Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Basic and Diluted:
Net Income (Loss)	$ 289,152	$ 171,313	$ 550,986	$ 334,428
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(5)	(61)	(50)	(190)
Net income attributable to UHS - basic	289,147	171,252	550,936	334,238
Net income attributable to UHS - diluted	$ 289,147	$ 171,252	$ 550,936	$ 334,238
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	66,878	70,073	67,041	70,304
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	1,042	766	1,160	859
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	67,920	70,839	68,201	71,163
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$ 4.32	$ 2.44	$ 8.22	$ 4.75
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$ 4.26	$ 2.42	$ 8.08	$ 4.7