Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 144	$ 128	$ 146	$ 254
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax	(1)		(4)	3
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	2		3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1		(1)	4
Comprehensive income	145	128	145	258
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	16	94	54
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 112	$ 112	$ 51	$ 204