v3.19.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Oct. 23, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001108109  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   117,844,337
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false