Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,261	$ 17,238	$ 17,395	$ 23,471
Accounts receivable, net	1,212,594	1,116,961
Supplies	102,276	101,781
Deferred income taxes	114,297	119,903
Other current assets	97,685	76,446
Total current assets	1,543,113	1,432,329
Property and equipment	5,789,393	5,691,902
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,321,221)	(2,249,733)
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	3,468,172	3,442,169
Other assets:
Goodwill	3,053,666	3,049,016
Deferred charges	53,521	57,881
Other	312,913	330,328
Total assets	8,431,385	8,311,723	8,316,508
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	103,641	99,312
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	954,902	953,449
Federal and state taxes	51,905	7,127
Total current liabilities	1,110,448	1,059,888
Other noncurrent liabilities	282,173	284,589
Long-term debt	3,109,158	3,209,762
Deferred income taxes	257,344	239,148
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	228,107	218,107
Equity:
UHS common stockholders' equity	3,392,119	3,249,979
Noncontrolling interest	52,036	50,250
Total equity	3,444,155	3,300,229
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 8,431,385	$ 8,311,723