Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 719,307	$ 656,982	$ 987,632
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,512)	18,627	3,958
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(308)	(748)	(2,059)
Net income attributable to UHS-basic	717,487	674,861	989,531
Net income attributable to UHS-diluted	$ 717,487	$ 674,861	$ 989,531
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS:
Weighted average number of common shares—basic	69,321	73,118	82,519
Total basic earnings per share	$ 10.35	$ 9.23	$ 11.99
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS:
Weighted average number of common shares—basic	69,321	73,118	82,519
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	804	714	1,173
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents—diluted	70,125	73,832	83,692
Total diluted earnings per share	$ 10.23	$ 9.14	$ 11.82