Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 2	$ (308)	$ (244)	$ (405)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	(1)	2	(3)	26
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	1		5	(2)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax				1
Other comprehensive income		2	2	25
Comprehensive income (loss)	2	(306)	(242)	(380)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	19	17	58	55
Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (17)	$ (323)	$ (300)	$ (435)