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

The number of additional patents being addressed in litigation.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_NumberOfAdditionalPatentsBeingAddressedInLitigation
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
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.

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

The number of patents asserted in the second amended complaint by the reporting entity.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_NumberOfPatentsAssertedInSecondAmendedComplaintByReportingEntity
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=uthr_WatsonLaboratoriesIncMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=uthr_ActavisLaboratoriesFlInc.Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: