Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$ 1,869,263	$ 1,814,686	$ 5,718,676	$ 5,553,268
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts	188,910	152,011	522,203	456,042
Net revenues	1,680,353	1,662,675	5,196,473	5,097,226
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits	838,075	828,606	2,565,052	2,492,570
Other operating expenses	362,687	343,873	1,059,048	1,030,492
Supplies expense	191,747	198,794	594,924	603,657
EHR incentive income	(10,551)	0	(12,506)	0
Depreciation and amortization	77,032	73,170	221,807	213,828
Lease and rental expense	23,481	22,704	70,906	68,501
Costs related to extinguishment of debt	29,170	0	29,170	0
Operating Expenses, Total	1,511,641	1,467,147	4,528,401	4,409,048
Income from operations	168,712	195,528	668,072	688,178
Interest expense, net	45,207	48,452	137,805	154,677
Income before income taxes	123,505	147,076	530,267	533,501
Provision for income taxes	42,132	52,234	188,880	192,638
Net income	81,373	94,842	341,387	340,863
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9,556	9,788	33,402	37,967
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 71,817	$ 85,054	$ 307,985	$ 302,896
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 0.74	$ 0.87	$ 3.18	$ 3.10
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 0.73	$ 0.86	$ 3.15	$ 3.06
Weighted average number of common shares-basic	96,817	97,397	96,701	97,447
Add: Other share equivalents	794	1,201	1,010	1,461
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents-diluted	97,611	98,598	97,711	98,908