Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Balance Sheet Items Classified as Held for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract]
Other current assets	$ 21	$ 8
Other assets, net	154	12
Accrued liabilities	$ 44	$ 2

Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Accrued Liabilities

No definition available.

Name:	cyh_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationAccruedLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	cyh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant