Condensed Financial Information of Parent - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 368	$ 607	$ (590)
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of affiliates, net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax		(1)	(3)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax	(5)	4	4
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	3	(7)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(2)	(4)	1
Comprehensive income (loss)	366	603	(589)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	138	96	85
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	228	507	(674)
Parent Company
Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	230	511	(675)
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of affiliates, net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax		(1)	(3)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax	(5)	4	4
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	3	(7)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(2)	(4)	1
Comprehensive income (loss)	228	507	(674)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 228	$ 507	$ (674)