Stockholders' Deficit (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Deficit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Deficit [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 18	$ (118)
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests	(1)
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests	(1)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit from net income (loss) attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$ 17	$ (118)