Stockholders' Deficit (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Deficit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Deficit [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (25)	$ (199)
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests	(2)
Net transfers from the noncontrolling interests	(2)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit from net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$ (27)