XML 50 R34.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Oct. 01, 2017 USD ($) | May 31, 2016 USD ($) Hospital | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Hospital Facility shares | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Hospital shares | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Hospital shares
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Establishment of partial reserve in the allowance for doubtful accounts for self-pay balances outstanding from the date of discharge, in days |  |  |  | 90 days |  |
Establishment of fully reserve for self-pay balances outstanding from the date of discharge, in days |  |  |  | 90 days |  |
Establishment of fully reserve in the allowance for doubtful accounts for third party liability accounts from the date of discharge, in days |  |  |  | 180 days |  |
Patients treated at hospitals for non elective services gross income less than federal poverty guidelines |  |  |  | 400.00% |  |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  |  |  | $ 480,000,000 | $ 410,000,000 |
Provision for doubtful accounts |  |  |  | 869,077,000 | 741,578,000 | $ 741,273,000
Accounts receivable, net |  |  |  | $ 1,500,898,000 | 1,439,553,000 |
Number of hospital facilities | Hospital |  |  |  | 3 |  |
Capitalized interest |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000 | 1,900,000 | 304,000
Depreciation expense |  |  |  | 388,400,000 | 350,800,000 | 337,500,000
Impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets | $ 0 |  |  |  | 0 | $ 0
Amount of estimated future payments related to physician-related contractual commitments |  |  |  | 2,000,000 | $ 2,000,000 |
Amount of potential future financial obligations |  |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |  |
Behavioral health care facilities with outside owners holding non-controlling minority interest | Facility |  |  |  | 2 |  |
Redeemable non-controlling interest balances |  |  |  | $ 7,000,000 |  |
Non-controlling interest balances |  |  |  | $ 62,000,000 |  |
Anti-dilutive weighted average stock options excluded from computation of earnings per share | shares |  |  |  | 6,200,000 | 2,200,000 | 765,000
Revenue from Medicaid programs |  |  |  | $ 11,278,942,000 | $ 10,507,788,000 | $ 9,784,724,000
State Medicaid programs |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Medicaid programs |  |  |  | 357,000,000 | 327,000,000 | 307,000,000
Revenue offset amount |  |  |  | 171,000,000 | 166,000,000 | 137,000,000
Net aggregate benefit |  |  |  | 186,000,000 | 161,000,000 | 170,000,000
Net revenues |  |  |  | 55,000,000 | $ 53,000,000 | $ 46,000,000
Commercial Insurance Subsidiary |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Statutorily required capital reserves |  |  |  | $ 110,000,000 |  |
Universal Health Realty Income Trust |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of hospital facilities | Hospital |  |  |  | 3 | 3 | 3
Investments |  |  |  | $ 8,000,000 |  |
Premier, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments |  |  |  | 33,000,000 |  |
Premier, Inc. | Group Purchasing Organization Agreement | Restricted Stock |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Shares vesting period |  |  | 7 years |  |  |
Shares vesting period start year |  |  | 2014 |  |  |
Shares vesting period end year |  |  | 2020 |  |  |
Market value of retained vested shares |  |  |  | $ 33,000,000 | $ 23,000,000 |
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful lives, maximum years |  |  |  | 20 years |  |
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful lives, maximum years |  |  |  | 40 years |  |
Equipment | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful lives, maximum years |  |  |  | 3 years |  |
Equipment | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, useful lives, maximum years |  |  |  | 15 years |  |
Acute Care Hospitals |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Provision for doubtful accounts |  |  |  | $ 756,000,000 | $ 628,000,000 | $ 631,000,000
Medicare And Medicaid | Net Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of revenue |  |  |  | 30.00% | 32.00% | 34.00%
Care Entities | Net Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of revenue |  |  |  | 56.00% | 56.00% | 54.00%
Illinois |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net |  |  |  | $ 25,000,000 | $ 38,000,000 |
Accounts receivable net greater than sixty days Past due |  |  |  | $ 8,000,000 | $ 25,000,000 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Acute Care Hospital Services |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of hospital facilities | Hospital |  | 6 |  | 6 |  |
Acquisition, cash paid |  | $ 445,000,000 |  |  |  |
Purchase price of minority ownership interests |  | 418,000,000 |  |  |  |
Return of reserve capital to purchase of minority ownership interests |  | $ 27,000,000 |  |  |  |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Acute Care Hospital Services | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Ownership interests purchased |  | 26.10% |  |  |  |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Acute Care Hospital Services | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Ownership interests purchased |  | 27.50% |  |  |  |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Net Revenue | Geographic Concentration Risk |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of revenue |  |  |  | 15.00% | 14.00% | 13.00%
Washington, District of Columbia | Acute Care Facilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of non-controlling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners |  |  |  | 20.00% |  |
Texas | Acute Care Facilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of non-controlling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners |  |  |  | 11.00% |  |
Pennsylvania | Behavioral Health Services |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of non-controlling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners |  |  |  | 20.00% |  |
Ohio | Behavioral Health Services |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of non-controlling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners |  |  |  | 30.00% |  |
Nevada | Acute Care Facilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of non-controlling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners |  |  |  | 5.00% |  |

X
- Definition Accounts receivable net greater than sixty days past due. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_AccountsReceivableNetGreaterThanSixtyDaysPastDue
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of estimated future payments related to contractual commitments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_AmountOfEstimatedFuturePaymentsRelatedToContractualCommitments
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of potential future financial obligations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_AmountOfPotentialFutureFinancialObligations
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Behavioral health care facilities outside owners holding noncontrolling minority interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilitiesOutsideOwnersHoldingNoncontrollingMinorityInterest
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Establishment of fully reserve for self-pay balances outstanding from the date of discharge. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_EstablishmentOfFullyReserveForSelfPayBalancesOutstandingFromDateOfDischarge
