Document and entity information. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Trading Symbol Amendment Flag Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements of Loss [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income Health Care Organization, Revenue Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts) Health Care Organization, Patient Service Revenue Provision for Bad Debts Provision for bad debts Health Care Organization, Revenue Net of Patient Service Revenue Provisions Net operating revenues Net operating revenues Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating costs and expenses: Labor and Related Expense Salaries and benefits Health Care Organization, Medical Supplies and Drugs Expense Supplies Other Cost and Expense, Operating Other operating expenses Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Government and other legal settlements and related costs Total amount recognized for electronic health record (EHR) incentive reimbursements from the government related to the implementation of EHRs meeting the "meaningful use" criteria. Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement Electronic health records incentive reimbursement Electronic health records incentive reimbursement under HITECH Operating Leases, Rent Expense Rent Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Asset Impairment Charges Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net Operating Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Income (loss) from operations Interest Expense Interest expense, net Interest expense, net Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss from early extinguishment of debt Loss from early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Investments Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates Gain on sale of equity method investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax benefit Provision for (benefit from) income taxes Benefit from income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Discontinued operations, net of taxes: Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax (Loss) income from operations of entities sold or held for sale Loss from operations of entities sold or held for sale Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, Net of Tax Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale Impairment of hospitals in discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic loss per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Earnings Per Share, Basic Net loss Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted loss per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net loss Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Components of comprehensive income net of related taxes. Components of Comprehensive Income Net of Related Taxes [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Unaudited) Assets [Abstract] Assets: ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,620 and $3,773 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Supplies Supplies Prepaid Taxes Prepaid income taxes Total amount of various prepaids and tax accounts such as insurance, rent, service contracts, dues, subscriptions, hiring fees, franchise taxes and property taxes. Prepaid Expenses and Taxes Prepaid expenses and taxes Other Assets, Current Other current assets Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Goodwill Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Goodwill Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets, net Other assets, net Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Less: Current maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt, noncurrent Long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, ending balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, beginning balance Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 114,758,677 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017, and 113,876,580 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity, ending balance Equity, beginning balance Total equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful patient accounts Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value per share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value per share Common stock, par value per share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization The non-cash portion of the amount charged against operating income increasing loss contingency liability, after adjustments to reduce previously estimated charges. Loss Contingency Accrual Provision Non Cash Government and other legal settlements and related costs Share-based Compensation Effect on loss from continuing operations before income taxes Stock-based compensation expense Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of or sold Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of or sold Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other non-cash expenses, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Patient accounts receivable An increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory, prepaid expenses paid, other current assets held by the reporting entity. Increase Decrease in Supplies Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets An increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all current payables, current liabilities and income taxes held by the reporting entity. Increase Decrease in Accounts Payable Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions of facilities and other related equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from sale of equity method investments Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Distribution from Quorum Health Corporation Proceeds from QHC spinoff Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Increase in other investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll tax withholding requirements Payments of Financing Costs Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Borrowings under credit agreements Proceeds from Issuance of Subordinated Long-term Debt Issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Accounts Receivable Securitization Proceeds from receivables facility Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term indebtedness Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net change in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Interest Paid on borrowing Interest payments Income Taxes Paid, Net Income tax payments, net of refunds Cash paid for income taxes (refunds received), net Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Text Block Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Disclosure of the aggregate cost of goods sold and services rendered during the reporting period. The disclosure includes costs considered to be corporate office costs. Cost of Revenue [Text Block] Cost of Revenue Disclosure Use of estimates. Use of Estimates [Abstract] The entire disclosure of the entity's policy on the use of significant estimates or assumptionsin in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Use of Estimates [Text Block] Use of Estimates Disclosure Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract] Acquisitions And Divestitures [Abstract] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Acquisitions and Divestitures Disclosure Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation Disclosure Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Disclosure Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Disclosure Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Disclosure Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Disclosure Equity Investments [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Investments Disclosure Long-term Debt [Abstract] Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Disclosure Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Disclosure Fair value. Fair Value [Abstract] Fair Value [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosure Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Disclosure Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Disclosure Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Disclosure Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Accounting, Policy Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy Health Care Organization, Bad Debts Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy Disclosure of accounting policy accounting for the amount and recognition for electronic health record (EHR) incentive reimbursements from the government related to the implementation of EHRs meeting the "meaningful use" criteria. Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement [Policy Textblock] Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement Policy Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy