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Description of Business	12 Months Ended
Description of Business	Dec. 31, 2011
Description of Business [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Description of Business UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (also referred to as “UnitedHealth Group” and “the Company”) is a diversified health and well-being company whose mission is to help people live healthier lives and make health care work better. The Company helps individuals access quality care at an affordable cost; simplifying health care administration and delivery; strengthening the physician/patient relationship; promoting evidence-based care; and empowering physicians, health care professionals, consumers, employers and other participants in the health system with actionable data to make better, more informed decisions. Through the Company's diversified family of businesses, it leverages core competencies in advanced, enabling technology; health care data, information and intelligence; and care management and coordination to help meet the demands of the health system.