Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (308)	$ (90)	$ (405)	$ (390)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	2	5	26	8
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax		2	(2)	7
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax		1	1	2
Other comprehensive income	2	8	25	17
Comprehensive loss	(306)	(82)	(380)	(373)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	17	20	55	56
Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (323)	$ (102)	$ (435)	$ (429)