Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Components of Denominator for Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ (346)	$ 2	$ (146)	$ (101)	$ (299)	$ (308)	$ (91)	$ (6)	$ (590)	[1]	$ (704)	[1]	$ (2,384)
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes									85		84		63
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted									(675)		(788)		(2,447)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes													(12)
Less: Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted													$ (12)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	113,935,629	113,891,721	113,862,097	113,257,608	112,909,869	112,865,482	112,837,944	112,291,496	113,739,046	[1]	112,728,274	[1]	111,769,821
Restricted stock awards
Employee stock options
Other equity-based awards
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	113,935,629	113,891,721	113,862,097	113,257,608	112,909,869	112,865,482	112,837,944	112,291,496	113,739,046	[1]	112,728,274	[1]	111,769,821

[1] Total quarterly amounts may not add due to rounding.