Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for classes A, B, C and D Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 185,577	$ 182,193	$ 376,336	$ 356,492
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(84)	(71)	(173)	(139)
Net income attributable to UHS – basic and diluted	$ 185,493	$ 182,122	$ 376,163	$ 356,353
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	97,109	99,004	97,358	98,957
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	1,280	1,923	1,284	1,830
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	98,389	100,927	98,642	100,787
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.91	$ 1.84	$ 3.86	$ 3.60
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.89	$ 1.80	$ 3.81	$ 3.54