Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 151,671	$ 151,841	$ 289,749	$ 271,625
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(77)	(88)	(147)	(157)
Net income attributable to UHS - basic and diluted	$ 151,594	$ 151,753	$ 289,602	$ 271,468
Weighted average number of common shares-basic	98,872	98,033	98,722	97,872
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	1,363	1,178	1,474	1,019
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents-diluted	100,235	99,211	100,196	98,891
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS	$ 1.53	$ 1.55	$ 2.93	$ 2.77
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS	$ 1.51	$ 1.53	$ 2.89	$ 2.75