Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,013)	$ (110)	$ (137)	$ (199)	$ (220)	$ (79)	$ (1,432)	$ 11	$ (2,459)	$ (1,721)	$ 158
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests									(2)	(9)	(16)
Net transfers from the noncontrolling interests									(2)	(9)	(16)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity from net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests									$ (2,461)	$ (1,730)	$ 142