Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Basic and diluted:
Net Income									$ 554,023	$ 489,047	$ 448,870
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(43,290)	(45,601)	(50,703)
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants									(294)	(497)	(521)
Net income attributable to UHS-basic and diluted									$ 510,439	$ 442,949	$ 397,646
Weighted average number of common shares-basic									98,033	96,821	97,199
Total basic earnings per share	$ 1.27	$ 1.17	$ 1.55	$ 1.23	$ 1.39	$ 0.74	$ 1.11	$ 1.33	$ 5.21	$ 4.57	$ 4.09
Weighted average number of common shares									98,033	96,821	97,199
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method									1,328	890	1,338
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents-diluted									99,361	97,711	98,537
Total diluted earnings per share	$ 1.24	$ 1.15	$ 1.53	$ 1.21	$ 1.39	$ 0.73	$ 1.10	$ 1.31	$ 5.14	$ 4.53	$ 4.04