Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
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 (benefit) of $10, $10 and $(3) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	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 of $9, $2, and $1 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively	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