Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,652	$ 41,229	$ 39,147	$ 29,474
Accounts receivable, net	1,042,535	969,802
Supplies	97,013	96,775
Other current assets	93,022	99,859
Deferred income taxes	123,131	108,324
Current assets held for sale	107,071	48,916
Total current assets	1,488,424	1,364,905
Property and equipment	5,240,909	5,106,160
Less: accumulated depreciation	(1,924,833)	(1,818,180)
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	3,316,076	3,287,980
Other assets:
Goodwill	2,594,740	2,627,602
Deferred charges	87,092	111,780
Other	294,734	272,978
Total assets	7,781,066	7,665,245	7,605,931
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,499	2,479
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	810,963	832,125
Current liabilities held for sale	18,112	2,329
Federal and state taxes	6,774	0
Total current liabilities	838,348	836,933
Other noncurrent liabilities	408,535	401,908
Long-term debt	3,440,962	3,651,428
Deferred income taxes	195,692	209,592
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	234,056	218,266
UHS common stockholders' equity	2,608,782	2,296,352
Noncontrolling interest	54,691	50,766
Total equity	2,663,473	2,347,118
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 7,781,066	$ 7,665,245