Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (90)	$ (56)	$ (390)	$ (1,427)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	5	10	8	(11)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	2	(7)	7	(8)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	1		2	3
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8	3	17	(16)
Comprehensive loss	(82)	(53)	(373)	(1,443)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	20	23	56	73
Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (102)	$ (76)	$ (429)	$ (1,516)