Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 100,870	$ 174,881	$ 579,533	$ 634,261
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		(1,924)	(3,925)	(345)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(10,089)	(12,323)	(19,192)	(15,480)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(10,089)	(14,247)	(23,117)	(15,825)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	174	(457)	(676)	(82)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(10,263)	(13,790)	(22,441)	(15,743)
Comprehensive income	90,607	161,091	557,092	618,518
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,680	3,135	9,855	12,631
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 86,927	$ 157,956	$ 547,237	$ 605,887