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Establishment of fully reserve in the allowance for doubtful accounts for third party liability accounts from the date of discharge. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_EstablishmentOfFullyReserveInAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsForThirdPartyLiabilityAccountsFromDateOfDischarge
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Establishment of partial reserve in the allowance for doubtful accounts for self-pay balances outstanding from the date of discharge. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_EstablishmentOfPartialReserveInAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsForSelfPayBalancesOutstandingFromDateOfDischarge
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Health care benefits. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_HealthCareBenefits
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of hospital facilities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Patients treated at hospitals for nonelective care income less than or equal to specified percentage of federal poverty level eligible for charity care. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_PatientsTreatedAtHospitalsForNonelectiveCareIncomeLessThanOrEqualToSpecifiedPercentageOfFederalPovertyLevelEligibleForCharityCare
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Return of reserve capital to purchase minority ownership interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_ReserveCapitalToPurchaseMinorityOwnershipInterests
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period end year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodEndYear
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period start year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodStartYear
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Summary of business and significant accounting policies. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | uhs_SummaryOfBusinessAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | uhs_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(4)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84173941&loc=d3e5074-111524 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the identifiable assets acquired in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84160947&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84161108&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84177426&loc=d3e6351-108592 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77997519&loc=d3e13531-108611 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84177426&loc=d3e6404-108592 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 21 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77997519&loc=d3e13537-108611 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -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 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Depreciation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount that will be offset against future earnings by anticipated increases or decreases in other expenses or revenues. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EffectOnFutureEarningsOffsetAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total loss recognized during the period from the impairment of goodwill plus the loss recognized in the period resulting from the impairment of the carrying amount of intangible assets, other than goodwill. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenues recognized by the entity from providing services to in-patients, outpatients, residents in facilities owned or operated by the entity, from insurance premiums, or from goods provided or services performed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest capitalized during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Investments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of investments in an entity not consolidated. Includes, but is not limited to, investments in an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership, an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group, an entity which the company has significant influence, but does not have control and subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity or cost method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66048111&loc=d3e19190-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVenturesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying amount of the equity interests owned by noncontrolling shareholders, partners, or other equity holders in joint ventures included in the entity's consolidated financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96868048&loc=SL4568740-111683 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestInJointVentures
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expense related to write-down of receivables to the amount expected to be collected. Includes, but is not limited to, accounts receivable and notes receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913815&loc=SL49130534-203044 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913847&loc=SL49130543-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition As of the reporting date, the aggregate carrying amount of all noncontrolling interests which are redeemable by the (parent) entity (1) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (2) at the option of the holder of the noncontrolling interest, or (3) upon occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the (parent) entity. This item includes noncontrolling interest holder's ownership (or holders' ownership) regardless of the type of equity interest (common, preferred, other) including all potential organizational (legal) forms of the investee entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph (12)(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph (16)(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96867065&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of statutory capital required to be maintained as of the balance sheet date under prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 505 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486098&loc=d3e24708-158529 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusRequired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByEntitySizeAxis=uhs_HealthcareMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=uhs_CommercialInsuranceSubsidiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=uhs_UniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=uhs_PremierIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=uhs_GroupPurchasingOrganizationAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_EquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=uhs_MedicareAndMedicaidMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis=us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis=us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=uhs_CareEntitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=stpr_IL
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=uhs_LasVegasNevadaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis=us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=stpr_DC
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=stpr_TX
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=stpr_PA
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=stpr_OH
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=stpr_NV
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |