Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 133,186	$ 123,099	$ 167,803	$ 129,935	$ 147,660	$ 81,373	$ 117,444	$ 142,570	$ 554,023	$ 489,047	$ 448,870
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges									16,963	6,677	(37,477)
Amortization of terminated hedge									(336)	(336)	(336)
Minimum Pension Liability									14,657	4,986	(12,397)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax									31,284	11,327	(50,210)
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive income									11,940	4,306	(19,174)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									19,344	7,021	(31,036)
Comprehensive income									573,367	496,068	417,834
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									43,290	45,601	50,703
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS									$ 530,077	$ 450,467	$ 367,131