Contingencies (Contingencies Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 09, 2016	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Pending Litigation [Member] | Litigation Matters Where Negative Outcome Is Reasonably Possible [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Attorneys' fees and other costs incurred		$ 7.0		$ 11.0	$ 2.0
Pending Litigation [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Litigation Matters Where Negative Outcome Is Reasonably Possible [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Attorneys' fees and other costs incurred			$ 1.0
U.S. ex re. Baker vs. Community Health Systems, Inc. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judgment awarded	$ 1.9
Empire Health Foundation Vs Community Health Systems Inc [Member] | Settled Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judgment awarded				$ 22.0