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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 151,865	$ 150,287	$ 528,201	$ 506,779
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(69)	(82)	(242)	(221)
Net income attributable to UHS – basic and diluted	$ 151,796	$ 150,205	$ 527,959	$ 506,558
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	97,118	98,858	97,278	98,924
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	1,203	2,301	1,257	1,987
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	98,321	101,159	98,535	100,911
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.56	$ 1.52	$ 5.43	$ 5.12
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.54	$ 1.48	$ 5.36	$ 5.02