Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (6)	$ (177)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	18	5
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(2)	3
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost, net of tax	1
Other comprehensive income	17	8
Comprehensive income (loss)	11	(169)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	19	22
Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (8)	$ (191)