Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 157,265	$ 163,654	$ 568,433	$ 559,381
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	6,424	(9,888)	(11,644)	(4,950)
Amortization of terminated hedge	0	(84)	(167)	(252)
Unrealized loss on marketable security	(134)	0	(755)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(10,973)	(2,304)	(9,150)	(96)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(4,683)	(12,276)	(21,716)	(5,298)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	2,346	(3,742)	(4,681)	(1,530)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(7,029)	(8,534)	(17,035)	(3,768)
Comprehensive income	150,236	155,120	551,398	555,613
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,400	13,367	40,232	52,602
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 144,836	$ 141,753	$ 511,166	$ 503,011