Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 719,307	$ 656,982	$ 987,632
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Minimum pension liability	4,166	(2,869)	1,427
Foreign currency translation adjustment	15,271	(37,310)	(20,743)
Other comprehensive income before tax	19,437	(40,179)	(19,316)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	480	(220)	(1,487)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	18,957	(39,959)	(17,829)
Comprehensive income	738,264	617,023	969,803
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,512	(18,627)	(3,958)
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 736,752	$ 635,650	$ 973,761