Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (704)	$ (2,396)	$ (1,626)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	20	19	17
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(2)	8	(11)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	(1)	14	3
Other comprehensive income	17	41	9
Comprehensive loss	(687)	(2,355)	(1,617)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	84	63	95
Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (771)	$ (2,418)	$ (1,712)