Quarterly Results (Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Results [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 1,838,774	$ 1,848,662	$ 1,902,234	$ 1,910,528	$ 1,559,453	$ 1,323,264	$ 1,338,315	$ 1,347,153	$ 7,500,198	$ 5,568,185
Net income	108,007	94,842	116,034	129,987	50,816	65,802	76,415	82,762	448,870	275,795	304,247
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,736	9,788	12,385	15,794	13,634	10,192	10,843	10,943	50,703	45,612	43,874
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 95,271	$ 85,054	$ 103,649	$ 114,193	$ 37,182	$ 55,610	$ 65,572	$ 71,819	$ 398,167	$ 230,183	$ 260,373
Earnings per share attributable to UHS-Basic: Total basic earnings per share	$ 0.99	$ 0.87	$ 1.06	$ 1.17	$ 0.38	$ 0.57	$ 0.68	$ 0.74	$ 4.09	$ 2.37	$ 2.65
Earnings per share attributable to UHS-Diluted: Total diluted earnings per share	$ 0.98	$ 0.86	$ 1.04	$ 1.15	$ 0.38	$ 0.57	$ 0.67	$ 0.73	$ 4.04	$ 2.34	$ 2.64