Quarterly Results (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
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 1,800,846	$ 1,816,369	$ 1,834,975	$ 1,831,632	$ 1,764,927	$ 1,680,353	$ 1,723,084	$ 1,793,036	$ 7,283,822	$ 6,961,400	$ 6,760,222
Net income	133,186	123,099	167,803	129,935	147,660	81,373	117,444	142,570	554,023	489,047	448,870
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8,665	8,512	15,962	10,151	12,199	9,556	9,883	13,963	43,290	45,601	50,703
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 124,521	$ 114,587	$ 151,841	$ 119,784	$ 135,461	$ 71,817	$ 107,561	$ 128,607	$ 510,733	$ 443,446	$ 398,167
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.27	$ 1.17	$ 1.55	$ 1.23	$ 1.39	$ 0.74	$ 1.11	$ 1.33	$ 5.21	$ 4.57	$ 4.09
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.24	$ 1.15	$ 1.53	$ 1.21	$ 1.39	$ 0.73	$ 1.10	$ 1.31	$ 5.14	$ 4.53	$ 4.04