<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.25.4</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>603</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>624</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>201</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>14</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75010 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75030 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75040 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75050 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75060 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>75070 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995410 - Disclosure - Pay vs Performance Disclosure</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/PvpDisclosure</Role>
      <ShortName>Pay vs Performance Disclosure</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995445 - Disclosure - Insider Trading Arrangements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements</Role>
      <ShortName>Insider Trading Arrangements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995455 - Disclosure - Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy and Governance</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCybersecurityRiskManagementStrategyAndGovernance</Role>
      <ShortName>Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy and Governance</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995465 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995475 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestitures</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions and Divestitures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995485 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndFairValueMeasurement</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995495 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995505 - Disclosure - Common Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommonStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Common Stock</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995515 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995525 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLeaseCommitments</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995535 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995545 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995555 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureRevenueRecognition</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995565 - Disclosure - Pension Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosurePensionPlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension Plan</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995575 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReporting</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995585 - Disclosure - Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleIIValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995595 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995605 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995615 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndFairValueMeasurementTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndFairValueMeasurement</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995625 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebt</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995635 - Disclosure - Common Stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommonStockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Common Stock (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommonStock</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995645 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995655 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLeaseCommitmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLeaseCommitments</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995665 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995675 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995685 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureRevenueRecognitionTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureRevenueRecognition</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995695 - Disclosure - Pension Plan (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosurePensionPlanTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension Plan (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosurePensionPlan</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995705 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReporting</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995715 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995725 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Charity Care, Uninsured Discounts and Other Adjustments to Revenue - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCharityCareUninsuredDiscountsAndOtherAdjustmentsToRevenueAdditionalInformationD</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Charity Care, Uninsured Discounts and Other Adjustments to Revenue - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995735 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Revenues - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationOfRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Revenues - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995745 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995755 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995765 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Assets, Intangible Assets and Non-Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOtherAssetsIntangibleAssetsAndNonmarketableSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Assets, Intangible Assets and Non-Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995785 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsAndNoncontrollingInterestAdditionalInformationDet</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995795 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accounting for Derivative Financial Investments and Hedging Activities and Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountingForDerivativeFinancialInvestmentsAndHedgingActivitiesAndForeignCurrency</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accounting for Derivative Financial Investments and Hedging Activities and Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995805 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesEarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995815 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - GPO Agreement/Minority Ownership Interest - Additional Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGpoAgreementminorityOwnershipInterestAdditionalInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - GPO Agreement/Minority Ownership Interest - Additional Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995825 - Disclosure - Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Provider Taxes - Additional Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesProviderTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Provider Taxes - Additional Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995845 - Disclosure - Uncompensated Care (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureUncompensatedCareDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Uncompensated Care (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995855 - Disclosure - Estimated Cost of Providing Uncompensated Care (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureEstimatedCostOfProvidingUncompensatedCareDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Estimated Cost of Providing Uncompensated Care (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995865 - Disclosure - Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reported In Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashReportedInConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reported In Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995875 - Disclosure - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995895 - Disclosure - Summary of Net Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfNetIntangibleAssetsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Net Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995905 - Disclosure - Summary of Net Intangible Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfNetIntangibleAssetsParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Net Intangible Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995915 - Disclosure - Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAmountsRecognizedInAOCIDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995925 - Disclosure - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995935 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions and Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995945 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAndFairValueMeasurementAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995955 - Disclosure - Summary of Effects of Foreign Currency Foreign Exchange Contracts on Result of Operations (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfEffectsOfForeignCurrencyForeignExchangeContractsOnResultOfOperationsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Effects of Foreign Currency Foreign Exchange Contracts on Result of Operations (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995965 - Disclosure - Summary of Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecordedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995975 - Disclosure - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfLongTermDebtDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995995 - Disclosure - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfLongTermDebtParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996005 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996015 - Disclosure - Aggregate Scheduled Maturities of Debt Outstanding (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAggregateScheduledMaturitiesOfDebtOutstandingDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Aggregate Scheduled Maturities of Debt Outstanding (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996025 - Disclosure - Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996035 - Disclosure - Schedule of Information Related to Stock Repurchase Programs (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfInformationRelatedToStockRepurchaseProgramsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Information Related to Stock Repurchase Programs (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996045 - Disclosure - Schedule of Information Related to Stock Repurchase Programs (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfInformationRelatedToStockRepurchaseProgramsParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Information Related to Stock Repurchase Programs (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996055 - Disclosure - Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Model to Determine Fair Value for Stock Option Awards Granted (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAssumptionsUsedInBlackScholesModelToDetermineFairValueForStockOptionAwardsGrantedDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Model to Determine Fair Value for Stock Option Awards Granted (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996065 - Disclosure - Summary of Option Activities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfOptionActivitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Option Activities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996075 - Disclosure - Schedule of Information about Unvested Options (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfInformationAboutUnvestedOptionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Information about Unvested Options (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996085 - Disclosure - Schedule of Information about All Outstanding Options (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfInformationAboutAllOutstandingOptionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Information about All Outstanding Options (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996095 - Disclosure - Schedule of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Options Outstanding and Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share for Exercisable Options (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeForOptionsOutstandingAndWeightedAverageExercisePricePerShareForExercisableOptionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Options Outstanding and Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share for Exercisable Options (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996105 - Disclosure - Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996115 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996125 - Disclosure - Reconciliation between Federal Statutory Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureReconciliationBetweenFederalStatutoryRateAndEffectiveTaxRateDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Reconciliation between Federal Statutory Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996135 - Disclosure - Components of Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds Received (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfIncomeTaxesPaidNetOfRefundsReceivedDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds Received (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996145 - Disclosure - Components of Deferred Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureComponentsOfDeferredTaxesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Deferred Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996155 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996165 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLeaseCommitmentsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996175 - Disclosure - Components of Lease Expense (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureComponentsOfLeaseExpenseDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Lease Expense (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996185 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSupplementalCashFlowInformationRelatedToLeasesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996195 - Disclosure - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996205 - Disclosure - Future Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFutureMaturitiesOfLeaseLiabilitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Future Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996225 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996235 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Changes in General and Professional Liability and Workers Compensation Reserves (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfChangesInGeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityAndWorkersCompensationReservesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Changes in General and Professional Liability and Workers Compensation Reserves (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996245 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996255 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 1 (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation1Detail</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 1 (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996265 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 2 (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation2Detail</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 2 (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996275 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 3 (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation3Detail</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 3 (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996285 - Disclosure - Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 4 (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation4Detail</Role>
      <ShortName>Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Other Related Party Transactions - Additional Information 4 (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996295 - Disclosure - Summary of Details of Hospitals Leased from Trust (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Details of Hospitals Leased from Trust (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996305 - Disclosure - Summary of Details of Hospitals Leased from Trust (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Details of Hospitals Leased from Trust (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996315 - Disclosure - Schedule of Disaggregates Revenue by Major Source (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfDisaggregatesRevenueByMajorSourceDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Disaggregates Revenue by Major Source (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996325 - Disclosure - Pension Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosurePensionPlanAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996335 - Disclosure - Schedule of Reconciliation of Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfReconciliationOfDefinedBenefitPensionPlanDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Reconciliation of Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996345 - Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost Benefit (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureComponentsOfNetPeriodicPensionCostBenefitDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost Benefit (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996355 - Disclosure - Schedule of Measurement Dates (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfMeasurementDatesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Measurement Dates (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>96</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996365 - Disclosure - Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>97</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996375 - Disclosure - Schedule of Market Values of Pension Plan Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfMarketValuesOfPensionPlanAssetsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Market Values of Pension Plan Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>98</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996385 - Disclosure - Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>99</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R100.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996395 - Disclosure - Schedule of Plan Assets Category (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfPlanAssetsCategoryDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Plan Assets Category (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>100</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R101.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996405 - Disclosure - Schedule of Asset Allocation Policy and Ranges for Overall Risk and Return Objectives of Portfolio (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureScheduleOfAssetAllocationPolicyAndRangesForOverallRiskAndReturnObjectivesOfPortfolioDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule of Asset Allocation Policy and Ranges for Overall Risk and Return Objectives of Portfolio (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>101</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R102.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996415 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>102</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R103.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996425 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingParentheticalDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>103</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R104.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996435 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingAdditionalInformationDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>104</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="uhs-20251231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R105.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>996445 - Schedule - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.universalhealthservices/20251231/taxonomy/role/Role_ScheduleValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>105</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" isDefinitelyFs="true" isUsgaap="true" original="uhs-20251231.htm">uhs-20251231.htm</File>
    <File>uhs-20251231.xsd</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>img24083232_0.gif</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="7">http://fasb.org/srt/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="1532">http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="15">http://xbrl.sec.gov/cyd/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="44">http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="4">http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>false</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>false</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
