Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (110)	$ (79)	$ (446)	$ (1,500)
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests
Net transfers from the noncontrolling interests
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity from net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests			$ (446)