Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$ 2,175,554	$ 2,134,740	$ 6,499,680	$ 6,294,750
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts	157,796	318,371	541,935	811,774
Net revenues	2,017,758	1,816,369	5,957,745	5,482,976
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits	953,583	903,212	2,850,868	2,702,842
Other operating expenses	512,794	393,549	1,323,274	1,100,118
Supplies expense	222,708	206,995	662,280	613,981
Depreciation and amortization	93,456	86,971	277,506	248,465
Lease and rental expense	23,860	23,904	70,656	72,651
Electronic health records incentive income	(1,425)	(23,148)	(4,029)	(27,943)
Costs related to extinguishment of debt	36,171	0	36,171	0
Operating Expenses, Total	1,841,147	1,591,483	5,216,726	4,710,114
Income from operations	176,611	224,886	741,019	772,862
Interest expense, net	32,133	32,314	102,413	110,488
Income before income taxes	144,478	192,572	638,606	662,374
Provision for income taxes	48,440	69,473	224,102	241,537
Net income	96,038	123,099	414,504	420,837
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	13,241	8,512	41,958	34,625
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 82,797	$ 114,587	$ 372,546	$ 386,212
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 0.84	$ 1.17	$ 3.77	$ 3.94
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 0.82	$ 1.15	$ 3.71	$ 3.89
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	99,052	98,151	98,832	97,965
Add: Other share equivalents	1,981	1,436	1,643	1,158
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	101,033	99,587	100,475	99,123