Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 195,449	$ 201,404	$ 411,168	$ 395,727
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(3,769)	806	(18,068)	4,938
Amortization of terminated hedge	(83)	(84)	(167)	(168)
Unrealized loss on marketable security	(621)		(621)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,163)	2,626	1,823	2,208
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(8,636)	3,348	(17,033)	6,978
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,667)	715	(7,027)	2,212
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(6,969)	2,633	(10,006)	4,766
Comprehensive income	188,480	204,037	401,162	400,493
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9,872	19,211	34,832	39,235
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 178,608	$ 184,826	$ 366,330	$ 361,258