Stockholders' Deficit (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Deficit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Stockholders' Deficit [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (17)	$ (325)	$ (302)	$ (460)
Net increase (decrease) in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests	2	(2)	1	(5)
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests	2	(2)	1	(5)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit from net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$ (15)	$ (327)	$ (301)	$ (465)