Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 190,388	$ 195,449	$ 400,915	$ 411,168
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(129)	(3,769)	2,937	(18,068)
Amortization of terminated hedge	0	(83)	0	(167)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable security	3,066	(621)	4,160	(621)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,713	(4,163)	8,949	1,823
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	4,650	(8,636)	16,046	(17,033)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	1,095	(1,667)	2,646	(7,027)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,555	(6,969)	13,400	(10,006)
Comprehensive income	193,943	188,480	414,315	401,162
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,994	9,872	9,466	34,832
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 188,949	$ 178,608	$ 404,849	$ 366,330