Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Detail) (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
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 82,797	$ 114,587	$ 372,546	$ 386,212
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(17)	(43)	(164)	(200)
Net income attributable to UHS - basic and diluted	$ 82,780	$ 114,544	$ 372,382	$ 386,012
Weighted average number of common shares-basic	99,052	98,151	98,832	97,965
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	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
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS	$ 0.84	$ 1.17	$ 3.77	$ 3.94
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS	$ 0.82	$ 1.15	$ 3.71	$ 3.89