Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$ 2,827,709	$ 2,638,848	$ 5,653,181	$ 5,258,441
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts	215,353	207,993	427,967	377,788
Net revenues	2,612,356	2,430,855	5,225,214	4,880,653
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits	1,236,294	1,130,933	2,474,258	2,279,072
Other operating expenses	632,193	585,995	1,239,553	1,147,579
Supplies expense	274,539	254,422	552,153	509,672
Depreciation and amortization	113,112	101,411	223,910	205,460
Lease and rental expense	26,027	24,806	51,216	49,258
Operating Expenses, Total	2,282,165	2,097,567	4,541,090	4,191,041
Income from operations	330,191	333,288	684,124	689,612
Interest expense, net	35,920	30,442	71,427	60,042
Income before income taxes	294,271	302,846	612,697	629,570
Provision for income taxes	103,883	107,397	211,782	218,402
Net income	190,388	195,449	400,915	411,168
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,994	9,872	9,466	34,832
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 185,394	$ 185,577	$ 391,449	$ 376,336
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 1.93	$ 1.91	$ 4.06	$ 3.86
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 1.91	$ 1.89	$ 4.03	$ 3.81
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	96,247	97,109	96,416	97,358
Add: Other share equivalents	795	1,280	791	1,284
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	97,042	98,389	97,207	98,642