XML 41 R37.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Estimated Cost of Providing Uncompensated Care (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Health Care Trust Fund [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated cost of providing uncompensated care | $ 161,013 | $ 177,189 | $ 172,713
Charity Care |  |  |
Health Care Trust Fund [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated cost of providing uncompensated care | 95,675 | 131,890 | 145,350
Uninsured Discounts |  |  |
Health Care Trust Fund [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated cost of providing uncompensated care | $ 65,338 | $ 45,299 | $ 27,363

X
- Definition Estimated Cost of Uncompensated Care + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_EstimatedCostOfUncompensatedCare
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_HealthCareTrustFundLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration