Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value [Abstract]
Decrease in fair value of liability related to interest rate swap agreements	$ 5.6	$ 21.7
After tax adjustment to other comprehensive income due to interest rate swap agreement	$ 3.6	$ 13.9

After tax adjustment to other comprehensive income due to interest rate swap agreement due to credit valuation adjustments.

No definition available.

Name:	cyh_AfterTaxAdjustmentToOtherComprehensiveDueToInterestRateSwapAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	cyh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration