Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	$ (2,396)	$ (1,626)	$ 259
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,355)	(1,617)	249
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	63	95	101
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Other Guarantor [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(1,948)	(1,475)	209
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22	(8)	(4)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(1,926)	(1,483)	205
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(1,926)	(1,483)	205
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(825)	(524)	174
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Comprehensive (loss) income	(825)	(524)	174
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	63	95	101
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(888)	(619)	73
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	5,295	3,815	(440)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	(19)	(17)	6
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(16)	22	10
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	(28)	(6)	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(63)	(1)	14
Comprehensive (loss) income	5,232	3,814	(426)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 5,232	$ 3,814	$ (426)