Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 39,711	$ 17,238	$ 12,122	$ 23,471
Accounts receivable, net	1,239,478	1,116,961
Supplies	104,390	101,781
Deferred income taxes	95,204	119,903
Other current assets	143,311	76,446
Total current assets	1,622,094	1,432,329
Property and equipment	6,105,090	5,691,902
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,456,116)	(2,249,733)
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	3,648,974	3,442,169
Other assets:
Goodwill	3,296,358	3,049,016
Deferred charges	41,910	57,881
Other	352,256	330,328
Total assets	8,961,592	8,311,723	8,351,743
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	81,477	99,312
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,083,987	953,449
Federal and state taxes	0	7,127
Total current liabilities	1,165,464	1,059,888
Other noncurrent liabilities	280,797	284,589
Long-term debt	3,373,341	3,209,762
Deferred income taxes	253,191	239,148
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	231,473	218,107
Equity:
UHS common stockholders' equity	3,603,204	3,249,979
Noncontrolling interest	54,122	50,250
Total equity	3,657,326	3,300,229
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 8,961,592	$ 8,311,723