Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VANGUARD HEALTH SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001045829
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--06-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		77,843,947
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes