XML 123 R79.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.0.1

Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | $ 226,233 | $ 201,478 | $ 189,699
Investment and other income | 2,324 | 1,502 | 1,886
Total revenues | 287,597 | 257,141 | 242,155
Earnings from operations | 23,970 | 22,405 | 19,685
Interest expense | (1,660) | (1,663) | (1,704)
Earnings before income taxes | 22,310 | 20,742 | 17,981
Total assets | 212,206 | 197,289 | 173,889
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 2,454 | 2,051 | 2,071
Depreciation and amortization | 3,103 | 2,891 | 2,720
Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 34,437 | 34,145 | 31,597
Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 24,603 | 20,016 | 18,973
Optum |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 1,467 | 770 | 749
Total revenues | 155,565 | 136,308 | 112,950
Earnings from operations | 11,995 | 10,046 | 9,359
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0
Earnings before income taxes | 11,995 | 10,046 | 9,359
Total assets | 117,523 | 106,778 | 91,971
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 1,659 | 1,364 | 1,230
Depreciation and amortization | 2,099 | 1,971 | 1,794
Unaffiliated Customers |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 226,233 | 201,478 | 189,699
Total revenues | 285,273 | 255,639 | 240,269
Unaffiliated Customers | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 34,437 | 34,145 | 31,597
Unaffiliated Customers | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 24,603 | 20,016 | 18,973
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 13,852 | 9,799 | 5,916
Total revenues | 63,231 | 55,496 | 47,564
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 34,437 | 34,145 | 31,597
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 14,942 | 11,552 | 10,051
Affiliated Customers |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | 0 | 0 | 0
Affiliated Customers | Optum |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | 90,867 | 80,042 | 64,637
Operating Segments | UnitedHealthcare |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 857 | 732 | 1,137
Total revenues | 222,899 | 200,875 | 193,842
Earnings from operations | 11,975 | 12,359 | 10,326
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0
Earnings before income taxes | 11,975 | 12,359 | 10,326
Total assets | 102,967 | 98,229 | 88,250
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 795 | 687 | 841
Depreciation and amortization | 1,004 | 920 | 926
Operating Segments | Optum Health |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 1,053 | 680 | 672
Total revenues | 54,065 | 39,808 | 30,317
Earnings from operations | 4,462 | 3,434 | 2,963
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0
Earnings before income taxes | 4,462 | 3,434 | 2,963
Total assets | 60,474 | 52,073 | 40,444
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 791 | 715 | 573
Depreciation and amortization | 818 | 703 | 565
Operating Segments | Optum Insight |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 237 | 39 | 21
Total revenues | 12,199 | 10,802 | 10,006
Earnings from operations | 3,398 | 2,725 | 2,494
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0
Earnings before income taxes | 3,398 | 2,725 | 2,494
Total assets | 16,868 | 15,425 | 15,181
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 567 | 461 | 495
Depreciation and amortization | 684 | 670 | 672
Operating Segments | Optum Rx |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 177 | 51 | 56
Total revenues | 91,314 | 87,498 | 74,288
Earnings from operations | 4,135 | 3,887 | 3,902
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0
Earnings before income taxes | 4,135 | 3,887 | 3,902
Total assets | 40,181 | 39,280 | 36,346
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 301 | 188 | 162
Depreciation and amortization | 597 | 598 | 557
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 212,381 | 191,679 | 183,783
Total revenues | 222,042 | 200,143 | 192,705
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 9,661 | 8,464 | 8,922
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Health |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 13,852 | 9,799 | 5,916
Total revenues | 23,778 | 16,647 | 11,679
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Health | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 32 | 33 | 31
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Health | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 9,894 | 6,815 | 5,732
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Insight |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Total revenues | 4,095 | 3,822 | 3,746
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Insight | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 159 | 135 | 116
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Insight | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 3,936 | 3,687 | 3,630
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Rx |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Total revenues | 35,358 | 35,027 | 32,139
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Rx | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 34,246 | 33,977 | 31,450
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Rx | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 1,112 | 1,050 | 689
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | 0 | 0 | 0
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | Optum Health |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | 29,234 | 22,481 | 17,966
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | Optum Insight |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | 7,867 | 6,941 | 6,239
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | Optum Rx |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | 55,779 | 52,420 | 42,093
Optum Eliminations |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 0 | 0 | 0
Total revenues | (2,013) | (1,800) | (1,661)
Earnings from operations | 0 | 0 | 0
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0
Earnings before income taxes | 0 | 0 | 0
Total assets | 0 | 0 | 0
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 0 | 0 | 0
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 0 | 0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Total revenues | 0 | 0 | 0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Optum Eliminations | Affiliated Customers |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | (2,013) | (1,800) | (1,661)
Corporate and Eliminations |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment and other income | 0 | 0 | 0
Total revenues | (90,867) | (80,042) | (64,637)
Earnings from operations | 0 | 0 | 0
Interest expense | (1,660) | (1,663) | (1,704)
Earnings before income taxes | (1,660) | (1,663) | (1,704)
Total assets | (8,284) | (7,718) | (6,332)
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software | 0 | 0 | 0
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 0 | 0
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Total revenues | 0 | 0 | 0
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Products |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Services |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers | 0 | 0 | 0
Corporate and Eliminations | Affiliated Customers |  |  |
Statement [Line Items] |  |  |
Total revenues | $ (90,867) | $ (80,042) | $ (64,637)

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + 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(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84165509&loc=d3e56426-112766 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 6: 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)(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124433192&loc=SL2890621-112765 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (bb) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123419778&loc=d3e5710-111685 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116870748&loc=SL6758485-165988 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 940 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123384075&loc=d3e41242-110953 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(10)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(8)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399901&loc=d3e537907-122884 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8924-108599 Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(15)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124435984&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (210.5-03(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before accretion (amortization) of purchase discount (premium) of interest income and dividend income on nonoperating securities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(a),(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8924-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after premiums ceded to other entities and premiums assumed by the entity, of premiums earned. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-17(Column E)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120401096&loc=d3e574992-122915 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(13)(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 605 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486672&loc=d3e27261-158547 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9031-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9038-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123351226&loc=SL49130543-203045 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9054-108599 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123351226&loc=SL49130545-203045 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 924 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 11.L) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472922&loc=d3e499488-122856 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9031-108599 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9038-108599 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9054-108599 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399901&loc=d3e537907-122884 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_ProductMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_ServiceMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=unh_TotalOptumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=unh_ExternalCustomersMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_MajorCustomersAxis=unh_IntersegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=unh_UnitedhealthcareMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=unh_OptumhealthMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=unh_OptuminsightMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=unh_OptumrxMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |