Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 93	$ (146)	$ 126	$ (246)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax				(2)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax	2	2	4	4
Other comprehensive income	2	2	4	2
Comprehensive income (loss)	95	(144)	130	(244)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	23	21	39	39
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 72	$ (165)	$ 91	$ (283)