ (1,440)