Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of patents on which district court decision is adverse.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_LossContingencyNumberOfPatentsAdverseDecision
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Represents the maximum period of time from receipt of a Notice letter corresponding to a Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for which the FDA is precluded from approving the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_LossContingencyPeriodForWhichLawsuitWouldPrecludeFdaFromApprovingActavisAnda
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the maximum period of time from receipt of a Notice Letter corresponding to a Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for which the FDA is precluded from approving the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_LossContingencyPeriodForWhichLawsuitWouldPrecludeFdaFromApprovingWatsonAnda
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the period for supply of treprostinil subcutaneously using its PatchPump technology under FDA approval, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.