Community Health Systems (CYH) 10-K 28 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 15, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,108,109
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Trading Symbol	CYH
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 796,301,699
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		114,627,148

Consolidated Statements of (Los

Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)									$ 18,398	$ 21,275	$ 22,564
Provision for bad debts									3,045	2,837	3,127
Net operating revenues	$ 3,059	$ 3,666	$ 4,144	$ 4,486	$ 4,469	$ 4,380	$ 4,590	$ 4,999	15,353	18,438	19,437
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits									7,376	8,624	8,991
Supplies									2,672	3,011	3,048
Other operating expenses									3,864	4,248	4,520
Government and other legal settlements and related costs									(31)	16	4
Electronic health records incentive reimbursement									(28)	(70)	(160)
Rent									394	450	457
Depreciation and amortization									861	1,100	1,172
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net									2,123	1,919	68
Total operating costs and expenses									17,231	19,298	18,100
(Loss) income from operations									(1,878)	(860)	1,337
Interest expense, net of interest income of $11, $14 and $15 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively									931	962	973
Loss from early extinguishment of debt									40	30	16
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates										(94)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									(16)	(43)	(63)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(2,379)	(147)	(131)	(176)	(152)	(83)	(1,543)	63	(2,833)	(1,715)	411
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes									(449)	(104)	116
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(2,004)	(88)	(116)	(176)	(189)	(54)	(1,405)	37	(2,384)	(1,611)	295
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
Loss from operations of entities sold or held for sale									(6)	(7)	(27)
Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale									(6)	(8)	(5)
Loss on sale, net											(4)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(3)	(2)	(6)	(1)	(9)	(2)	(1)	(1)	(12)	(15)	(36)
Net (loss) income									(2,396)	(1,626)	259
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									63	95	101
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,013)	$ (110)	$ (137)	$ (199)	$ (220)	$ (79)	$ (1,432)	$ 11	$ (2,459)	$ (1,721)	$ 158
Basic (loss) income per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$ (17.95)	$ (0.96)	$ (1.17)	$ (1.78)	$ (1.91)	$ (0.69)	$ (12.90)	$ 0.11	$ (21.89)	$ (15.41)	$ 1.69
Discontinued operations	(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.01)	(0.09)	(0.02)	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.11)	(0.13)	(0.31)
Net (loss) income	(17.98)	(0.98)	(1.22)	(1.79)	(1.99)	(0.71)	(12.91)	0.10	(22)	(15.54)	1.38
Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations	(17.95)	(0.96)	(1.17)	(1.78)	(1.91)	(0.69)	(12.90)	0.11	(21.89)	(15.41)	1.68
Discontinued operations	(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.01)	(0.09)	(0.02)	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.11)	(0.13)	(0.31)
Net (loss) income	$ (17.98)	$ (0.98)	$ (1.22)	$ (1.79)	$ (1.99)	$ (0.71)	$ (12.91)	$ 0.10	$ (22)	$ (15.54)	$ 1.37
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	111,971,628	111,935,738	111,909,858	111,252,331	110,905,052	110,888,040	110,879,285	110,247,867	111,769,821	110,730,971	114,454,674
Diluted	111,971,628	111,935,738	111,909,858	111,252,331	110,905,052	110,888,040	110,879,285	110,309,372	111,769,821	110,730,971	115,272,404

Consolidated Statements of (Lo3

Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Interest Income	$ 11	$ 14	$ 15

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (2,396)	$ (1,626)	$ 259
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax (benefit) of $10, $10 and $(3) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax of $9, $2, and $1 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,355)	(1,617)	249
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	63	95	101
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,418)	$ (1,712)	$ 148

Consolidated Statements of Com5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Income) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Tax provision (benefit) related to the net change in fair value of interest rate swaps	$ 10	$ 10	$ (3)
Tax provision (benefit) related to amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components	$ 9	$ 2	$ 1

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 563	$ 238
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,870 and $3,773 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	2,384	3,176
Supplies	444	480
Prepaid income taxes	17	17
Prepaid expenses and taxes	198	187
Other current assets	462	568
Total current assets	4,068	4,666
Property and equipment
Land and improvements	671	782
Buildings and improvements	6,971	7,438
Equipment and fixtures	3,855	4,202
Property and equipment, gross	11,497	12,422
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,445)	(4,273)
Property and equipment, net	7,052	8,149
Goodwill	4,723	6,521
Deferred income taxes	62	15
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $883 and $929 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,545	2,593
Total assets	17,450	21,944
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	33	455
Accounts payable	967	995
Employee compensation	685	731
Accrued interest	229	207
Other	442	499
Total current liabilities	2,356	2,887
Long-term debt	13,880	14,789
Deferred income taxes	19	411
Other long-term liabilities	1,360	1,575
Total liabilities	17,615	19,662
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	527	554
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 114,651,004 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017, and 113,876,580 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,014	1,975
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21)	(62)
Accumulated deficit	(2,761)	(299)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	(767)	1,615
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	75	113
Total (deficit) equity	(692)	1,728
Total liabilities and equity	$ 17,450	$ 21,944

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful patient accounts	$ 3,870	$ 3,773
Accumulated amortization	$ 883	$ 929
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	114,651,004	113,876,580
Common stock, shares outstanding	114,651,004	113,876,580

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity - USD ($)	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 1,000,000	$ 2,095,000,000	$ (7,000,000)	$ (63,000,000)	$ 1,977,000,000	$ 80,000,000	$ 4,083,000,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 531,000,000
Shares, outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014		117,701,087		(975,549)
Comprehensive income (loss) including portion attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests					(10,000,000)	158,000,000	27,000,000	175,000,000
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	74,000,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	47,000,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net of contributions							(30,000,000)	(30,000,000)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of contributions	(70,000,000)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests	(25,000,000)		(16,000,000)				5,000,000	(11,000,000)
Disposition of less-than-wholly owned entity							(2,000,000)	(2,000,000)
Disposition of less-than-wholly owned entity	(8,000,000)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests							1,000,000	1,000,000
Other reclassifications of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,000,000)
Noncontrolling interests in acquired entity							5,000,000	5,000,000
Noncontrolling interests in acquired entity	2,000,000
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests			(21,000,000)					(21,000,000)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	21,000,000
Repurchases of common stock			(159,000,000)					(159,000,000)
Repurchases of common stock, shares		(5,532,188)
Issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options			25,000,000					25,000,000
Issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options, shares		712,235
Issuance of shares in exchange for HMA common stock, shares		56
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares			(20,000,000)					(20,000,000)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares, shares		(417,019)
Stock-based compensation			59,000,000					59,000,000
Stock-based compensation, shares		1,268,874
Equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 1,000,000	1,963,000,000	$ (7,000,000)	(73,000,000)	2,135,000,000	86,000,000	4,105,000,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	571,000,000
Shares, outstanding, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015		113,732,933		(975,549)
Comprehensive income (loss) including portion attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests					9,000,000	(1,721,000,000)	24,000,000	(1,688,000,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	71,000,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net of contributions							(23,000,000)	(23,000,000)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of contributions	(69,000,000)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests	(14,000,000)		(9,000,000)				4,000,000	(5,000,000)
Disposition of less-than-wholly owned entity	(3,000,000)
Noncontrolling interests in acquired entity							33,000,000	33,000,000
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests			(6,000,000)					(6,000,000)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,000,000
Distribution of Quorum Health Corporation	(8,000,000)				2,000,000	(713,000,000)	(11,000,000)	(722,000,000)
Cancellation of treasury stock			(7,000,000)	$ 7,000,000
Cancellation of treasury stock, shares		975,549		975,549
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares			(6,000,000)					(6,000,000)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares, shares		(368,945)
Income tax payable increase from vesting of restricted shares			(6,000,000)					(6,000,000)
Stock-based compensation			46,000,000					46,000,000
Stock-based compensation, shares		1,488,141
Equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 1,000,000	1,975,000,000		(62,000,000)	(299,000,000)	113,000,000	1,728,000,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	554,000,000							554,000,000
Shares, outstanding, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016		113,876,580
Comprehensive income (loss) including portion attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests					41,000,000	(2,459,000,000)	25,000,000	(2,393,000,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	38,000,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests							5,000,000	5,000,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net of contributions							(29,000,000)	(29,000,000)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of contributions	(71,000,000)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests	(4,000,000)		(2,000,000)					(2,000,000)
Disposition of less-than-wholly owned entity							(10,000,000)	(10,000,000)
Disposition of less-than-wholly owned entity	2,000,000
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests							(29,000,000)	(29,000,000)
Other reclassifications of redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,000,000
Noncontrolling interests in acquired entity	1,000,000
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests			22,000,000					22,000,000
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(22,000,000)
Distribution of Quorum Health Corporation						(3,000,000)		(3,000,000)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares		$ (560,098)	(5,000,000)					(5,000,000)
Stock-based compensation			24,000,000					24,000,000
Stock-based compensation, shares		1,334,522
Equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 527,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 2,014,000,000		$ (21,000,000)	$ (2,761,000,000)	$ 75,000,000	(692,000,000)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017								$ 527,000,000
Shares, outstanding, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017		114,651,004

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (2,396)	$ (1,626)	$ 259
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	861	1,100	1,174
Deferred income taxes	(454)	(116)	103
Government and other legal settlements and related costs	9	16	4
Stock-based compensation expense	24	46	59
Loss on sale, net			4
Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale	6	8	5
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net	2,123	1,919	68
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	40	30	16
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		(94)
Other non-cash expenses, net	35	31	47
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Patient accounts receivable	732	(96)	(219)
Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets	(33)	25	(68)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes	(69)	(137)	(478)
Other	(105)	31	(53)
Net cash provided by operating activities	773	1,137	921
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of facilities and other related businesses	(6)	(123)	(57)
Purchases of property and equipment	(564)	(744)	(953)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations	1,692	143	155
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	7	15	15
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(125)	(505)	(162)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	208	464	156
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		403
Distribution from Quorum Health Corporation		1,219
Increase in other investments	(143)	(242)	(205)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,069	630	(1,051)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			25
Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll tax withholding requirements	(5)	(6)	(20)
Stock buy-back			(159)
Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs	(66)	(26)	(30)
Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	5		47
Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures	(6)	(19)	(36)
Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	(100)	(92)	(100)
Proceeds from sale-lease back		159
Borrowings under credit agreements	841	4,879	4,922
Issuance of long-term debt	3,100
Proceeds from receivables facility	105	107	206
Repayments of long-term indebtedness	(5,391)	(6,715)	(5,050)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,517)	(1,713)	(195)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	325	54	(325)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	238	184	509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	563	238	184
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest payments	(852)	(930)	(925)
Income tax (payments) refunds, net	$ (4)	$ 16	$ (12)

Basis of Presentation and Signi

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business. Community Health Systems, Inc. is a holding company and operates no business in its own name. On a consolidated basis, Community Health Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) own, lease and operate general acute care hospitals in communities across the country. As of December 31, 2017, the Company owned or leased 125 hospitals, included in continuing operations, including two stand-alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals, licensed for 20,850 beds in 19 states. Throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements, Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Parent”) and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to on a collective basis as the “Company.” This drafting style is not meant to indicate that the publicly-traded Parent or any particular subsidiary of the Parent owns or operates any asset, business, or property. The hospitals, operations and businesses described in this filing are owned and operated, and management services provided, by distinct and indirect subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc. As of December 31, 2017, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Indiana represent the only areas of significant geographic concentration. Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), generated by the Company’s hospitals in Florida, as a percentage of consolidated operating revenues, were 14.8% in 2017, 14.1% in 2016 and 13.6% in 2015. Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), generated by the Company’s hospitals in Texas, as a percentage of consolidated operating revenues, were 12.1% in 2017, 11.4% in 2016 and 11.1% in 2015. Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), generated by the Company’s hospitals in Pennsylvania, as a percentage of consolidated operating revenues, were 9.2% in 2017, 11.2% in 2016 and 10.6% in 2015. Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), generated by the Company’s hospitals in Indiana, as a percentage of consolidated operating revenues, were 9.9% in 2017, 8.6% in 2016 and 7.3% in 2015. Use of Estimates . The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Principles of Consolidation . The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent, its subsidiaries, all of which are controlled by the Parent through majority voting control, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts, profits and transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Parent are presented as a component of total equity to distinguish between the interests of the Parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Revenues, expenses and income from continuing operations from these subsidiaries are included in the consolidated amounts as presented on the consolidated statements of (loss) income, along with a net income measure that separately presents the amounts attributable to the controlling interests and the amounts attributable to the noncontrolling interests for each of the periods presented. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable or may become redeemable at a fixed or determinable price at the option of the holder or upon the occurrence of an event outside of the control of the Company are presented in mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets. Cost of Revenue . Substantially all of the Company’s operating costs and expenses are “cost of revenue” items. Operating costs that could be classified as general and administrative by the Company would include the Company’s corporate office costs at its Franklin, Tennessee office which were collectively $189 million, $197 million and $266 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in these corporate office costs is stock-based compensation of $24 million, $46 million and $59 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash Equivalents . The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Supplies. Supplies, principally medical supplies, are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Marketable Securities. The Company’s marketable securities are classified as trading or available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ (deficit) equity. Trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, included an unrealized gain of $8 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 and an unrealized loss of $11 million and $5 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to these available-for-sale securities. Property and Equipment . Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the land and improvements ( 3 to 20 years), buildings and improvements ( 5 to 40 years) and equipment and fixtures ( 3 to 18 years). Costs capitalized as construction in progress were $222 million and $227 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Expenditures for renovations and other significant improvements are capitalized; however, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the useful lives of the respective assets are charged to operations as incurred. Interest capitalized related to construction in progress was $11 million, $9 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Purchases of property and equipment and internal-use software accrued in accounts payable and not yet paid were $166 million and $115 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company also leases certain facilities and equipment under capital leases (see Note 10). Such assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the lease or the remaining useful lives of the applicable assets. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had non-cash investing activity of $31 million related to certain facility and equipment additions that were financed through capital leases and other debt. Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill arising from business combinations is not amortized. Goodwill is required to be evaluated for impairment at the same time every year and when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that impairment may exist. The Company performs its annual testing of impairment for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year. As further discussed in Note 5, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.419 billion and $1.395 billion during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Other Assets. Other assets consist of the insurance recovery receivable from excess insurance carriers related to the Company’s self-insured malpractice general liability and workers’ compensation insurance liability; costs to recruit physicians to the Company’s markets, which are deferred and expensed over the term of the respective physician recruitment contract, generally three years, and included in amortization expense; and capitalized internal-use software costs, which are expensed over the expected useful life, which is generally three years for routine software and eight to ten years for major software projects, and included in amortization expense. Net Operating Revenues . Net operating revenues are recorded net of provisions for contractual allowance of approximately $93.6 billion, $98.2 billion and $95.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net operating revenues are recognized when services are provided and are reported at the estimated net realizable amount from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered. Also included in the provision for contractual allowance shown above is the value of administrative and other discounts provided to self-pay patients eliminated from net operating revenues which was $3.6 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Throughout 2017 and culminating with the financial close process at December 31, 2017, the Company developed new accounting methodologies and processes to implement ASU 2014-09, the new accounting standard for revenue recognition that was adopted effective January 1, 2018. By implementing new data extraction techniques and updated hindsight information on historical collection data, the Company was able to better estimate the net amount after contractual allowances owed by the third-party payor and what will be owed by the patient based on historical experience. Such updated information included portfolio-level data related to historical collection amounts on an individual hospital and patient level that previously had not been readily available. Using this information the Company created a new accounting process by which it can estimate contractual allowances on a per patient basis. In addition to this new accounting methodology, the Company also revised its methods of estimating contractual allowances to (1) expand the hindsight period over which the Company analyzes payors’ historical paid claims data to estimate contractual allowances, (2) expand the basis for payor denied claims to refine the hindsight reserve for such denials, and (3) adjust the contractual allowances for certain categories of commercial payors using more precise historical experience based on recent patterns of account reimbursement. Additionally, the Company evaluated the estimated collection of those amounts due from the patient as part of the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. This analysis also included an evaluation of patient accounts receivable retained after the divestiture of 30 hospitals throughout 2017, and certain other revenues. Based on these new accounting processes and methodologies, the Company recorded a change in estimate during the three months ended December 31, 2017 to increase contractual allowances by approximately $197 million, and to record additional provision for bad debts and increase the allowance for doubtful accounts by $394 million. The total impact of the change in estimate recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2017 was a decrease to net operating revenues of $591 million. In the ordinary course of business, the Company renders services to patients who are financially unable to pay for hospital care. The Company’s policy is to not pursue collections for such amounts; therefore, the related charges for those patients who are financially unable to pay and that otherwise do not qualify for reimbursement from a governmental program are not reported in net operating revenues or in the provision for bad debts, and are thus classified as charity care. The Company determines amounts that qualify for charity care primarily based on the patient’s household income relative to the federal poverty level guidelines, as established by the federal government. Included in the provision for contractual allowance shown above is $482 million, $487 million and $453 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing the value (at the Company’s standard charges) of these charity care services that are excluded from net operating revenues. The estimated cost incurred by the Company to provide these charity care services to patients who are unable to pay was approximately $62 million, $64 million and $64 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated cost of these charity care services was determined using a ratio of cost to gross charges and applying that ratio to the gross charges associated with providing care to charity patients for the period. Currently, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers to offset a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid patients. These programs are designed with input from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. Similar programs are also being considered by other states. After these supplemental programs are signed into law, the Company recognizes revenue and related expenses in the period in which amounts are estimable and collection is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and fees, taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses. Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, were as follows (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Medicare $ 4,188 $ 5,089 $ 5,439  Medicaid 1,900 2,234 2,532  Managed Care and other third-party payors 9,991 11,354 11,816  Self-pay 2,319 2,598 2,777  Total $ 18,398 $ 21,275 $ 22,564  Third-Party Reimbursement . Net patient service revenue is reported at the estimated net realizable amount from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered. Operating revenues include amounts estimated by management to be reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid under prospective payment systems, provisions of cost-reimbursement and other payment methods. Approximately 33.1% , 34.4% and 35.3% of operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are related to services rendered to patients covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Revenues from Medicare outlier payments are included in the amounts received from Medicare and were approximately 0.33% , 0.38% and 0.28% of operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, the Company is reimbursed by non-governmental payors using a variety of payment methodologies. Amounts received by the Company for treatment of patients covered by such programs are generally less than the standard billing rates. The differences between the estimated program reimbursement rates and the standard billing rates are accounted for as contractual adjustments, which are deducted from gross revenues to arrive at operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts). These net operating revenues are an estimate of the net realizable amount due from these payors. The process of estimating contractual allowances requires the Company to estimate the amount expected to be received based on payor contract provisions. The key assumption in this process is the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on payor classification and historical paid claims data. Due to the complexities involved in these estimates, actual payments the Company receives could be different from the amounts it estimates and records. Final settlements under some of these programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. Adjustments to previous program reimbursement estimates are accounted for as contractual allowance adjustments and reported in the periods that such adjustments become known.  Amounts due to third-party payors were $156 million and $99 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in accrued liabilities-other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As part of the change in estimate to contractual allowances recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2017 discussed above, the Company recorded additional amounts due to third-party payors related to estimated amounts owed or expected to be recouped under certain state Medicaid disproportionate share reimbursement programs. These estimates were based on the results of completed audits and an estimate of probable outcomes of future audits considering the cost limits defined under the respective state program. Amounts due from third-party payors were $153 million and $186 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all Medicare and Medicaid cost reports are final settled through 2014. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts . Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that could become uncollectible in the future. Substantially all of the Company’s receivables are related to providing healthcare services to patients at its hospitals and affiliated businesses. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts by reserving a percentage of all self-pay accounts receivable without regard to aging category, based on collection history, adjusted for expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends. As discussed above, the Company’s historical accounting systems and processes to estimate net operating revenues from third-party payors did not have the ability to specifically identify the portion of an insured patient account that was due from the patient (e.g., deductibles and co-payments), and did not provide portfolio-level data related to historical collection amounts on an individual hospital or patient level. As part of the new accounting methodologies and processes developed in 2017 to implement the new accounting standard on revenue recognition, which was required to be adopted on January 1, 2018, the Company changed its methodology for estimating those amounts that are recorded as part of the receivable with the primary insurance payor but will ultimately be due from the patient. While the Company’s historical estimation process for the allowance for doubtful accounts utilized historical write-off and collection information on a consolidated basis, the new processes and related data obtained from the hindsight analysis provided updated information on the ultimate collectability of all patient accounts for the amount at the date of service that will ultimately be due from the patient. Such information was evaluated at a portfolio level by payor and by hospital rather than on a consolidated basis. Collections are impacted by the economic ability of patients to pay and the effectiveness of the Company’s collection efforts. Significant changes in payor mix, business office operations, economic conditions or trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage could affect the Company’s collection of accounts receivable and the estimates of the collectability of future accounts receivable and are considered in the Company’s estimates of accounts receivable collectability. The Company also continually reviews its overall reserve adequacy by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net revenue less provision for bad debts, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, aged accounts receivable by payor, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables and the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions.  As discussed above, during the three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $394 million of additional provision for bad debts and a corresponding increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition accounting standards in ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. In connection with the adoption of this ASU, during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company completed an extensive analysis of its patient revenues and patient accounts receivable and developed new accounting processes and methodologies. This analysis also included an evaluation of patient accounts receivable retained after the divestiture of 30 hospitals throughout 2017, and certain other revenues. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $169 million of additional provision for bad debts and a corresponding increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The additional amount was the result of new information obtained since the end of the third quarter of 2015 related to the deterioration in the overall collectability of self-pay accounts receivable. As a result, the Company refined its estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts and the additional amount was recorded as a change in estimate for the year ended December 31, 2015. Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement. The federal government has implemented a number of regulations and programs designed to promote the use of electronic health records (“EHR”) technology and, pursuant to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), established requirements for a Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments program for eligible hospitals and professionals that adopt and meaningfully use certified EHR technology. The Company utilizes a gain contingency model to recognize EHR incentive payments. Recognition occurs when the eligible hospitals adopt or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology for the applicable payment period and have available the Medicare cost report information for the relevant full cost report year used to determine the final incentive payment. Medicaid EHR incentive payments are calculated based on prior period Medicare cost report information available at the time when eligible hospitals adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Since the information for the relevant full Medicare cost report year is available at the time of attestation, the incentive income from resolving the gain contingency is recognized when eligible hospitals adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Medicare EHR incentive payments are calculated based on the Medicare cost report information for the full cost report year that began during the federal fiscal year in which meaningful use is demonstrated. Since the necessary information is only available at the end of the relevant full Medicare cost report year and after the cost report is settled, the incentive income from resolving the gain contingency is recognized when eligible hospitals demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology and the information for the applicable full Medicare cost report year to determine the final incentive payment is available. In some instances, the Company may receive estimated Medicare EHR incentive payments prior to when the Medicare cost report information used to determine the final incentive payment is available. In these instances, recognition of the gain for EHR incentive payments is deferred until all recognition criteria described above are met. Eligibility for annual Medicare incentive payments is dependent on providers successfully attesting to the meaningful use of EHR technology. Medicaid incentive payments are available to providers in the first payment year that they adopt, implement or upgrade certified EHR technology; however, providers must demonstrate meaningful use of such technology in any subsequent payment years to qualify for additional incentive payments. Medicaid EHR incentive payments are fully funded by the federal government and administered by the states; however, the states are not required to offer EHR incentive payments to providers. The Company recognized approximately $28 million, $70 million and $160 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of incentive reimbursement for HITECH incentives from Medicare and Medicaid related to certain of the Company’s hospitals and for certain of the Company’s employed physicians that have demonstrated meaningful use of certified EHR technology or have completed attestations to their adoption or implementation of certified EHR technology. These incentive reimbursements are presented as a reduction of operating costs and expenses on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. The Company received cash related to the incentive reimbursement for HITECH incentives of approximately $41 million, $123 million and $75 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recorded no deferred revenue in connection with the receipt of these cash payments at either December 31, 2017 or 201 6. Physician Income Guarantees . The Company enters into physician recruiting agreements under which it supplements physician income to a minimum amount over a period of time, typically one year, while the physicians establish themselves in the community. As part of the agreements, the physicians are committed to practice in the community for a period of time, typically three years, which extends beyond their income guarantee period. The Company records an asset and liability for the estimated fair value of minimum revenue guarantees on new agreements. Adjustments to the ultimate value of the guarantee paid to physicians are recognized in the period that the change in estimate is identified. The Company amortizes an asset over the life of the agreement. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the unamortized portion of these physician income guarantees was $29 million and $37 million, respectively. Concentrations of Credit Risk . The Company grants unsecured credit to its patients, most of whom reside in the service area of the Company’s facilities and are insured under third-party payor agreements. Because of the economic diversity of the Company’s facilities and non-governmental third-party payors, Medicare represents the only significant concentration of credit risk from payors. Accounts receivable, net of contractual allowances, from Medicare was $220 million and $402 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing 4% and 6% of consolidated net accounts receivable, before allowance for doubtful accounts, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a total combined impairment charge and loss on disposal of approximately $ 388 million to reduce the carrying value of certain hospitals that have been deemed held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to estimated fair value less costs to sell. Included in the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups at December 31, 2017 is a net allocation of approximately $ 7 million of goodwill allocated from the hospital operations reporting unit goodwill based on a calculation of the disposal groups’ relative fair value compared to the total reporting unit . The Company will continue to evaluate the potential for further impairment of the long-lived assets of underperforming hospitals as well as evaluating offers for potential sale. Based on such analysis, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.  Additionally, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $341 million during the three months ended December 31, 2017 for several underperforming hospitals as well as for certain hospitals deemed held for sale or where the Company has received offers or executed non-binding letters of intent to sell the hospital. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a total impairment charge of $ 326 million to reduce the carrying value of certain hospitals that have been deemed held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to estimated fair value less costs to sell. Additionally, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $ 270 million for several underperforming hospitals to their estimated fair value. The impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2016 also included approximately $19 million recorded on the sale or closure of certain of the Company’s hospitals during the year based on the remaining net book value of the assets at the date of disposal. In total, the Company recorded impairment charges of approximately $615 million on its long-lived assets other than the impairment charge taken on the hospital reporting unit goodwill that is further discussed in Note 5. Included in the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups is an allocation of approximately $365 million of goodwill allocated from the hospital reporting unit goodwill based on a calculation of the disposal groups’ relative fair value compared to the total reporting unit. Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, in which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of “temporary differences” by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss during the period in which the tax rate change becomes law. Comprehensive Loss . Comprehensive loss is the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Segment Reporting . A public company is required to report annual and interim financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Operating segments, as defined, are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Aggregation of similar operating segments into a single reportable operating segment is permitted if the businesses have similar economic characteristics and meet the criteria established by U.S. GAAP. The Company operated in two distinct operating segments during 2016, represented by the hospital operations (which includes the Company’s acute care hospitals and related healthcare entities that provide inpatient and outpatient healthcare services) and the home care agencies operations (which provide in-home outpatient care). U.S. GAAP requires (1) that financial information be disclosed for operating segments that meet a 10% quantitative threshold of the consolidated totals of net revenue, profit or loss, or total assets; and (2) that the individual reportable segments disclosed contribute at least 75% of total consolidated net revenue. Based on these measures, only the hospital operations segment meets the criteria as a separate reportable segment. Financial information for the home care agencies segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds and is therefore combined with corporate into the all other reportable segment. Additionally, as discussed in Note 3, on December 31, 2016, the Company sold 80 % of its ownership interest in the home care segment. In 2017 and in future periods, the Company will only operate in one operating segment. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities . The Company records derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Changes in a derivative’s fair value are recorded each period in earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), depending on whether the derivative is designated and is effective as a hedged transaction, and on the type of hedge transaction. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments r

Accounting for Stock-Based Comp

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure	2. ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock-based compensation awards have been granted under the Community Health Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Award Plan, amended and restated as of March 20, 2013 (the “2000 Plan”), and the Community Health Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Option and Award Plan, which was amended and restated as of March 16, 2016 and approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 17, 2016 (the “2009 Plan”). The 2000 Plan allowed for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”), as well as stock options which do not so qualify, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based shares or units and other share awards. Prior to being amended in 2009, the 2000 Plan also allowed for the grant of phantom stock. Persons eligible to receive grants under the 2000 Plan include the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants. All options granted under the 2000 Plan have been “nonqualified” stock options for tax purposes. Generally, vesting of these granted options occurs in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date . Options granted prior to 2005 have a 10 -year contractual term, options granted in 2005 through 2007 have an eight -year contractual term and options granted in 2008 through 2011 have a 10 -year contractual term. The Company has not granted stock option awards under the 2000 Plan since 2011. Pursuant to the amendment and restatement of the 2000 Plan dated March 20, 2013, no further grants will be awarded under the 2000 Plan. The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the IRC and for the grant of stock options which do not so qualify, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based shares or units and other share awards. Persons eligible to receive grants under the 2009 Plan include the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants. To date, all options granted under the 2009 Plan have been “nonqualified” stock options for tax purposes. Generally, vesting of these granted options occurs in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date . Options granted in 2011 or later have a 10 -year contractual term. The amendment and restatement of the 2009 Plan, as approved by the Company’s stockholders at the 2016 Annual Meeting, increased the number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2009 Plan by an additional 5,000,000 shares. As of December 31, 2017, 4,022,248 shares of unissued common stock were reserved for future grants under the 2009 Plan. The exercise price of all options granted under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan has been equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the option grant date. The following table reflects the impact of total compensation expense related to stock-based equity plans on the reported operating results for the respective periods (in millions):    Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Effect on (loss) income from continuing operations before  income taxes $ (24) $ (46) $ (59)  Effect on net (loss) income $ (16) $ (27) $ (35)   At December 31, 2017, $16 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units (the terms of which are summarized below) was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 19 months. There is no expense to be recognized related to stock options. There were no modifications to awards during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, other than those required by the Employee Matters Agreement (“EMA”) entered into as part of the spinoff of Quorum Health Corporation (“QHC”), as further discussed below. Options outstanding and exercisable under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan as of December 31, 2017, and changes during each of the years in the three-year period prior to December 31, 2017, were as follows (in millions, except share and per share data):     Weighted- Aggregate  Average Intrinsic  Weighted- Remaining Value as of  Average Contractual December 31,  Shares Exercise Price Term 2017  Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,953,727 $ 32.94  Granted - -  Exercised (711,568) 35.15  Forfeited and cancelled (10,001) 34.96  Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,232,158 31.65  Granted - -  Exercised - -  Forfeited and cancelled (46,838) 27.44  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,185,320 28.12  Granted - -  Exercised - -  Forfeited and cancelled (69,653) 33.52  Outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,115,667 $ 31.56 2.0 years $ -  Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,115,667 $ 31.56 2.0 years $ -  The weighted-average exercise prices in the table above for periods prior to the April 29, 2016 spin-off of QHC reflect the historical prices at those dates. No stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The aggregate intrinsic value (calculated as the number of in-the-money stock options multiplied by the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the reporting period ( $4.26 ) and the exercise price of the respective stock options) in the table above represents the amount that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2017. This amount changes based on the market value of the Company’s common stock. There were no options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $9 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest approximates that of the outstanding options. In accordance with the terms of the EMA, on April 29, 2016, the exercise prices of all stock options outstanding as of that date were modified to reflect the reduction in the Company’s stock price that occurred as a result of the distribution of QHC to the Company’s stockholders in order to maintain a consistent intrinsic value before and following the QHC distribution. There were no other modifications to the term or number of the outstanding options. The Company evaluated the fair value of the stock options immediately before and after the exercise price modification, and concluded that no incremental stock compensation expense should be recorded. The Company has also awarded restricted stock under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan to its directors and employees of certain subsidiaries. The restrictions on these shares generally lapse in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date . Certain of the restricted stock awards granted to the Company’s senior executives contain a performance objective that must be met in addition to any time-based vesting requirements. If the performance objective is not attained, the awards will be forfeited in their entirety. For such performance-based awards granted prior to 2017, once the performance objective has been attained, restrictions will lapse in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date. For performance-based awards granted beginning in March 2017, the performance objective is measured cumulatively over a three-year period. With respect to these performance-based awards granted beginning in March 2017, if the performance criteria are met at the end of three years, then the restricted stock award will vest in full. Additionally, for these awards, based on the level of achievement for the performance criteria, the number of shares to be issued in connection with the vesting of the award can be adjusted to decrease or increase the number of shares specified in the original award. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned performance objectives and vesting requirements, the restrictions with respect to restricted stock granted under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan will lapse earlier in the event of death, disability or termination of employment by the Company for any reason other than for cause of the holder of the restricted stock, or change in control of the Company. Restricted stock awards subject to performance standards that have not yet been satisfied are not considered outstanding for purposes of determining earnings per share until the performance objectives have been satisfied. On April 29, 2016, the Company cancelled 106,005 restricted stock awards from the March 1, 2016 grant that were held by former employees whose employment with the Company terminated as the result of commencing employment with QHC in connection with the spin-off. This cancellation did not include the issuance of replacement awards by the Company. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $2 million of compensation expense related to the unrecognized stock compensation expense for those awards at the cancellation date. This expense is recorded as part of the costs related to the spin-off of QHC presented in other operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of (loss) income for the year ended December 31, 2016. Restricted stock outstanding under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan as of December 31, 2017, and changes during each of the years in the three-year period prior to December 31, 2017, were as follows:    Weighted-  Average Grant  Shares Date Fair Value  Unvested at December 31, 2014 2,760,639 $ 39.82  Granted 1,254,500 47.69  Vested (1,156,226) 37.61  Forfeited (13,334) 41.32  Unvested at December 31, 2015 2,845,579 44.18  Granted 1,611,049 14.11  Vested (1,343,003) 43.39  Forfeited (144,340) 19.99  Unvested at December 31, 2016 2,969,285 29.39  Granted 1,502,000 9.10  Vested (1,586,855) 33.91  Forfeited (240,511) 18.20  Unvested at December 31, 2017 2,643,919 16.17  Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) have been granted to the Company’s outside directors under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan. On March 1, 2015, each of the Company’s outside directors received a grant under the 2009 Plan of 3,504 RSUs. On March 1, 2016, each of the Company’s outside directors received a grant under the 2009 Plan of 11,017 RSUs. On March 1, 2017, each of the Company’s outside directors received a grant under the 2009 Plan of 18,498 RSUs. Each of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 grants had a grant date fair value of approximately $170,000 . Vesting of these RSUs occurs in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date . In connection with the spin-off of QHC, holders of outstanding RSUs were credited with a total of 22,021 incremental RSUs at a ratio calculated to maintain a consistent intrinsic value before and following the QHC distribution. There were no other changes to the awards and the incremental RSUs will vest in accordance with the initial vesting period of the corresponding original award. RSUs outstanding under the 2000 Plan and the 2009 Plan as of December 31, 2017, and changes during each of the years in the three-year period prior to December 31, 2017, were as follows:    Weighted-  Average Grant  Shares Date Fair Value  Unvested at December 31, 2014 49,362 $ 36.07  Granted 21,024 47.70  Vested (27,708) 31.76  Forfeited - -  Unvested at December 31, 2015 42,678 44.59  Granted 99,140 16.90  Vested (21,432) 43.87  Forfeited - -  Unvested at December 31, 2016 120,386 22.06  Granted 110,988 9.19  Vested (59,296) 24.90  Forfeited - -  Unvested at December 31, 2017 172,078 12.78

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures Disclosure	3. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Acquisitions The Company accounts for all transactions that represent business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, where the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity are recognized and measured at their fair values on the date the Company obtains control in the acquiree. Such fair values that are not finalized for reporting periods following the acquisition date are estimated and recorded as provisional amounts. Adjustments to these provisional amounts during the measurement period (defined as the date through which all information required to identify and measure the consideration transferred, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests has been obtained, limited to one year from the acquisition date) are recorded when identified. Goodwill is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Excluding acquisition and integration expenses related to the 2014 acquisition of HMA, acquisition and integration expenses related to prospective and closed acquisitions included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of (loss) income were $ 2 million, $5 million and $8 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Approximate ly $1 million of acquisition and related integration expense related to the HMA acquisition was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015. On April 1, 2016 , one or more subsidiaries of the Company completed the acquisition of an 80% interest in Physicians’ Specialty Hospital ( 20 licensed beds), a Medicare-certified specialty surgical hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The total cash consideration paid for the 80% ownership interest in this joint venture was approximately $12 million, with additional consideration of $2 million assumed in liabilities, for a total consideration of $14 million. The value of the noncontrolling interest at acquisition was $2 million. Based upon the Company’s final purchase price allocation relating to this acquisition as of December 31, 2016, approximately $12 million of goodwill has been recorded. On March 1, 2016 , one or more subsidiaries of the Company completed the acquisition of an 80 % ownership interest in a joint venture entity with Indiana University Health that includes substantially all of the assets of IU Health La Porte Hospital (“La Porte”) in La Porte, Indiana ( 227 licensed beds) and IU Health Starke Hospital (“Starke”) in Knox, Indiana ( 50 licensed beds), and affiliated outpatient centers and physician practices. The total cash consideration paid for the 80% ownership interest in this joint venture was approximately $96 million with additional consideration of $8 million assumed in liabilities, for a total consideration of $104 million. The value of the noncontrolling interest at acquisition was $25 million. Based upon the Company’s final purchase price allocation relating to this acquisition as of December 31, 2016, approximately $45 million of goodwill has been recorded. There were no hospital acquisitions in either of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015. The table below summarizes the allocations of the purchase price (including assumed liabilities) for the above hospital acquisition transactions in 2016 (in millions):     2016   Current assets $ 7  Property and equipment 69  Goodwill 57  Intangible assets 10  Other long-term assets 3  Liabilities (10)  Noncontrolling interests (28)  Total identifiable net assets $ 108   The operating results of the foregoing transactions have been included in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income from their respective dates of acquisition, including net operating revenues of $214 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from hospital acquisitions that closed during that year. Other Acquisitions During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, one or more subsidiaries of the Company paid approximately $6 million, $16 million and $51 million, respectively, to acquire the operating assets and related businesses of certain physician practices, clinics and other ancillary businesses that operate within the communities served by the Company’s affiliated hospitals. In connection with these acquisitions, during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company allocated approximately $2 million of the consideration paid to property and equipment and net working capital and the remainder, approximately $4 million consisting of intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, to goodwill. No value was allocated to noncontrolling interest recorded in these acquisitions. During 2016, the Company allocated approximately $8 million of the consideration paid to property and equipment and net working capital and the remainder, approximately $14 million consisting of intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, to goodwill. The value of noncontrolling interest acquired in these acquisitions was $6 million. During 2015, the Company allocated approximately $19 million of the consideration paid to property and equipment and net working capital and the remainder, approximately $39 million consisting of intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, to goodwill. The value of noncontrolling interest acquired in these acquisitions was $ 7 million. Divestitures In April 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which changed the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under this accounting standard, a discontinued operation is a disposal that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additional disclosures are required for significant components of the entity that are disposed of or are held for sale but do not qualify as discontinued operations. This ASU was adopted on January 1, 2015 and is required to be applied on a prospective basis for disposals or components initially classified as held for sale after adoption. As a result, the following divestitures occurring subsequent to the date of adoption are included in continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Additionally, the impact of the hospitals and other assets spun off to QHC are discussed in Note 4 below. The following table provides a summary of hospitals included in continuing operations that the Company divested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:    Licensed  Hospital Buyer City, State Beds Effective Date   2017 Divestitures:   Highlands Regional Medical Center HCA Holdings, Inc. ( “ HCA ” ) Sebring, FL 126 November 1, 2017  Merit Health Northwest Mississippi Curae Health, Inc. Clarksdale, MS 181 November 1, 2017  Weatherford Regional Medical Center HCA Weatherford, TX 103 October 1, 2017  Brandywine Hospital Reading Health System Coatesville, PA 169 October 1, 2017  Chestnut Hill Hospital Reading Health System Philadelphia, PA 148 October 1, 2017  Jennersville Hospital Reading Health System West Grove, PA 63 October 1, 2017  Phoenixville Hospital Reading Health System Phoenixville, PA 151 October 1, 2017  Pottstown Memorial Medical Center Reading Health System Pottstown, PA 232 October 1, 2017  Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center Regional Health Yakima, WA 214 September 1, 2017  Toppenish Community Hospital Regional Health Toppenish, WA 63 September 1, 2017  Memorial Hospital of York PinnacleHealth System York, PA 100 July 1, 2017  Lancaster Regional Medical Center PinnacleHealth System Lancaster, PA 214 July 1, 2017  Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center PinnacleHealth System Lititz, PA 148 July 1, 2017  Carlisle Regional Medical Center PinnacleHealth System Carlisle, PA 165 July 1, 2017  Tomball Regional Medical Center HCA Tomball, TX 350 July 1, 2017  South Texas Regional Medical Center HCA Jourdanton, TX 67 July 1, 2017  Deaconess Hospital MultiCare Health System Spokane, WA 388 July 1, 2017  Valley Hospital MultiCare Health System Spokane Valley, WA 123 July 1, 2017  Lake Area Medical Center CHRISTUS Health Lake Charles, LA 88 June 30, 2017  Easton Hospital Steward Health, Inc. Easton, PA 196 May 1, 2017  Sharon Regional Health System Steward Health, Inc. Sharon, PA 258 May 1, 2017  Northside Medical Center Steward Health, Inc. Youngstown, OH 355 May 1, 2017  Trumbull Memorial Hospital Steward Health, Inc. Warren, OH 311 May 1, 2017  Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital Steward Health, Inc. Warren, OH 69 May 1, 2017  Wuesthoff Health System – Rockledge Steward Health, Inc. Rockledge, FL 298 May 1, 2017  Wuesthoff Health System – Melbourne Steward Health, Inc. Melbourne, FL 119 May 1, 2017  Sebastian River Medical Center Steward Health, Inc. Sebastian, FL 154 May 1, 2017  Stringfellow Memorial Hospital The Health Care Authority Anniston, AL 125 May 1, 2017  of the City of Anniston  Merit Health Gilmore Memorial Curae Health, Inc. Amory, MS 95 May 1, 2017  Merit Health Batesville Curae Health, Inc. Batesville, MS 112 May 1, 2017   2016 Divestitures:   Alliance Health Blackwell * The Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority Blackwell, OK 53 September 3, 2016  Lehigh Regional Medical Center Prime Healthcare Services, Inc. (“Prime”) Lehigh Acres, FL 88 February 1, 2016  Bartow Regional Medical Center BayCare Health Systems, Inc. Bartow, FL 72 January 1, 2016   2015 Divestitures:   Payson Regional Medical Center * Banner Health Payson, AZ 44 July 31, 2015  Fallbrook Hospital * Fallbrook Healthcare District Fallbrook, CA 47 June 30, 2015  Chesterfield General Hospital M/C Healthcare, LLC Cheraw, SC 59 April 1, 2015  Marlboro Park Hospital M/C Healthcare, LLC Bennettsville, SC 102 April 1, 2015  Dallas Regional Medical Center Prime Mesquite, TX 202 March 1, 2015  Riverview Regional Medical Center Prime Gadsden, AL 281 March 1, 2015  Harris Hospital White County Medical Center Newport, AR 133 February 1, 2015  Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center Capella Healthcare Hartsville, SC 116 January 1, 2015   * Divestiture relates to termination of a prior lease for the hospital.   On December 31, 2016 , one or more subsidiaries of the Company sold an 80% majority ownership interest in the home care division to a subsidiary of Almost Family, Inc. for $128 million. In connection with the divestiture of a controlling interest in the home care division, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $91 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company made the decision to sell and began actively marketing several smaller hospitals. There is one hospital still included in discontinued operations resulting from the Company’s decision to sell these hospitals in 2014 that is currently being actively marketed for sale. In addition to this hospital, HMA entered into a definitive agreement to sell Williamson Memorial Hospital ( 76 licensed beds) located in Williamson, West Virginia prior to the HMA merger, and the Company has continued the effort to divest this facility. In connection with management’s decision to sell these two hospitals, the Company has classified the results of operations of such hospitals as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income, and classified these hospitals as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. On May 1, 2017 , one or more subsidiaries of the Company sold AllianceHealth Pryor ( 52 licensed beds) in Pryor, Oklahoma, and its associated assets to Ardent Health Services Inc. for approximately $1 million in cash. This hospital has been reported in the condensed consolidated statements of loss in discontinued operations. Net operating revenues and loss from discontinued operations for the respective periods are as follows (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015   Net operating revenues $ 79 $ 99 $ 114  Loss from operations of entities sold or held for sale  before income taxes $ (10) $ (11) (42)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale (8) (12) (8)  Loss on sale, net (1) - (6)  Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes (19) (23) (56)  Income tax benefit (7) (8) (20)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ (12) $ (15) $ (36)  As part of its ongoing evaluation of the fair value of the hospitals it is marketing for sale, the Company recorded an impairment charge on the carrying value of the long-lived assets at these hospitals in discontinued operations of $ 6 million and $ 8 million, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest expense was allocated to discontinued operations based on sale proceeds available for debt repayment. The following table discloses amounts included in the consolidated balance sheet for the hospitals classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):    December 31, 2017 2016  Other current assets $8 $117  Other assets, net 12 878  Accrued liabilities 2 81  Financial and statistical data reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) includes operating results for hospitals held for sale at December 31, 2017 and for the 30 hospitals that were divested through 2017 through the effective date of each respective transaction. Summary financial results of these hospitals included in continuing operations for the periods included in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income are as follows:     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015   (Loss) income from operations before income taxes $ (544) $ (517) $ 27  Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1) (1) (2)  (Loss) income from operations before income taxes attributable  to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (545) $ (518) $ 25   The operating results for these held for sale or divested hospitals included impairment charges of approximately $368 million and $463 million that were allocated to the divestitures during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. No impairment charges were allocated to the divestitures for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Other Hospital Closures During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company announced the planned closure of McNairy Regional Hospital in Selmer, Tennessee. The Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, to adjust the fair value of the supplies inventory and long-lived assets of this hospital, including property and equipment and capitalized software costs, based on their estimated fair value and future utilization . McNairy Regional Hospital closed on May 19, 2016. No additional impairment was recorded related to the closure of this facility.

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corpo

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation [Abstract]
Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation Disclosure	4. SPIN-OFF OF QUORUM HEALTH CORPORATION On April 29, 2016, the Company completed the spin-off of 38 hospitals and Quorum Health Resources, LLC into Quorum Health Corporation, an independent, publicly traded corporation. The transaction was structured to be generally tax free to the Company and its stockholders. The Company distributed, on a pro rata basis, all of the shares of QHC common stock to the Company’s stockholders of record as of April 22, 2016. These stockholders of record as of April 22, 2016 received a distribution of one share of QHC common stock for every four shares of Company common stock held as of the record date plus cash in lieu of any fractional shares. In recognition of the spin-off, the Company recorded a non-cash dividend of approximately $713 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, representing the net assets of QHC distributed to the Company’s stockholders. Immediately following the completion of the spin-off, the Company’s stockholders owned 100% of the outstanding shares of QHC common stock. Following the spin-off, QHC became an independent public company with its common stock listed for trading under the symbol “QHC” on the New York Stock Exchange. In connection with the spin-off, the Company and QHC entered into a separation and distribution agreement as well as certain ancillary agreements on April 29, 2016. These agreements allocate between the Company and QHC the various assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) that comprise the separate companies and govern certain relationships between, and activities of, the Company and QHC for a period of time after the spin-off. The results of operations for QHC through the date of the spin-off are presented in continuing operations in the consolidated statements of (loss) income as the Company has determined that the spin-off of QHC does not meet the criteria as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08. Financial and statistical data reported in this Form 10-K include QHC operating results through April 29, 2016. Summary financial results of QHC for the periods included in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income are as follows:      Year Ended  December 31, 2016   Loss from operations before income taxes $ (12)  Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)  Loss from operations before income taxes attributable  to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (13)  

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Disclosure	5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016   Balance, beginning of year $ 6,521 $ 8,965  Goodwill acquired as part of acquisitions during current year 5 71  Consideration and purchase price allocation adjustments for prior year’s  acquisitions and other adjustments (27) -  Goodwill allocated to QHC in the spin-off - (709)  Goodwill in the home care operations reporting unit included in the sale of a  majority interest in the home care division - (46)  Goodwill allocated to hospitals held for sale (357) (365)  Impairment of goodwill (1,419) (1,395)  Balance, end of year $ 4,723 $ 6,521   Goodwill is allocated to each identified reporting unit, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment (referred to as a component of the entity). Management has determined that the Company’s operating segments meet the criteria to be classified as reporting units. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company allocated approximately $709 million of goodwill to the spin-off of QHC, including approximately $33 million of goodwill related to the former management services reporting unit and approximately $676 million of goodwill allocated from the hospital operations reporting unit based on the relative fair value of the hospitals that were included in the QHC distribution. Additionally, the Company allocated approximately $46 million of goodwill related to the sale of the home care operations reporting unit on December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, after giving effect to the disposition of QHC, the sale of an 80% majority ownership interest in the Company’s home care division and the $1.395 billion impairment charge discussed below, the Company had approximately $ 6.5 billion of goodwill recorded, all of which resides at its hospital operations reporting unit. At December 31, 2017, after giving effect to 2017 divestiture activity and the $1.419 billion impairment charge discussed below, the Company had approximately $ 4.7 billion of goodwill recorded. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the same time every year and when an event occurs or circumstances change that, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04 that is further discussed below, there was a two-step method for determining goodwill impairment. Step one was to compare the fair value of the reporting unit with the unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. If this test indicated the fair value was less than the carrying value, then step two was required to compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill utilizing a hypothetical purchase price allocation with the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The Company performed its last annual goodwill evaluation during the fourth quarter of 2017. The next annual goodwill evaluation will be performed during the fourth quarter of 2018, or sooner if the Company identifies certain indicators of impairment. The Company estimates the fair value of the related reporting units using both a discounted cash flow model as well as a market multiple model. The cash flow forecasts are adjusted by an appropriate discount rate based on the Company’s estimate of a market participant’s weighted-average cost of capital. These models are both based on the Company’s best estimate of future revenues and operating costs and are reconciled to the Company’s consolidated market capitalization, with consideration of the amount a potential acquirer would be required to pay, in the form of a control premium, in order to gain sufficient ownership to set policies, direct operations and control management decisions.  During the three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company identified certain indicators of impairment occurring following its annual goodwill evaluation that required an interim goodwill impairment evaluation, which was performed as of November 30, 2017. Those indicators were primarily a further decline in the Company’s market capitalization and fair value of the Company’s long-term debt during November 2017. The Company performed an estimated calculation of fair value in step one of the impairment test at November 30, 2017, which indicated that the carrying value of the hospital operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Additionally, during the three months ended December 31, 2017 the Company early adopted the accounting guidance in ASU 2017-04, which eliminates the step two calculation to determine the implied value of goodwill, and instead requires an impairment of goodwill equal to the difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value of the reporting unit. As a result of this evaluation and the early adoption of ASU 2017-04, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.419 billion to goodwill during the three months ended December 31, 2017. During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company identified certain indicators of impairment requiring an interim goodwill impairment evaluation. Those indicators were primarily the decline in the Company’s market capitalization and fair value of long-term debt during the three months ended June 30, 2016, as well as a decrease in the estimated future earnings of the Company compared to the Company’s most recent annual evaluation. The Company performed an estimated calculation of fair value in step one of the impairment test at June 30, 2016, which indicated that the carrying value of its hospital operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value. An initial step two calculation was performed to determine the implied value of goodwill in a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The Company recorded an estimated non-cash impairment charge of $1.4 billion to goodwill at June 30, 2016 based on these analyses, and adjusted the estimated impairment charge based on the final step two valuation of $ 1.395 billion at September 30, 2016. The decrease in the goodwill impairment as of September 30, 2016, from the original estimate as of June 30, 2016, was primarily due to lower estimated fair values of the individual hospital property and equipment assets as compared to the assumptions used in the June 30, 2016 estimate, resulting in a higher implied goodwill amount when applied to a hypothetical purchase price allocation as required in the step two analysis. The impairment charges taken during 2017 and 2016 represent the cumulative amount of impairment recorded historically on the Company’s goodwill. The reduction in the Company’s fair value and the resulting goodwill impairment charge recorded during 2016 and 2017 reduced the carrying value of the Company’s hospital operations reporting unit to an amount equal to its estimated fair value. This increases the risk that future declines in fair value could result in goodwill impairment. The determination of fair value in the Company’s goodwill impairment analysis is based on an estimate of fair value for each reporting unit utilizing known and estimated inputs at the evaluation date. Some of those inputs include, but are not limited to, the most recent price of the Company’s common stock or fair value of long-term debt, estimates of future revenue and expense growth, estimated market multiples, expected capital expenditures, income tax rates, and costs of invested capital. Future estimates of fair value could be adversely affected if the actual outcome of one or more of these assumptions changes materially in the future, including further decline in the Company’s stock price or fair value of long-term debt, lower than expected hospital volumes, higher market interest rates or increased operating costs. Such changes impacting the calculation of fair value could result in a material impairment charge in the future. The determination of fair value of the Company’s hospital operations reporting unit as part of its goodwill impairment measurement represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. These impairment charges do not have an impact on the calculation of the Company’s financial covenants under the Company’s Credit Facility. Intangible Assets No intangible assets other than goodwill were acquired during the year ended December 31, 2017. The gross carrying amount of the Company’s other intangible assets subject to amortization was $18 million and $41 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and the net carrying amount was $10 million and $14 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The carrying amount of the Company’s other intangible assets not subject to amortization was $79 million and $86 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Other intangible assets are included in other assets, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all of the Company’s intangible assets are contract-based intangible assets related to operating licenses, management contracts, or non-compete agreements entered into in connection with prior acquisitions. The w eight ed-average remaining amortization period for the intangible assets subject to amortization is approximately six years. There are no expected residual values related to these intangible assets. Amortization expense on these intangible assets was $4 million, $14 million and $15 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense on intangible assets is estimated to be $3 million in 2018, $1 million in 2019, $1 million in 2020, $1 million in 2021, $1 million in 2022 and $3 million thereafter. The gross carrying amount of capitalized software for internal use was approximatel y $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and the net carrying amount was approximately $416 million and $574 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated amortization period for capitalized internal-use software is generally three years, except for capitalized costs related to significant system conversions, for which the estimated amortization period is generally eight to ten years. There is no expected residual value for capitalized internal-use software. At December 31, 2017, there were approximately $32 million of capitalized costs for internal-use software that is currently in the development stage and will begin amortization once the software project is complete and ready for its intended use. Amortization expense on capitalized internal-use software was $178 million, $201 million and $212 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense on capitalized internal-use software is estimated to be $153 million in 2018, $93 million in 2019, $69 million in 2020, $47 million in 2021, $33 million in 2022 and $21 million thereafter. 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes Disclosure	6. INCOME TAXES The (benefit from) provision for income taxes for (loss) income from continuing operations consists of the following (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Current:  Federal $ - $ 5 $ 7  State 5 7 7  5 12 14  Deferred:  Federal (485) (88) 103  State 31 (28) (1)  (454) (116) 102  Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes for (loss) income  from continuing operations $ (449) $ (104) $ 116   The following table reconciles the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate (dollars in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Amount % Amount % Amount %  (Benefit from) provision for income  taxes at statutory federal rate $ (991) 35.0 % $ (600) 35.0 % $ 144 35.0 %  State income taxes, net of federal  income tax benefit (10) 0.3 (1) 0.1 13 3.3  Net income attributable to  noncontrolling interests (22) 0.8 (33) 1.9 (35) (8.6)  Change in valuation allowance 26 (0.9) (1) 0.1 (2) (0.4)  Federal rate change 32 (1.1) - - - -  Federal and state tax credits (5) 0.1 (6) 0.3 (5) (1.2)  Nondeductible transaction costs 3 (0.2) - -  Nondeductible goodwill 504 (17.8) 536 (31.2) - -  Other 17 (0.6) (2) 0.1 1 0.3  (Benefit from) provision for income  taxes and effective tax rate for (loss)  income from continuing operations $ (449) 15.8 % $ (104) 6.1 % $ 116 28.4 %   The Company’s effective tax rates were 15.8% , 6.1% and 28.4% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Including the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, which is not tax effected in the consolidated statement of (loss) income, the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 would have been 15.5% , 5.7 % and 37.6% respectively. This increase in the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to the difference between the non-deductible nature of certain goodwill written off in those years. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, was primarily due to the non-deductible nature of goodwill written off for impairment and divestitures, as well as the non-deductible nature of certain costs incurred to complete the spin-off of QHC. Deferred income taxes are based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities under the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of (in millions):     December 31,  2017 2016  Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities  Net operating loss and credit carryforwards $ 583 $ - $ 412 $ -  Property and equipment - 263 - 583  Self-insurance liabilities 78 - 130 -  Prepaid expenses - 30 - 61  Intangibles - 128 - 238  Investments in unconsolidated affiliates - 54 - 81  Other liabilities - 16 - 22  Long-term debt and interest 6 - - 12  Accounts receivable 144 - 70 -  Accrued vacation 27 - 56 -  Other comprehensive income 9 - 38 -  Stock-based compensation 10 - 23 -  Deferred compensation 77 - 132 -  Other 89 - 125 -  1,023 491 986 997  Valuation allowance (489) - (385) -  Total deferred income taxes $ 534 $ 491 $ 601 $ 997   The Company believes that the net deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized, except as noted below. Its conclusion is based on its estimate of future taxable income and the expected timing of temporary difference reversals. The Company has gross federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 610 million and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $6.3 billion, which expire from 2018 to 2037 . The Company’s tax affected federal and state net operating loss and credit carryforwards which it expects to be able to utilize are approximately $ 1 36 million and $ 16 million, respectively. A valuation allowance of approximately $489 million has been recognized for state net operating loss carryforwards, credit carryforwards and deferred tax assets that the Company does not expect to be able to utilize prior to the expiration of the carryforward period. The Company also has unrecognized deferred tax assets primarily related to interest expense that are included in other comprehensive income. If recognized, additional state net operating losses will be created which the Company does not expect to be able to utilize prior to the expiration of the carryforward period. A valuation allowance of approximately $2 million has been recognized for those items. With respect to the deferred tax liability pertaining to intangibles, as included above, goodwill purchased in connection with certain of the Company’s business acquisitions is amortizable for income tax reporting purposes. However, for financial reporting purposes, there is no corresponding amortization allowed with respect to such purchased goodwill. The valuation allowance increased by $104 million and $49 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for losses incurred in certain state jurisdictions where the Company concluded associated deferred tax assets would not be realized.  On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code which impacted 2017, including a permanent reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 % to 21 % (“Rate Reduction”).  The Tax Act also puts into place new tax laws that will apply prospectively, which include, but are not limited to (1) creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense; (2) changing rules related to uses and limitations of net operating loss carryforwards: and (3) modifying the rules governing the deductibility of certain executive compensation.  The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.  The Company has not completed the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act. At December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a discrete net tax expense of $32 million primarily related to provisional amounts under SAB 118 for the remeasurement of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities due to Rate Reduction. No additional provisional amounts were recorded as part of the Company’s initial accounting for the Tax Act. However, these estimates may differ from the final accounting due to, among other things, future clarification and guidance to be issued, changes in interpretations the Company has made and state tax conformity to federal tax changes. Such changes in estimate could impact the recorded U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as valuation allowances in those jurisdictions.  At December 31, 2017, the Company was not able to reasonably estimate and, therefore, has not recorded a provisional amount for the Tax Act’s impact on certain state valuation allowances. The Company will record a provisional amount in the first reporting period in which a reasonable estimate can be determined. Such timing will depend upon the Company’s ability to obtain, prepare and analyze the necessary information to determine whether a valuation allowance needs to be recognized. The total amount of unrecognized benefit that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $7 million as of December 31, 2017. A total of approximately $4 million of interest and penalties is included in the amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2017. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in its consolidated statements of (loss) income as income tax expense. It is possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could change in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities; however, the Company does not anticipate the change will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of year $ 18 $ 15 $ 16  Gross increases — tax positions in current period - 4 -  Lapse of statute of limitations - (1) (1)  Unrecognized tax benefit, end of year $ 18 $ 18 $ 15   The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state income tax examinations for years prior to 2013. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2009 and 2010 tax years are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company believes the results of these examinations will not be material to its consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. The Company has extended the federal statute of limitations through December 31, 2018 for Community Health Systems, Inc. for the tax periods ended December 31, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and through September 6, 2019 for the tax period ended December 31, 2014. Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, resulted in net cash paid of $4 million and $12 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015, respectively, and net cash refund of $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt Disclosure	7. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts or premiums, consists of the following (in millions):    December 31,  2017 2016  Credit Facility:  Term A Loan $ - $ 749  Term F Loan - 1,445  Term G Loan 1,037 1,528  Term H Loan 1,903 2,811  Revolving credit loans - -  8% Senior Notes due 2019 1,925 1,925  7⅛% Senior Notes due 2020 1,200 1,200  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 - 700  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 1,000 1,000  6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 3,000 3,000  6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 3,100 -  Receivables Facility 565 677  Capital lease obligations 304 328  Other 48 74  Less: Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium (169) (193)  Total debt 13,913 15,244  Less: Current maturities (33) (455)  Total long-term debt $ 13,880 $ 14,789   Credit Facility The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. (“CHS”), has senior secured financing under a credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions led by Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent. In connection with the HMA merger, the Company and CHS entered into a third amendment and restatement of its credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), providing for additional financing and recapitalization of certain of the Company’s term loans, including (i) the replacement of the revolving credit facility with a new $1.0 billion revolving facility maturing in 2019 (the “Revolving Facility”), (ii) the addition of a new $1.0 billion Term A facility due 2019 (the “Term A Facility”), (iii) a Term D facility in an aggregate principal amount equal to approximately $4.6 billion due 2021 (which included certain Term C loans that were converted into such Term D facility (collectively, the “Term D Facility”)), (iv) the conversion of certain Term C loans into Term E Loans and the borrowing of new Term E Loans in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.7 billion due 2017 and (v) the addition of flexibility commensurate with the Company’s post-acquisition structure. In addition to funding a portion of the consideration in connection with the HMA merger, some of the proceeds of the Term A Facility and Term D Facility were used to refinance the outstanding $637 million existing Term A facility due 2016 and the $60 million of Term B loans due 2014, respectively. The Revolving Facility includes a subfacility for letters of credit. On March 9, 2015, CHS entered into Amendment No. 1 and Incremental Term Loan Assumption Agreement to refinance the existing Term E Loans due 2017 into Term F Loans due 2018, in an original aggregated principal amount of $1.7 billion (the “Term F Facility”). On May 18, 2015, CHS entered into an Incremental Term Loan Assumption Agreement to provide for a new $1.6 billion incremental Term G facility due 2019 (the “Term G Facility”) and a new approximately $2.9 billion incremental Term H facility due 2021 (the “Term H Facility”). The proceeds of the Term G Facility and Term H Facility were used to repay the Company’s existing Term D Facility in full. Pursuant to a special distribution paid by QHC to the Company as part of the series of transactions to complete the spin-off, the Company received approximately $ 1.2 billion in cash generated from the net proceeds of certain financing arrangements entered into by QHC as part of the separation. On April 29, 2016, using part of the cash generated from the QHC spin-off, the Company repaid approximately $190 million of its Term F Facility. On December 5, 2016, CHS entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Facility (“Amendment No. 2”) to adjust financial maintenance covenants in the Credit Facility. In connection with Amendment No. 2, the Company agreed to certain other additional undertakings for the benefit of the lenders under the Revolving Facility and the Term A Facility. On December 30, 2016, using the cash generated from the sale of a majority ownership in the Company’s home care division and from the completion of the sale-lease back transaction for ten of the Company’s owned medical office buildings, the Company repaid approximately $48 million of the Term F Facility, approximately $26 million of the Term A Facility, approximately $52 million of the Term G Facility and approximately $96 million of the Term H Facility. On March 16, 2017, CHS issued $2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (the “6¼% Senior Secured Notes”), a portion of the net proceeds of which was used to repay the Company’s existing Term F Facility in full. On May 4, 2017, using the cash generated from the hospital divestiture transactions completed on May 1, 2017, CHS repaid approximately $39 million of the Term A Facility, approximately $75 million of the Term G Facility and approximately $147 million of the Term H Facility. On May 12, 2017, CHS completed a tack-on offering of $900 million aggregate principal amount of 6¼% Senior Secured Notes, a portion of the net proceeds of which was used to repay the Company’s existing Term A Facility in full. The tack-on offering increased the total aggregate principal amount of 6¼% Senior Secured Notes to $3.1 billion. On May 30, 2017, CHS entered into a Loan Modification Agreement to the Credit Facility (“Loan Modification Agreement”) to extend the maturity date of the Revolving Facility. Following the Loan Modification Agreement, CHS has Revolving Facility commitments through January 27, 2019 of approximately $929 million, of which a $739 million portion represents extended commitments maturing January 27, 2021. In connection with the Loan Modification Agreement, the financial maintenance covenants in the Credit Facility were further adjusted and CHS agreed to certain other additional undertakings for the benefit of the extending Revolving Facility lenders. On June 30, 2017, using a portion of the cash generated from the July 1, 2017 hospital divestitures that preliminarily closed on June 30, 2017, CHS repaid approximately $122 million of the Term G Facility and approximately $225 million of the Term H Facility. On July 7, 2017, using a portion of the cash generated from the divestitures that preliminarily closed on June 30, 2017 and that closed on July 3, 2017, CHS repaid approximately $121 million of the Term G Facility and approximately $222 million of the Term H Facility. On September 29, 2017, using a portion of the cash generated from the divestitures that preliminarily closed on September 29, 2017 and that closed on October 1, 2017, CHS repaid approximately $151 million of the Term G Facility and approximately $277 million of the Term H Facility. On November 3, 2017, using a portion of the cash generated from the divestitures that closed on November 1, 2017, CHS repaid approximately $21 million of the Term G Facility and approximately $39 million of the Term H Facility. The loans under the Credit Facility bear interest on the outstanding unpaid principal amount at a rate equal to an applicable percentage plus, at CHS’ option, either (a) an Alternate Base Rate (as defined) determined by reference to the greater of (1) the Prime Rate (as defined) announced by Credit Suisse or (2) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined) plus 0.50% or (3) the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) on such day for a three-month interest period commencing on the second business day after such day plus 1% or (b) LIBOR. In addition, the margin in respect of the Revolving Facility will be subject to adjustment determined by reference to a leverage-based pricing grid. Loans in respect of the Revolving Facility currently accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 2.50% , in the case of LIBOR borrowings, and Alternate Base Rate plus 1.50% , in the case of Alternate Base Rate borrowings. The Term G Loan and Term H Loan will accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 2.75% and 3.00% , respectively, in the case of LIBOR borrowings, and Alternate Base Rate plus 1.75% and 2.00% , respectively, in the case of Alternate Base Rate borrowings. The Term G Loan and the Term H Loan are subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor and a 2.00% Alternate Base Rate floor. Under the Term H Facility, CHS is required to make amortization payments in aggregate amounts equal to 1% of the original principal amount of the Term H Facility each year. As of December 31, 2016, no additional amortization payments were required to be made under the Term G Facility. The term loan facility must be prepaid in an amount equal to (1) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales and dispositions by the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions and reinvestment rights (provided that, in connection with the Loan Modification Agreement, CHS agreed with the extending lenders under the Revolving Facility not to exercise such reinvestment rights with respect to certain divestiture announcements), (2) 100% of the net cash proceeds of issuances of certain debt obligations or receivables-based financing by the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and (3) 50% , subject to reduction to a lower percentage based on the Company’s leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility generally as the ratio of total debt on the date of determination to the Company’s EBITDA, as defined, for the four quarters most recently ended prior to such date), of excess cash flow (as defined) for any year, subject to certain exceptions. Voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions are permitted in whole or in part, without any premium or penalty, subject to minimum prepayment or reduction requirements. The borrower under the Credit Facility is CHS. All of the obligations under the Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and certain of its existing and subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiaries. All obligations under the Credit Facility and the related guarantees are secured by a perfected first priority lien or security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company, CHS and each subsidiary guarantor, including equity interests held by the Company, CHS or any subsidiary guarantor, but excluding, among others, the equity interests of non-significant subsidiaries, syndication subsidiaries, securitization subsidiaries and joint venture subsidiaries. Such assets constitute substantially the same assets, subject to certain exceptions, that secure CHS’ obligations under the 2021 Senior Secured Notes (as defined below) and the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes. CHS has agreed to pay letter of credit fees equal to the applicable percentage then in effect with respect to LIBOR borrowings under the Revolving Facility times the maximum aggregate amount available to be drawn under all letters of credit outstanding under the subfacility for letters of credit. The issuer of any letter of credit issued under the subfacility for letters of credit will also receive a customary fronting fee and other customary processing charges. CHS is obligated to pay commitment fees of 0.50% per annum (subject to adjustment based upon the Company’s leverage ratio) on the unused portion of the Revolving Facility. The Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, subject to limitations and exceptions, and customary covenants restricting the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things (1) declare dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock, (2) prepay, redeem or repurchase other debt, (3) incur liens or grant negative pledges, (4) make loans and investments and enter into acquisitions and joint ventures, (5) incur additional indebtedness or provide certain guarantees, (6) make capital expenditures, (7) engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (8) conduct transactions with affiliates, (9) alter the nature of the Company’s businesses, (10) grant certain guarantees with respect to physician practices, (11) engage in sale and leaseback transactions or (12) change the Company’s fiscal year. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial covenants (consisting of a maximum secured net leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio) and various affirmative covenants. Under the Credit Facility, the secured net leverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of total secured debt, less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Facility, and the interest coverage ratio is the ratio of consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Facility, to consolidated interest expense for the period. The calculation of consolidated EBITDA as defined in the Credit Facility is a trailing 12-month calculation that begins with net income attributable to the Company, with certain pro forma adjustments to consider the impact of material acquisitions or divestitures, and adjustments for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, stock compensation expense, restructuring costs, and the financial impact of other non-cash or non-recurring items recorded during any such 12-month period. For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2017, the secured net leverage ratio financial covenant under the Credit Facility limited the ratio of secured debt to EBITDA, as defined, to less than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00. For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2017, the interest coverage ratio financial covenant under the Credit Facility required the ratio of consolidated EBITDA, as defined, to consolidated interest expense to be greater than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at December 31, 2017, with a secured net leverage ratio of approximately 4.08 to 1.00 and an interest coverage ratio of approximately 2.10 to 1.00. Events of default under the Credit Facility include, but are not limited to, (1) CHS’ failure to pay principal, interest, fees or other amounts under the credit agreement when due (taking into account any applicable grace period), (2) any representation or warranty proving to have been materially incorrect when made, (3) covenant defaults subject, with respect to certain covenants, to an available cure through the issuance of qualified equity for a period of 60 days after the end of the first three quarters and 100 days after a year end, (4) bankruptcy and insolvency events, (5) a cross default to certain other debt, (6) certain undischarged judgments (not paid within an applicable grace period), (7) a change of control (as defined), (8) certain ERISA-related defaults and (9) the invalidity or impairment of specified security interests, guarantees or subordination provisions in favor of the administrative agent or lenders under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2017, the availability for additional borrowings under the Credit Facility, subject to certain limitations as set forth in the Credit Facility, was approximately $929 million pursuant to the Revolving Facility (which shall reduce to $739 million on January 27, 2019), of which approximately $63 million is in the form of outstanding letters of credit. CHS had the ability to amend the Credit Facility to provide for one or more tranches of term loans or increases in the Revolving Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.5 billion, only $1.0 billion of which is effectively available because of the Company’s additional undertakings in connection with the Loan Modification Agreement. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted-average interest rate under the Credit Facility, excluding swaps, was 5.1% . As of December 31, 2017, the term loans and outstanding revolving credit loans are scheduled to be paid with principal payments for future years as follows (in millions):     Year Amount   2018 $ -  2019 1,037  2020 -  2021 1,903  2022 -  Thereafter -  Total maturities 2,940  Less: Deferred debt issuance costs (38)  Total term loans and outstanding revolving credit loans $ 2,902   As of December 31, 2017, the Company had letters of credit issued, primarily in support of potential insurance-related claims and certain bonds, of approximately $63 million. 8% Senior Notes due 2019 On November 22, 2011 , CHS completed a private offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “8% Senior Notes”). The net proceeds from this issuance, together with available cash on hand, were used to finance the purchase of up to $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of CHS’ then outstanding 8⅞% Senior Notes due 2015 and related fees and expenses. On March 21, 2012 , CHS completed an offering of an additional $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Notes, which were issued in a private placement (at a premium of 102.5% ). The net proceeds from this issuance were used to finance the purchase of approximately $850 million aggregate principal amount of CHS’ then outstanding 8⅞% Senior Notes due 2015, to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes. The 8% Senior Notes bear interest at 8% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15. Interest on the 8% Senior Notes accrues from the date of original issuance. Interest is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 8% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount on the redemption date), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the periods set forth below:     Period Redemption Price  November 15, 2017 to November 14, 2019 100.000 %  Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into at the time of the issuance of the 8% Senior Notes, as a result of an exchange offer made by CHS, substantially all of the 8% Senior Notes issued in November 2011 and March 2012 were exchanged in May 2012 for new notes (the “8% Exchange Notes”) having terms substantially identical in all material respects to the 8% Senior Notes (except that the 8% Exchange Notes were issued under a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”)). References to the 8% Senior Notes shall also be deemed to include the 8% Exchange Notes unless the context provides otherwise. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased approximately $75 million of aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 8% Senior Notes in open market transactions. 7⅛% Senior Notes due 2020 On July 18, 2012 , CHS completed a public offering of 7⅛% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “7⅛% Senior Notes”). The net proceeds from this issuance were used to finance the purchase or redemption of $934 million aggregate principal amount of CHS’ then outstanding 8⅞% Senior Notes due 2015, to pay for consents delivered in connection with a related tender offer, to pay related fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes. The 7⅛% Senior Notes bear interest at 7.125% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on July 15 and January 15. Interest on the 7⅛% Senior Notes accrues from the date of original issuance. Interest is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 7⅛% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount on the redemption date), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the periods set forth below:     Period Redemption Price  July 15, 2017 to July 14, 2018 101.781 %  July 15, 2018 to July 14, 2020 100.000 %  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 On August 17, 2012 , CHS completed a public offering of 5⅛ % Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Senior Secured Notes”). The net proceeds from this issuance, together with available cash on hand, were used to finance the prepayment of $1.6 billion of the then outstanding term loans due 2014 under the Credit Facility and related fees and expenses. The 2018 Senior Secured Notes bore interest at 5.125% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on August 15 and February 15. The 2018 Senior Secured Notes were secured by a first-priority lien subject to a shared lien of equal priority with certain other obligations, including obligations under the Credit Facility and the 2021 Senior Secured Notes, and subject to prior ranking liens permitted by the indenture governing the 2018 Senior Secured Notes on substantially the same assets, subject to certain exceptions, that secure CHS’ obligations under the Credit Facility and the 2021 Senior Secured Notes.  On May 16, 2016, using part of the cash generated from the QHC spin-off, the Company completed a cash tender offer for $900 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2018 Senior Secured Notes. During the year ended December 31, 2017, using a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes, CHS completed its tender offer of $ 469 million of the then $ 700 million aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 2018 Senior Secured Notes and thereafter redeemed the remaining $ 231 million aggregate principal amount of 2018 Senior Secured Notes pursuant to a redemption notice previously given by CHS. 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 On January 27, 2014 , CHS completed a private offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Senior Secured Notes”). The net proceeds from this issuance were used to finance the HMA merger. The 2021 Senior Secured Notes bear interest at 5.125% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1. Interest on the 2021 Senior Secured Notes accrues from the date of original issuance. Interest is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The 2021 Senior Secured Notes are secured by a first-priority lien, subject to a shared lien of equal priority with certain other obligations, including obligations under the Credit Facility and the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes, and subject to prior ranking liens permitted by the indenture governing the 2021 Senior Secured Notes, on substantially the same assets, subject to certain exceptions, that secure CHS’ obligations under the Credit Facility and the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes. CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 2021 Senior Secured Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount on the redemption date), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the periods set forth below:     Period Redemption Price  February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018 103.844 %  February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 102.563 %  February 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 101.281 %  February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021 100.000 %  Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into at the time of the issuance of the 2021 Senior Secured Notes, as a result of an exchange offer made by CHS, all of the 2021 Senior Secured Notes issued in January 2014 were exchanged in October 2014 for new notes (the “2021 Exchange Notes”) having terms substantially identical in all material respects to the 2021 Senior Secured Notes (except that the exchange notes were issued under a registration statement pursuant to the 1933 Act). References to the 2021 Senior Secured Notes shall be deemed to be the 2021 Exchange Notes unless the context provides otherwise. 6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 On January 27, 2014 , CHS completed a private offering of $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “6⅞% Senior Notes”). The net proceeds from this issuance were used to finance the HMA merger. The 6⅞% Senior Notes bear interest at 6.875% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1. Interest on the 6⅞% Senior Notes accrues from the date of original issuance. Interest is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Prior to February 1, 2018 , CHS may redeem some or all of the 6⅞% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Senior Notes. A fter February 1, 201 8, CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 6⅞% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount on the redemption date), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the periods set forth below:     Period Redemption Price  February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 103.438 %  February 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 101.719 %  February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022 100.000 %  Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into at the time of the issuance of the 6⅞% Senior Notes, as a result of an exchange offer made by CHS, all of the 6⅞% Senior Notes issued in January 2014 were exchanged in October 2014 for new notes (the “6⅞% Exchange Notes”) having terms substantially identical in all material respects to the 6⅞% Senior Notes (except that the exchange notes were issued under a registration statement pursuant to the 1933 Act). References to the 6⅞% Senior Notes shall be deemed to be the 6⅞% Exchange Notes unless the context provides otherwise.  6¼ % Senior Secured Notes due 2023 On March 16, 2017, CHS completed a public offering of $2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 6¼% Senior Secured Notes. The net proceeds from this issuance were used to finance the purchase or redemption of $700 million aggregate principal amount of CHS’ then outstanding 2018 Senior Secured Notes and related fees and expenses, and the repayment of $1.445 billion of the Term F Facility. On May 12, 2017, CHS completed a tack-on offering of $900 million aggregate principal amount of 6¼% Senior Secured Notes, increasing the total aggregate principal amount of 6¼% Senior Secured Notes to $3.1 billion. A portion of the net proceeds from this issuance were used to finance the repayment of approximately $713 million aggregate principal amount of CHS’ then outstanding Term A Facility and related fees and expenses. The tack-on notes have identical terms, other than issue date and issue price as the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes issued on March 16, 2017. The 6¼% Senior Secured Notes bear interest at 6.250% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on March 31 and September 30, commencing September 30, 2017. Interest on the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes accrues from the date of original issuance. Interest is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The 6¼% Senior Secured Notes are secured by a first-priority lien subject to a shared lien of equal priority with certain other obligations, including obligations under the Credit Facility and the 2021 Senior Secured Notes, and subject to prior ranking liens permitted by the indenture governing the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes on substantially the same assets, subject to certain exceptions, that secure CHS’ obligations under the Credit Facility and the 2021 Senior Secured Notes. CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes at any time prior to March 31, 2020, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes. In addition, CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes at any time prior to March 31, 2020 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at the redemption price of 106.250% of the principal amount of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. CHS may redeem some or all of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes at any time on or after March 31, 2020 upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount on the redemption date), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the periods set forth below:    Period Redemption Price  March 31, 2020 to March 30, 2021 103.125 %  March 31, 2021 to March 30, 2022 101.563 %  March 31, 2022 to March 30, 2023 100.000 %   Receivables Facility CHS, through certain of its subsidiaries, participates in an accounts receivable loan agreement (the “Receivables Facility”) with a group of lenders and banks, Credit Agricolé Corporate and Investment Bank, as a managing agent and as the administrative agent, and The Bank of Nova Scotia and PNC Bank, National Association, as managing agents. On June 23, 2017, CHS and certain of its subsidiaries amended the Receivables Facility to replace a managing agent, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. with PNC Bank, National Association, to decrease the size of the facility from $ 700 million to $ 600 million and to extend the scheduled termination date in respect of $150 million of the previously unextended $ 250 million portion to expire on November 13, 2018 , coterminous with the remaining commitments. The remaining $ 100 million was repaid with available cash on hand. On November 13, 2017 , CHS and certain of its subsidiaries amended the Receivables Facility to extend the scheduled termination date and amend certain other provisions thereof. The existing and future non-self pay patient-related accounts receivable (the “Receivables”) for certain affiliated hospitals serve as collateral for the outstanding borrowings under the Receivables Facility. The interest rate on the borrowings is based on the commercial paper rate plus an applicable interest rate spread. Unless earlier terminated or subsequently extended pursuant to its terms, the Receivables Facility will expire on November 13, 2019 in respect of the $600 million of commitments thereunder, subject to customary termination events that could cause an early termination date. CHS maintains effective control over the Receivables because, pursuant to the terms of the Receivables Facility, the Receivables are sold from certain of CHS’ subsidiaries to CHS, and CHS then sells or contributes the Receivables to a special-purpose entity that is wholly-owned by CHS. The wholly-owned special-purpose entity in turn grants security interests in the Receivables in exchange for borrowings obtained from the group of third-party lenders and banks of up to $600 million outstanding from time to time based on the availability of eligible Receivables and other customary factors. The wholly-owned special-purpose entity is not a subsidiary guarantor under the Credit Facility or CHS’ outstanding notes. The group of third-party lenders and banks do not have recourse to CHS or its subsidiaries beyond the assets of the wholly-owned special-purpose entity that collateralizes the loan. The Receivables and other assets of the wholly-owned special-purpose entity will be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of the creditors of such entity. The outstanding borrowings pursuant to the Receivables Facility at December 31, 2017 totaled $565 million on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of Receivables included in the Receivables Facility totaled approximately $1.5 billion and is included in patient accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt The financing and repayment transactions discussed above resulted in a loss f

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Disclosure	8. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The fair value of financial instruments has been estimated by the Company using available market information as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and valuation methodologies considered appropriate. The estimates presented in the table below are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange (in millions):    December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Carrying Estimated Fair Carrying Estimated Fair  Amount Value Amount Value  Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 563 $ 563 $ 238 $ 238  Available-for-sale securities 252 252 299 299  Trading securities 37 37 80 80  Liabilities:  Contingent Value Right 2 2 1 1  Credit Facility 2,902 2,826 6,456 6,370  8% Senior Notes 1,922 1,637 1,920 1,615  7⅛% Senior Notes 1,192 897 1,189 917  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 - - 698 690  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 978 902 972 930  6⅞% Senior Notes 2,943 1,729 2,932 2,102  6¼% Senior Secured Notes 3,061 2,800 - -  Receivables Facility and other debt 611 611 749 749  The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt in the above table is presented net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs. The estimated fair value is determined using the methodologies discussed below in accordance with accounting standards related to the determination of fair value based on the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 9 . The estimated fair value for financial instruments with a fair value that does not equal its carrying value is considered a Level 1 valuation. The Company utilizes the market approach and obtains indicative pricing from the administrative agent to the Credit Facility to determine fair values or through publicly available subscription services such as Bloomberg where relevant. Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments (less than three months). Available-for-sale securities. Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets or other various valuation techniques. Trading securities. Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets. Contingent Value Right . Estimated fair value is based on the closing price as quoted on the public market where the CVR is traded. Credit Facility. Estimated fair value is based on publicly available trading activity and supported with information from the Company’s bankers regarding relevant pricing for trading activity among the Company’s lending institutions. 8% Senior Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 7⅛% Senior Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 6⅞% Senior Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 6¼% Senior Secured Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. Receivables Facility and other debt. The carrying amount of the Receivables Facility and all other debt approximates fair value due to the nature of these obligations. Interest rate swaps. The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is the amount at which they could be settled, based on estimates calculated by the Company using a discounted cash flow analysis based on observable market inputs and validated by comparison to estimates obtained from the counterparty. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments (“CVAs”) to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance or credit risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance or credit risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements for the effect of nonperformance or credit risk, the Company has considered the impact of any netting features included in the agreements. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its hedge instruments on a quarterly basis. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company completed an assessment of the cash flow hedge instruments and determined the hedges to be highly effective. The Company has also determined that the ineffective portion of the hedges do not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, operations or cash flows. The counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements expose the Company to credit risk in the event of nonperformance. However, at December 31, 2017, since the majority of the swap agreements entered into by the Company were in a net liability position such that the Company would be required to make the net settlement payments to the counterparties; the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by those counterparties. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Interest rate swaps consisted of the following at December 31, 2017:     Liability (Asset)  Notional Amount Fair Value  Swap # (in millions) Fixed Interest Rate Termination Date (in millions)  1 $ 400 1.882 % August 30, 2019 $ (1)  2 200 2.515 % August 30, 2019 2  3 200 2.613 % August 30, 2019 2  4 300 2.041 % August 30, 2020 -  5 300 2.738 % August 30, 2020 5  6 300 2.892 % August 30, 2020 6  7 300 2.363 % January 27, 2021 2  8 200 2.368 % January 27, 2021 1   The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The risk managed by using derivative instruments is interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage interest rate fluctuation risk associated with the term loans in the Credit Facility. Companies are required to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position. The Company designates its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. Assuming no change in December 31, 2017 interest rates, approximately $22 million of interest expense resulting from the spread between the fixed and floating rates defined in each interest rate swap agreement will be recognized during the next 12 months. If interest rate swaps do not remain highly effective as a cash flow hedge, the derivatives’ gains or losses resulting from the change in fair value reported through OCI will be reclassified into earnings. The following tabular disclosure provides the amount of pre-tax income (loss) recognized as a component of OCI during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):   Amount of Pre-Tax Income (Loss)  Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)  Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Interest rate swaps $ 2 $ (27) $ (51)   The following tabular disclosure provides the location of the effective portion of the pre-tax loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) into interest expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):    Amount of Pre-Tax Loss Reclassified  Location of Loss Reclassified from from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)  AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Interest expense, net $ 30 $ 54 $ 42  The fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in millions):    Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Balance Balance Balance Balance  Sheet Sheet Sheet Sheet  Location Fair Value Location Fair Value Location Fair Value Location Fair Value  Derivatives  designated as Other Other Other Other  hedging assets, assets, long-term long-term  instruments net $ 1 net $ - liabilities $ 18 liabilities $ 49

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	9. FAIR VALUE Fair Value Hierarchy Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the Company utilizes the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumption about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 includes values determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques reflecting the Company’s own assumptions. In instances where the determination of the fair value hierarchy measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment of factors specific to the asset or liability. Transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized by the Company on the date of the change in circumstances that requires such transfer. There were no transfers between levels during the years ending December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 .  The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):     December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Available-for-sale securities $ 252 $ 132 $ 120 $ -  Trading securities 37 37 - -  Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 1 - 1 -  Total assets $ 290 $ 169 $ 121 $ -   Contingent Value Right (CVR) $ 2 $ 2 $ - $ -  CVR-related liability 256 - - 256  Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 18 - 18 -  Total liabilities $ 276 $ 2 $ 18 $ 256   December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Available-for-sale securities $ 299 $ 163 $ 136 $ -  Trading securities 80 80 - -  Total assets $ 379 $ 243 $ 136 $ -   Contingent Value Right (CVR) $ 1 $ 1 $ - $ -  CVR-related liability 252 - - 252  Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 49 - 49 -  Total liabilities $ 302 $ 1 $ 49 $ 252  Available-for-sale securities and trading securities classified as Level 1 are measured using quoted market prices. Level 2 available-for-sale securities primarily consisted of bonds and notes issued by the United States government and its agencies and domestic and foreign corporations. The estimated fair values of these securities are determined using various valuation techniques, including a multi-dimensional relational model that incorporates standard observable inputs and assumptions such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids/offers and other pertinent reference data. Available-for-Sale Securities Supplemental information regarding the Company’s available-for-sale securities (all of which had no withdrawal restrictions) is set forth in the table below (in millions):     Gross Gross Estimated  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses Values  As of December 31, 2017:  Debt securities and debt-based mutual funds  Government and corporate $ 189 $ - $ (4) $ 185  Equity securities and equity-based mutual funds  Domestic 51 10 - 61  International 5 1 - 6  Totals $ 245 $ 11 $ (4) $ 252        Gross Gross Estimated  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses Values  As of December 31, 2016:  Debt securities and debt-based mutual funds  Government and corporate $ 232 $ - $ (9) $ 223  Equity securities and equity-based mutual funds  Domestic 67 3 - 70  International 6 - - 6  Totals $ 305 $ 3 $ (9) $ 299   As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, investments with aggregate estimated fair values of approximately $181 million ( 246 investments) and $232 million ( 226 investments), respectively, generated the gross unrealized losses disclosed in the above table. At each reporting date, the Company performs an evaluation of impaired securities to determine if the unrealized losses are other-than-temporary. This evaluation considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and management’s ability and intent to hold the securities until fair value recovers. Based on the results of this evaluation, management concluded that as of December 31, 2017, there was approximately less than $1 million of other-than-temporary losses related to available-for-sale securities. The recent declines in value of the remaining securities and/or length of time they have been below cost, as well as the Company’s ability and intent to hold the securities for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a projected recovery of fair value, have caused management to conclude that the remaining securities, that have generated gross unrealized losses, were not other-than-temporarily impaired. Management will continue to monitor and evaluate the recoverability of the Company’s available-for-sale securities. The contractual maturities of debt-based securities held by the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, excluding mutual fund holdings, are set forth in the table below (in millions). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the debt securities may have the right to prepay their obligations without prepayment penalties.     December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated  Cost Fair Values Cost Fair Values  Within 1 year $ 4 $ 4 $ 2 $ 2  After 1 year and through year 5 46 46 40 40  After 5 years and through year 10 32 31 42 40  After 10 years 41 40 57 54   Gross realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities and other investment income, which includes interest and dividends, are summarized in the table below (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Realized gains $ 3 $ 28 $ 8  Realized losses (2) (6) (6)  Investment income 8 7 8   Contingent Value Right (CVR) The CVR represents the estimate of the fair value for the contingent consideration paid to HMA shareholders as part of the HMA merger. The CVR is listed on the Nasdaq and the valuation at December 31, 2017 is based on the quoted trading price for the CVR on the last day of the period. Changes in the estimated fair value of the CVR are recorded through the consolidated statements of (loss) income. CVR-related Liability The CVR-related legal liability represents the Company’s estimate of fair value at December 31, 2017 of the liability associated with the legal matters assumed in the HMA merger, which are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This liability did not include those matters previously accrued by HMA as a probable contingency, which were settled and paid during the year ended December 31, 2015. To develop the estimate of fair value, the Company engaged an independent third-party valuation firm to measure the liability. The valuation was made utilizing the Company’s estimates of future outcomes for each legal case and simulating future outcomes based on the timing, probability and distribution of several scenarios using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Other inputs were then utilized for discounting the liability to the measurement date. The HMA legal matters underlying this fair value estimate were evaluated by management to determine the likelihood and impact of each of the potential outcomes. Using that information, as well as the potential correlation and variability associated with each case, a fair value was determined for the estimated future cash outflows to conclude or settle the HMA legal matters included in the analysis, excluding legal fees (which are expensed as incurred). Because of the unobservable nature of the majority of the inputs used to value the liability, the Company has classified the fair value measurement as a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the CVR-related legal liability will be measured each reporting period using similar measurement techniques, updated for the assumptions and facts existing at that date for each of the underlying legal matters. Changes in the fair value of the CVR related legal liability are recorded in future periods through the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Fair Value of Interest Rate Swap Agreements The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements is determined using market valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each agreement. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the agreement, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including forward interest rate curves. The fair value of interest rate swap agreements are determined by netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on the expectation of future interest rates based on observable market forward interest rate curves and the notional amount being hedged. The Company incorporates CVAs to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance or credit risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance or credit risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements for the effect of nonperformance or credit risk, the Company has considered the impact of any netting features included in the agreements. The CVA on the Company’s interest rate swap agreements resulted in a decrease in the fair value of the related liability of $1 million and an after-tax adjustment of less than $1 million to OCI at December 31, 2017. The CVA on the Company’s interest rate swap agreements resulted in a decrease in the fair value of the related liability of $3 million and an after-tax adjustment of $2 million to OCI at December 31, 2016. The majority of the inputs used to value the Company’s interest rate swap agreements, including the forward interest rate curves and market perceptions of the Company’s credit risk used in the CVAs, are observable inputs available to a market participant. As a result, the Company has determined that the interest rate swap valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases Disclosure	10. LEASES The Company leases hospitals, medical office buildings, and certain equipment under capital and operating lease agreements. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company entered into capital lease obligations of $31 million, $179 million and $50 million, respectively. All lease agreements generally require the Company to pay maintenance, repairs, property taxes and insurance costs. Commitments relating to noncancellable operating and capital leases for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):     Year Ending December 31, Operating (1) Capital   2018 $ 208 $ 32  2019 161 28  2020 130 23  2021 91 23  2022 70 22  Thereafter 246 299  Total minimum future payments $ 906 427  Less: Imputed interest (123)  Total capital lease obligations 304  Less: Current portion (17)  Long-term capital lease obligations $ 287  (1) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future of $6 million.  On December 22, 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of ten medical office buildings for net proceeds of $159 million to HCP, Inc. The buildings, with a combined total of 756,183 square feet, are located in five states and support a wide array of diagnostic, medical and surgical services in an outpatient setting for the respective nearby hospitals. Because of the Company’s continuing involvement in these leased buildings, the transaction does not qualify for sale treatment and the related leases have been recorded as financing obligations in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017. Such financing obligations are included with the capital lease obligations discussed throughout these footnotes to the consolidated financial statements. Assets capitalized under capital leases as reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were $63 million of land and improvements, $774 million of buildings and improvements and $28 million of equipment and fixtures as of December 31, 2017 and $69 million of land and improvements, $826 million of buildings and improvements and $56 million of equipment and fixtures as of December 31, 2016. The accumulated depreciation related to assets under capital leases was $218 million and $240 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense and amortization of debt discounts on capital lease obligations is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure	11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company maintains various benefit plans, including defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plans, for which certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are the plan sponsors. The CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan which covers the majority of the employees at subsidiaries owned prior to the HMA merger. Employees at these locations whose employment is covered by collective bargaining agreements are generally eligible to participate in the CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. Standard 401(k) Plan. The Company also maintains the Health Management Associates, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, a defined contribution plan covering substantially all of the employees formerly employed by HMA. Total expense to the Company under the 401(k) plans was $94 million, $98 million and $103 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is recorded in salaries and benefits expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. The Company maintains unfunded deferred compensation plans that allow participants to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation. The liability for the deferred compensation plans was $189 million and $229 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company had assets of $173 million and $219 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in a non-qualified plan trust generally designated to pay benefits of the deferred compensation plans, consisting of trading securities of $37 million and $80 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and company-owned life insurance contracts of $136 million and $139 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company provides an unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for certain members of its executive management. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the benefit obligations and a January 1 measurement date for its net periodic costs for the SERP. Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in benefit obligations and net periodic cost in future periods. Benefits expense under the SERP was $16 million, $12 million and $12 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The accrued benefit liability for the SERP totaled $83 million and $122 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The weighted-average assumptions used in determining net periodic cost for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a discount rate of 3.6% and annual salary increase of 2.0% . The Company had available-for-sale securities in a rabbi trust generally designated to pay benefits of the SERP in the amounts of $99 million and $131 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These amounts are included in other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2017, certain members of executive management of the Company that were participants in the SERP retired and met the requirements for payout of their SERP retirement benefit. The SERP payout provisions require payment to the participant in an actuarially determined lump sum amount six months after the participant retires from the Company. Such amounts have been or will be paid out of the rabbi trust during the latter half of 2017 and first half of 2018. As required by the pension accounting rules in U.S. GAAP, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss of approximately $ 6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, and will recognize a non-cash settlement of approximately $ 1 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, which represent a pro-rata portion of the accumulated unrecognized actuarial loss out of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company maintains the CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. Retirement Income Plan (“Pension Plan”), which is a defined benefit, non-contributory pension plan that covers certain employees at three of its formerly owned hospitals. The Pension Plan provides benefits to covered individuals satisfying certain age and service requirements. Employer contributions to the Pension Plan are in accordance with the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Company expects to make no contribution to the Pension Plan in 2018. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the benefit obligations and a January 1 measurement date for its net periodic costs for the Pension Plan. Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in benefit obligations, net periodic cost and funding requirements in future periods. Benefits expense under the Pension Plan was $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, and was less than $1 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The accrued benefit liability for the Pension Plan totaled $12 million and $16 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The weighted-average assumptions used for determining the net periodic cost for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a discount rate of 4.1% and the expected long-term rate of return on assets of 7.0% .

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity Disclosure	12. STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY Authorized capital shares of the Company include 400,000,000 shares of capital stock consisting of 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Each of the aforementioned classes of capital stock has a par value of $0.01 per share. Shares of preferred stock, none of which were outstanding as of December 31, 2017, may be issued in one or more series having such rights, preferences and other provisions as determined by the Board of Directors without approval by the holders of common stock. On November 6, 2015, the Company adopted an open market repurchase program for up to 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, not to exceed $300 million in repurchases. The repurchase program will expire on the earlier of November 5, 2018, when the maximum number of shares has been repurchased, or when the maximum dollar amount has been expended. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 532,188 shares at a weighted-average price of $27.31 per share, which is the cumulative number of shares repurchased and retired under this program. No shares were repurchased under this program during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company is a holding company which operates through its subsidiaries. The Company’s Credit Facility and the indentures governing the senior and senior secured notes contain various covenants under which the assets of the subsidiaries of the Company are subject to certain restrictions relating to, among other matters, dividends and distributions, as referenced in the paragraph below. With the exception of a special cash dividend of $0.25 per share paid by the Company in December 2012, historically, the Company has not paid any cash dividends. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s Credit Facility limits the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends and make distributions to the Company, and limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends and/or repurchase stock, to an amount not to exceed $200 million in the aggregate plus an additional $25 million in any particular year plus the aggregate amount of proceeds from the exercise of stock options. The indentures governing the senior and senior secured notes also restrict the Company’s subsidiaries from, among other matters, paying dividends and making distributions to the Company, which thereby limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends and/or repurchase stock. The non-cash dividend of approximately $713 million recorded by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2016 to reflect the distribution of the net assets of QHC was a permitted transaction under the Company’s Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2017, under the most restrictive test in these agreements (and subject to certain exceptions), the Company has approximately $318 million remaining available with which to pay permitted dividends and/or repurchase shares of stock or its senior and senior secured notes. The following schedule discloses the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in its less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries on Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ (deficit) equity (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems,  Inc. stockholders $ (2,459) $ (1,721) $ 158  Transfers from the noncontrolling interests:  Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc.  paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests (2) (9) (16)  Net transfers from the noncontrolling interests (2) (9) (16)  Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ (deficit)  equity from net (loss) income attributable to Community Health  Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests $ (2,461) $ (1,730) $ 142 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure	 13. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the components of the numerator and denominator for the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share for loss from continuing operations, discontinued operations and net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders (in millions, except share data):    Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Numerator:  (Loss) income from continuing operations, net of taxes $ (2,384) $ (1,611) $ 295  Less: Income from continuing operations attributable  to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes 63 95 101  (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders — basic and diluted $ (2,447) $ (1,706) $ 194   Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ (12) $ (15) $ (36)  Less: Loss from discontinued operations attributable  to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes - - -  Loss from discontinued operations attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders — basic and diluted $ (12) $ (15) $ (36)   Denominator:  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic 111,769,821 110,730,971 114,454,674  Effect of dilutive securities:  Restricted stock awards - - 449,961  Employee stock options - - 357,188  Other equity-based awards - - 10,581  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted 111,769,821 110,730,971 115,272,404   The Company generated a loss from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, so the effect of dilutive securities is not considered because their effect would be antidilutive. If the Company had generated income from continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the effect of restricted stock awards, employee stock options, and other equity-based awards on the diluted shares calculation would have been an increase in shar es of 111,464 and 331,518 , respectively.     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Dilutive securities outstanding not included in  the computation of earnings per  share because their effect is antidilutive:  Employee stock options and restricted stock awards 3,008,919 2,554,627 255,564 

Equity Investments

Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Equity Investments Disclosure	14. EQUITY INVESTMENTS As of December 31, 2017, the Company owned equity interests of 38.0% in three hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which HCA owns the majority interest. On December 31, 2016 , the Company sold 80 % of its ownership interest in the legal entity that owned and operated its home care agency business. As part of the divestiture of its controlling interest in the home care agency business, the Company recorded an equity method investment representing its remaining 20% ownership at a fair value of $ 32 million. On April 29, 2016 , the Company sold its unconsolidated minority equity interests in Valley Health System, LLC, a joint venture with Universal Health Systems, Inc. (“UHS”) representing four hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada, in which the Company owned a 27.5% interest, and in Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, LLC, a joint venture with UHS representing one hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, in which the Company owned a 26.1% interest. The Company received $403 million in cash in return for the sale of its equity interests and, as a result, recognized a gain of approximately $94 million on the sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates during the year ended December 31, 2016. Summarized combined financial information for these unconsolidated entities in the periods in which the Company owned these equity interests is as follows (in millions):       December 31, 2016   Current assets $ 54  Noncurrent assets 112  Total assets $ 166   Current liabilities $ 17  Noncurrent liabilities 2  Members’ equity 147  Total liabilities and equity $ 166       Year Ended December 31,  2016 2015  Revenues $ 731 $ 1,494  Operating costs and expenses 602 1,287  Income from continuing operations before taxes 129 207  The summarized financial information was derived from the financial information provided to the Company by those unconsolidated entities. Following the sale of its unconsolidated minority equity interests to UHS in 2016, none of the Company’s equity investments, individually or in the aggregate, were considered material. As such, summarized combined financial information for these unconsolidated entities is not provided as of or for the year ended December 31, 2017. In March 2005, the Company began purchasing items, primarily medical supplies, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, under an agreement with HealthTrust Purchasing Group, L.P. (“HealthTrust”), a group purchasing organization in which the Company is a noncontrolling partner. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a 19.7% ownership interest in HealthTrust. The Company’s investment in all of its unconsolidated affiliates was $171 million and $177 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Included in the Company’s results of operations is the Company’s equity in pre-tax earnings from all of its investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which was $16 million, $43 million and $63 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information Disclosure	15. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company operates in one distinct operating segment, represented by hospital operations (which includes its general acute care hospitals and related healthcare entities that provide inpatient and outpatient healthcare services). Prior to the Company’s sale on December 31, 2016 of 80% of its ownership interest in the home care division, the Company also had an additional distinct operating segment represented by its home care agency operations (which provide in-home outpatient care). However, only the hospital operations segment met the criteria as a separate reportable segment due to the fact that the home care agency segment did not meet the quantitative thresholds for a separate identifiable reportable segment and was combined into the corporate and all other reportable segment. Since 2017, the Company has only operated in one operating segment.  The distribution between reportable segments of the Company’s net operating revenues, (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes, expenditures for segment assets and total assets as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, prior to the Company’s sale of an 80% ownership interest in the home care division as noted above, is summarized in the following tables (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2016 2015  Net operating revenues:  Hospital operations $ 18,210 $ 19,234  Corporate and all other 228 203  Total $ 18,438 $ 19,437   (Loss) income from continuing operations  before income taxes:  Hospital operations $ (1,418) $ 767  Corporate and all other (297) (356)  Total $ (1,715) $ 411   Expenditures for segment assets:  Hospital operations $ 727 $ 915  Corporate and all other 17 38  Total $ 744 $ 953    December 31, 2016  Total assets:  Hospital operations $ 20,582  Corporate and all other 1,362  Total $ 21,944 

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure	16. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  The following tables present information about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions, net of tax):     Change in  Change in Fair Change in Fair Unrecognized Accumulated Other  Value of Interest Value of Available Pension Cost Comprehensive  Rate Swaps for Sale Securities Components Income (Loss)  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (31) $ (10) $ (21) $ (62)  Other comprehensive  income before reclassifications - 8 5 13  Amounts reclassified from  accumulated other  comprehensive income 19 - 9 28  Net current-period other  comprehensive income 19 8 14 41  Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (12) $ (2) $ (7) $ (21)       Change in  Change in Fair Change in Fair Unrecognized Accumulated Other  Value of Interest Value of Available Pension Cost Comprehensive  Rate Swaps for Sale Securities Components Income (Loss)  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (48) $ 1 $ (26) $ (73)  Other comprehensive (loss) income  before reclassifications (17) 2 1 (14)  Amounts reclassified from  accumulated other  comprehensive income 34 (13) 2 23  Net current-period other  comprehensive income (loss) 17 (11) 3 9  AOCI distributed to QHC in spin-off - - 2 2  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (31) $ (10) $ (21) $ (62)   The following tables present a subtotal for each significant reclassification to net (loss) income out of AOCL and the line item affected in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):     Amount reclassified  Amount reclassified  from AOCL Affected line item in the  Details about accumulated other Year Ended statement where net  comprehensive (loss) income components December 31, 2017 (loss) income is presented  Gains and losses on cash flow hedges  Interest rate swaps $ (30) Interest expense, net  11 Tax benefit  $ (19) Net of tax   Amortization of defined benefit pension items  Prior service costs $ (2) Salaries and benefits  Actuarial losses (1) Salaries and benefits  Settlement losses recognized (13) Salaries and benefits  (16) Total before tax  7 Tax benefit  $ (9) Net of tax       Amount reclassified  from AOCL Affected line item in the  Details about accumulated other Year Ended statement where net  comprehensive (loss) income components December 31, 2016 (loss) income is presented  Gains and losses on cash flow hedges  Interest rate swaps $ (54) Interest expense, net  20 Tax benefit  $ (34) Net of tax   Amortization of defined benefit pension items  Prior service costs $ (2) Salaries and benefits  Actuarial losses (1) Salaries and benefits  (3) Total before tax  1 Tax benefit  $ (2) Net of tax  

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	17. COMMITMENTS AND CO NTINGENCIES Construction and Other Capital Commitments. Pursuant to a hospital purchase agreement in effect as of December 31, 2017, the Company is required to build replacement facilities in La Porte, Indiana and Knox, Indiana. The estimated construction costs, including equipment costs, for the La Porte and Starke replacement facilities are currently estimated to be approximately $125 million and $15 million, respectively. No costs have been incurred to date on these facilities . In addition, under other purchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2017, the Company has committed to spend approximately $289 million for costs such as capital improvements, equipment, selected leases and physician recruiting. These commitments are required to be fulfilled generally over a five to seven year period after acquisition. Through December 31, 2017, the Company has spent approximately $135 million related to these commitments. Physician Recruiting Commitments. As part of its physician recruitment strategy, the Company provides income guarantee agreements to certain physicians who agree to relocate to its communities and commit to remain in practice there. Under such agreements, the Company is required to make payments to the physicians in excess of the amounts they earned in their practice up to the amount of the income guarantee. These income guarantee periods are typically for 12 months. Such payments are recoverable by the Company from physicians who do not fulfill their commitment period, which is typically three years, to the respective community. At December 31, 2017, the maximum potential amount of future payments under these guarantees in excess of the liability recorded is $31 million. Professional Liability Claims. As part of the Company’s business of owning and operating hospitals, it is subject to legal actions alleging liability on its part. The Company accrues for losses resulting from such liability claims, as well as loss adjustment expenses that are out-of-pocket and directly related to such liability claims. These direct out-of-pocket expenses include fees of outside counsel and experts. The Company does not accrue for costs that are part of corporate overhead, such as the costs of in-house legal and risk management departments. The losses resulting from professional liability claims primarily consist of estimates for known claims, as well as estimates for incurred but not reported claims. The estimates are based on specific claim facts, historical claim reporting and payment patterns, the nature and level of hospital operations and actuarially determined projections. The actuarially determined projections are based on the Company’s actual claim data, including historic reporting and payment patterns which have been gathered over an approximate 20 -year period. As discussed below, since the Company purchases excess insurance on a claims-made basis that transfers risk to third-party insurers, the liability it accrues does include an amount for the losses covered by its excess insurance. The Company also records a receivable for the expected reimbursement of losses covered by excess insurance. Since the Company believes that the amount and timing of its future claims payments are reliably determinable, it discounts the amount accrued for losses resulting from professional liability claims using the risk-free interest rate corresponding to the timing of expected payments. The net present value of the projected payments was discounted using a weighted-average risk-free rate of 2.2% , 1.8% and 1.6% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This liability is adjusted for new claims information in the period such information becomes known. The Company’s estimated liability for professional and general liability claims was $711 million and $788 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated undiscounted claims liability was $760 million and $843 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The current portion of the liability for professional and general liability claims was $115 million and $130 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, with the long-term portion recorded in other long-term liabilities. Professional malpractice expense includes the losses resulting from professional liability claims and loss adjustment expense, as well as paid excess insurance premiums, and is presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income. The Company’s processes for obtaining and analyzing claims and incident data are standardized across all of its hospitals and have been consistent for many years. The Company monitors the outcomes of the medical care services that it provides and for each reported claim, the Company obtains various information concerning the facts and circumstances related to that claim. In addition, the Company routinely monitors current key statistics and volume indicators in its assessment of utilizing historical trends. The average lag period between claim occurrence and payment of a final settlement is between three and four years, although the facts and circumstances of individual claims could result in the timing of such payments being different from this average. Since claims are paid promptly after settlement with the claimant is reached, settled claims represent approximately 1.0% of the total liability at the end of any period. For purposes of estimating its individual claim accruals, the Company utilizes specific claim information, including the nature of the claim, the expected claim amount, the year in which the claim occurred and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the claim occurred. Once the case accruals for known claims are determined, information is stratified by loss layers and retentions, accident years, reported years, geography and claims relating to the acquired HMA hospitals versus claims relating to the Company’s other hospitals. Several actuarial methods are used against this data to produce estimates of ultimate paid losses and reserves for incurred but not reported claims. Each of these methods uses company-specific historical claims data and other information. This company-specific data includes information regarding the Company’s business, including historical paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, historical and current case loss reserves, actual and projected hospital statistical data, a variety of hospital census information, employed physician information, professional liability retentions for each policy year, geographic information and other data. Based on these analyses the Company determines its estimate of the professional liability claims. The determination of management’s estimate, including the preparation of the reserve analysis that supports such estimate, involves subjective judgment of the management. Changes in reserving data or the trends and factors that influence reserving data may signal fundamental shifts in the Company’s future claim development patterns or may simply reflect single-period anomalies. Even if a change reflects a fundamental shift, the full extent of the change may not become evident until years later. Moreover, since the Company’s methods and models use different types of data and the Company selects its liability from the results of all of these methods, it typically cannot quantify the precise impact of such factors on its estimates of the liability. Due to the Company’s standardized and consistent processes for handling claims and the long history and depth of company-specific data, the Company’s methodologies have produced reliably determinable estimates of ultimate paid losses. The Company is primarily self-insured for professional liability claims; however, the Company obtains excess insurance that transfers the risk of loss to a third-party insurer for claims in excess of self-insured retentions. The Company’s excess insurance is underwritten on a claims-made basis. For claims reported prior to June 1, 2002, substantially all of the Company’s professional and general liability risks were subject to a less than $1 million per occurrence self-insured retention and for claims reported from June 1, 2002 through June 1, 2003, these self-insured retentions were $2 million per occurrence. Substantially all claims reported after June 1, 2003 and before June 1, 2005 are self-insured up to $4 million per claim. Substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2005 and before June 1, 2014 are self-insured up to $5 million per claim. Substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 are self-insured up to $10 million per claim. Management on occasion has selectively increased the insured risk at certain hospitals based upon insurance pricing and other factors and may continue that practice in the future. Excess insurance for all hospitals has been purchased through commercial insurance companies and generally covers the Company for liabilities in excess of the self-insured retentions. The excess coverage consists of multiple layers of insurance, the sum of which totals up to $95 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after June 1, 2003, up to $145 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after January 1, 2008, up to $195 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after June 1, 2010, and up to $220 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after June 1, 2015. In addition, for integrated occurrence malpractice claims, there is an additional $50 million of excess coverage for claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 and an additional $75 million of excess coverage for claims reported on or after June 1, 2015. For certain policy years prior to June 1, 2014, if the first aggregate layer of excess coverage becomes fully utilized, then the Company’s self-insured retention will increase to $10 million per claim for any subsequent claims in that policy year until the Company’s total aggregate coverage is met. Effective June 1, 2014, the hospitals acquired from HMA were insured on a claims-made basis as described above and through commercial insurance companies as described above for substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 except for physician-related claims with an occurrence date prior to June 1, 2014. Prior to June 1, 2014, the former HMA hospitals obtained insurance coverage through a wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary and a risk retention group subsidiary which are domiciled in the Cayman Islands and South Carolina, respectively. Those insurance subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiaries,” provided (i) claims-made coverage to all of the former HMA hospitals and (ii) occurrence-basis coverage to most of the physicians employed by the former HMA hospitals. The employed physicians not covered by the Insurance Subsidiaries generally maintained claims-made policies with unrelated third party insurance companies. To mitigate the exposure of the program covering the former HMA hospitals and other healthcare facilities, the Insurance Subsidiaries bought claims-made reinsurance policies from unrelated third parties for claims above self-retention levels of $10 million or $15 million per claim, depending on the policy year. Effective January 1, 2008, the hospitals acquired from Triad were insured on a claims-made basis as described above and through commercial insurance companies as described above for substantially all claims occurring on or after January 1, 2002 and reported on or after January 1, 2008. Substantially all losses for the former Triad hospitals in periods prior to May 1, 1999 were insured through a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of HCA, Triad’s owner prior to that time, and excess loss policies maintained by HCA. HCA has agreed to indemnify the former Triad hospitals in respect of claims covered by such insurance policies arising prior to May 1, 1999. After May 1, 1999 through December 31, 2006, the former Triad hospitals obtained insurance coverage on a claims incurred basis from HCA’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, with excess coverage obtained from other carriers that is subject to certain deductibles. Effective for claims incurred after December 31, 2006, Triad began insuring its claims from $1 million to $5 million through its wholly-owned captive insurance company, replacing the coverage provided by HCA. Substantially all claims occurring during 2007 were self-insured up to $10 million per claim. Legal Matters. The Company is a party to various legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings incidental to its business. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, including the matters described herein, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period. With respect to all legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings, the Company considers the likelihood of a negative outcome. If the Company determines the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to any such matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an accrual for the estimated loss for the expected outcome of the matter. If the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to material matters is reasonably possible and the Company is able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or a range of loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, the Company discloses the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, the Company is unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in some instances based on the significant uncertainties involved in, and/or the preliminary nature of, certain legal, regulatory and governmental matters. In connection with the spin-off of QHC, the Company agreed to indemnify QHC for certain liabilities relating to outcomes or events occurring prior to April 29, 2016, the closing date of the spin-off, including (i) certain claims and proceedings that were known to be outstanding at or prior to the consummation of the spin-off and involved multiple facilities and (ii) certain claims, proceedings and investigations by governmental authorities or private plaintiffs related to activities occurring at or related to QHC’s healthcare facilities prior to the closing date of the spin-off, but only to the extent, in the case of clause (ii), that such claims are covered by insurance policies maintained by the Company, including professional liability and employer practices. In this regard, the Company continues to be responsible for HMA Legal Matters (as defined below) covered by the CVR agreement that relate to QHC’s business, and any amounts payable by the Company in connection therewith will continue to reduce the amount payable by the Company in respect of the CVRs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is not required to indemnify QHC in respect of any claims or proceedings arising out of or related to the business operations of Quorum Health Resources, LLC at any time or QHC’s compliance with the corporate integrity agreement. Subsequent to the spin-off of QHC, the Office of the Inspector General provided the Company with written assurance that it would look solely at QHC for compliance for its facilities under the Company’s Corporate Integrity Agreement; however, the Office of the Inspector General declined to enter into a separate corporate integrity agreement with QHC. In addition, on August 4, 2017, the Company initiated an arbitration against QHC for unpaid amounts due from QHC related to two transition services agreements. QHC filed a counterclaim, claiming breach of contract and tortious interference, among others. The arbitration is set to begin June 18, 2018. The Company believes the counterclaim is without merit and will vigorously defend the case. HMA Legal Matters and Related CVR The CVR agreement entitles the holder to receive a one-time cash payment of up to $1.00 per CVR, subject to downward adjustment based on the final resolution of certain litigation, investigations (whether formal or informal, including subpoenas), or other actions or proceedings related to HMA or its affiliates existing on or prior to July 29, 2013 (the date of the Company’s merger agreement with HMA) as more specifically provided in the CVR agreement (all such matters are referred to as the “HMA Legal Matters”), which include, but are not limited to, investigation and litigation matters as previously disclosed by HMA in public filings with the SEC and/or as described in more detail below. The adjustment reducing the ultimate amount paid to holders of the CVR is determined based on the amount of losses incurred by the Company in connection with the HMA Legal Matters as more specifically provided in the CVR agreement, which generally includes the amount paid for damages, costs, fees and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses), and all fines, penalties, settlement amounts, indemnification obligations and other liabilities (all such losses are referred to as “HMA Losses”). If the aggregate amount of HMA Losses exceeds a deductible of $18 million, then the amount payable in respect of each CVR shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount equal to the quotient obtained by dividing: (a) the product of (i) all losses in excess of the deductible and (ii) 90% ; by (b) the number of CVRs outstanding on the date on which final resolution of the existing litigation occurs. There are 264,544,053 CVRs outstanding as of the date hereof. If total HMA Losses (including HMA Losses that have occurred to date as noted in the table below) exceed approximately $ 312 million, then the holders of the CVRs will not be entitled to any payment in respect of the CVRs. The CVRs do not have a finite payment date. Any payments the Company makes under the CVR agreement will be payable within 60 days after the final resolution of the HMA Legal Matters. The CVRs are unsecured obligations of CHS and all payments under the CVRs will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of the Company’s senior obligations (as defined in the CVR agreement), which include outstanding indebtedness of the Company (subject to certain exceptions set forth in the CVR agreement) and the HMA Losses. The CVR agreement permits the Company to acquire all or some of the CVRs, whether in open market transactions, private transactions or otherwise. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had acquired no CVRs. The following table represents the impact of legal expenses paid or incurred and settlements paid or deemed final as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 on the amounts owed to CVR holders (in millions):     Allocation of Expenses and Settlements Paid  Reduction to  Total Expenses Company's Amount Owed  and Settlement Responsibility to CVR Holders  Cost Deductible at 10% at 90%  As of December 31, 2015 $ 58 $ 18 $ 4 $ 36  Settlements paid 1 - - 1  Legal expenses incurred  and/or paid during  the year ended  December 31, 2016 3 - - 3  As of December 31, 2016 62 18 4 40  Settlements paid - - - -  Legal expenses incurred  and/or paid during the  year ended  December 31, 2017 2 - - 2  As of December 31, 2017 $ 64 $ 18 $ 4 $ 42   Amounts owed to CVR holders are dependent on the ultimate resolution of the HMA Legal Matters and determination of HMA Losses incurred. The settlement of any or all of the claims and expenses incurred on behalf of the Company in defending itself will (subject to the deductible) reduce the amounts owed to the CVR holders. Underlying the CVR agreement are a number of claims included in the HMA Legal Matters asserted against HMA. The Company has recorded a liability in connection with those claims as part of the acquired assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805 “Business Combinations.” For the estimate of the Company’s liabilities associated with the HMA Legal Matters that will be covered by the CVR and were not previously accrued by HMA, the Company recorded a liability of $284 million as part of the acquisition accounting for the HMA merger based on the Company’s estimate of fair value of such liabilities as of the date of acquisition. There was a $4 million increase in the liability during the year ended December 31, 2017 and the estimated fair value of such liabilities, after consideration of amounts paid and current estimates of valuation inputs, was $256 million as of December 31, 2017, which is recorded in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2017, there is currently no accrual recorded for the probable contingency claims underlying the CVR agreement. The estimated liability for probable contingency claims underlying the CVR agreement that was previously recorded by HMA, and reflected in the purchase accounting for HMA as an acquired liability has been settled and was paid during the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition, although legal fees are not included in the amounts currently accrued, such legal fees are taken into account in determining HMA Losses under the CVR agreement. Certain significant HMA Legal Matters underlying these liabilities are discussed in greater detail below. HMA Matters Recorded at Fair Value Medicare/Medicaid Billing Lawsuits Beginning during the week of December 16, 2013, eleven qui tam lawsuits filed by private individuals against HMA were unsealed in various United States district courts. The United States has elected to intervene in all or part of eight of these matters; namely U.S. ex rel. Craig Brummer v. Health Management Associates, Inc. et al. (Middle District Georgia) (“Brummer”); U.S. ex rel. Ralph D. Williams v. Health Management Associates, Inc. et al. (Middle District Georgia) (“Williams”); U.S. ex rel. Scott H. Plantz, M.D. et al. v. Health Management Associates, Inc., et al. (Northern District Illinois) (“Plantz”); U.S. ex rel. Thomas L. Mason, M.D. et al. v. Health Management Associates, Inc. et al. (Western District North Carolina) (“Mason”); U.S. ex rel. Jacqueline Meyer, et al. v. Health Management Associates, Inc., Gary Newsome et al. (“Jacqueline Meyer”) (District of South Carolina); U.S. ex rel. George Miller, et al. v. Health Management Associates, Inc. (Eastern District of Pennsylvania) (“Miller”); U.S. ex rel. Bradley Nurkin v. Health Management Associates, Inc. et al. (Middle District of Florida) (“Nurkin”); and U.S. ex rel. Paul Meyer v. Health Management Associates, Inc. et al. (Southern District Florida) (“Paul Meyer”). The United States has elected to intervene with respect to allegations in these cases that certain HMA hospitals inappropriately admitted patients and then submitted reimbursement claims for treating those individuals to federal healthcare programs in violation of the False Claims Act or that certain HMA hospitals had inappropriate financial relationships with physicians which violated the Stark law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the False Claims Act. Certain of these complaints also allege the same actions violated various state laws which prohibit false claims. The United States has declined to intervene in three of the eleven matters, namely U.S. ex rel. Anita France, et al. v. Health Management Associates, Inc. (Middle District Florida) (“France”) which involved allegations of wrongful billing and was settled; U.S. ex rel. Sandra Simmons v. Health Management Associates, Inc. et al. (Eastern District Oklahoma) (“Simmons”) which alleges unnecessary surgery by an employed physician and which was settled as to all allegations except alleged wrongful termination; and U.S. ex rel. David Napoliello, M.D. v. Health Management Associates, Inc. (Middle District Florida) (“Napoliello”) which alleges inappropriate admissions. On April 3, 2014, the Multi District Litigation Panel ordered the transfer and consolidation for pretrial proceedings of the eight intervened cases, plus the Napoliello matter, to the District of the District of Columbia under the name In Re: Health Management Associates, Inc. Qui Tam Litigation. On June 2, 2014, the court entered a stay of this matter until October 6, 2014, which was subsequently extended until February 27, 2015, May 27, 2015, September 25, 2015, January 25, 2016, May 25, 2016, September 26, 2016, December 27, 2016, April 27, 2017, August 28, 2017, December 18, 2017 and now until March 19, 2018. The Company intends to defend against the allegations in these matters, but also continues to cooperate with the government in the ongoing investigation of these allegations. The Company has been in discussions with the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding the resolutions of these matters. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company was informed that the Criminal Division continues to investigate former executive-level employees of HMA, and continues to consider whether any HMA entities should be held criminally liable for the acts of the former HMA employees. The Company is voluntarily cooperating with these inquiries and has not been served with any subpoenas or other legal process. Other Probable Contingencies Becker v. Community Health Systems, Inc. d/b/a Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation d/b/a Community Health Systems d/b/a Community Health Systems PSC, Inc. d/b/a Rockwood Clinic P.S. and Rockwood Clinic, P.S. (Superior Court, Spokane, Washington). This suit was filed on February 29, 2012, by a former chief financial officer at Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, Washington. Becker claims he was wrongfully terminated for allegedly refusing to certify a budget for Rockwood Clinic in 2012. On February 29, 2012, he also filed an administrative complaint with the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration alleging that he is a whistleblower under Sarbanes-Oxley, which was dismissed by the agency and was appealed to an administrative law judge for a hearing that occurred on January 19-26, 2016. In a decision dated November 9, 2016, the law judge awarded Becker approximately $1.9 million for front pay, back pay and emotional damages with attorney fees to be later determined. The Company has appealed the award to the Administrative Review Board and is awaiting its decision. At a hearing on July 27, 2012, the trial court dismissed Community Health Systems, Inc. from the state case and subsequently certified the state case for an interlocutory appeal of the denial to dismiss his employer and the management company. The appellate court accepted the interlocutory appeal, and it was argued on April 30, 2014. On August 14, 2014, the court denied the Company’s appeal. On October 20, 2014, the Company filed a petition to review the denial with the Washington Supreme Court. The appeal was accepted and oral argument was heard on June 9, 2015. On September 15, 2015, the court denied the Company’s appeal and remanded to the trial court; a previous trial setting of September 12, 2016 has been vacated and not reset. The Company continues to vigorously defend these actions. Summary of Recorded Amounts The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances (in millions) during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, with respect to the Company’s fair value determination in connection with HMA Legal Matters that were not previously accrued by HMA, and the remaining contingencies of the Company in respect of which an accrual has been recorded. In addition, future legal fees (which are expensed as incurred) and costs related to possible indemnification and criminal investigation matters associated with the HMA Legal Matters have not been accrued or included in the table below. Furthermore, although not accrued, such costs, if incurred, will be taken into account in determining the total amount of reductions applied to the amounts owed to CVR holders.     CVR-Related Other  Liability Probable  at Fair Value Contingencies  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 261 $ 10  (Income) expense (8) 14  Reserve for insured claim - 1  Cash payments (1) (11)  Balance as of December 31, 2016 252 14  Expense 4 14  Cash payments - (14)  Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 256 $ 14   With respect to the “Other Probable Contingencies” referenced in the chart above, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes a liability for litigation, regulatory and governmental matters for which, based on information currently available, the Company believes that a negative outcome is known or is probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. For all such matters (whether or not discussed in this contingencies footnote), such amounts have been recorded in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and are included in the table above in the “Other Probable Contingencies” column. Due to the uncertainties and difficulty in predicting the ultimate resolution of these contingencies, the actual amount could differ from the estimated amount reflected as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet. In the aggregate, attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred but not included in the table above related to probable contingencies, and CVR-related contingencies accounted for at fair value, totaled $2 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income. Matters for which an Outcome Cannot be Assessed For the following legal matter, due to the uncertainties surrounding the ultimate outcome of the case, the Company cannot at this time assess what the outcome may be and is further unable to determine any estimate of loss or range of loss. Class Action Shareholder Federal Securities Cases . Three purported class action cases have been filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee; namely, Norfolk County Retirement System v. Community Health Systems, Inc., et al., filed May 9, 2011; De Zheng v. Community Health Systems, Inc., et al., filed May 12, 2011; and Minneapolis Firefighters Relief Association v. Community Health Systems, Inc., et al., filed June 21, 2011. All three seek class certification on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s common stock between July 27, 2006 and April 11, 2011 and allege that misleading statements resulted in artificially inflated prices for the Company’s common stock. In December 2011, the cases were consolidated for pretrial purposes and NYC Funds and its counsel were selected as lead plaintiffs/lead plaintiffs’ counsel. In lieu of ruling on the Company’s motion to dismiss, the court permitted the plaintiffs to file a first amended consolidated class action complaint, which was filed on October 5, 2015. The Company’s motion to dismiss was filed on November 4, 2015 and oral argument was held on April 11, 2016. The Company’s motion to dismiss was granted on June 16, 2016 and on June 27, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The matter was heard on May 3, 2017. On December 13, 2017, the Sixth Circuit reversed the trial court’s dismissal of the case and remanded it to the District Court. The Company filed a renewed partial motion to dismiss on February 9, 2018. The Company believes this consolidated matter is without merit and will vigorously defend this case.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events Disclosure	18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  The Company has evaluated all material events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date for events requiring disclosure or recognition in the co nsolidated financial statements.  On January 31, 2018 , one or more subsidiaries of the Company signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Tennova Healthcare – Jamestown ( 85 licensed beds) in Jamestown, Tennessee, and its associated assets to subsidiaries of Rennova Health, Inc.  On February 14, 2018 , one or more subsidiaries of the Company signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Byrd Regional Hospital ( 60 licensed beds) in Leesville, Louisiana, and its associated assets to subsidiaries of Allegiance Health Management.  On February 26, 2018, the Credit Facility was amended, with requisite revolving lender approval, to remove the EBITDA to interest expense ratio financial covenant, to replace the senior secured net debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant with a first lien net debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant, and to reduce the extended revolving credit commitments to $650 million (for a total of $840 million in revolving credit commitments when combined with the non-extended portion of the revolving credit facility). The new financial covenant provides for a maximum first lien net debt to EBITDA ratio of 5.25 to 1.0, reducing to 5.0 to 1.0 on July 1, 2018, 4.75 to 1.0 on January 1, 2019, 4.5 to 1.0 on January 1, 2020 and 4.25 to 1.0 on July 1, 2020. In addition, CHS agreed pursuant to the amendment to modify its ability to retain asset sale proceeds, and instead to apply them to prepayments of term loans based on pro forma first lien leverage. To the extent the ratio of first lien net debt to EBITDA is greater than or equal to 4.5 to 1.0, 100% of net cash proceeds of asset sales will be applied to prepay term loans; to the extent the first lien leverage ratio is less than 4.5 to 1.0 but greater than or equal to 4.0 to 1.0, 50% of such proceeds will be applied to prepay term loans; and to the extent the first lien leverage ratio is less than 4.0 to 1.0, there will be no requirement to prepay term loans with such proceeds. These ratios will be determined on a pro forma basis giving appropriate effect to the relevant asset sales and corresponding prepayments of term loans. 

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data Disclosure	19. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)     Quarter  1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Total (2)   (in millions, except share and per share data)  Year ended December 31, 2017:  Net operating revenues $ 4,486 $ 4,144 $ 3,666 $ 3,059 $ 15,353  Loss from continuing operations  before income taxes (176) (131) (147) (2,379) (2,833)  Loss from continuing operations (176) (116) (88) (2,004) (2,384)  Loss from discontinued operations (1) (6) (2) (3) (12)  Net loss attributable to Community  Health Systems, Inc. $ (199) $ (137) $ (110) $ (2,013) $ (2,459)  Basic loss per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ (1.78) $ (1.17) $ (0.96) $ (17.95) $ (21.89)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.06) (0.02) (0.03) (0.11)  Net loss $ (1.79) $ (1.22) $ (0.98) $ (17.98) $ (22.00)  Diluted loss per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ (1.78) $ (1.17) $ (0.96) $ (17.95) $ (21.89)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.06) (0.02) (0.03) (0.11)  Net loss $ (1.79) $ (1.22) $ (0.98) $ (17.98) $ (22.00)  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:  Basic 111,252,331 111,909,858 111,935,738 111,971,628 111,769,821  Diluted 111,252,331 111,909,858 111,935,738 111,971,628 111,769,821   Year ended December 31, 2016:  Net operating revenues $ 4,999 $ 4,590 $ 4,380 $ 4,469 $ 18,438  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes 63 (1,543) (83) (152) (1,715)  Income (loss) from continuing operations 37 (1,405) (54) (189) (1,611)  Loss from discontinued operations (1) (1) (2) (9) (15)  Net income (loss) attributable to Community  Health Systems, Inc. $ 11 $ (1,432) $ (79) $ (220) $ (1,721)  Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (12.90) $ (0.69) $ (1.91) $ (15.41)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.01) (0.02) (0.09) (0.13)  Net income (loss) $ 0.10 $ (12.91) $ (0.71) $ (1.99) $ (15.54)  Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (12.90) $ (0.69) $ (1.91) $ (15.41)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.01) (0.02) (0.09) (0.13)  Net income (loss) $ 0.10 $ (12.91) $ (0.71) $ (1.99) $ (15.54)  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:  Basic 110,247,867 110,879,285 110,888,040 110,905,052 110,730,971  Diluted 110,309,372 110,879,285 110,888,040 110,905,052 110,730,971   (1) Total per share amounts may not add due to rounding.   (2) Total quarterly amounts may not add due to rounding.

Supplemental Condensed Consolid

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure	20. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION The Senior Notes due 2019, 2020 and 2022, which are senior unsecured obligations of CHS, the 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021, and the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (collectively, “the Notes”) are guaranteed on a senior basis by the Company and by certain of its existing and subsequently acquired or organized 100 % owned domestic subsidiaries. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis, with exceptions considered customary for such guarantees, limited to the release of the guarantee when a subsidiary guarantor’s capital stock is sold, or a sale of all of the subsidiary guarantor’s assets used in operations. The following condensed consolidating financial statements present Community Health Systems, Inc. (as parent guarantor), CHS (as the issuer), the subsidiary guarantors, the subsidiary non-guarantors and eliminations. These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.” The accounting policies used in the preparation of this financial information are consistent with those elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except as noted below: · Intercompany receivables and payables are presented gross in the supplemental condensed consolidating balance sheets. · Cash flows from intercompany transactions are presented in cash flows from financing activities, as changes in intercompany balances with affiliates, net. · Income tax expense is allocated from the parent guarantor to the income producing operations (other guarantors and non-guarantors) and the issuer through stockholders’ (deficit) equity. As this approach represents an allocation, the income tax expense allocation is considered non-cash for statement of cash flow purposes. · Interest expense, net has been presented to reflect net interest expense and interest income from outstanding long-term debt and intercompany balances. The Company’s intercompany activity consists primarily of daily cash transfers for purposes of cash management, the allocation of certain expenses and expenditures paid for by the Parent on behalf of its subsidiaries, and the push down of investment in its subsidiaries. This activity also includes the intercompany transactions between consolidated entities as part of the Receivables Facility that is further discussed in Note 7. The Company’s subsidiaries generally do not purchase services from one another; thus, the intercompany transactions do not represent revenue generating transactions. All intercompany transactions eliminate in consolidation. From time to time, subsidiaries of the Company sell and/or repurchase noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries, which may change subsidiaries between guarantors and non-guarantors. Effective with the spin-off of QHC, all subsidiaries of the Company that were part of that distribution have been removed as guarantors. Amounts for prior periods have been revised to reflect the status of guarantors and non-guarantors as of December 31, 2017.       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2017   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Operating revenues (net of contractual  allowances and discounts) $ - $ (22) $ 10,765 $ 7,655 $ - $ 18,398  Provision for bad debts - - 2,063 982 - 3,045  Net operating revenues - (22) 8,702 6,673 - 15,353  Operating costs and expenses:  Salaries and benefits - - 3,614 3,762 - 7,376  Supplies - - 1,628 1,044 - 2,672  Other operating expenses - - 2,376 1,488 - 3,864  Government and other legal settlements and  related costs - - (31) - - (31)  Electronic health records incentive reimbursement - - (12) (16) - (28)  Rent - - 198 196 - 394  Depreciation and amortization - - 501 360 - 861  Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net - - 1,212 911 - 2,123  Total operating costs and expenses - - 9,486 7,745 - 17,231  Loss from operations - (22) (784) (1,072) - (1,878)  Interest expense, net - 327 587 17 - 931  Loss from early extinguishment of debt - 40 - - - 40  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 2,459 1,955 865 - (5,295) (16)  Loss from continuing operations  before income taxes (2,459) (2,344) (2,236) (1,089) 5,295 (2,833)  Provision for (benefit from) income taxes - 115 (297) (267) - (449)  Loss from continuing operations (2,459) (2,459) (1,939) (822) 5,295 (2,384)  Discontinued operations, net of taxes:  Loss from operations of entities sold or  held for sale - - (4) (2) - (6)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale - - (5) (1) - (6)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes - - (9) (3) - (12)  Net loss (2,459) (2,459) (1,948) (825) 5,295 (2,396)  Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 63 - 63  Net loss attributable to Community  Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (2,459) $ (2,459) $ (1,948) $ (888) $ 5,295 $ (2,459)         Condensed Consolidating Statement of Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2016   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Operating revenues (net of contractual  allowances and discounts) $ - $ (25) $ 11,089 $ 10,211 $ - $ 21,275  Provision for bad debts - - 1,707 1,130 - 2,837  Net operating revenues - (25) 9,382 9,081 - 18,438  Operating costs and expenses:  Salaries and benefits - - 3,754 4,870 - 8,624  Supplies - - 1,660 1,351 - 3,011  Other operating expenses - - 2,238 2,010 - 4,248  Government and other legal settlements and  related costs - - 16 - - 16  Electronic health records incentive reimbursement - - (37) (33) - (70)  Rent - - 199 251 - 450  Depreciation and amortization - - 614 486 - 1,100  Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net - - 1,262 657 - 1,919  Total operating costs and expenses - - 9,706 9,592 - 19,298  Loss from operations - (25) (324) (511) - (860)  Interest expense, net - 241 631 90 - 962  Loss from early extinguishment of debt - 30 - - - 30  Gain on sale of investments in  unconsolidated affiliates - - (94) - - (94)  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 1,721 1,466 585 - (3,815) (43)  Loss from continuing operations before  income taxes (1,721) (1,762) (1,446) (601) 3,815 (1,715)  (Benefit from) provision for income taxes - (41) 19 (82) - (104)  Loss from continuing operations (1,721) (1,721) (1,465) (519) 3,815 (1,611)  Discontinued operations, net of taxes:  (Loss) income from operations of entities sold or  held for sale - - (9) 2 - (7)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale - - (1) (7) - (8)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes - - (10) (5) - (15)  Net loss (1,721) (1,721) (1,475) (524) 3,815 (1,626)  Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 95 - 95  Net loss attributable to Community Health  Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (1,721) $ (1,721) $ (1,475) $ (619) $ 3,815 $ (1,721)        Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income  Year Ended December 31, 2015   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Operating revenues (net of contractual  allowances and discounts) $ - $ (20) $ 11,063 $ 11,521 $ - $ 22,564  Provision for bad debts - - 1,944 1,183 - 3,127  Net operating revenues - (20) 9,119 10,338 - 19,437  Operating costs and expenses:  Salaries and benefits - - 3,688 5,303 - 8,991  Supplies - - 1,586 1,462 - 3,048  Other operating expenses - - 2,120 2,400 - 4,520  Government and other legal settlements and  related costs - - 4 - - 4  Electronic health records incentive reimbursement - - (76) (84) - (160)  Rent - - 189 268 - 457  Depreciation and amortization - - 615 557 - 1,172  Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net - - 55 13 - 68  Total operating costs and expenses - - 8,181 9,919 - 18,100  (Loss) income from operations - (20) 938 419 - 1,337  Interest expense, net - 107 717 149 - 973  Loss from early extinguishment of debt - 16 - - - 16  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (158) (220) (125) - 440 (63)  Income from continuing operations before  income taxes 158 77 346 270 (440) 411  (Benefit from) provision for income taxes - (81) 130 67 - 116  Income from continuing operations 158 158 216 203 (440) 295  Discontinued operations, net of taxes:  Loss from operations of entities sold or  held for sale - - (7) (20) - (27)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale - - - (5) - (5)  Loss on sale, net - - - (4) - (4)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes - - (7) (29) - (36)  Net income 158 158 209 174 (440) 259  Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 101 - 101  Net income attributable to Community Health  Systems, Inc. stockholders $ 158 $ 158 $ 209 $ 73 $ (440) $ 158          Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2017   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net loss $ (2,459) $ (2,459) $ (1,948) $ (825) $ 5,295 $ (2,396)  Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes:  Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax 19 19 - - (19) 19  Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities,  net of tax 8 8 8 - (16) 8  Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension  cost components, net of tax 14 14 14 - (28) 14  Other comprehensive income 41 41 22 - (63) 41  Comprehensive loss (2,418) (2,418) (1,926) (825) 5,232 (2,355)  Less: Comprehensive income attributable to  noncontrolling interests - - - 63 - 63  Comprehensive loss attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (2,418) $ (2,418) $ (1,926) $ (888) $ 5,232 $ (2,418)       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2016   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net loss $ (1,721) $ (1,721) $ (1,475) $ (524) $ 3,815 $ (1,626)  Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:  Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax 17 17 - - (17) 17  Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities,  net of tax (11) (11) (11) - 22 (11)  Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension  cost components, net of tax 3 3 3 - (6) 3  Other comprehensive income (loss) 9 9 (8) - (1) 9  Comprehensive loss (1,712) (1,712) (1,483) (524) 3,814 (1,617)  Less: Comprehensive income attributable to  noncontrolling interests - - - 95 - 95  Comprehensive loss attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (1,712) $ (1,712) $ (1,483) $ (619) $ 3,814 $ (1,712)       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income  Year Ended December 31, 2015   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net income $ 158 $ 158 $ 209 $ 174 $ (440) $ 259  Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes:  Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax (6) (6) - - 6 (6)  Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities,  net of tax (5) (5) (5) - 10 (5)  Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension  cost components, net of tax 1 1 1 - (2) 1  Other comprehensive loss (10) (10) (4) - 14 (10)  Comprehensive income 148 148 205 174 (426) 249  Less: Comprehensive income attributable to  noncontrolling interests - - - 101 - 101  Comprehensive income attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ 148 $ 148 $ 205 $ 73 $ (426) $ 148          Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  December 31, 2017  Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated   (In millions)  ASSETS  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ - $ 497 $ 66 $ - $ 563  Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance  for doubtful accounts - - 355 2,029 - 2,384  Supplies - - 288 156 - 444  Prepaid income taxes 17 - - - - 17  Prepaid expenses and taxes - - 146 52 - 198  Other current assets - - 152 310 - 462  Total current assets 17 - 1,438 2,613 - 4,068  Intercompany receivable - 13,381 5,857 7,109 (26,347) -  Property and equipment, net - - 4,448 2,604 - 7,052  Goodwill 2,882 1,841 - 4,723  Deferred income taxes 62 - - - - 62  Other assets, net 15 39 1,594 939 (1,042) 1,545  Net investment in subsidiaries - 21,717 10,890 - (32,607) -  Total assets $ 94 $ 35,137 $ 27,109 $ 15,106 $ (59,996) $ 17,450  LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  Current liabilities:  Current maturities of long-term debt $ - $ - $ 25 $ 8 $ - $ 33  Accounts payable - - 663 304 - 967  Accrued interest - 228 - 1 - 229  Accrued liabilities - - 644 483 - 1,127  Total current liabilities - 228 1,332 796 - 2,356  Long-term debt - 12,998 216 666 - 13,880  Intercompany payable 833 21,582 24,028 13,310 (59,753) -  Deferred income taxes 19 - - - - 19  Other long-term liabilities 9 1,018 997 378 (1,042) 1,360  Total liabilities 861 35,826 26,573 15,150 (60,795) 17,615  Redeemable noncontrolling interests in  equity of consolidated subsidiaries - - - 527 - 527  Equity:  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’  (deficit) equity:  Common stock 1 - - - - 1  Additional paid-in capital 2,014 (252) 204 234 (186) 2,014  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (21) (21) (4) (4) 29 (21)  (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (2,761) (416) 336 (876) 956 (2,761)  Total Community Health Systems, Inc.  stockholders’ (deficit) equity (767) (689) 536 (646) 799 (767)  Noncontrolling interests in equity of  consolidated subsidiaries - - - 75 - 75  Total (deficit) equity (767) (689) 536 (571) 799 (692)  Total liabilities and equity $ 94 $ 35,137 $ 27,109 $ 15,106 $ (59,996) $ 17,450        Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  December 31, 2016  Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated   (In millions)  ASSETS  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ - $ 174 $ 64 $ - $ 238  Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance  for doubtful accounts - - 799 2,377 - 3,176  Supplies - - 297 183 - 480  Prepaid income taxes 17 - - - - 17  Prepaid expenses and taxes - - 124 63 - 187  Other current assets - - 158 410 - 568  Total current assets 17 - 1,552 3,097 - 4,666  Intercompany receivable 295 14,996 3,150 7,597 (26,038) -  Property and equipment, net - - 4,965 3,184 - 8,149  Goodwill - - 3,947 2,574 - 6,521  Deferred income taxes 15 - - - - 15  Other assets, net - - 1,869 1,946 (1,222) 2,593  Net investment in subsidiaries 1,728 21,224 10,122 - (33,074) -  Total assets $ 2,055 $ 36,220 $ 25,605 $ 18,398 $ (60,334) $ 21,944  LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  Current liabilities:  Current maturities of long-term debt $ - $ 149 $ 53 $ 253 $ - $ 455  Accounts payable - - 628 367 - 995  Accrued interest - 205 1 1 - 207  Accrued liabilities 17 - 626 587 - 1,230  Total current liabilities 17 354 1,308 1,208 - 2,887  Long-term debt - 14,018 232 539 - 14,789  Intercompany payable - 18,861 20,517 15,071 (54,449) -  Deferred income taxes 411 - - - - 411  Other long-term liabilities 12 1,259 1,082 444 (1,222) 1,575  Total liabilities 440 34,492 23,139 17,262 (55,671) 19,662  Redeemable noncontrolling interests in  equity of consolidated subsidiaries - - - 554 - 554  Equity:  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’  equity:  Common stock 1 - - - - 1  Additional paid-in capital 1,975 675 939 768 (2,382) 1,975  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (62) (62) (22) (9) 93 (62)  (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (299) 1,115 1,549 (290) (2,374) (299)  Total Community Health Systems, Inc.  stockholders’ equity 1,615 1,728 2,466 469 (4,663) 1,615  Noncontrolling interests in equity of  consolidated subsidiaries - - - 113 - 113  Total equity 1,615 1,728 2,466 582 (4,663) 1,728  Total liabilities and equity $ 2,055 $ 36,220 $ 25,605 $ 18,398 $ (60,334) $ 21,944       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows  Year Ended December 31, 2017   Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net cash (used in) provided by operating  activities $ (12) $ (317) $ 750 $ 352 $ - $ 773   Cash flows from investing activities:  Acquisitions of facilities and other related  businesses - - (1) (5) - (6)  Purchases of property and equipment - - (365) (199) - (564)  Proceeds from disposition of hospitals  and other ancillary operations - - 596 1,096 - 1,692  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - - 4 3 - 7  Purchases of available-for-sale securities - - (91) (34) - (125)  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities - - 154 54 - 208  Increase in other investments - - (106) (37) - (143)  Net cash provided by investing activities - - 191 878 - 1,069   Cash flows from financing activities:  Repurchase of restricted stock shares for  payroll tax withholding requirements (5) - - - - (5)  Deferred financing costs and other debt-related  costs - (65) - (1) - (66)  Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in  joint ventures - - - 5 - 5  Redemption of noncontrolling investments in  joint ventures - - - (6) - (6)  Distributions to noncontrolling investors in  joint ventures - - - (100) - (100)  Changes in intercompany balances with  affiliates, net 17 1,566 (575) (1,008) - -  Borrowings under credit agreements - 795 30 16 - 841  Issuance of long-term debt - 3,100 - - - 3,100  Proceeds from receivables facility - - - 105 - 105  Repayments of long-term indebtedness - (5,079) (73) (239) - (5,391)  Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities 12 317 (618) (1,228) - (1,517)  Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - 323 2 - 325  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - 174 64 - 238  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ 497 $ 66 $ - $ 563        Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows  Year Ended December 31, 2016   Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net cash provided by (used in) operating  activities $ 14 $ (335) $ 1,218 $ 240 $ - $ 1,137   Cash flows from investing activities:  Acquisitions of facilities and other related  businesses - - (3) (120) - (123)  Purchases of property and equipment - - (474) (270) - (744)  Proceeds from disposition of hospitals  and other ancillary operations - - 16 127 - 143  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - - 6 9 - 15  Purchases of available-for-sale securities - - (263) (242) - (505)  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities - - 218 246 - 464  Proceeds from sale of investments in  unconsolidated affiliates - - 403 - - 403  Distribution from Quorum Health Corporation - 1,219 - - - 1,219  Increase in other investments - - (156) (86) - (242)  Net cash provided by (used in)  investing activities - 1,219 (253) (336) - 630   Cash flows from financing activities:  Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll  tax withholding requirements (6) - - - - (6)  Deferred financing costs and other  debt-related costs - (26) - - - (26)  Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint  ventures - - - (19) - (19)  Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint  ventures - - - (92) - (92)  Changes in intercompany balances with  affiliates, net (8) 801 (925) 132 - -  Proceeds from sale-lease back - - 147 12 - 159  Borrowings under credit agreements - 4,848 28 3 - 4,879  Proceeds from receivables facility - - - 107 - 107  Repayments of long-term indebtedness - (6,507) (64) (144) - (6,715)  Net cash (used in) provided by financing  activities (14) (884) (814) (1) - (1,713)  Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - 151 (97) - 54  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - 23 161 - 184  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ 174 $ 64 $ - $ 238          Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows  Year Ended December 31, 2015   Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net cash (used in) provided by operating  activities $ (25) $ 159 $ 349 $ 438 $ - $ 921   Cash flows from investing activities:  Acquisitions of facilities and other related  businesses - - (21) (36) - (57)  Purchases of property and equipment - - (600) (353) - (953)  Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other  ancillary operations - - 21 134 - 155  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - - 6 9 - 15  Purchases of available-for-sale securities - - (53) (109) - (162)  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities - - 46 110 - 156  Increase in other investments - - (143) (62) - (205)  Net cash used in investing activities - - (744) (307) - (1,051)   Cash flows from financing activities:  Proceeds from exercise of stock options 25 - - - - 25  Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll  tax withholding requirements (20) - - - - (20)  Stock buy-back (159) - - - - (159)  Deferred financing costs and other  debt-related costs - (30) - - - (30)  Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint  ventures - - - 47 - 47  Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint  ventures - - - (36) - (36)  Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint  ventures - - - (100) - (100)  Changes in intercompany balances with  affiliates, net 179 (181) 89 (87) - -  Borrowings under credit agreements - 4,880 34 8 - 4,922  Proceeds from receivables facility - - - 206 - 206  Repayments of long-term indebtedness - (4,828) (77) (145) - (5,050)  Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities 25 (159) 46 (107) - (195)  Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - (349) 24 - (325)  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - 372 137 - 509  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ 23 $ 161 $ - $ 184 

Schedule of Qualifying and Valu

Schedule of Qualifying and Valuation Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	   C ommu nity Health Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries   Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts    Balance at Acquisitions Charged to Balance  Beginning and Costs and at End  Description of Year Dispositions Expenses Write-offs of Year   (In millions)  Year ended December 31, 2017  allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,773 $ (21) $ 3,054 $ (2,936) $ 3,870  Year ended December 31, 2016  allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,110 $ (365) $ 2,849 $ (2,821) $ 3,773  Year ended December 31, 2015  allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,504 $ (17) $ 3,168 $ (2,545) $ 4,110  

Basis of Presentation and Sig31

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy	Business. Community Health Systems, Inc. is a holding company and operates no business in its own name. On a consolidated basis, Community Health Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) own, lease and operate general acute care hospitals in communities across the country. As of December 31, 2017, the Company owned or leased 125 hospitals, included in continuing operations, including two stand-alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals, licensed for 20,850 beds in 19 states. Throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements, Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Parent”) and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to on a collective basis as the “Company.” This drafting style is not meant to indicate that the publicly-traded Parent or any particular subsidiary of the Parent owns or operates any asset, business, or property. The hospitals, operations and businesses described in this filing are owned and operated, and management services provided, by distinct and indirect subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates . The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation . The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent, its subsidiaries, all of which are controlled by the Parent through majority voting control, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts, profits and transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Parent are presented as a component of total equity to distinguish between the interests of the Parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Revenues, expenses and income from continuing operations from these subsidiaries are included in the consolidated amounts as presented on the consolidated statements of (loss) income, along with a net income measure that separately presents the amounts attributable to the controlling interests and the amounts attributable to the noncontrolling interests for each of the periods presented. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable or may become redeemable at a fixed or determinable price at the option of the holder or upon the occurrence of an event outside of the control of the Company are presented in mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets.
Cost of Revenue, Policy	Cost of Revenue . Substantially all of the Company’s operating costs and expenses are “cost of revenue” items. Operating costs that could be classified as general and administrative by the Company would include the Company’s corporate office costs at its Franklin, Tennessee office which were collectively $189 million, $197 million and $266 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in these corporate office costs is stock-based compensation of $24 million, $46 million and $59 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash Equivalents . The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Supplies, Policy	Supplies. Supplies, principally medical supplies, are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Marketable Securities, Policy	Marketable Securities. The Company’s marketable securities are classified as trading or available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ (deficit) equity. Trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, included an unrealized gain of $8 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 and an unrealized loss of $11 million and $5 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to these available-for-sale securities.
Property and Equipment, Policy	Property and Equipment . Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the land and improvements ( 3 to 20 years), buildings and improvements ( 5 to 40 years) and equipment and fixtures ( 3 to 18 years). Costs capitalized as construction in progress were $222 million and $227 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Expenditures for renovations and other significant improvements are capitalized; however, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the useful lives of the respective assets are charged to operations as incurred. Interest capitalized related to construction in progress was $11 million, $9 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Purchases of property and equipment and internal-use software accrued in accounts payable and not yet paid were $166 million and $115 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company also leases certain facilities and equipment under capital leases (see Note 10). Such assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the lease or the remaining useful lives of the applicable assets. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had non-cash investing activity of $31 million related to certain facility and equipment additions that were financed through capital leases and other debt.
Goodwill, Policy	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill arising from business combinations is not amortized. Goodwill is required to be evaluated for impairment at the same time every year and when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that impairment may exist. The Company performs its annual testing of impairment for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year. As further discussed in Note 5, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.419 billion and $1.395 billion during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Other Assets, Policy	Other Assets. Other assets consist of the insurance recovery receivable from excess insurance carriers related to the Company’s self-insured malpractice general liability and workers’ compensation insurance liability; costs to recruit physicians to the Company’s markets, which are deferred and expensed over the term of the respective physician recruitment contract, generally three years, and included in amortization expense; and capitalized internal-use software costs, which are expensed over the expected useful life, which is generally three years for routine software and eight to ten years for major software projects, and included in amortization expense.
Charity Care, Policy	In the ordinary course of business, the Company renders services to patients who are financially unable to pay for hospital care. The Company’s policy is to not pursue collections for such amounts; therefore, the related charges for those patients who are financially unable to pay and that otherwise do not qualify for reimbursement from a governmental program are not reported in net operating revenues or in the provision for bad debts, and are thus classified as charity care. The Company determines amounts that qualify for charity care primarily based on the patient’s household income relative to the federal poverty level guidelines, as established by the federal government. Included in the provision for contractual allowance shown above is $482 million, $487 million and $453 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing the value (at the Company’s standard charges) of these charity care services that are excluded from net operating revenues. The estimated cost incurred by the Company to provide these charity care services to patients who are unable to pay was approximately $62 million, $64 million and $64 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated cost of these charity care services was determined using a ratio of cost to gross charges and applying that ratio to the gross charges associated with providing care to charity patients for the period.
Third-Party Reimbursement, Policy	Third-Party Reimbursement . Net patient service revenue is reported at the estimated net realizable amount from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered. Operating revenues include amounts estimated by management to be reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid under prospective payment systems, provisions of cost-reimbursement and other payment methods. Approximately 33.1% , 34.4% and 35.3% of operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are related to services rendered to patients covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Revenues from Medicare outlier payments are included in the amounts received from Medicare and were approximately 0.33% , 0.38% and 0.28% of operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, the Company is reimbursed by non-governmental payors using a variety of payment methodologies. Amounts received by the Company for treatment of patients covered by such programs are generally less than the standard billing rates. The differences between the estimated program reimbursement rates and the standard billing rates are accounted for as contractual adjustments, which are deducted from gross revenues to arrive at operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts). These net operating revenues are an estimate of the net realizable amount due from these payors. The process of estimating contractual allowances requires the Company to estimate the amount expected to be received based on payor contract provisions. The key assumption in this process is the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on payor classification and historical paid claims data. Due to the complexities involved in these estimates, actual payments the Company receives could be different from the amounts it estimates and records. Final settlements under some of these programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. Adjustments to previous program reimbursement estimates are accounted for as contractual allowance adjustments and reported in the periods that such adjustments become known.  Amounts due to third-party payors were $156 million and $99 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in accrued liabilities-other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As part of the change in estimate to contractual allowances recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2017 discussed above, the Company recorded additional amounts due to third-party payors related to estimated amounts owed or expected to be recouped under certain state Medicaid disproportionate share reimbursement programs. These estimates were based on the results of completed audits and an estimate of probable outcomes of future audits considering the cost limits defined under the respective state program. Amounts due from third-party payors were $153 million and $186 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all Medicare and Medicaid cost reports are final settled through 2014.
Net Operating Revenues, Policy	Net Operating Revenues . Net operating revenues are recorded net of provisions for contractual allowance of approximately $93.6 billion, $98.2 billion and $95.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net operating revenues are recognized when services are provided and are reported at the estimated net realizable amount from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered. Also included in the provision for contractual allowance shown above is the value of administrative and other discounts provided to self-pay patients eliminated from net operating revenues which was $3.6 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Throughout 2017 and culminating with the financial close process at December 31, 2017, the Company developed new accounting methodologies and processes to implement ASU 2014-09, the new accounting standard for revenue recognition that was adopted effective January 1, 2018. By implementing new data extraction techniques and updated hindsight information on historical collection data, the Company was able to better estimate the net amount after contractual allowances owed by the third-party payor and what will be owed by the patient based on historical experience. Such updated information included portfolio-level data related to historical collection amounts on an individual hospital and patient level that previously had not been readily available. Using this information the Company created a new accounting process by which it can estimate contractual allowances on a per patient basis. In addition to this new accounting methodology, the Company also revised its methods of estimating contractual allowances to (1) expand the hindsight period over which the Company analyzes payors’ historical paid claims data to estimate contractual allowances, (2) expand the basis for payor denied claims to refine the hindsight reserve for such denials, and (3) adjust the contractual allowances for certain categories of commercial payors using more precise historical experience based on recent patterns of account reimbursement. Additionally, the Company evaluated the estimated collection of those amounts due from the patient as part of the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. This analysis also included an evaluation of patient accounts receivable retained after the divestiture of 30 hospitals throughout 2017, and certain other revenues. Based on these new accounting processes and methodologies, the Company recorded a change in estimate during the three months ended December 31, 2017 to increase contractual allowances by approximately $197 million, and to record additional provision for bad debts and increase the allowance for doubtful accounts by $394 million. The total impact of the change in estimate recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2017 was a decrease to net operating revenues of $591 million. In the ordinary course of business, the Company renders services to patients who are financially unable to pay for hospital care. The Company’s policy is to not pursue collections for such amounts; therefore, the related charges for those patients who are financially unable to pay and that otherwise do not qualify for reimbursement from a governmental program are not reported in net operating revenues or in the provision for bad debts, and are thus classified as charity care. The Company determines amounts that qualify for charity care primarily based on the patient’s household income relative to the federal poverty level guidelines, as established by the federal government. Included in the provision for contractual allowance shown above is $482 million, $487 million and $453 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing the value (at the Company’s standard charges) of these charity care services that are excluded from net operating revenues. The estimated cost incurred by the Company to provide these charity care services to patients who are unable to pay was approximately $62 million, $64 million and $64 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated cost of these charity care services was determined using a ratio of cost to gross charges and applying that ratio to the gross charges associated with providing care to charity patients for the period. Currently, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers to offset a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid patients. These programs are designed with input from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. Similar programs are also being considered by other states. After these supplemental programs are signed into law, the Company recognizes revenue and related expenses in the period in which amounts are estimable and collection is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and fees, taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses. Operating revenues, net of contractual allowances and discounts (but before the provision for bad debts), recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, were as follows (in millions):     Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Medicare $ 4,188 $ 5,089 $ 5,439  Medicaid 1,900 2,234 2,532  Managed Care and other third-party payors 9,991 11,354 11,816  Self-pay 2,319 2,598 2,777  Total $ 18,398 $ 21,275 $ 22,564  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts . Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that could become uncollectible in the future. Substantially all of the Company’s receivables are related to providing healthcare services to patients at its hospitals and affiliated businesses. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts by reserving a percentage of all self-pay accounts receivable without regard to aging category, based on collection history, adjusted for expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends. As discussed above, the Company’s historical accounting systems and processes to estimate net operating revenues from third-party payors did not have the ability to specifically identify the portion of an insured patient account that was due from the patient (e.g., deductibles and co-payments), and did not provide portfolio-level data related to historical collection amounts on an individual hospital or patient level. As part of the new accounting methodologies and processes developed in 2017 to implement the new accounting standard on revenue recognition, which was required to be adopted on January 1, 2018, the Company changed its methodology for estimating those amounts that are recorded as part of the receivable with the primary insurance payor but will ultimately be due from the patient. While the Company’s historical estimation process for the allowance for doubtful accounts utilized historical write-off and collection information on a consolidated basis, the new processes and related data obtained from the hindsight analysis provided updated information on the ultimate collectability of all patient accounts for the amount at the date of service that will ultimately be due from the patient. Such information was evaluated at a portfolio level by payor and by hospital rather than on a consolidated basis. Collections are impacted by the economic ability of patients to pay and the effectiveness of the Company’s collection efforts. Significant changes in payor mix, business office operations, economic conditions or trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage could affect the Company’s collection of accounts receivable and the estimates of the collectability of future accounts receivable and are considered in the Company’s estimates of accounts receivable collectability. The Company also continually reviews its overall reserve adequacy by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net revenue less provision for bad debts, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, aged accounts receivable by payor, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables and the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions.  As discussed above, during the three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $394 million of additional provision for bad debts and a corresponding increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition accounting standards in ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. In connection with the adoption of this ASU, during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company completed an extensive analysis of its patient revenues and patient accounts receivable and developed new accounting processes and methodologies. This analysis also included an evaluation of patient accounts receivable retained after the divestiture of 30 hospitals throughout 2017, and certain other revenues. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $169 million of additional provision for bad debts and a corresponding increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The additional amount was the result of new information obtained since the end of the third quarter of 2015 related to the deterioration in the overall collectability of self-pay accounts receivable. As a result, the Company refined its estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts and the additional amount was recorded as a change in estimate for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement, Policy	Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement. The federal government has implemented a number of regulations and programs designed to promote the use of electronic health records (“EHR”) technology and, pursuant to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), established requirements for a Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments program for eligible hospitals and professionals that adopt and meaningfully use certified EHR technology. The Company utilizes a gain contingency model to recognize EHR incentive payments. Recognition occurs when the eligible hospitals adopt or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology for the applicable payment period and have available the Medicare cost report information for the relevant full cost report year used to determine the final incentive payment. Medicaid EHR incentive payments are calculated based on prior period Medicare cost report information available at the time when eligible hospitals adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Since the information for the relevant full Medicare cost report year is available at the time of attestation, the incentive income from resolving the gain contingency is recognized when eligible hospitals adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Medicare EHR incentive payments are calculated based on the Medicare cost report information for the full cost report year that began during the federal fiscal year in which meaningful use is demonstrated. Since the necessary information is only available at the end of the relevant full Medicare cost report year and after the cost report is settled, the incentive income from resolving the gain contingency is recognized when eligible hospitals demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology and the information for the applicable full Medicare cost report year to determine the final incentive payment is available. In some instances, the Company may receive estimated Medicare EHR incentive payments prior to when the Medicare cost report information used to determine the final incentive payment is available. In these instances, recognition of the gain for EHR incentive payments is deferred until all recognition criteria described above are met. Eligibility for annual Medicare incentive payments is dependent on providers successfully attesting to the meaningful use of EHR technology. Medicaid incentive payments are available to providers in the first payment year that they adopt, implement or upgrade certified EHR technology; however, providers must demonstrate meaningful use of such technology in any subsequent payment years to qualify for additional incentive payments. Medicaid EHR incentive payments are fully funded by the federal government and administered by the states; however, the states are not required to offer EHR incentive payments to providers. The Company recognized approximately $28 million, $70 million and $160 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of incentive reimbursement for HITECH incentives from Medicare and Medicaid related to certain of the Company’s hospitals and for certain of the Company’s employed physicians that have demonstrated meaningful use of certified EHR technology or have completed attestations to their adoption or implementation of certified EHR technology. These incentive reimbursements are presented as a reduction of operating costs and expenses on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. The Company received cash related to the incentive reimbursement for HITECH incentives of approximately $41 million, $123 million and $75 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recorded no deferred revenue in connection with the receipt of these cash payments at either December 31, 2017 or 2016.
Physician Income Guarantees, Policy	Physician Income Guarantees . The Company enters into physician recruiting agreements under which it supplements physician income to a minimum amount over a period of time, typically one year, while the physicians establish themselves in the community. As part of the agreements, the physicians are committed to practice in the community for a period of time, typically three years, which extends beyond their income guarantee period. The Company records an asset and liability for the estimated fair value of minimum revenue guarantees on new agreements. Adjustments to the ultimate value of the guarantee paid to physicians are recognized in the period that the change in estimate is identified. The Company amortizes an asset over the life of the agreement. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the unamortized portion of these physician income guarantees was $29 million and $37 million, respectively.
Concentrations of Credit Risk, Policy	Concentrations of Credit Risk . The Company grants unsecured credit to its patients, most of whom reside in the service area of the Company’s facilities and are insured under third-party payor agreements. Because of the economic diversity of the Company’s facilities and non-governmental third-party payors, Medicare represents the only significant concentration of credit risk from payors. Accounts receivable, net of contractual allowances, from Medicare was $220 million and $402 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing 4% and 6% of consolidated net accounts receivable, before allowance for doubtful accounts, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy	Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a total combined impairment charge and loss on disposal of approximately $ 388 million to reduce the carrying value of certain hospitals that have been deemed held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to estimated fair value less costs to sell. Included in the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups at December 31, 2017 is a net allocation of approximately $ 7 million of goodwill allocated from the hospital operations reporting unit goodwill based on a calculation of the disposal groups’ relative fair value compared to the total reporting unit . The Company will continue to evaluate the potential for further impairment of the long-lived assets of underperforming hospitals as well as evaluating offers for potential sale. Based on such analysis, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.  Additionally, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $341 million during the three months ended December 31, 2017 for several underperforming hospitals as well as for certain hospitals deemed held for sale or where the Company has received offers or executed non-binding letters of intent to sell the hospital. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a total impairment charge of $ 326 million to reduce the carrying value of certain hospitals that have been deemed held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to estimated fair value less costs to sell. Additionally, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $ 270 million for several underperforming hospitals to their estimated fair value. The impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2016 also included approximately $19 million recorded on the sale or closure of certain of the Company’s hospitals during the year based on the remaining net book value of the assets at the date of disposal. In total, the Company recorded impairment charges of approximately $615 million on its long-lived assets other than the impairment charge taken on the hospital reporting unit goodwill that is further discussed in Note 5. Included in the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups is an allocation of approximately $365 million of goodwill allocated from the hospital reporting unit goodwill based on a calculation of the disposal groups’ relative fair value compared to the total reporting unit.
Income Taxes, Policy	 Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, in which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of “temporary differences” by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss during the period in which the tax rate change becomes law.
Comprehensive Loss, Policy	Comprehensive Loss . Comprehensive loss is the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.
Segment Reporting, Policy	Segment Reporting . A public company is required to report annual and interim financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Operating segments, as defined, are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Aggregation of similar operating segments into a single reportable operating segment is permitted if the businesses have similar economic characteristics and meet the criteria established by U.S. GAAP. The Company operated in two distinct operating segments during 2016, represented by the hospital operations (which includes the Company’s acute care hospitals and related healthcare entities that provide inpatient and outpatient healthcare services) and the home care agencies operations (which provide in-home outpatient care). U.S. GAAP requires (1) that financial information be disclosed for operating segments that meet a 10% quantitative threshold of the consolidated totals of net revenue, profit or loss, or total assets; and (2) that the individual reportable segments disclosed contribute at least 75% of total consolidated net revenue. Based on these measures, only the hospital operations segment meets the criteria as a separate reportable segment. Financial information for the home care agencies segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds and is therefore combined with corporate into the all other reportable segment. Additionally, as discussed in Note 3, on December 31, 2016, the Company sold 80 % of its ownership interest in the home care segment. In 2017 and in future periods, the Company will only operate in one operating segment.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Policy	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities . The Company records derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Changes in a derivative’s fair value are recorded each period in earnings or other comprehensive income (“OCI”), depending on whether the derivative is designated and is effective as a hedged transaction, and on the type of hedge transaction. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments recorded to OCI are reclassified to earnings in the period affected by the underlying hedged item. Any portion of the fair value of a derivative instrument determined to be ineffective under the standard is recognized in current earnings. The Company has entered into several interest rate swap agreements. See Note 8 for further discussion about the swap transactions.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	New Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, which outlines a single comprehensive model for recognizing revenue and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance, including guidance specific to the healthcare industry. This ASU provides companies the option of applying a full or modified retrospective approach upon adoption. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018 and during the fourth quarter of 2017 it completed its plan for adoption, including updating its revenue recognition policies, procedures and control framework and evaluating the resulting impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. A significant element of executing this plan was the process of reviewing sources of revenue and evaluating the patient account population to determine the appropriate distribution of patient accounts into portfolios with similar characteristics that, when evaluated under the new revenue standard, will result in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account was evaluated on a contract-by-contract basis. As part of this evaluation, the Company invested significant time and resources to evaluate the estimates of how much of its insured patient accounts receivable will ultimately be due from the patient as a co-pay or deductible, and of that amount, how much will ultimately be collectible. The application of these new processes and methodologies to evaluate updated collection data to determine the patient portfolios and estimate the implicit price concessions and constraints on revenue required by this new accounting standard resulted in new information that reflected a required reduction to the amount of net patient accounts receivable on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position. As a result, the Company recorded a change in estimate through additional contractual allowances and allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2017 as further discussed above with respect to the Company’s accounting policies on net operating revenues and the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations on a prospective basis. The Company also assessed the impact of the new standard on various reimbursement programs that represent variable consideration, including settlements with third party payors, disproportionate share payments, supplemental state Medicaid programs, bundled payment of care programs and other reimbursement programs in which the Company’s hospitals participate. Industry guidance is continuing to develop around this issue, and any conclusions in the final industry guidance that is inconsistent with the Company’s application could result in changes to the Company’s expectations regarding the impact that this new accounting standard could have on the Company’s financial statements. The Company does not believe such industry guidance will have an impact on its current accounting policies and procedures related to third party settlements. Final drafts of industry guidance on these and other reimbursement programs unique to the healthcare industry are expected later in 2018. The Company is monitoring the development of such guidance. Additionally, the adoption of the new accounting standard will impact the presentation on the Company’s statement of operations for a significant component of its provision for bad debts. After adoption of the new standard, the majority of what is currently classified as the provision for bad debts will be reflected as an implicit price concession as defined in the standard and therefore a reduction to net patient revenue. The Company will consider certain changes in collectability on its self-pay patient accounts receivable resulting from certain credit and collection issues not assessed at the date of service and recognize such amounts in the provision for bad debts included in operating expenses on the statement of operations. Previously, the Company disclosed its intention to apply the full retrospective approach to implementing this ASU upon adoption at January 1, 2018. During the last several months, as the Company has developed and implemented new processes for accumulating detailed financial information on patient revenue at the portfolio level, management concluded that the full retrospective approach to applying this ASU to prior periods would be significantly impacted by the number of hospitals that the Company has divested or spun-off in recent years, and the effect of those transactions on the portfolios. As a result, the Company has applied the modified retrospective approach to adopting this ASU. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which amends the measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements for equity investments, other than those accounted for under the equity method or that require consolidation of the investee. The ASU eliminates the classification of equity investments as available-for-sale with any changes in fair value of such investments recognized in other comprehensive income, and requires entities to measure equity investments at fair value, with any changes in fair value recognized in net income. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018, and does not expect the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which amends the accounting for leases, requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet with a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating leases, which will impact the expense recognition of such leases over the lease term. The ASU also modifies the lease classification criteria for lessors and eliminates some of the real estate leasing guidance previously applied for certain leasing transactions. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. Because of the number of leases the Company utilizes to support its operations, the adoption of this ASU is expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. Management is currently evaluating the extent of this anticipated impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations, and the quantitative and qualitative factors that will impact the Company as part of the adoption of this ASU, as well as any changes to its leasing strategy that may occur because of the changes to the accounting and recognition of leases. Most recently, the Company has organized an implementation group of cross-functional departmental management to ensure the completeness of its lease information, analyze the appropriate classification of current leases under the new standard, and develop new processes to execute, approve and classify leases on an ongoing basis. The Company has also engaged outside experts to assist in the development of this plan, as well as the identification and selection of software tools and processes to maintain lease information critical to applying the new standard. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which was issued to simplify some of the accounting guidance for share-based compensation. Among the areas impacted by the amendments in this ASU is the accounting for income taxes related to share-based payments, accounting for forfeitures, classification of awards as equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017. Because of the recent decline in the Company’s stock price below the Company’s stock price at the stock award grant date for outstanding share-based awards, the principal impact from adopting this ASU has been a $16 million increase in the Company’s current provision for income taxes due to the deficiency created by a difference between the actual tax deduction that will be recognized from the vesting of outstanding share-based awards during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the higher stock compensation expense previously recorded over the vesting period as determined based on the fair value of the restricted stock at the grant date. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. Instead of a two-step impairment model, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value as determined in step one of the impairment test, an impairment loss is measured at the amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This ASU is effective for any interim or annual impairment tests for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis. Prior to the completion of the annual goodwill impairment analysis, the Company identified additional indicators of impairment that required an interim goodwill impairment evaluation, which was performed as of November 30, 2017. The result of that step one analysis indicated that the carrying value of the hospital reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value. At that time, the Company elected to early adopt the simplified goodwill impairment model in ASU 2017-04, and as a result recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.419 billion to goodwill during the three months ended December 31, 2017. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, which changes the presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost for sponsors of defined benefit plans for pensions. Under the changes in this ASU, the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost will be reported in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs arising from services during the reporting period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost will be presented separately in a line item outside of operating income. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018, and has determined that adoption will have an immaterial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. Since the changes required in this new ASU only change the income statement classification of the components of net periodic benefit cost, no changes are expected to income from continuing operations or net income. Currently, the Company reports all of the components of net periodic benefit cost as a component of salaries and benefits on the consolidated statement of income. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, which was issued to amend hedge accounting recognition and disclosure requirements to improve transparency and simplify the application of hedge accounting for certain hedging instruments. The amendments in this ASU that will have an impact on the Company include simplification of the periodic hedge effectiveness assessment, elimination of the benchmark interest rate concept for interest rate swaps, and enhancement of the ability to use the critical-terms match method for its cash flow hedges of forecasted interest payments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018, and concluded the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations

Acquisitions and Divestitures (

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract]
Acquisitions Policy	 Acquisitions The Company accounts for all transactions that represent business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, where the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity are recognized and measured at their fair values on the date the Company obtains control in the acquiree. Such fair values that are not finalized for reporting periods following the acquisition date are estimated and recorded as provisional amounts. Adjustments to these provisional amounts during the measurement period (defined as the date through which all information required to identify and measure the consideration transferred, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests has been obtained, limited to one year from the acquisition date) are recorded when identified. Goodwill is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired.

Fair Value of Financial Instr33

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt in the above table is presented net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs. The estimated fair value is determined using the methodologies discussed below in accordance with accounting standards related to the determination of fair value based on the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 9 . The estimated fair value for financial instruments with a fair value that does not equal its carrying value is considered a Level 1 valuation. The Company utilizes the market approach and obtains indicative pricing from the administrative agent to the Credit Facility to determine fair values or through publicly available subscription services such as Bloomberg where relevant. Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments (less than three months). Available-for-sale securities. Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets or other various valuation techniques. Trading securities. Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets. Contingent Value Right . Estimated fair value is based on the closing price as quoted on the public market where the CVR is traded. Credit Facility. Estimated fair value is based on publicly available trading activity and supported with information from the Company’s bankers regarding relevant pricing for trading activity among the Company’s lending institutions. 8% Senior Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 7⅛% Senior Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 6⅞% Senior Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. 6¼% Senior Secured Notes. Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes. Receivables Facility and other debt. The carrying amount of the Receivables Facility and all other debt approximates fair value due to the nature of these obligations. Interest rate swaps. The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is the amount at which they could be settled, based on estimates calculated by the Company using a discounted cash flow analysis based on observable market inputs and validated by comparison to estimates obtained from the counterparty. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments (“CVAs”) to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance or credit risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance or credit risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements for the effect of nonperformance or credit risk, the Company has considered the impact of any netting features included in the agreements.

Fair Value (Policy)

Fair Value (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement, Policy	Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the Company utilizes the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumption about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 includes values determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques reflecting the Company’s own assumptions. In instances where the determination of the fair value hierarchy measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment of factors specific to the asset or liability. Transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized by the Company on the date of the change in circumstances that requires such transfer. There were no transfers between levels during the years ending December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . 

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Legal Costs, Policy	Legal Matters. The Company is a party to various legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings incidental to its business. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, including the matters described herein, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period. With respect to all legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings, the Company considers the likelihood of a negative outcome. If the Company determines the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to any such matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an accrual for the estimated loss for the expected outcome of the matter. If the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to material matters is reasonably possible and the Company is able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or a range of loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, the Company discloses the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, the Company is unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in some instances based on the significant uncertainties involved in, and/or the preliminary nature of, certain legal, regulatory and governmental matters.

Supplemental Condensed Consol36

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information Policy	These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.” The accounting policies used in the preparation of this financial information are consistent with those elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except as noted below: · Intercompany receivables and payables are presented gross in the supplemental condensed consolidating balance sheets. · Cash flows from intercompany transactions are presented in cash flows from financing activities, as changes in intercompany balances with affiliates, net. · Income tax expense is allocated from the parent guarantor to the income producing operations (other guarantors and non-guarantors) and the issuer through stockholders’ (deficit) equity. As this approach represents an allocation, the income tax expense allocation is considered non-cash for statement of cash flow purposes. · Interest expense, net has been presented to reflect net interest expense and interest income from outstanding long-term debt and intercompany balances. The Company’s intercompany activity consists primarily of daily cash transfers for purposes of cash management, the allocation of certain expenses and expenditures paid for by the Parent on behalf of its subsidiaries, and the push down of investment in its subsidiaries. This activity also includes the intercompany transactions between consolidated entities as part of the Receivables Facility that is further discussed in Note 7. The Company’s subsidiaries generally do not purchase services from one another; thus, the intercompany transactions do not represent revenue generating transactions. All intercompany transactions eliminate in consolidation. From time to time, subsidiaries of the Company sell and/or repurchase noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries, which may change subsidiaries between guarantors and non-guarantors. Effective with the spin-off of QHC, all subsidiaries of the Company that were part of that distribution have been removed as guarantors. Amounts for prior periods have been revised to reflect the status of guarantors and non-guarantors as of December 31, 2017.

Basis of Presentation and Sig37

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating Revenues, Net of Contractual Allowances and Discounts (But Before the Provision for Bad Debts)	  Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Medicare $ 4,188 $ 5,089 $ 5,439  Medicaid 1,900 2,234 2,532  Managed Care and other third-party payors 9,991 11,354 11,816  Self-pay 2,319 2,598 2,777  Total $ 18,398 $ 21,275 $ 22,564  

Accounting for Stock-Based Co38

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Effect on (loss) income from continuing operations before  income taxes $ (24) $ (46) $ (59)  Effect on net (loss) income $ (16) $ (27) $ (35)  
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	    Weighted- Aggregate  Average Intrinsic  Weighted- Remaining Value as of  Average Contractual December 31,  Shares Exercise Price Term 2017  Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,953,727 $ 32.94  Granted - -  Exercised (711,568) 35.15  Forfeited and cancelled (10,001) 34.96  Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,232,158 31.65  Granted - -  Exercised - -  Forfeited and cancelled (46,838) 27.44  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,185,320 28.12  Granted - -  Exercised - -  Forfeited and cancelled (69,653) 33.52  Outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,115,667 $ 31.56 2.0 years $ -  Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,115,667 $ 31.56 2.0 years $ - 
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock, Activity	   Weighted-  Average Grant  Shares Date Fair Value  Unvested at December 31, 2014 2,760,639 $ 39.82  Granted 1,254,500 47.69  Vested (1,156,226) 37.61  Forfeited (13,334) 41.32  Unvested at December 31, 2015 2,845,579 44.18  Granted 1,611,049 14.11  Vested (1,343,003) 43.39  Forfeited (144,340) 19.99  Unvested at December 31, 2016 2,969,285 29.39  Granted 1,502,000 9.10  Vested (1,586,855) 33.91  Forfeited (240,511) 18.20  Unvested at December 31, 2017 2,643,919 16.17 
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Activity	   Weighted-  Average Grant  Shares Date Fair Value  Unvested at December 31, 2014 49,362 $ 36.07  Granted 21,024 47.70  Vested (27,708) 31.76  Forfeited - -  Unvested at December 31, 2015 42,678 44.59  Granted 99,140 16.90  Vested (21,432) 43.87  Forfeited - -  Unvested at December 31, 2016 120,386 22.06  Granted 110,988 9.19  Vested (59,296) 24.90  Forfeited - -  Unvested at December 31, 2017 172,078 12.78 

Acquisitions and Divestitures39

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	   2016   Current assets $ 7  Property and equipment 69  Goodwill 57  Intangible assets 10  Other long-term assets 3  Liabilities (10)  Noncontrolling interests (28)  Total identifiable net assets $ 108  
Schedule of Divestitures	  Licensed  Hospital Buyer City, State Beds Effective Date   2017 Divestitures:   Highlands Regional Medical Center HCA Holdings, Inc. ( “ HCA ” ) Sebring, FL 126 November 1, 2017  Merit Health Northwest Mississippi Curae Health, Inc. Clarksdale, MS 181 November 1, 2017  Weatherford Regional Medical Center HCA Weatherford, TX 103 October 1, 2017  Brandywine Hospital Reading Health System Coatesville, PA 169 October 1, 2017  Chestnut Hill Hospital Reading Health System Philadelphia, PA 148 October 1, 2017  Jennersville Hospital Reading Health System West Grove, PA 63 October 1, 2017  Phoenixville Hospital Reading Health System Phoenixville, PA 151 October 1, 2017  Pottstown Memorial Medical Center Reading Health System Pottstown, PA 232 October 1, 2017  Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center Regional Health Yakima, WA 214 September 1, 2017  Toppenish Community Hospital Regional Health Toppenish, WA 63 September 1, 2017  Memorial Hospital of York PinnacleHealth System York, PA 100 July 1, 2017  Lancaster Regional Medical Center PinnacleHealth System Lancaster, PA 214 July 1, 2017  Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center PinnacleHealth System Lititz, PA 148 July 1, 2017  Carlisle Regional Medical Center PinnacleHealth System Carlisle, PA 165 July 1, 2017  Tomball Regional Medical Center HCA Tomball, TX 350 July 1, 2017  South Texas Regional Medical Center HCA Jourdanton, TX 67 July 1, 2017  Deaconess Hospital MultiCare Health System Spokane, WA 388 July 1, 2017  Valley Hospital MultiCare Health System Spokane Valley, WA 123 July 1, 2017  Lake Area Medical Center CHRISTUS Health Lake Charles, LA 88 June 30, 2017  Easton Hospital Steward Health, Inc. Easton, PA 196 May 1, 2017  Sharon Regional Health System Steward Health, Inc. Sharon, PA 258 May 1, 2017  Northside Medical Center Steward Health, Inc. Youngstown, OH 355 May 1, 2017  Trumbull Memorial Hospital Steward Health, Inc. Warren, OH 311 May 1, 2017  Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital Steward Health, Inc. Warren, OH 69 May 1, 2017  Wuesthoff Health System – Rockledge Steward Health, Inc. Rockledge, FL 298 May 1, 2017  Wuesthoff Health System – Melbourne Steward Health, Inc. Melbourne, FL 119 May 1, 2017  Sebastian River Medical Center Steward Health, Inc. Sebastian, FL 154 May 1, 2017  Stringfellow Memorial Hospital The Health Care Authority Anniston, AL 125 May 1, 2017  of the City of Anniston  Merit Health Gilmore Memorial Curae Health, Inc. Amory, MS 95 May 1, 2017  Merit Health Batesville Curae Health, Inc. Batesville, MS 112 May 1, 2017   2016 Divestitures:   Alliance Health Blackwell * The Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority Blackwell, OK 53 September 3, 2016  Lehigh Regional Medical Center Prime Healthcare Services, Inc. (“Prime”) Lehigh Acres, FL 88 February 1, 2016  Bartow Regional Medical Center BayCare Health Systems, Inc. Bartow, FL 72 January 1, 2016   2015 Divestitures:   Payson Regional Medical Center * Banner Health Payson, AZ 44 July 31, 2015  Fallbrook Hospital * Fallbrook Healthcare District Fallbrook, CA 47 June 30, 2015  Chesterfield General Hospital M/C Healthcare, LLC Cheraw, SC 59 April 1, 2015  Marlboro Park Hospital M/C Healthcare, LLC Bennettsville, SC 102 April 1, 2015  Dallas Regional Medical Center Prime Mesquite, TX 202 March 1, 2015  Riverview Regional Medical Center Prime Gadsden, AL 281 March 1, 2015  Harris Hospital White County Medical Center Newport, AR 133 February 1, 2015  Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center Capella Healthcare Hartsville, SC 116 January 1, 2015   * Divestiture relates to termination of a prior lease for the hospital.  
Schedule of Net Operating Revenues and Loss and Assets and Liabilities Classified as Discontinued Operations	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015   Net operating revenues $ 79 $ 99 $ 114  Loss from operations of entities sold or held for sale  before income taxes $ (10) $ (11) (42)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale (8) (12) (8)  Loss on sale, net (1) - (6)  Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes (19) (23) (56)  Income tax benefit (7) (8) (20)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ (12) $ (15) $ (36)  
Schedule of Balance Sheet Items Classified as Held for Sale	   December 31, 2017 2016  Other current assets $8 $117  Other assets, net 12 878  Accrued liabilities 2 81 
Hospitals in Period [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Operating Results included in Consolidated Statement of Income	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015   (Loss) income from operations before income taxes $ (544) $ (517) $ 27  Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1) (1) (2)  (Loss) income from operations before income taxes attributable  to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (545) $ (518) $ 25  

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Cor40

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quorum Health Corporation [Member]
Schedule of Operating Results included in Consolidated Statement of Income	   Year Ended  December 31, 2016   Loss from operations before income taxes $ (12)  Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)  Loss from operations before income taxes attributable  to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (13)  

Goodwill and Other Intangible41

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016   Balance, beginning of year $ 6,521 $ 8,965  Goodwill acquired as part of acquisitions during current year 5 71  Consideration and purchase price allocation adjustments for prior year’s  acquisitions and other adjustments (27) -  Goodwill allocated to QHC in the spin-off - (709)  Goodwill in the home care operations reporting unit included in the sale of a  majority interest in the home care division - (46)  Goodwill allocated to hospitals held for sale (357) (365)  Impairment of goodwill (1,419) (1,395)  Balance, end of year $ 4,723 $ 6,521  

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes for Income from Continuing Operations	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Current:  Federal $ - $ 5 $ 7  State 5 7 7  5 12 14  Deferred:  Federal (485) (88) 103  State 31 (28) (1)  (454) (116) 102  Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes for (loss) income  from continuing operations $ (449) $ (104) $ 116  
Schedule of Reconciliation between the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Amount % Amount % Amount %  (Benefit from) provision for income  taxes at statutory federal rate $ (991) 35.0 % $ (600) 35.0 % $ 144 35.0 %  State income taxes, net of federal  income tax benefit (10) 0.3 (1) 0.1 13 3.3  Net income attributable to  noncontrolling interests (22) 0.8 (33) 1.9 (35) (8.6)  Change in valuation allowance 26 (0.9) (1) 0.1 (2) (0.4)  Federal rate change 32 (1.1) - - - -  Federal and state tax credits (5) 0.1 (6) 0.3 (5) (1.2)  Nondeductible transaction costs 3 (0.2) - -  Nondeductible goodwill 504 (17.8) 536 (31.2) - -  Other 17 (0.6) (2) 0.1 1 0.3  (Benefit from) provision for income  taxes and effective tax rate for (loss)  income from continuing operations $ (449) 15.8 % $ (104) 6.1 % $ 116 28.4 %  
Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Taxes	   December 31,  2017 2016  Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities  Net operating loss and credit carryforwards $ 583 $ - $ 412 $ -  Property and equipment - 263 - 583  Self-insurance liabilities 78 - 130 -  Prepaid expenses - 30 - 61  Intangibles - 128 - 238  Investments in unconsolidated affiliates - 54 - 81  Other liabilities - 16 - 22  Long-term debt and interest 6 - - 12  Accounts receivable 144 - 70 -  Accrued vacation 27 - 56 -  Other comprehensive income 9 - 38 -  Stock-based compensation 10 - 23 -  Deferred compensation 77 - 132 -  Other 89 - 125 -  1,023 491 986 997  Valuation allowance (489) - (385) -  Total deferred income taxes $ 534 $ 491 $ 601 $ 997  
Schedule of Reconciliation of the Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefit	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of year $ 18 $ 15 $ 16  Gross increases — tax positions in current period - 4 -  Lapse of statute of limitations - (1) (1)  Unrecognized tax benefit, end of year $ 18 $ 18 $ 15  

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt	  December 31,  2017 2016  Credit Facility:  Term A Loan $ - $ 749  Term F Loan - 1,445  Term G Loan 1,037 1,528  Term H Loan 1,903 2,811  Revolving credit loans - -  8% Senior Notes due 2019 1,925 1,925  7⅛% Senior Notes due 2020 1,200 1,200  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 - 700  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 1,000 1,000  6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 3,000 3,000  6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 3,100 -  Receivables Facility 565 677  Capital lease obligations 304 328  Other 48 74  Less: Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium (169) (193)  Total debt 13,913 15,244  Less: Current maturities (33) (455)  Total long-term debt $ 13,880 $ 14,789  
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	   Year Amount   2018 $ 33  2019 3,569  2020 1,210  2021 2,913  2022 3,010  Thereafter 3,347  Total maturities 14,082  Less: Deferred debt issuance costs (191)  Plus: unamortized note premium 22  Total long-term debt $ 13,913  
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	   Year Amount   2018 $ -  2019 1,037  2020 -  2021 1,903  2022 -  Thereafter -  Total maturities 2,940  Less: Deferred debt issuance costs (38)  Total term loans and outstanding revolving credit loans $ 2,902  
Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes	   Period Redemption Price  November 15, 2017 to November 14, 2019 100.000 % 
Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes	   Period Redemption Price  July 15, 2017 to July 14, 2018 101.781 %  July 15, 2018 to July 14, 2020 100.000 % 
Senior Secured Notes at 5.125, Due 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes	   Period Redemption Price  February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018 103.844 %  February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 102.563 %  February 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 101.281 %  February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021 100.000 % 
Senior Notes at 6.875, Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes	   Period Redemption Price  February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 103.438 %  February 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 101.719 %  February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022 100.000 % 
Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes	   Period Redemption Price  March 31, 2020 to March 30, 2021 103.125 %  March 31, 2021 to March 30, 2022 101.563 %  March 31, 2022 to March 30, 2023 100.000 %  

Fair Value of Financial Instr44

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, by Balance Sheet Grouping	  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Carrying Estimated Fair Carrying Estimated Fair  Amount Value Amount Value  Assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 563 $ 563 $ 238 $ 238  Available-for-sale securities 252 252 299 299  Trading securities 37 37 80 80  Liabilities:  Contingent Value Right 2 2 1 1  Credit Facility 2,902 2,826 6,456 6,370  8% Senior Notes 1,922 1,637 1,920 1,615  7⅛% Senior Notes 1,192 897 1,189 917  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 - - 698 690  5⅛% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 978 902 972 930  6⅞% Senior Notes 2,943 1,729 2,932 2,102  6¼% Senior Secured Notes 3,061 2,800 - -  Receivables Facility and other debt 611 611 749 749 
Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps	   Liability (Asset)  Notional Amount Fair Value  Swap # (in millions) Fixed Interest Rate Termination Date (in millions)  1 $ 400 1.882 % August 30, 2019 $ (1)  2 200 2.515 % August 30, 2019 2  3 200 2.613 % August 30, 2019 2  4 300 2.041 % August 30, 2020 -  5 300 2.738 % August 30, 2020 5  6 300 2.892 % August 30, 2020 6  7 300 2.363 % January 27, 2021 2  8 200 2.368 % January 27, 2021 1  
Schedule of Pre-tax (Loss) Gain Recognized as a Component of Other Comprehensive Income	  Amount of Pre-Tax Income (Loss)  Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)  Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Interest rate swaps $ 2 $ (27) $ (51)  
Schedule of Effective Portion of the Pre-tax Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income	   Amount of Pre-Tax Loss Reclassified  Location of Loss Reclassified from from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)  AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Interest expense, net $ 30 $ 54 $ 42 
Schedule of the Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	   Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Balance Balance Balance Balance  Sheet Sheet Sheet Sheet  Location Fair Value Location Fair Value Location Fair Value Location Fair Value  Derivatives  designated as Other Other Other Other  hedging assets, assets, long-term long-term  instruments net $ 1 net $ - liabilities $ 18 liabilities $ 49 

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	   December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Available-for-sale securities $ 252 $ 132 $ 120 $ -  Trading securities 37 37 - -  Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 1 - 1 -  Total assets $ 290 $ 169 $ 121 $ -   Contingent Value Right (CVR) $ 2 $ 2 $ - $ -  CVR-related liability 256 - - 256  Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 18 - 18 -  Total liabilities $ 276 $ 2 $ 18 $ 256   December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Available-for-sale securities $ 299 $ 163 $ 136 $ -  Trading securities 80 80 - -  Total assets $ 379 $ 243 $ 136 $ -   Contingent Value Right (CVR) $ 1 $ 1 $ - $ -  CVR-related liability 252 - - 252  Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 49 - 49 -  Total liabilities $ 302 $ 1 $ 49 $ 252 
Available-for-sale Securities	   Gross Gross Estimated  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses Values  As of December 31, 2017:  Debt securities and debt-based mutual funds  Government and corporate $ 189 $ - $ (4) $ 185  Equity securities and equity-based mutual funds  Domestic 51 10 - 61  International 5 1 - 6  Totals $ 245 $ 11 $ (4) $ 252        Gross Gross Estimated  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  Cost Gains Losses Values  As of December 31, 2016:  Debt securities and debt-based mutual funds  Government and corporate $ 232 $ - $ (9) $ 223  Equity securities and equity-based mutual funds  Domestic 67 3 - 70  International 6 - - 6  Totals $ 305 $ 3 $ (9) $ 299  
Contractual Maturities of Debt Securities	   December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016  Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated  Cost Fair Values Cost Fair Values  Within 1 year $ 4 $ 4 $ 2 $ 2  After 1 year and through year 5 46 46 40 40  After 5 years and through year 10 32 31 42 40  After 10 years 41 40 57 54  
Gross Realized Gains and Losses and Investment Income on Available-for-sale Securities	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Realized gains $ 3 $ 28 $ 8  Realized losses (2) (6) (6)  Investment income 8 7 8  

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating and Capital Leases	   Year Ending December 31, Operating (1) Capital   2018 $ 208 $ 32  2019 161 28  2020 130 23  2021 91 23  2022 70 22  Thereafter 246 299  Total minimum future payments $ 906 427  Less: Imputed interest (123)  Total capital lease obligations 304  Less: Current portion (17)  Long-term capital lease obligations $ 287  (1) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future of $6 million. 

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Equity	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems,  Inc. stockholders $ (2,459) $ (1,721) $ 158  Transfers from the noncontrolling interests:  Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc.  paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests (2) (9) (16)  Net transfers from the noncontrolling interests (2) (9) (16)  Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ (deficit)  equity from net (loss) income attributable to Community Health  Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests $ (2,461) $ (1,730) $ 142  

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Numerator:  (Loss) income from continuing operations, net of taxes $ (2,384) $ (1,611) $ 295  Less: Income from continuing operations attributable  to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes 63 95 101  (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders — basic and diluted $ (2,447) $ (1,706) $ 194   Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ (12) $ (15) $ (36)  Less: Loss from discontinued operations attributable  to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes - - -  Loss from discontinued operations attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders — basic and diluted $ (12) $ (15) $ (36)   Denominator:  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic 111,769,821 110,730,971 114,454,674  Effect of dilutive securities:  Restricted stock awards - - 449,961  Employee stock options - - 357,188  Other equity-based awards - - 10,581  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted 111,769,821 110,730,971 115,272,404  
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities	   Year Ended December 31,  2017 2016 2015  Dilutive securities outstanding not included in  the computation of earnings per  share because their effect is antidilutive:  Employee stock options and restricted stock awards 3,008,919 2,554,627 255,564  

Equity Investments (Tables)

Equity Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Information Related to Unconsolidated Entities-Balance Sheet	     December 31, 2016   Current assets $ 54  Noncurrent assets 112  Total assets $ 166   Current liabilities $ 17  Noncurrent liabilities 2  Members’ equity 147  Total liabilities and equity $ 166  
Schedule of Financial Information Related to Unconsolidated Entities Included in Consolidated Statement of Income	   Year Ended December 31,  2016 2015  Revenues $ 731 $ 1,494  Operating costs and expenses 602 1,287  Income from continuing operations before taxes 129 207 

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment	   Year Ended December 31,  2016 2015  Net operating revenues:  Hospital operations $ 18,210 $ 19,234  Corporate and all other 228 203  Total $ 18,438 $ 19,437   (Loss) income from continuing operations  before income taxes:  Hospital operations $ (1,418) $ 767  Corporate and all other (297) (356)  Total $ (1,715) $ 411   Expenditures for segment assets:  Hospital operations $ 727 $ 915  Corporate and all other 17 38  Total $ 744 $ 953    December 31, 2016  Total assets:  Hospital operations $ 20,582  Corporate and all other 1,362  Total $ 21,944  

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component	     Change in  Change in Fair Change in Fair Unrecognized Accumulated Other  Value of Interest Value of Available Pension Cost Comprehensive  Rate Swaps for Sale Securities Components Income (Loss)  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (31) $ (10) $ (21) $ (62)  Other comprehensive  income before reclassifications - 8 5 13  Amounts reclassified from  accumulated other  comprehensive income 19 - 9 28  Net current-period other  comprehensive income 19 8 14 41  Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (12) $ (2) $ (7) $ (21)       Change in  Change in Fair Change in Fair Unrecognized Accumulated Other  Value of Interest Value of Available Pension Cost Comprehensive  Rate Swaps for Sale Securities Components Income (Loss)  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (48) $ 1 $ (26) $ (73)  Other comprehensive (loss) income  before reclassifications (17) 2 1 (14)  Amounts reclassified from  accumulated other  comprehensive income 34 (13) 2 23  Net current-period other  comprehensive income (loss) 17 (11) 3 9  AOCI distributed to QHC in spin-off - - 2 2  Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (31) $ (10) $ (21) $ (62)  
Schedule of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	     Amount reclassified  Amount reclassified  from AOCL Affected line item in the  Details about accumulated other Year Ended statement where net  comprehensive (loss) income components December 31, 2017 (loss) income is presented  Gains and losses on cash flow hedges  Interest rate swaps $ (30) Interest expense, net  11 Tax benefit  $ (19) Net of tax   Amortization of defined benefit pension items  Prior service costs $ (2) Salaries and benefits  Actuarial losses (1) Salaries and benefits  Settlement losses recognized (13) Salaries and benefits  (16) Total before tax  7 Tax benefit  $ (9) Net of tax       Amount reclassified  from AOCL Affected line item in the  Details about accumulated other Year Ended statement where net  comprehensive (loss) income components December 31, 2016 (loss) income is presented  Gains and losses on cash flow hedges  Interest rate swaps $ (54) Interest expense, net  20 Tax benefit  $ (34) Net of tax   Amortization of defined benefit pension items  Prior service costs $ (2) Salaries and benefits  Actuarial losses (1) Salaries and benefits  (3) Total before tax  1 Tax benefit  $ (2) Net of tax  

Commitments and Contingencies52

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Impact of Legal Expenses Paid or Incurred to Date and Settlements Paid or Deemed Final	   Allocation of Expenses and Settlements Paid  Reduction to  Total Expenses Company's Amount Owed  and Settlement Responsibility to CVR Holders  Cost Deductible at 10% at 90%  As of December 31, 2015 $ 58 $ 18 $ 4 $ 36  Settlements paid 1 - - 1  Legal expenses incurred  and/or paid during  the year ended  December 31, 2016 3 - - 3  As of December 31, 2016 62 18 4 40  Settlements paid - - - -  Legal expenses incurred  and/or paid during the  year ended  December 31, 2017 2 - - 2  As of December 31, 2017 $ 64 $ 18 $ 4 $ 42  
Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Liability Balances in Connection with Probable Contingencies	   CVR-Related Other  Liability Probable  at Fair Value Contingencies  Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 261 $ 10  (Income) expense (8) 14  Reserve for insured claim - 1  Cash payments (1) (11)  Balance as of December 31, 2016 252 14  Expense 4 14  Cash payments - (14)  Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 256 $ 14  

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	  Quarter  1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th Total (2)   (in millions, except share and per share data)  Year ended December 31, 2017:  Net operating revenues $ 4,486 $ 4,144 $ 3,666 $ 3,059 $ 15,353  Loss from continuing operations  before income taxes (176) (131) (147) (2,379) (2,833)  Loss from continuing operations (176) (116) (88) (2,004) (2,384)  Loss from discontinued operations (1) (6) (2) (3) (12)  Net loss attributable to Community  Health Systems, Inc. $ (199) $ (137) $ (110) $ (2,013) $ (2,459)  Basic loss per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ (1.78) $ (1.17) $ (0.96) $ (17.95) $ (21.89)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.06) (0.02) (0.03) (0.11)  Net loss $ (1.79) $ (1.22) $ (0.98) $ (17.98) $ (22.00)  Diluted loss per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ (1.78) $ (1.17) $ (0.96) $ (17.95) $ (21.89)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.06) (0.02) (0.03) (0.11)  Net loss $ (1.79) $ (1.22) $ (0.98) $ (17.98) $ (22.00)  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:  Basic 111,252,331 111,909,858 111,935,738 111,971,628 111,769,821  Diluted 111,252,331 111,909,858 111,935,738 111,971,628 111,769,821   Year ended December 31, 2016:  Net operating revenues $ 4,999 $ 4,590 $ 4,380 $ 4,469 $ 18,438  Income (loss) from continuing operations  before income taxes 63 (1,543) (83) (152) (1,715)  Income (loss) from continuing operations 37 (1,405) (54) (189) (1,611)  Loss from discontinued operations (1) (1) (2) (9) (15)  Net income (loss) attributable to Community  Health Systems, Inc. $ 11 $ (1,432) $ (79) $ (220) $ (1,721)  Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (12.90) $ (0.69) $ (1.91) $ (15.41)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.01) (0.02) (0.09) (0.13)  Net income (loss) $ 0.10 $ (12.91) $ (0.71) $ (1.99) $ (15.54)  Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. common  stockholders(1):  Continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (12.90) $ (0.69) $ (1.91) $ (15.41)  Discontinued operations (0.01) (0.01) (0.02) (0.09) (0.13)  Net income (loss) $ 0.10 $ (12.91) $ (0.71) $ (1.99) $ (15.54)  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:  Basic 110,247,867 110,879,285 110,888,040 110,905,052 110,730,971  Diluted 110,309,372 110,879,285 110,888,040 110,905,052 110,730,971   (1) Total per share amounts may not add due to rounding.   (2) Total quarterly amounts may not add due to rounding. 

Supplemental Condensed Consol54

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Loss	      Condensed Consolidating Statement of Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2017   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Operating revenues (net of contractual  allowances and discounts) $ - $ (22) $ 10,765 $ 7,655 $ - $ 18,398  Provision for bad debts - - 2,063 982 - 3,045  Net operating revenues - (22) 8,702 6,673 - 15,353  Operating costs and expenses:  Salaries and benefits - - 3,614 3,762 - 7,376  Supplies - - 1,628 1,044 - 2,672  Other operating expenses - - 2,376 1,488 - 3,864  Government and other legal settlements and  related costs - - (31) - - (31)  Electronic health records incentive reimbursement - - (12) (16) - (28)  Rent - - 198 196 - 394  Depreciation and amortization - - 501 360 - 861  Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net - - 1,212 911 - 2,123  Total operating costs and expenses - - 9,486 7,745 - 17,231  Loss from operations - (22) (784) (1,072) - (1,878)  Interest expense, net - 327 587 17 - 931  Loss from early extinguishment of debt - 40 - - - 40  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 2,459 1,955 865 - (5,295) (16)  Loss from continuing operations  before income taxes (2,459) (2,344) (2,236) (1,089) 5,295 (2,833)  Provision for (benefit from) income taxes - 115 (297) (267) - (449)  Loss from continuing operations (2,459) (2,459) (1,939) (822) 5,295 (2,384)  Discontinued operations, net of taxes:  Loss from operations of entities sold or  held for sale - - (4) (2) - (6)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale - - (5) (1) - (6)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes - - (9) (3) - (12)  Net loss (2,459) (2,459) (1,948) (825) 5,295 (2,396)  Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 63 - 63  Net loss attributable to Community  Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (2,459) $ (2,459) $ (1,948) $ (888) $ 5,295 $ (2,459)         Condensed Consolidating Statement of Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2016   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Operating revenues (net of contractual  allowances and discounts) $ - $ (25) $ 11,089 $ 10,211 $ - $ 21,275  Provision for bad debts - - 1,707 1,130 - 2,837  Net operating revenues - (25) 9,382 9,081 - 18,438  Operating costs and expenses:  Salaries and benefits - - 3,754 4,870 - 8,624  Supplies - - 1,660 1,351 - 3,011  Other operating expenses - - 2,238 2,010 - 4,248  Government and other legal settlements and  related costs - - 16 - - 16  Electronic health records incentive reimbursement - - (37) (33) - (70)  Rent - - 199 251 - 450  Depreciation and amortization - - 614 486 - 1,100  Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net - - 1,262 657 - 1,919  Total operating costs and expenses - - 9,706 9,592 - 19,298  Loss from operations - (25) (324) (511) - (860)  Interest expense, net - 241 631 90 - 962  Loss from early extinguishment of debt - 30 - - - 30  Gain on sale of investments in  unconsolidated affiliates - - (94) - - (94)  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 1,721 1,466 585 - (3,815) (43)  Loss from continuing operations before  income taxes (1,721) (1,762) (1,446) (601) 3,815 (1,715)  (Benefit from) provision for income taxes - (41) 19 (82) - (104)  Loss from continuing operations (1,721) (1,721) (1,465) (519) 3,815 (1,611)  Discontinued operations, net of taxes:  (Loss) income from operations of entities sold or  held for sale - - (9) 2 - (7)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale - - (1) (7) - (8)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes - - (10) (5) - (15)  Net loss (1,721) (1,721) (1,475) (524) 3,815 (1,626)  Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 95 - 95  Net loss attributable to Community Health  Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (1,721) $ (1,721) $ (1,475) $ (619) $ 3,815 $ (1,721)        Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income  Year Ended December 31, 2015   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Operating revenues (net of contractual  allowances and discounts) $ - $ (20) $ 11,063 $ 11,521 $ - $ 22,564  Provision for bad debts - - 1,944 1,183 - 3,127  Net operating revenues - (20) 9,119 10,338 - 19,437  Operating costs and expenses:  Salaries and benefits - - 3,688 5,303 - 8,991  Supplies - - 1,586 1,462 - 3,048  Other operating expenses - - 2,120 2,400 - 4,520  Government and other legal settlements and  related costs - - 4 - - 4  Electronic health records incentive reimbursement - - (76) (84) - (160)  Rent - - 189 268 - 457  Depreciation and amortization - - 615 557 - 1,172  Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net - - 55 13 - 68  Total operating costs and expenses - - 8,181 9,919 - 18,100  (Loss) income from operations - (20) 938 419 - 1,337  Interest expense, net - 107 717 149 - 973  Loss from early extinguishment of debt - 16 - - - 16  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (158) (220) (125) - 440 (63)  Income from continuing operations before  income taxes 158 77 346 270 (440) 411  (Benefit from) provision for income taxes - (81) 130 67 - 116  Income from continuing operations 158 158 216 203 (440) 295  Discontinued operations, net of taxes:  Loss from operations of entities sold or  held for sale - - (7) (20) - (27)  Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale - - - (5) - (5)  Loss on sale, net - - - (4) - (4)  Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes - - (7) (29) - (36)  Net income 158 158 209 174 (440) 259  Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 101 - 101  Net income attributable to Community Health  Systems, Inc. stockholders $ 158 $ 158 $ 209 $ 73 $ (440) $ 158  
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss	       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2017   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net loss $ (2,459) $ (2,459) $ (1,948) $ (825) $ 5,295 $ (2,396)  Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes:  Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax 19 19 - - (19) 19  Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities,  net of tax 8 8 8 - (16) 8  Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension  cost components, net of tax 14 14 14 - (28) 14  Other comprehensive income 41 41 22 - (63) 41  Comprehensive loss (2,418) (2,418) (1,926) (825) 5,232 (2,355)  Less: Comprehensive income attributable to  noncontrolling interests - - - 63 - 63  Comprehensive loss attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (2,418) $ (2,418) $ (1,926) $ (888) $ 5,232 $ (2,418)       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss  Year Ended December 31, 2016   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net loss $ (1,721) $ (1,721) $ (1,475) $ (524) $ 3,815 $ (1,626)  Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:  Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax 17 17 - - (17) 17  Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities,  net of tax (11) (11) (11) - 22 (11)  Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension  cost components, net of tax 3 3 3 - (6) 3  Other comprehensive income (loss) 9 9 (8) - (1) 9  Comprehensive loss (1,712) (1,712) (1,483) (524) 3,814 (1,617)  Less: Comprehensive income attributable to  noncontrolling interests - - - 95 - 95  Comprehensive loss attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ (1,712) $ (1,712) $ (1,483) $ (619) $ 3,814 $ (1,712)       Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income  Year Ended December 31, 2015   Parent Guarantor Issuer Other Guarantors Non - Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net income $ 158 $ 158 $ 209 $ 174 $ (440) $ 259  Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes:  Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax (6) (6) - - 6 (6)  Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities,  net of tax (5) (5) (5) - 10 (5)  Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension  cost components, net of tax 1 1 1 - (2) 1  Other comprehensive loss (10) (10) (4) - 14 (10)  Comprehensive income 148 148 205 174 (426) 249  Less: Comprehensive income attributable to  noncontrolling interests - - - 101 - 101  Comprehensive income attributable to  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders $ 148 $ 148 $ 205 $ 73 $ (426) $ 148  
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	     Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  December 31, 2017  Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated   (In millions)  ASSETS  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ - $ 497 $ 66 $ - $ 563  Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance  for doubtful accounts - - 355 2,029 - 2,384  Supplies - - 288 156 - 444  Prepaid income taxes 17 - - - - 17  Prepaid expenses and taxes - - 146 52 - 198  Other current assets - - 152 310 - 462  Total current assets 17 - 1,438 2,613 - 4,068  Intercompany receivable - 13,381 5,857 7,109 (26,347) -  Property and equipment, net - - 4,448 2,604 - 7,052  Goodwill 2,882 1,841 - 4,723  Deferred income taxes 62 - - - - 62  Other assets, net 15 39 1,594 939 (1,042) 1,545  Net investment in subsidiaries - 21,717 10,890 - (32,607) -  Total assets $ 94 $ 35,137 $ 27,109 $ 15,106 $ (59,996) $ 17,450  LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  Current liabilities:  Current maturities of long-term debt $ - $ - $ 25 $ 8 $ - $ 33  Accounts payable - - 663 304 - 967  Accrued interest - 228 - 1 - 229  Accrued liabilities - - 644 483 - 1,127  Total current liabilities - 228 1,332 796 - 2,356  Long-term debt - 12,998 216 666 - 13,880  Intercompany payable 833 21,582 24,028 13,310 (59,753) -  Deferred income taxes 19 - - - - 19  Other long-term liabilities 9 1,018 997 378 (1,042) 1,360  Total liabilities 861 35,826 26,573 15,150 (60,795) 17,615  Redeemable noncontrolling interests in  equity of consolidated subsidiaries - - - 527 - 527  Equity:  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’  (deficit) equity:  Common stock 1 - - - - 1  Additional paid-in capital 2,014 (252) 204 234 (186) 2,014  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (21) (21) (4) (4) 29 (21)  (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (2,761) (416) 336 (876) 956 (2,761)  Total Community Health Systems, Inc.  stockholders’ (deficit) equity (767) (689) 536 (646) 799 (767)  Noncontrolling interests in equity of  consolidated subsidiaries - - - 75 - 75  Total (deficit) equity (767) (689) 536 (571) 799 (692)  Total liabilities and equity $ 94 $ 35,137 $ 27,109 $ 15,106 $ (59,996) $ 17,450        Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  December 31, 2016  Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated   (In millions)  ASSETS  Current assets:  Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ - $ 174 $ 64 $ - $ 238  Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance  for doubtful accounts - - 799 2,377 - 3,176  Supplies - - 297 183 - 480  Prepaid income taxes 17 - - - - 17  Prepaid expenses and taxes - - 124 63 - 187  Other current assets - - 158 410 - 568  Total current assets 17 - 1,552 3,097 - 4,666  Intercompany receivable 295 14,996 3,150 7,597 (26,038) -  Property and equipment, net - - 4,965 3,184 - 8,149  Goodwill - - 3,947 2,574 - 6,521  Deferred income taxes 15 - - - - 15  Other assets, net - - 1,869 1,946 (1,222) 2,593  Net investment in subsidiaries 1,728 21,224 10,122 - (33,074) -  Total assets $ 2,055 $ 36,220 $ 25,605 $ 18,398 $ (60,334) $ 21,944  LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  Current liabilities:  Current maturities of long-term debt $ - $ 149 $ 53 $ 253 $ - $ 455  Accounts payable - - 628 367 - 995  Accrued interest - 205 1 1 - 207  Accrued liabilities 17 - 626 587 - 1,230  Total current liabilities 17 354 1,308 1,208 - 2,887  Long-term debt - 14,018 232 539 - 14,789  Intercompany payable - 18,861 20,517 15,071 (54,449) -  Deferred income taxes 411 - - - - 411  Other long-term liabilities 12 1,259 1,082 444 (1,222) 1,575  Total liabilities 440 34,492 23,139 17,262 (55,671) 19,662  Redeemable noncontrolling interests in  equity of consolidated subsidiaries - - - 554 - 554  Equity:  Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’  equity:  Common stock 1 - - - - 1  Additional paid-in capital 1,975 675 939 768 (2,382) 1,975  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (62) (62) (22) (9) 93 (62)  (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (299) 1,115 1,549 (290) (2,374) (299)  Total Community Health Systems, Inc.  stockholders’ equity 1,615 1,728 2,466 469 (4,663) 1,615  Noncontrolling interests in equity of  consolidated subsidiaries - - - 113 - 113  Total equity 1,615 1,728 2,466 582 (4,663) 1,728  Total liabilities and equity $ 2,055 $ 36,220 $ 25,605 $ 18,398 $ (60,334) $ 21,944  
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	     Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows  Year Ended December 31, 2017   Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net cash (used in) provided by operating  activities $ (12) $ (317) $ 750 $ 352 $ - $ 773   Cash flows from investing activities:  Acquisitions of facilities and other related  businesses - - (1) (5) - (6)  Purchases of property and equipment - - (365) (199) - (564)  Proceeds from disposition of hospitals  and other ancillary operations - - 596 1,096 - 1,692  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - - 4 3 - 7  Purchases of available-for-sale securities - - (91) (34) - (125)  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities - - 154 54 - 208  Increase in other investments - - (106) (37) - (143)  Net cash provided by investing activities - - 191 878 - 1,069   Cash flows from financing activities:  Repurchase of restricted stock shares for  payroll tax withholding requirements (5) - - - - (5)  Deferred financing costs and other debt-related  costs - (65) - (1) - (66)  Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in  joint ventures - - - 5 - 5  Redemption of noncontrolling investments in  joint ventures - - - (6) - (6)  Distributions to noncontrolling investors in  joint ventures - - - (100) - (100)  Changes in intercompany balances with  affiliates, net 17 1,566 (575) (1,008) - -  Borrowings under credit agreements - 795 30 16 - 841  Issuance of long-term debt - 3,100 - - - 3,100  Proceeds from receivables facility - - - 105 - 105  Repayments of long-term indebtedness - (5,079) (73) (239) - (5,391)  Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities 12 317 (618) (1,228) - (1,517)  Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - 323 2 - 325  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - 174 64 - 238  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ 497 $ 66 $ - $ 563        Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows  Year Ended December 31, 2016   Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net cash provided by (used in) operating  activities $ 14 $ (335) $ 1,218 $ 240 $ - $ 1,137   Cash flows from investing activities:  Acquisitions of facilities and other related  businesses - - (3) (120) - (123)  Purchases of property and equipment - - (474) (270) - (744)  Proceeds from disposition of hospitals  and other ancillary operations - - 16 127 - 143  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - - 6 9 - 15  Purchases of available-for-sale securities - - (263) (242) - (505)  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities - - 218 246 - 464  Proceeds from sale of investments in  unconsolidated affiliates - - 403 - - 403  Distribution from Quorum Health Corporation - 1,219 - - - 1,219  Increase in other investments - - (156) (86) - (242)  Net cash provided by (used in)  investing activities - 1,219 (253) (336) - 630   Cash flows from financing activities:  Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll  tax withholding requirements (6) - - - - (6)  Deferred financing costs and other  debt-related costs - (26) - - - (26)  Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint  ventures - - - (19) - (19)  Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint  ventures - - - (92) - (92)  Changes in intercompany balances with  affiliates, net (8) 801 (925) 132 - -  Proceeds from sale-lease back - - 147 12 - 159  Borrowings under credit agreements - 4,848 28 3 - 4,879  Proceeds from receivables facility - - - 107 - 107  Repayments of long-term indebtedness - (6,507) (64) (144) - (6,715)  Net cash (used in) provided by financing  activities (14) (884) (814) (1) - (1,713)  Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - 151 (97) - 54  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - 23 161 - 184  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ 174 $ 64 $ - $ 238          Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows  Year Ended December 31, 2015   Parent Other Non -  Guarantor Issuer Guarantors Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated  (In millions)  Net cash (used in) provided by operating  activities $ (25) $ 159 $ 349 $ 438 $ - $ 921   Cash flows from investing activities:  Acquisitions of facilities and other related  businesses - - (21) (36) - (57)  Purchases of property and equipment - - (600) (353) - (953)  Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other  ancillary operations - - 21 134 - 155  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - - 6 9 - 15  Purchases of available-for-sale securities - - (53) (109) - (162)  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities - - 46 110 - 156  Increase in other investments - - (143) (62) - (205)  Net cash used in investing activities - - (744) (307) - (1,051)   Cash flows from financing activities:  Proceeds from exercise of stock options 25 - - - - 25  Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll  tax withholding requirements (20) - - - - (20)  Stock buy-back (159) - - - - (159)  Deferred financing costs and other  debt-related costs - (30) - - - (30)  Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint  ventures - - - 47 - 47  Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint  ventures - - - (36) - (36)  Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint  ventures - - - (100) - (100)  Changes in intercompany balances with  affiliates, net 179 (181) 89 (87) - -  Borrowings under credit agreements - 4,880 34 8 - 4,922  Proceeds from receivables facility - - - 206 - 206  Repayments of long-term indebtedness - (4,828) (77) (145) - (5,050)  Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities 25 (159) 46 (107) - (195)  Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - (349) 24 - (325)  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - 372 137 - 509  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ 23 $ 161 $ - $ 184  

Basis of Presentation and Sig55

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stateitem	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segmentstateitem	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Description [Abstract]
Number of hospitals owned and leased by the Company | item	125				125
Number of stand alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals | item	2				2
Number of licensed beds | item	20,850				20,850
Number of States in which Entity Operates | state	19				19
Cost of Revenue, Policy [Abstract]
Corporate Office Costs					$ 189	$ 197	$ 266
Stock-based compensation expense					24	46	59
Marketable Securities, Policy [Abstract]
Change in Fair Value of Available for Sale Securities, Activity during the year, net of tax					8	(11)	(5)
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Construction in Progress, Gross	$ 222				222	227
Interest Costs Capitalized					11	9	16
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable					166	115
Non-cash investing activity through capital leases					31	179	$ 50
Goodwill, Policy [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill			$ 1,400	$ 1,395	$ 1,419	$ 1,395
Third-Party Reimbursement [Abstract]
Percentage of net operating revenues related to services rendered to patients covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs					33.10%	34.40%	35.30%
Percentage of revenues from Medicare outlier payments included in amounts received from Medicare					0.33%	0.38%	0.28%
Amounts due to third party payors	156				$ 156	$ 99
Amounts due from third party payors	153				153	186
Net Operating Revenues, Policy [Abstract]
Provision for contractual allowance included in net operating revenues					93,600	98,200	$ 95,300
Value of administrative and other discounts provided to self-pay patients included in contractual allowances					3,600	3,200	3,000
Value of charity care services at the Company's standard charges included in contractual allowances					482	487	453
Estimated cost incurred by Company to provide charity care services					62	64	64
Allowance for doubtful patient accounts	3,870				3,870	3,773
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,384				2,384	3,176
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Abstract]
Health Care Organization, Patient Service Revenue Provision for Bad Debts					$ 3,045	2,837	3,127
Number of Hospitals Sold | item					30
Electronic Health Records Reimbursement, Policy [Abstract]
Electronic health records incentive reimbursement under HITECH					$ 28	70	160
Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursement, Cash Received					41	123	75
Physician Income Guarantees, Policy [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	10				10	14
Concentration of Credit Risk, Policy [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net of contractual allowances	2,384				2,384	3,176
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill allocated to hospital disposal group held for sale					357	365
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net					$ 2,123	$ 1,919	68
Segment Reporting, Policy [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments | segment					1	2
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Abstract]
Reclassification of debt issuance costs	191				$ 191
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes					(449)	$ (104)	$ 116
ASU 2014-09 [Member]
Net Operating Revenues, Policy [Abstract]
Provision for contractual allowance included in net operating revenues					197
Allowance for doubtful patient accounts	394				394
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	(591)				(591)
Concentration of Credit Risk, Policy [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net of contractual allowances	(591)				(591)
ASU 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Abstract]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes					16
Additional Reserve [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Abstract]
Health Care Organization, Patient Service Revenue Provision for Bad Debts		$ 169
Medicare [Member]
Net Operating Revenues, Policy [Abstract]
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	220				220	402
Concentration of Credit Risk, Policy [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net of contractual allowances	$ 220				$ 220	$ 402
Accounts receivable, net of contractual allowances, from Medicare as a percentage of consolidated net accounts receivable, before allowance for doubtful accounts	4.00%				4.00%	6.00%
Electronic Health Records Incentive Reimbursements [Member]
Electronic Health Records Reimbursement, Policy [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	$ 0				$ 0
Capitalized Internal Use Software, Significant System Conversions [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Other Assets, Policy [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life					8 years
Capitalized Internal Use Software, Significant System Conversions [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Other Assets, Policy [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life					10 years
Capitalized Internal Use Software, Except Significant System Conversions [Member]
Other Assets, Policy [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life					3 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Except Capitalized Internal-Use Software [Member]
Other Assets, Policy [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life					6 years
Physician Recruitment Contracts [Member]
Physician Income Guarantees, Policy [Abstract]
Physicians recruitment agreement period					1 year
Term of Physician Recruitment Contract					3 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	29				$ 29	$ 37
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					3 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					5 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					40 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					18 years
Certain Facility [Member]
Property and Equipment, Policy [Abstract]
Non-cash investing activity through capital leases					$ 31
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Florida [Member] | Sales Revenue Net [Member]
Business Description [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage					14.80%	14.10%	13.60%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Texas [Member] | Sales Revenue Net [Member]
Business Description [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage					12.10%	11.40%	11.10%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Pennsylvania [Member] | Sales Revenue Net [Member]
Business Description [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage					9.20%	11.20%	10.60%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Indiana [Member] | Sales Revenue Net [Member]
Business Description [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage					9.90%	8.60%	7.30%
Certain Hospitals [Member]
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of long-lived assets held for sale	$ 341				$ 388	$ 326
Impairment of long-lived assets marketed for sale					$ 7	270
Impairment charge recorded on the sale or closure of hospitals						19
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net						$ 615
Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting, Policy [Abstract]
Percentage of Ownership Interest Sold						80.00%

Basis of Presentation and Sig56

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Operating Revenue, Net of Contractual Allowances and Discounts (But Before the Provision for Bad Debts)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)	$ 18,398	$ 21,275	$ 22,564
Medicare [Member]
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)	4,188	5,089	5,439
Medicaid [Member]
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)	1,900	2,234	2,532
Managed Care And Other Third Party Payors [Member]
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)	9,991	11,354	11,816
Self-Pay [Member]
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)	$ 2,319	$ 2,598	$ 2,777

Accounting for Stock-Based Co57

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2016	Mar. 01, 2016	Mar. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 01, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised						$ 9,000
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Price				$ 4.26
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards				$ 0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares				110,988	99,140	21,024
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights				one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Cancelled	106,005
Share-based compensation expense of cancelled shares	$ 2,000
Granted, Shares				1,502,000	1,611,049	1,254,500
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards				$ 16,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				19 months
Restricted Stock, Performance-Based Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares				22,021
Plan 2000 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights				one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant				0
Plan 2009 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights				one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant				4,022,248
Plan 2009 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights				one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date
Fair value of units granted		$ 170	$ 170
Share-based Compensation, Number of Shares Received by Each Director		11,017	3,504				18,498
Plan 2009 Amended and Restated [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized				5,000,000
Contractual Term of Option Granted Prior to 2005 [Member] | Plan 2000 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Contractual Term of Option Granted				10 years
Contractual Term of Option Granted From 2005 Through 2007 [Member] | Plan 2000 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Contractual Term of Option Granted				8 years
Contractual Term Of Option Granted From 2008 Through 2011 [Member] | Plan 2000 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Contractual Term of Option Granted				10 years
Contractual Term of Option Granted in 2011 or Later [Member] | Plan 2009 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Contractual Term of Option Granted				10 years

Accounting for Stock-Based Co58

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Effect on (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (24)	$ (46)	$ (59)
Effect on net (loss) income	$ (16)	$ (27)	$ (35)

Accounting for Stock-Based Co59

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity) (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, shares	1,185,320	1,232,158	1,953,727
Exercised, Shares			(711,568)
Forfeited and Cancelled, Shares	(69,653)	(46,838)	(10,001)
Ending Balance, shares	1,115,667	1,185,320	1,232,158
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 28.12	$ 31.65	$ 32.94
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price			35.15
Forfeited and Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	33.52	27.44	34.96
End of Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 31.56	$ 28.12	$ 31.65
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years
Exercisable, Shares	1,115,667
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 31.56
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years

Accounting for Stock-Based Co60

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock, Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Unvested Shares	2,969,285	2,845,579	2,760,639
Granted, Shares	1,502,000	1,611,049	1,254,500
Vested, Shares	(1,586,855)	(1,343,003)	(1,156,226)
Forfeited, Shares	(240,511)	(144,340)	(13,334)
Ending Balance, Unvested Shares	2,643,919	2,969,285	2,845,579
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 29.39	$ 44.18	$ 39.82
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	9.10	14.11	47.69
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	33.91	43.39	37.61
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	18.20	19.99	41.32
End of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 16.17	$ 29.39	$ 44.18

Accounting for Stock Based Comp

Accounting for Stock Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Unvested Shares	120,386	42,678	49,362
Granted, Shares	110,988	99,140	21,024
Vested, Shares	(59,296)	(21,432)	(27,708)
Forfeited, Shares
Ending Balance, Unvested Shares	172,078	120,386	42,678
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 22.06	$ 44.59	$ 36.07
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	9.19	16.90	47.70
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	24.90	43.87	31.76
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
End of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 12.78	$ 22.06	$ 44.59

Acquisitions and Divestitures62

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Acquisitions Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)item	Mar. 01, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stateitem	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill			$ 4,723	$ 6,521	$ 8,965
Number of States in which Entity Operates | state			19
Number of Hospitals Owned and Leased by the Company | item			125
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual				214
Physicians' Specialty Hospital [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Apr. 1, 2016
Business Acquisition, Number of Licensed Hospital or Facility Beds | item	20
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	$ 2
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	$ 14
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill				12
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	80.00%
Business Combination, Assumed Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value	$ 2
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	$ 12
Indiana University Health [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Mar. 1, 2016
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		$ 8
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price		$ 104
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill				45
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		80.00%
Business Combination, Assumed Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value		$ 25
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid		$ 96
IU Health La Porte Hospital [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Number of Licensed Hospital or Facility Beds | item		227
IU Health Starke Hospital [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Number of Licensed Hospital or Facility Beds | item		50
Health Management Associates, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs					1
Excluding Health Management Associates Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			$ 2	5	8
Physician Practices Clinics and Other Ancillary Businesses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price			6	16	51
Business Combination, Assumed Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value			0	6	7
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment			2	8	19
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill			$ 4	$ 14	$ 39

Acquisitions and Divestitures63

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Divestitures Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	May 01, 2017USD ($)item	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014item
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Hospitals Sold | item						30
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested						$ 1,692	$ 143	$ 155
Impairment of goodwill			$ 1,400		$ 1,395	1,419	1,395
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net						2,123	1,919	68
Impairment of hospitals in discontinued operations						6	8	5
Goodwill, Written off Related to Disposal of Assets Held-for-Sale						$ 357	365
Gain on sale								(4)
Williamson Memorial Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds | item									76
AllianceHealth Pryor [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date						May 1, 2017
Number of licensed beds | item	52
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested	$ 1
McNairy Regional Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net		$ 7		$ 0
Hospitals in Period [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net						$ 368	$ 463	$ 0
Almost Family, Inc. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date						Dec. 31, 2016
Percentage of ownership interest sold							80.00%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested							$ 128
Gain on sale							$ 91

Acquisitions and Divestitures64

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 4,723	$ 6,521	$ 8,965
Hospitals and Significant Practices Acquired [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		7
Property and equipment		69
Goodwill		57
Intangible assets		10
Other long-term assets		3
Liabilities		(10)
Noncontrolling interests		(28)
Total identifiable net assets		$ 108

Acquisitions and Divestitures65

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Divestitures) (Details) - item	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Highlands Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	126
Effective Date	Nov. 1, 2017
Merit Health Northwest Mississippi [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	181
Effective Date	Nov. 1, 2017
Weatherford Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	103
Effective Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Brandywine Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	169
Effective Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Chestnut Hill Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	148
Effective Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Jennersville Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	63
Effective Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Phoenixville Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	151
Effective Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Pottstown Memorial Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	232
Effective Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	214
Effective Date	Sep. 1, 2017
Washington and Toppenish Community Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	63
Effective Date	Sep. 1, 2017
Memorial Hospital of York [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	100
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Lancaster Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	214
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	148
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Carlisle Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	165
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Tomball Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	350
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
South Texas Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	67
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Deaconess Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	388
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Valley Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	123
Effective Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Lake Area Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	88
Effective Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Easton Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	196
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Sharon Regional Health System [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	258
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Northside Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	355
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Trumbull Memorial Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	311
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	69
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Wuesthoff Health System - Rockledge [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	298
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Wuesthoff Health System - Melbourne [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	119
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Sebastian River Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	154
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Stringfellow Memorial Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	125
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Merit Health Gilmore Memorial [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	95
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Merit Health Batesville [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	112
Effective Date	May 1, 2017
Alliance Health Blackwell [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		53
Effective Date		Sep. 3, 2016
Lehigh Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		88
Effective Date		Feb. 1, 2016
Bartow Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		72
Effective Date		Jan. 1, 2016
Payson Regional Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			44
Effective Date			Jul. 31, 2015
Fallbrook Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			47
Effective Date			Jun. 30, 2015
Chesterfield General Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			59
Effective Date			Apr. 1, 2015
Marlboro Park Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			102
Effective Date			Apr. 1, 2015
Dallas Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			202
Effective Date			Mar. 1, 2015
Riverview Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			281
Effective Date			Mar. 1, 2015
Harris Hospital [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			133
Effective Date			Feb. 1, 2015
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds			116
Effective Date			Jan. 1, 2015

Acquisitions and Divestitures66

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Net Operating Revenues and Loss and Assets and Liabilities Classified as Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract]
Net operating revenues									$ 79	$ 99	$ 114
Loss from operations of entities sold or held for sale before income taxes									(10)	(11)	(42)
Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale									(8)	(12)	(8)
Loss on sale, net									(1)		(6)
Loss from discontinued operations, before taxes									(19)	(23)	(56)
Income tax benefit									(7)	(8)	(20)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (3)	$ (2)	$ (6)	$ (1)	$ (9)	$ (2)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (12)	$ (15)	$ (36)

Acquisitions and Divestitures67

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Balance Sheet Items Classified as Held for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Abstract]
Other current assets	$ 8	$ 117
Other assets, net	12	878
Accrued liabilities	$ 2	$ 81

Acquisitions and Divestitures68

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Schedule of Operating Results included in Consolidated Statement of Income) (Details) - Hospitals in Period [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss from operations before income taxes	$ (544)	$ (517)	$ 27
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)	(1)	(2)
Loss from operations before income taxes attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (545)	$ (518)	$ 25

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Cor69

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 22, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017item	Apr. 29, 2016item
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of hospitals owned and leased by the Company			125
Noncash Dividend | $		$ 713
QHC stock distribution ratio per share of company stock	0.25
Quorum Health Corporation [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of hospitals owned and leased by the Company				38

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Cor70

Spin-Off of Quorum Health Corporation (Schedule of Operating Results included in Consolidated Statement of Income) (Details) - Quorum Health Corporation [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from operations before income taxes	$ (12)
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)
Loss from operations before income taxes attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (13)

Goodwill and Other Intangible71

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 8,965	$ 8,965	$ 6,521	$ 8,965
Goodwill acquired as part of acquisitions during current year			5	71
Consideration and purchase price allocation adjustments for prior year's acquisitions and other adjustments			(27)
Goodwill allocated to QHC in the spin-off				(709)
Goodwill in the home care operations reporting unit included in the sale of a majority interest in the home care division				(46)
Goodwill allocated to hospitals held for sale			(357)	(365)
Impairment of goodwill	$ (1,400)	$ (1,395)	(1,419)	(1,395)
Balance, end of year			$ 4,723	$ 6,521

Goodwill and Other Intangible72

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 4,723	$ 6,521	$ 8,965
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 1,400	$ 1,395	$ 1,419	1,395
Goodwill allocated to QHC in the spin-off				709
Hospital Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				6,500
Goodwill allocated to QHC in the spin-off				676
Home Care Agency Operations Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill				46
Hospital Management Services Reporting Unit [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill allocated to QHC in the spin-off				$ 33

Goodwill and Other Intangible73

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Other Intangible Assets Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 18,000,000	$ 41,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	10,000,000	14,000,000
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	79,000,000	86,000,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Gross	1,200,000,000	1,300,000,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Net	416,000,000	574,000,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Development Stage Costs	32,000,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$ 2,123,000,000	1,919,000,000	$ 68,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Except Capitalized Internal-Use Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life	6 years
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	$ 0
Amortization expense	4,000,000	14,000,000	15,000,000
Amortization expense for 2018	3,000,000
Amortization expense for 2019	1,000,000
Amortization expense for 2020	1,000,000
Amortization expense for 2021	1,000,000
Amortization expense for 2022	1,000,000
Amortization expense thereafter	3,000,000
Capitalized Internal Use Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value	0
Amortization expense	178,000,000	$ 201,000,000	$ 212,000,000
Amortization expense for 2018	153,000,000
Amortization expense for 2019	93,000,000
Amortization expense for 2020	69,000,000
Amortization expense for 2021	47,000,000
Amortization expense for 2022	33,000,000
Amortization expense thereafter	$ 21,000,000
Capitalized Internal Use Software, Except Significant System Conversions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Capitalized Internal Use Software, Significant System Conversions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Capitalized Internal Use Software, Significant System Conversions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life	10 years

Income Taxes (Schedule of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes for Income from Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
Federal		$ 5	$ 7
State	$ 5	7	7
Total, Current	5	12	14
Deferred:
Federal	(485)	(88)	103
State	31	(28)	(1)
Total, Deferred	(454)	(116)	102
Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes for (loss) income from continuing operations	$ (449)	$ (104)	$ 116

Income Taxes (Schedule of Recon

Income Taxes (Schedule of Reconciliation between the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate
Provision for income taxes at statutory federal rate, Amount	$ (991)	$ (600)	$ 144
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit, Amount	(10)	(1)	13
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, Amount	(22)	(33)	(35)
Change in valuation allowance, Amount	26	(1)	(2)
Federal rate change, Amount	32
Federal and state tax credits, Amount	(5)	(6)	(5)
Nondeductible transaction costs, Amount		3
Nondeductible goodwill	504	536
Other, Amount	17	(2)	1
Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes for (loss) income from continuing operations	$ (449)	$ (104)	$ 116
Provision for income taxes at statutory federal rate, Percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit, Percentage	0.30%	0.10%	3.30%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, Percentage	0.80%	1.90%	(8.60%)
Change in valuation allowance, Percentage	(0.90%)	0.10%	(0.40%)
Federal rate change, Percentage	(1.10%)
Federal and state tax credits, Percentage	0.10%	0.30%	(1.20%)
Nondeductible transaction costs, Percentage		(0.20%)
Nondeductible goodwill, Percentage	(17.80%)	(31.20%)
Other, Percentage	(0.60%)	0.10%	0.30%
Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes for (loss) income from continuing operations, Percentage	15.80%	6.10%	28.40%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$ 583	$ 412
Self-insurance liabilities	78	130
Long-term debt and interest	6
Accounts receivable	144	70
Accrued vacation	27	56
Other comprehensive income	9	38
Stock-based compensation	10	23
Deferred compensation	77	132
Other	89	125
Total Deferred Income Tax Assets, Gross	1,023	986
Valuation Allowance	(489)	(385)
Total Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	534	601
Liabilities
Property and equipment	263	583
Prepaid expenses	30	61
Intangibles	128	238
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	54	81
Other liabilities	16	22
Long-term debt and interest		12
Total Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Gross	$ 491	$ 997

Income Taxes (Schedule of Rec77

Income Taxes (Schedule of Reconciliation of the Total Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of year	$ 18	$ 15	$ 16
Gross increases - tax positions in current period		4
Lapse of statute of limitations		(1)	(1)
Unrecognized tax benefit, end of year	$ 18	$ 18	$ 15

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Ca

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryforwards Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	$ 489
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Additional Valuation Allowance	2
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	610
Operating loss carryforwards expected to be utilized	136
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	6,300
Operating loss carryforwards expected to be utilized	$ 16
Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2037

Income Taxes (Valuation Allowan

Income Taxes (Valuation Allowance Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Valuation allowance increase	$ 104	$ 49

Income Taxes (Income Tax Contin

Income Taxes (Income Tax Contingency and Taxes Paid Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Contingency [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance		$ 489
Unrecognized benefit that would affect the effective tax rate		7
Amount of interest and penalties included in liabilities for uncertain tax positions		$ 4
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations		15.80%	6.10%	28.40%
U.S. federal corporate tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ 32
Current provision for income taxes		5	$ 12	$ 14
Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds Received [Abstract]
Cash paid for income taxes (refunds received), net		$ 4	$ (16)	$ 12
Adjusted for the Expense Related to Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations		15.50%	5.70%	37.60%
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Abstract]
U.S. federal corporate tax rate	21.00%

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Deb

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium	$ (169)	$ (193)
Debt	13,913	15,244
Less: Current maturities	(33)	(455)
Long-term debt	13,880	14,789
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		749
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan F [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		1,445
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	1,037	1,528
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan H [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	1,903	2,811
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	1,925	1,925
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	1,200	1,200
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 6.875, Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	3,000	3,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes At 5.125 Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		700
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 5.125, Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	1,000	1,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	3,100
Receivables Facility [Member] | Receivables Facility, Name [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	565	677
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	304	328
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 48	$ 74

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facility

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facility as Amended, Amendments and Modifications Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)

Nov. 03, 2017

Sep. 29, 2017

Jul. 07, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

May 12, 2017

May 04, 2017

Mar. 16, 2017

Dec. 30, 2016

Apr. 29, 2016

Aug. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

May 30, 2017

May 18, 2015

Mar. 09, 2015

Jan. 27, 2014

Jan. 26, 2014

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Issuance of long-term debt

$ 3,100,000,000

Proceeds from QHC spinoff

$ 1,219,000,000

Balance of Remaining Non-extended Term Loans

$ 14,082,000,000

Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 929,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan A [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 713,000,000

$ 39,000,000

$ 26,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan B, Initial Funding [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Balance of Remaining Non-extended Term Loans

$ 60,000,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 1,600,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan F [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 1,700,000,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 1,445,000,000

48,000,000

$ 190,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan G [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 1,600,000,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 21,000,000

$ 151,000,000

$ 121,000,000

$ 122,000,000

75,000,000

52,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan H [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 2,900,000,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 39,000,000

$ 277,000,000

$ 222,000,000

$ 225,000,000

$ 147,000,000

$ 96,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan A, March 6, 2012 Amendment [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Balance of Remaining Non-extended Term Loans

$ 637,000,000

Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans, Third Amendment and Restatement [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 1,000,000,000

Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans, January 27, 2021 [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 739,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan A, Third Amendment and Restatement [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

1,000,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan D, Third Amendment and Restatement [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

4,600,000,000

Credit Facility, Term Loan E, Third Amendment and Restatement [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 1,700,000,000

Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Issuance of long-term debt

900,000,000

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 3,100,000,000

$ 2,200,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

6.25%

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facili83

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facility Terms Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of secured debt to EBITDA	4.08
Interest coverage ratio	2.10
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest coverage ratio	1.75
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of secured debt to EBITDA	4.50
Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Credit Facility, Term Loans [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equivalent Percentage of Term Loan Facility Related to Net Cash Proceeds of Certain Asset Sales and Dispositions by Company and Its Subsidiaries	100.00%
Equivalent Percentage of Term Loan Facility Related to Net Cash Proceeds of Issuance of Certain Debt Obligations or Receivables Based Financing by Company and Its Subsidiaries	100.00%
Equivalent Percentage of Term Loan Facility Subject to Reduction to Lower Percentage Based on Company Leverage Ratio	50.00%
Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan F [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan H [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G and Term Loan H [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Floor Interest Rate	2.00%
Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan F [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan H [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.00%
LIBOR [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G and Term Loan H [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Floor Interest Rate	1.00%

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facili84

Long-Term Debt (Credit Facility End of Period Disclosures Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item
Credit Facility, Name [Member] | Credit Facility, Type of Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum Number of Additional Tranches Available in Future | item	1
Aggregate Principal Amount of Each Tranche Available in Future	$ 1,500,000,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.10%
Credit Facility, Name [Member] | Credit Facility, Type of Debt, Amendment No. 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate Principal Amount of Each Tranche Available in Future	$ 1,000,000,000
Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	929,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 63,000,000

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Ear

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on 8.0% Senior Notes) (Details) - Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] - Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member] - Senior Notes [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Nov. 15, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Nov. 14, 2019

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of E86

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on 7.125% Senior Notes) (Details) - Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member] - Senior Notes [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	101.781%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Jul. 15, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jul. 14, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Jul. 15, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jul. 14, 2020

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of E87

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2021) (Details) - Senior Secured Notes at 5.125, Due 2021 [Member] - Senior Secured Notes [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	103.844%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	102.563%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	101.281%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2019
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2020
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2021

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of E88

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on 6.785% Senior Notes) (Details) - Senior Notes at 6.875, Due 2022 [Member] - Senior Notes [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	103.438%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	101.719%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2019
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 1, 2020
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Jan. 31, 2022

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of E89

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on 6.25% Senior Secured Notes) (Details) - Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member] - Senior Secured Notes [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	103.125%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Mar. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	101.563%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Mar. 30, 2022
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Mar. 31, 2022
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Mar. 30, 2023

Long-Term Debt (8.0% Senior Not

Long-Term Debt (8.0% Senior Notes, Due 2019 Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jul. 18, 2012	Mar. 21, 2012	Nov. 22, 2011	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2016
Senior Notes at 8.875, Due 2015 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 934,000,000	$ 850,000,000			$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date				Nov. 22, 2011
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Nov. 15, 2019
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 1,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.00%	8.00%
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount						$ 75,000,000
Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019, March 21, 2012 Secondary Offering [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.00%
Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019, March 21, 2012 Secondary Offering [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date				Mar. 21, 2012
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Premium Percentage		102.50%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt			30 days
Maximum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt			60 days

Long-Term Debt (7.125% Senior N

Long-Term Debt (7.125% Senior Notes, Due 2020 Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 18, 2012	Mar. 21, 2012	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2011
Senior Notes at 8.875, Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 934	$ 850		$ 1,000
Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date			Jul. 18, 2012
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.125%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt	30 days
Maximum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt	60 days

Long-Term Debt (5.125% Senior N

Long-Term Debt (5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2018 Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 17, 2012	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	May 16, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 13,913	$ 15,244
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes At 5.125 Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date		Aug. 17, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 700
Extinguishment of Remaining Debt, Amount		231
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.125%
Debt tender offer		$ 469		$ 900
Debt			$ 700
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan B, Initial Funding [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 1,600

Long-Term Debt (5.125% Senior93

Long-Term Debt (5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2021 Narrative) (Details) - Senior Secured Notes [Member] - Senior Secured Notes at 5.125, Due 2021 [Member] - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date		Jan. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 1,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.125%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt	30 days
Maximum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt	60 days

Long-Term Debt (6.875% Senior N

Long-Term Debt (6.875% Senior Notes, Due 2022 Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes [Member] - Senior Notes at 6.875, Due 2022 [Member] - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date		Jan. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 3,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.875%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date		Feb. 1, 2018
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Description		plus a "make-whole" premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Senior Notes.
Minimum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt	30 days
Maximum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt	60 days

Long-Term Debt (6.25% Senior Se

Long-Term Debt (6.25% Senior Secured Notes, Due 2023 Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	May 12, 2017	May 04, 2017	Mar. 16, 2017	Dec. 30, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 09, 2015	Aug. 17, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt						$ 3,100,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 3,100,000,000		$ 2,200,000,000
Issuance of long-term debt	900,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.25%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes At 5.125 Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date						Aug. 17, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount						$ 700,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								5.125%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan F [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 1,700,000,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			$ 1,445,000,000	$ 48,000,000	$ 190,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 713,000,000	$ 39,000,000		$ 26,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage			100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Description						plus a "make-whole" premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes.
Minimum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt						30 days
Maximum Period Notice for Redemption of Debt						60 days
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Max Principal Redeemable Using Proceeds from a Public Equity Offering, as a Percentage of Principal Amount			40.00%
Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage			106.25%

Long-Term Debt (Receivables Fac

Long-Term Debt (Receivables Facility Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 23, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 13,913	$ 15,244
Debt, noncurrent		13,880	14,789
Receivables Facility, Name [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		565	$ 677
Receivables Facility, March 31, 2014 Amendment [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity of Receivables Facility	$ 700
Receivables Facility, November 13, 2015 Amendment [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity of Receivables Facility		600
Maximum Borrowing Capacity of Receivables Facility, Long-term		600
Debt		565
Receivables included in the Receivables Facility		$ 1,500
Receivables Facility, November 18, 2016 Amendment [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date		Nov. 13, 2017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Nov. 13, 2019
Receivables Facility, June 23, 2017 Amendment [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity of Receivables Facility	600
Receivables Facility, Expiring November 13, 2017 [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity of Receivables Facility	250
Extinguishment of Debt	100
Receivables Facility, Expiring November 13, 2018 [Member] | Receivables Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity of Receivables Facility	$ 150

Long-Term Debt (Loss from Early

Long-Term Debt (Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	$ 40	$ 30	$ 16
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, Net of Tax	$ 26	$ 19	$ 10

Long-Term Debt (Other Debt and

Long-Term Debt (Other Debt and Interest Payments Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Paid on borrowing	$ 852,000,000	$ 930,000,000	$ 925,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Number of Instruments Held | item	8
Interest Rate Swap, Currently Effective [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 2,200,000,000
Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan H [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.00%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan H [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G and Term Loan H [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Floor Interest Rate	1.00%
Secured Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Term Loan G and Term Loan H [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Floor Interest Rate	2.00%

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Mat

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 33
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	3,569
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	1,210
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	2,913
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	3,010
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	3,347
Total maturities	14,082
Less: Deferred debt issuance costs	(191)
Plus unamortized note premium	22
Long-term Debt, Total	13,913
Term Loans [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	1,037
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	1,903
Total maturities	2,940
Less: Deferred debt issuance costs	(38)
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 2,902

Fair Value of Financial Inst100

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, by Balance Sheet Grouping) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 252	$ 299
Trading securities	37	80
Liabilities:
Contingent Value Right, Fair Value Disclosure	2	1
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	563	238
Available-for-sale securities	252	299
Trading securities	37	80
Liabilities:
Contingent Value Right, Fair Value Disclosure	2	1
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Credit Facility, Type of Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Name [Member]
Liabilities:
Credit Facility, Fair Value Disclosure	2,902	6,456
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	1,922	1,920
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	1,192	1,189
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 6.875, Due 2022 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	2,943	2,932
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes At 5.125 Due 2018 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		698
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 5.125, Due 2021 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	978	972
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	3,061
Carrying Amount Measurement [Member] | Receivables Facility and Other Debt, Type [Member] | Receivables Facility and Unsecured Debt [Member]
Liabilities:
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	611	749
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	563	238
Available-for-sale securities	252	299
Trading securities	37	80
Liabilities:
Contingent Value Right, Fair Value Disclosure	2	1
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Credit Facility, Type of Debt [Member] | Credit Facility, Name [Member]
Liabilities:
Credit Facility, Fair Value Disclosure	2,826	6,370
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 8.0, Due 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	1,637	1,615
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 7.125, Due 2020 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	897	917
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes at 6.875, Due 2022 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	1,729	2,102
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes At 5.125 Due 2018 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		690
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 5.125, Due 2021 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	902	930
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25, Due 2023 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	2,800
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Receivables Facility and Other Debt, Type [Member] | Receivables Facility and Unsecured Debt [Member]
Liabilities:
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 611	$ 749

Fair Value of Financial Inst101

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Interest Rate Swaps One [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 400,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	1.882%
Termination Date	Aug. 30, 2019
Fair Value of Asset	$ (1,000,000)
Interest Rate Swaps Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 200,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.515%
Termination Date	Aug. 30, 2019
Fair Value of Liability	$ 2,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps Three [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 200,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.613%
Termination Date	Aug. 30, 2019
Fair Value of Liability	$ 2,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps Four [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 300,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.041%
Termination Date	Aug. 30, 2020
Fair Value of Liability
Interest Rate Swaps Five [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 300,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.738%
Termination Date	Aug. 30, 2020
Fair Value of Liability	$ 5,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps Six [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 300,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.892%
Termination Date	Aug. 30, 2020
Fair Value of Liability	$ 6,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps Seven [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 300,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.363%
Termination Date	Jan. 27, 2021
Fair Value of Liability	$ 2,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps Eight [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount, Liability	$ 200,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate	2.368%
Termination Date	Jan. 27, 2021
Fair Value of Liability	$ 1,000,000

Fair Value of Financial Inst102

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Interest expense arising from spread in fixed and floating rates of interest rate swap agreements that will be recognized in next 12 months	$ 22

Fair Value of Financial Inst103

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Pre-tax Loss Recognized as a Component of Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Pre-Tax Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ 2	$ (27)	$ (51)

Fair Value of Financial Inst104

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Effective Portion of the Pre-tax Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Pre-Tax Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 30	$ 54	$ 42

Fair Value of Financial Inst105

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of the Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$ 1
Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$ 18	$ 49

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Va

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 252	$ 299
Trading securities	37	80
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements	1
Total assets	290	379
Contingent Value Right (CVR)	2	1
CVR-related liability	256	252
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements	18	49
Total liabilities	276	302
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	132	163
Trading securities	37	80
Total assets	169	243
Contingent Value Right (CVR)	2	1
Total liabilities	2	1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	120	136
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements	1
Total assets	121	136
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements	18	49
Total liabilities	18	49
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
CVR-related liability	256	252
Total liabilities	$ 256	$ 252

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	$ 181	$ 232
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | item	246	226
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held	$ 1
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Credit risk valuation adjustment, decrease in fair value of liability	1	$ 3
Credit risk valuation adjustment, decrease in fair value of liability, net of tax	$ 1	$ 2

Fair Value (Available-for-sale

Fair Value (Available-for-sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	$ 245	$ 305
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	11	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(4)	(9)
Available-for-sale Securities	252	299
Government and Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	189	232
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(4)	(9)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	185	223
Domestic [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	51	67
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	10	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	61	70
International [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	5	6
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 6	$ 6

Fair Value (Contractual Maturit

Fair Value (Contractual Maturities of Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Within 1 year, Amortized Cost	$ 4	$ 2
After 1 year and through year 5, Amortized Cost	46	40
After 5 years and through year 10, Amortized Cost	32	42
After 10 years, Amortized Cost	41	57
Within 1 year, Fair Value	4	2
After 1 year and through year 5, Fair Value	46	40
After 5 years and through year 10, Fair Value	31	40
After 10 years, Fair Value	$ 40	$ 54

Fair Value (Gross Realized Gain

Fair Value (Gross Realized Gains and Losses and Investment Income on Available-for-sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value [Abstract]
Realized gains	$ 3	$ 28	$ 8
Realized losses	(2)	(6)	(6)
Investment income	$ 8	$ 7	$ 8

Leases (Capital Leases Narrativ

Leases (Capital Leases Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 22, 2016USD ($)ft²stateitem	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred		$ 31	$ 179	$ 50
Proceeds from sale-lease back			159
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation		218	240
HCP, Inc. [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of buildings in transaction | item	10
Proceeds from sale-lease back	$ 159
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	756,183
Number of states the buildings are located | state	5
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross		63	69
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross		774	826
Equipment and Fixture [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross		$ 28	$ 56

Leases (Schedule of Future Mini

Leases (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 208	[1]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	161	[1]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	130	[1]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	91	[1]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	70	[1]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	246	[1]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	906	[1]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	32
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	28
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	23
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years	23
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years	22
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	299
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	427
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	(123)
Capital Lease Obligations, Total	304
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	(17)
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 287
[1]	Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future of $6 million.

Leases (Operating Leases Footno

Leases (Operating Leases Footnote Narrative to Schedule) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	$ 6

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized		$ 94	$ 98	$ 103
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent		189	229
Defined Benefit Plan, Noncash Settlement Loss		6
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets		173	219
Net Periodic Benefit Cost		7	1	1
Accrued benefits liabilities		$ 12	16
Defined benefit plans and other post-retirement plans, weighted-average assumptions to determine net periodic cost, discount rate		4.10%
Defined benefit plans and other post-retirement plans, weighted-average assumptions to determine net periodic cost, rate of compensation increase		7.00%
Trading Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets		$ 37	80
Company-Owned Life Insurance Contracts [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets		136	139
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost		16	12	$ 12
Accrued benefits liabilities		$ 83	122
Defined benefit plans and other post-retirement plans, weighted-average assumptions to determine net periodic cost, discount rate		3.60%
Defined benefit plans and other post-retirement plans, weighted-average assumptions to determine net periodic cost, rate of compensation increase		2.00%
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets in a rabbi trust generally designated to pay benefits of the SERP		$ 99	$ 131
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Noncash Settlement Loss	$ 1

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equi115

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total capital stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid				$ 0.25
Maximum amount of dividends or stock repurchases permissible under the Credit Facility	$ 200,000,000
Annual amount of dividends or stock repurchases permissible under the Credit Facility	25,000,000
Noncash Dividend		$ 713,000,000
Amount available for dividend payments, stock repurchases or Senior Notes repurchases at period end	$ 318,000,000
Open Market Repurchase Program for Common Stock, Adopted November 6, 2015 [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares authorized for repurchase	10,000,000
Maximum value of shares authorized under repurchase program	$ 300,000,000
Number of shares repurchased and retired	0		532,188
Weighted-average price of repurchased and retired shares, per share			$ 27.31

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equi116

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,013)	$ (110)	$ (137)	$ (199)	$ (220)	$ (79)	$ (1,432)	$ 11	$ (2,459)	$ (1,721)	$ 158
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests									(2)	(9)	(16)
Net transfers from the noncontrolling interests									(2)	(9)	(16)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity from net loss attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests									$ (2,461)	$ (1,730)	$ 142

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes	$ (2,004)	$ (88)	$ (116)	$ (176)	$ (189)	$ (54)	$ (1,405)	$ 37	$ (2,384)	$ (1,611)	$ 295
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes									63	95	101
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted									(2,447)	(1,706)	194
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ (3)	$ (2)	$ (6)	$ (1)	$ (9)	$ (2)	$ (1)	$ (1)	(12)	(15)	(36)
Less: Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders - basic and diluted									$ (12)	$ (15)	$ (36)
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	111,971,628	111,935,738	111,909,858	111,252,331	110,905,052	110,888,040	110,879,285	110,247,867	111,769,821	110,730,971	114,454,674
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards											449,961
Employee stock options											357,188
Other equity-based awards											10,581
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	111,971,628	111,935,738	111,909,858	111,252,331	110,905,052	110,888,040	110,879,285	110,309,372	111,769,821	110,730,971	115,272,404

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Increase in number of shares to diluted shares calculation if income from continuing operations would have been generated	111,464	331,518

Earnings Per Share (Schedule119

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Employee stock options and restricted stock awards	3,008,919	2,554,627	255,564

Equity Investments (Narrative)

Equity Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 171	$ 177
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	$ 16	43	$ 63
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments		403
Gain on sale of equity method investments		94
Three Hospitals in Macon Georgia, [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	38.00%
HealthTrust [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	19.70%
Universal Health Services, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Disposal Date	Apr. 29, 2016
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments		403
Gain on sale of equity method investments		$ 94
Universal Health Services, Inc. [Member] | Four Hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				27.50%
Universal Health Services, Inc. [Member] | One Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				26.10%
Home Care [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of Ownership Interest Sold		80.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		20.00%
Equity Method Investments		$ 32
Disposal Date	Dec. 31, 2016

Equity Investments (Schedule of

Equity Investments (Schedule of Financial Information Related to Unconsolidated Entities Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 54
Noncurrent assets	112
Total assets	166
Current liabilities	17
Noncurrent liabilities	2
Members' equity	147
Total liabilities and equity	$ 166

Equity Investments (Schedule122

Equity Investments (Schedule of Financial Information Related to Unconsolidated Entities Included in Consolidated Statement of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Investments [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 731	$ 1,494
Operating costs and expenses	602	1,287
Income from continuing operations before taxes	$ 129	$ 207

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	1	2
Home Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest sold		80.00%

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 3,059	$ 3,666	$ 4,144	$ 4,486	$ 4,469	$ 4,380	$ 4,590	$ 4,999	$ 15,353	$ 18,438	$ 19,437
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(2,379)	$ (147)	$ (131)	$ (176)	(152)	$ (83)	$ (1,543)	$ 63	(2,833)	(1,715)	411
Expenditures for segment assets									564	744	953
Total assets	$ 17,450				21,944				$ 17,450	21,944
Hospital Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues										18,210	19,234
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes										(1,418)	767
Expenditures for segment assets										727	915
Total assets					20,582					20,582
Corporate and All Other Reporting Units [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating revenues										228	203
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes										(297)	(356)
Expenditures for segment assets										17	$ 38
Total assets					$ 1,362					$ 1,362

Other Comprehensive Income (Sch

Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning Balance	$ (62)	$ (73)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	13	(14)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	28	23
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	$ (10)
AOCI distributed to QHC in spin-off		2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending Balance	(21)	(62)	(73)
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning Balance	(31)	(48)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(17)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	19	34
Other comprehensive income (loss)	19	17
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending Balance	(12)	(31)	(48)
Change in Fair Value of Available for Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning Balance	(10)	1
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	8	2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(13)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8	(11)
AOCI distributed to QHC in spin-off
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending Balance	(2)	(10)	1
Change in Unrecognized Pension Cost Components [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning Balance	(21)	(26)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5	1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	9	2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	14	3
AOCI distributed to QHC in spin-off		2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending Balance	$ (7)	$ (21)	$ (26)

Other Comprehensive Income (126

Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense, net									$ 931	$ 962	$ 973
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (2,379)	$ (147)	$ (131)	$ (176)	$ (152)	$ (83)	$ (1,543)	$ 63	(2,833)	(1,715)	411
Tax benefit									449	104	(116)
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,013)	$ (110)	$ (137)	$ (199)	$ (220)	$ (79)	$ (1,432)	$ 11	(2,459)	(1,721)	$ 158
Reclassification, net of tax									(28)	(23)
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification, net of tax									(19)	(34)
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense, net									(30)	(54)
Tax benefit									11	20
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders									(19)	(34)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification, Total before tax									(2)	(2)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification, Total before tax									(1)	1
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Transition Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification, Total before tax									(13)
Change in Unrecognized Pension Cost Components [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification, Total before tax									(16)	(3)
Tax benefit									7	1
Reclassification, net of tax									$ (9)	$ (2)

Commitments and Contingencie127

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Physician Recruiting Commitments [Abstract]
Physician recruiting commitment, physician income guarantee period	12 months
Physician recruiting commitment, period of recoverability of physician income guarantee for noncommitment	3 years
Physician recruiting commitment, maximum potential future payments in excess of liability recorded	$ 31
La Porte, Indiana hospital [Member]
Construction and Other Capital Commitments [Abstract]
Capital commitment, post-acquisition estimated cost of replacement hospital	125
Capital commitment, construction cost of replacement hospital incurred to date	0
Knox, Indiana hospital [Member]
Construction and Other Capital Commitments [Abstract]
Capital commitment, post-acquisition estimated cost of replacement hospital	15
Capital commitment, construction cost of replacement hospital incurred to date	0
All other purchase commitments [Member]
Construction and Other Capital Commitments [Abstract]
Capital commitment, post-acquisition estimated cost of replacement hospital	289
Capital commitment, construction cost of replacement hospital incurred to date	$ 135
Minimum [Member] | All other purchase commitments [Member]
Construction and Other Capital Commitments [Abstract]
Capital commitment, future period after acquisition for completing open capital improvement projects	5 years
Maximum [Member] | All other purchase commitments [Member]
Construction and Other Capital Commitments [Abstract]
Capital commitment, future period after acquisition for completing open capital improvement projects	7 years

Commitments and Contingencie128

Commitments and Contingencies (Professional Liability Claims Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, historical claims period used by actuary to estimate liability	20 years
Malpractice Loss Contingency, Discount Rate	2.20%	1.80%	1.60%
Malpractice Loss Contingency, Accrual, Discounted	$ 711	$ 788
Malpractice Loss Contingency, Accrual, Undiscounted	760	843
Malpractice Loss Contingency, Accrual, Discounted, Current	$ 115	$ 130
Malpractice loss contingency, settled claims as percent of total liability	1.00%
Professional and general liability self-insured claims reported prior to June 1, 2002, per occurrence [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	$ 1
Professional and general liability self-insured reported from June 1, 2002 through June 1, 2003, per occurrence [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	2
Professional and general liability self-insured reported from June 1, 2003 and before June 1, 2005, per occurrence [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	4
Professional and general liability self-insured claims reported on or after June 1, 2005, per occurrence [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	5
Professional and general liability claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	10
Professional and general liability claims reported on or after June 1, 2003 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice Insurance, Maximum Coverage Per Incident	95
Professional and general liability claims reported on or after June 1, 2015 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice Insurance, Maximum Coverage Per Incident	220
Integrated occurrence claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice Insurance, Annual Coverage Limit	50
Integrated occurrence claims reported on or after June 1, 2015 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice Insurance, Annual Coverage Limit	75
Professional and general liability claims incurred and reported after January 1, 2008 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice Insurance, Maximum Coverage Per Incident	145
Professional and general liability claims incurred and reported after January 1, 2010 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice Insurance, Maximum Coverage Per Incident	195
Professional and general liability self-insured claims under certain policy terms until Company total aggregate coverage is met if first aggregate layer becomes fully utilized [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	10
Triad professional and general liability self-insured claims during 2007 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	$ 10
Minimum [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, average lag period from occurence to settlement	3 years
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	$ 10
Minimum [Member] | Triad professional and general liability self-insured claims after December 31, 2006 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	$ 1
Maximum [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, average lag period from occurence to settlement	4 years
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	$ 15
Maximum [Member] | Triad professional and general liability self-insured claims after December 31, 2006 [Member]
Malpractice Insurance [Line Items]
Malpractice loss contingency, self-insured retention	$ 5

Commitments and Contingencie129

Commitments and Contingencies (Contingencies Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Nov. 09, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Contingent Value Right, Amount Per Share | $ / shares		$ 1
Deductible related to litigation and contingent value right		$ 18
Contingent value right, percentage multiplier		90.00%
Number of contingent value rights outstanding | item		264,544,053
Amount which CVR holders are no longer entitled to payment		$ 312
Contingent value right, period payable after final resolution		60 days
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent		$ 256		$ 284
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		4
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current		0
Pending Litigation [Member] | Legal Matters Where Negative Outcome is Known or Probable [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal Fees		$ 2	$ 4
U.S. ex re. Baker vs. Community Health Systems, Inc. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judgment awarded	$ 1.9
Class Action Shareholder Federal Securities Cases [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] | Litigation Matters For Which An Outcome Cannot Be Assessed [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of legal cases filed | item		3

Commitments and Contingencie130

Commitments and Contingencies (Impact of Legal Expenses Paid or Incurred to Date and Settlements Paid or Deemed Final) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 62	$ 58
Settlements paid		1
Legal expenses incurred and/or paid	2	3
Ending Balance	64	62
Deductible [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	18	18
Ending Balance	18	18
Company's Responsibility at 10% [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	4	4
Ending Balance	4	4
Reduction to Amount Owed to CVR Holders at 90% [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	40	36
Settlements paid		1
Legal expenses incurred and/or paid	2	3
Ending Balance	$ 42	$ 40

Commitments and Contingencie131

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Liability Balances in Connection with Probable Contingencies) (Details) - Pending Litigation [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CVR Related Liability at Fair Value [Member]
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 252	$ 261
(Income) expense	4	(8)
Cash payments		(1)
Ending Balance	256	252
Other Probable Contingencies [Member]
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	14	10
(Income) expense	14	14
Reserve for insured claim		1
Cash payments	(14)	(11)
Ending Balance	$ 14	$ 14

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 14, 2018item	Jan. 31, 2018item
Subsequent Event [Member] | Tennova Healthcare - Jamestown [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Definitive Agreement Date			Jan. 31, 2018
Number of licensed beds | item			85
Subsequent Event [Member] | Byrd Regional Hospital [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Definitive Agreement Date		Feb. 14, 2018
Number of licensed beds | item		60
Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA	5.25
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA in Period One	5
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA in Period Two	4.75
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA in Period Three	4.5
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA in Period Four	4.25
Credit Facility, Type of Debt, Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Facility, Name [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility | $	$ 650
Percentage of net cash proceeds of asset sales applied to prepay term loans, tier 1	100.00%
Percentage of net cash proceeds of asset sales applied to prepay term loans, tier 2	50.00%
Percentage of net cash proceeds of asset sales applied to prepay term loans, tier 3	0.00%
Credit Facility, Type of Debt, Amendment [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Loans, Extended and Non-Extended [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility | $	$ 840
Credit Facility, Type of Debt, Amendment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Facility, Name [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA, Tier 1	4.5
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA, Tier 2	4
Credit Facility, Type of Debt, Amendment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Facility, Name [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA, Tier 2	4.5
First Lien Net Debt to EBITDA, Tier 3	4

Quarterly Financial Data (Sched

Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net operating revenues	$ 3,059	$ 3,666	$ 4,144	$ 4,486	$ 4,469	$ 4,380	$ 4,590	$ 4,999	$ 15,353	$ 18,438	$ 19,437
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(2,379)	(147)	(131)	(176)	(152)	(83)	(1,543)	63	(2,833)	(1,715)	411
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes	(2,004)	(88)	(116)	(176)	(189)	(54)	(1,405)	37	(2,384)	(1,611)	295
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(3)	(2)	(6)	(1)	(9)	(2)	(1)	(1)	(12)	(15)	(36)
Net income (loss) attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,013)	$ (110)	$ (137)	$ (199)	$ (220)	$ (79)	$ (1,432)	$ 11	$ (2,459)	$ (1,721)	$ 158
Basic (loss) income per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations	$ (17.95)	$ (0.96)	$ (1.17)	$ (1.78)	$ (1.91)	$ (0.69)	$ (12.90)	$ 0.11	$ (21.89)	$ (15.41)	$ 1.69
Discontinued operations	(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.01)	(0.09)	(0.02)	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.11)	(0.13)	(0.31)
Net (loss) income	(17.98)	(0.98)	(1.22)	(1.79)	(1.99)	(0.71)	(12.91)	0.10	(22)	(15.54)	1.38
Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations	(17.95)	(0.96)	(1.17)	(1.78)	(1.91)	(0.69)	(12.90)	0.11	(21.89)	(15.41)	1.68
Discontinued operations	(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.06)	(0.01)	(0.09)	(0.02)	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.11)	(0.13)	(0.31)
Net (loss) income	$ (17.98)	$ (0.98)	$ (1.22)	$ (1.79)	$ (1.99)	$ (0.71)	$ (12.91)	$ 0.10	$ (22)	$ (15.54)	$ 1.37
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	111,971,628	111,935,738	111,909,858	111,252,331	110,905,052	110,888,040	110,879,285	110,247,867	111,769,821	110,730,971	114,454,674
Diluted	111,971,628	111,935,738	111,909,858	111,252,331	110,905,052	110,888,040	110,879,285	110,309,372	111,769,821	110,730,971	115,272,404

Supplemental Condensed Conso134

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Percentage of owned domestic subsidiaries which guaranteed senior notes	100.00%

Supplemental Condensed Conso135

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)									$ 18,398	$ 21,275	$ 22,564
Provision for bad debts									3,045	2,837	3,127
Net operating revenues	$ 3,059	$ 3,666	$ 4,144	$ 4,486	$ 4,469	$ 4,380	$ 4,590	$ 4,999	15,353	18,438	19,437
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits									7,376	8,624	8,991
Supplies									2,672	3,011	3,048
Other operating expenses									3,864	4,248	4,520
Government and other legal settlements and related costs									(31)	16	4
Electronic health records incentive reimbursement									(28)	(70)	(160)
Rent									394	450	457
Depreciation and amortization									861	1,100	1,172
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net									2,123	1,919	68
Total operating costs and expenses									17,231	19,298	18,100
(Loss) income from operations									(1,878)	(860)	1,337
Interest expense, net									931	962	973
Loss from early extinguishment of debt									40	30	16
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates										(94)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									(16)	(43)	(63)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(2,379)	(147)	(131)	(176)	(152)	(83)	(1,543)	63	(2,833)	(1,715)	411
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									(449)	(104)	116
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(2,004)	(88)	(116)	(176)	(189)	(54)	(1,405)	37	(2,384)	(1,611)	295
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
(Loss) income from operations of entities sold or held for sale									(6)	(7)	(27)
Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale									(6)	(8)	(5)
Loss on sale, net											(4)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(3)	(2)	(6)	(1)	(9)	(2)	(1)	(1)	(12)	(15)	(36)
Net (loss) income									(2,396)	(1,626)	259
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									63	95	101
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ (2,013)	$ (110)	$ (137)	$ (199)	$ (220)	$ (79)	$ (1,432)	$ 11	(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Parent Company [Member]
Operating costs and expenses:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									2,459	1,721	(158)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
(Loss) income from continuing operations									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
Net (loss) income									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)									(22)	(25)	(20)
Net operating revenues									(22)	(25)	(20)
Operating costs and expenses:
(Loss) income from operations									(22)	(25)	(20)
Interest expense, net									327	241	107
Loss from early extinguishment of debt									40	30	16
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									1,955	1,466	(220)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									(2,344)	(1,762)	77
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									115	(41)	(81)
(Loss) income from continuing operations									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
Net (loss) income									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders									(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Other Guarantor [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)									10,765	11,089	11,063
Provision for bad debts									2,063	1,707	1,944
Net operating revenues									8,702	9,382	9,119
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits									3,614	3,754	3,688
Supplies									1,628	1,660	1,586
Other operating expenses									2,376	2,238	2,120
Government and other legal settlements and related costs									(31)	16	4
Electronic health records incentive reimbursement									(12)	(37)	(76)
Rent									198	199	189
Depreciation and amortization									501	614	615
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net									1,212	1,262	55
Total operating costs and expenses									9,486	9,706	8,181
(Loss) income from operations									(784)	(324)	938
Interest expense, net									587	631	717
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates										(94)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									865	585	(125)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									(2,236)	(1,446)	346
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									(297)	19	130
(Loss) income from continuing operations									(1,939)	(1,465)	216
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
(Loss) income from operations of entities sold or held for sale									(4)	(9)	(7)
Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale									(5)	(1)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes									(9)	(10)	(7)
Net (loss) income									(1,948)	(1,475)	209
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders									(1,948)	(1,475)	209
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
Operating revenues (net of contractual allowances and discounts)									7,655	10,211	11,521
Provision for bad debts									982	1,130	1,183
Net operating revenues									6,673	9,081	10,338
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits									3,762	4,870	5,303
Supplies									1,044	1,351	1,462
Other operating expenses									1,488	2,010	2,400
Electronic health records incentive reimbursement									(16)	(33)	(84)
Rent									196	251	268
Depreciation and amortization									360	486	557
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net									911	657	13
Total operating costs and expenses									7,745	9,592	9,919
(Loss) income from operations									(1,072)	(511)	419
Interest expense, net									17	90	149
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									(1,089)	(601)	270
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									(267)	(82)	67
(Loss) income from continuing operations									(822)	(519)	203
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
(Loss) income from operations of entities sold or held for sale									(2)	2	(20)
Impairment of hospitals sold or held for sale									(1)	(7)	(5)
Loss on sale, net											(4)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes									(3)	(5)	(29)
Net (loss) income									(825)	(524)	174
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									63	95	101
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders									(888)	(619)	73
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Operating costs and expenses:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									(5,295)	(3,815)	440
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									5,295	3,815	(440)
(Loss) income from continuing operations									5,295	3,815	(440)
Discontinued operations, net of taxes:
Net (loss) income									5,295	3,815	(440)
Net (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders									$ 5,295	$ 3,815	$ (440)

Supplemental Condensed Conso136

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	$ (2,396)	$ (1,626)	$ 259
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,355)	(1,617)	249
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	63	95	101
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(2,459)	(1,721)	158
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	19	17	(6)
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41	9	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(2,418)	(1,712)	148
Other Guarantor [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(1,948)	(1,475)	209
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	(11)	(5)
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	14	3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22	(8)	(4)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(1,926)	(1,483)	205
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(1,926)	(1,483)	205
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	(825)	(524)	174
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Comprehensive (loss) income	(825)	(524)	174
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	63	95	101
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	(888)	(619)	73
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Net (loss) income	5,295	3,815	(440)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	(19)	(17)	6
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(16)	22	10
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	(28)	(6)	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(63)	(1)	14
Comprehensive (loss) income	5,232	3,814	(426)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 5,232	$ 3,814	$ (426)

Supplemental Condensed Conso137

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 563	$ 238	$ 184	$ 509
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,384	3,176
Supplies	444	480
Prepaid income taxes	17	17
Prepaid expenses and taxes	198	187
Other current assets	462	568
Total current assets	4,068	4,666
Property and equipment, net	7,052	8,149
Goodwill	4,723	6,521	8,965
Deferred income taxes	62	15
Other assets, net	1,545	2,593
Total assets	17,450	21,944
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	33	455
Accounts payable	967	995
Accrued interest	229	207
Accrued liabilities	1,127	1,230
Total current liabilities	2,356	2,887
Long-term debt	13,880	14,789
Deferred income taxes	19	411
Other long-term liabilities	1,360	1,575
Total liabilities	17,615	19,662
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	527	554
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,014	1,975
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21)	(62)	(73)
Accumulated deficit	(2,761)	(299)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	(767)	1,615
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	75	113
Total (deficit) equity	(692)	1,728	4,105	4,083
Total liabilities and equity	17,450	21,944
Parent Company [Member]
Current assets:
Prepaid income taxes	17	17
Total current assets	17	17
Intercompany receivable		295
Deferred income taxes	62	15
Other assets, net	15
Net investment in subsidiaries		1,728
Total assets	94	2,055
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities		17
Total current liabilities		17
Intercompany payable	833
Deferred income taxes	19	411
Other long-term liabilities	9	12
Total liabilities	861	440
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Common stock	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,014	1,975
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21)	(62)
Accumulated deficit	(2,761)	(299)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	(767)	1,615
Total (deficit) equity	(767)	1,615
Total liabilities and equity	94	2,055
Issuer [Member]
Current assets:
Intercompany receivable	13,381	14,996
Other assets, net	39
Net investment in subsidiaries	21,717	21,224
Total assets	35,137	36,220
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt		149
Accrued interest	228	205
Total current liabilities	228	354
Long-term debt	12,998	14,018
Intercompany payable	21,582	18,861
Other long-term liabilities	1,018	1,259
Total liabilities	35,826	34,492
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Additional paid-in capital	(252)	675
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21)	(62)
Accumulated deficit	(416)	1,115
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	(689)	1,728
Total (deficit) equity	(689)	1,728
Total liabilities and equity	35,137	36,220
Other Guarantor [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	497	174	23	372
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	355	799
Supplies	288	297
Prepaid expenses and taxes	146	124
Other current assets	152	158
Total current assets	1,438	1,552
Intercompany receivable	5,857	3,150
Property and equipment, net	4,448	4,965
Goodwill	2,882	3,947
Other assets, net	1,594	1,869
Net investment in subsidiaries	10,890	10,122
Total assets	27,109	25,605
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	25	53
Accounts payable	663	628
Accrued interest		1
Accrued liabilities	644	626
Total current liabilities	1,332	1,308
Long-term debt	216	232
Intercompany payable	24,028	20,517
Other long-term liabilities	997	1,082
Total liabilities	26,573	23,139
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Additional paid-in capital	204	939
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4)	(22)
Accumulated deficit	336	1,549
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	536	2,466
Total (deficit) equity	536	2,466
Total liabilities and equity	27,109	25,605
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	66	64	$ 161	$ 137
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,029	2,377
Supplies	156	183
Prepaid expenses and taxes	52	63
Other current assets	310	410
Total current assets	2,613	3,097
Intercompany receivable	7,109	7,597
Property and equipment, net	2,604	3,184
Goodwill	1,841	2,574
Other assets, net	939	1,946
Total assets	15,106	18,398
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	8	253
Accounts payable	304	367
Accrued interest	1	1
Accrued liabilities	483	587
Total current liabilities	796	1,208
Long-term debt	666	539
Intercompany payable	13,310	15,071
Other long-term liabilities	378	444
Total liabilities	15,150	17,262
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	527	554
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Additional paid-in capital	234	768
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4)	(9)
Accumulated deficit	(876)	(290)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	(646)	469
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	75	113
Total (deficit) equity	(571)	582
Total liabilities and equity	15,106	18,398
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Current assets:
Intercompany receivable	(26,347)	(26,038)
Other assets, net	(1,042)	(1,222)
Net investment in subsidiaries	(32,607)	(33,074)
Total assets	(59,996)	(60,334)
Current liabilities:
Intercompany payable	(59,753)	(54,449)
Other long-term liabilities	(1,042)	(1,222)
Total liabilities	(60,795)	(55,671)
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Additional paid-in capital	(186)	(2,382)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	29	93
Accumulated deficit	956	(2,374)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	799	(4,663)
Total (deficit) equity	799	(4,663)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (59,996)	$ (60,334)

Supplemental Condensed Conso138

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$ 773	$ 1,137	$ 921
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of facilities and other related businesses	(6)	(123)	(57)
Purchases of property and equipment	(564)	(744)	(953)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations	1,692	143	155
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	7	15	15
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(125)	(505)	(162)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	208	464	156
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		403
Distribution from Quorum Health Corporation		1,219
Increase in other investments	(143)	(242)	(205)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,069	630	(1,051)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			25
Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll tax withholding requirements	(5)	(6)	(20)
Stock buy-back			(159)
Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs	(66)	(26)	(30)
Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	5		47
Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures	(6)	(19)	(36)
Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	(100)	(92)	(100)
Proceeds from sale-lease back		159
Borrowings under credit agreements	841	4,879	4,922
Issuance of long-term debt	3,100
Proceeds from receivables facility	105	107	206
Repayments of long-term indebtedness	(5,391)	(6,715)	(5,050)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,517)	(1,713)	(195)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	325	54	(325)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	238	184	509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	563	238	184
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(12)	14	(25)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			25
Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll tax withholding requirements	(5)	(6)	(20)
Stock buy-back			(159)
Changes in intercompany balances with affiliates, net	17	(8)	179
Net cash used in financing activities	12	(14)	25
Issuer [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(317)	(335)	159
Cash flows from investing activities:
Distribution from Quorum Health Corporation		1,219
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		1,219
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs	(65)	(26)	(30)
Changes in intercompany balances with affiliates, net	1,566	801	(181)
Borrowings under credit agreements	795	4,848	4,880
Issuance of long-term debt	3,100
Repayments of long-term indebtedness	(5,079)	(6,507)	(4,828)
Net cash used in financing activities	317	(884)	(159)
Other Guarantor [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	750	1,218	349
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of facilities and other related businesses	(1)	(3)	(21)
Purchases of property and equipment	(365)	(474)	(600)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations	596	16	21
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	4	6	6
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(91)	(263)	(53)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	154	218	46
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		403
Increase in other investments	(106)	(156)	(143)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	191	(253)	(744)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in intercompany balances with affiliates, net	(575)	(925)	89
Proceeds from sale-lease back		147
Borrowings under credit agreements	30	28	34
Repayments of long-term indebtedness	(73)	(64)	(77)
Net cash used in financing activities	(618)	(814)	46
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	323	151	(349)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	174	23	372
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	497	174	23
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	352	240	438
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of facilities and other related businesses	(5)	(120)	(36)
Purchases of property and equipment	(199)	(270)	(353)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations	1,096	127	134
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	3	9	9
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(34)	(242)	(109)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	54	246	110
Increase in other investments	(37)	(86)	(62)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	878	(336)	(307)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs	(1)
Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	5		47
Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures	(6)	(19)	(36)
Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	(100)	(92)	(100)
Changes in intercompany balances with affiliates, net	(1,008)	132	(87)
Proceeds from sale-lease back		12
Borrowings under credit agreements	16	3	8
Proceeds from receivables facility	105	107	206
Repayments of long-term indebtedness	(239)	(144)	(145)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,228)	(1)	(107)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2	(97)	24
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	64	161	137
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 66	$ 64	$ 161

Schedule of Qualifying and V139

Schedule of Qualifying and Valuation Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 3,773	$ 4,110	$ 3,504
Acquisitions and Dispositions	(21)	(365)	(17)
Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,054	2,849	3,168
Write-offs	(2,936)	(2,821)	(2,545)
Balance at End of Year	$ 3,870	$ 3,773	$ 4,110