XML 105 R61.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.0.1

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020
--- | --- | ---
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Carrying Value | $ 44,632 | $ 42,280
Commercial Paper [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Commercial Paper | $ 0 | 1,296
4.700% Notes Due February 2021 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.70% |
Par Value | $ 400 |
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 0 | 400
2.125% notes due March 2021 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.125% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Debt, Current | 0 | 750
Floating rate notes due June 2021 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Par Value | 350 |
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 0 | 350
3.150% notes due June 2021 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.15% |
Par Value | $ 400 |
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 0 | 400
3.375% Notes Due November 2021 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.375% |
Par Value | $ 500 |
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 0 | 507
2.875% Notes Due December 2021 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.875% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 0 | 762
2.875% Notes Due March 2022 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.875% |
Par Value | $ 1,100 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent |  | 1,113
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 1,097 |
3.350% Notes Due July 2022 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.35% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent |  | 999
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 999 |
2.375% notes due October 2022 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.375% |
Par Value | $ 900 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent |  | 897
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 899 |
0.000% Notes Due November 2022 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 0.00% |
Par Value | $ 15 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent |  | 14
Unsecured Debt, Current | $ 14 |
2.750% Notes Due February 2023 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.75% |
Par Value | $ 625 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 632 | 644
2.875% Notes Due March 2023 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.875% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 768 | 789
3.500% notes due June 2023 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.50% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 749 | 748
3.500% notes due February 2024 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.50% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 748 | 747
0.550% notes due May 2024 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 0.55% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 996 | 0
2.375% notes due August 2024 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.375% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 748 | 747
3.750% Notes Due July 2025 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.75% |
Par Value | $ 2,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,994 | 1,992
3.700% notes due December 2025 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.70% |
Par Value | $ 300 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 299 | 298
1.250% notes due January 2026 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 1.25% |
Par Value | $ 500 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 497 | 496
3.100% notes due March 2026 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.10% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 997 | 997
1.150% notes due May 2026 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 1.15% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 972 | 0
3.450% notes due January 2027 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.45% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 747 | 747
3.375% notes due April 2027 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.375% |
Par Value | $ 625 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 621 | 620
2.950% notes due October 2027 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.95% |
Par Value | $ 950 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 942 | 940
3.850% notes due June 2028 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.85% |
Par Value | $ 1,150 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,144 | 1,143
3.875% notes due December 2028 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.875% |
Par Value | $ 850 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 844 | 844
2.875% notes due August 2029 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.875% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,023 | 1,086
2.000% notes due May 2030 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.00% |
Par Value | $ 1,250 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,235 | 1,234
2.300% notes due May 2031 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.30% |
Par Value | $ 1,500 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,482 | 0
4.625% notes Due July 2035 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.625% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 993 | 992
5.800% notes Due March 2036 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 5.80% |
Par Value | $ 850 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 839 | 839
6.500% notes Due June 2037 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.50% |
Par Value | $ 500 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 492 | 492
6.625% notes due November 2037 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.625% |
Par Value | $ 650 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 642 | 641
6.875% notes Due Februray 2038 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.875% |
Par Value | $ 1,100 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,078 | 1,077
3.500% notes due August 2039 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.50% |
Par Value | $ 1,250 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,242 | 1,241
2.750% notes due May 2040 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.75% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 966 | 964
5.700% notes Due October 2040 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 5.70% |
Par Value | $ 300 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 296 | 296
5.950% notes Due Februrary 2041 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 5.95% |
Par Value | $ 350 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 346 | 346
3.050% notes due May 2041 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.05% |
Par Value | $ 1,500 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,483 | 0
4.625% notes Due November 2041 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.625% |
Par Value | $ 600 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 589 | 589
4.375% notes Due March 2042 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.375% |
Par Value | $ 502 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 485 | 485
3.950% notes Due October 2042 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.95% |
Par Value | $ 625 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 608 | 608
4.250% notes Due March 2043 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.25% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 736 | 735
4.750% notes Due July 2045 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.75% |
Par Value | $ 2,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,974 | 1,974
4.200% notes due January 2047 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.20% |
Par Value | $ 750 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 739 | 738
4.250% notes due April 2047 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.25% |
Par Value | $ 725 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 718 | 717
3.750% notes due October 2047 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.75% |
Par Value | $ 950 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 934 | 934
4.250% notes due June 2048 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.25% |
Par Value | $ 1,350 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,330 | 1,330
4.450% notes due December 2048 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.45% |
Par Value | $ 1,100 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,087 | 1,086
3.700% notes due August 2049 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.70% |
Par Value | $ 1,250 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,236 | 1,235
2.900% notes due May 2050 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.90% |
Par Value | $ 1,250 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,209 | 1,208
3.250% notes due May 2051 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.25% |
Par Value | $ 2,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,970 | 0
3.875% notes due August 2059 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.875% |
Par Value | $ 1,250 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 1,228 | 1,228
3.125% notes due May 2060 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.125% |
Par Value | $ 1,000 |
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent | $ 965 | $ 965

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of short-term borrowings using unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers to investors. The maturities of these money market securities generally do not exceed 270 days. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(13)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(19)(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommercialPaper
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495323-112611 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124435984&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124429444&loc=SL124452920-239629 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 69C -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495737-112612 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 69B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495735-112612 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495323-112611 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the aggregate of total long-term debt, including current maturities and short-term debt. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the portion of long-term, uncollateralized debt obligations due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(19)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(13)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of uncollateralized debt obligation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.700notesdueFebruary2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2.125notesdueMarch2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_FloatingratenotesdueJune2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.150notesdueJune2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.375notesdueNovember2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2875NotesDueDecember2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2.875notesdueMarch2022Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3350NotesDueJuly2022Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2.375notesdueOctober2022MemberMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_ZeroCouponNotesDueNovember2022Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2750NotesDueFebruary2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2875NotesDueMarch2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.500notesdueJune2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.500notesdueFebruary2024Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A0550NotesDueMay2024Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2.375notesdueAugust2024Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.750notesdueJuly2025Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.700notesdueDecember2025Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A1250NotesDueJanuary2026Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.100notesdueMarch2026Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A1150NotesDueMay2026Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.450notesdueJanuary2027Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.375notesdueApril2027Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2.950notesdueOctober2027Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.850notesdueJune2028Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.875notesdueDecember2028Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2.875notesdueAugust2029Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2000NotesDueMay2030Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2300NotesDueMay2031Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.625notesdueJuly2035Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A5.800notesdueMarch2036Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A6500NotesDueJune2037Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A6625NotesDueNovember2037Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A6.875notesdueFebruary2038Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.500notesdueAugust2039Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2750NotesDueMay2040Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A5.700notesdueOctober2040Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A5.950notesdueFebruary2041Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3050NotesDueMay2041Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.625notesdueNovember2041Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.375notesdueMarch2042Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3950NotesDueOctober2042Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4250NotesDueMarch2043Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.750notesdueJuly2045Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.200notesdueJanuary2047Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.250notesdueApril2047Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.750notesdueOctober2047Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.250notesdueJune2048Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A4.450notesdueDecember2048Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.700notesdueAugust2049Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A2900NotesDueMay2050Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3250NotesDueMay2051Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3.875notesdueAugust2059Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=unh_A3125NotesDueMay2060Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |