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

Amount after adjustments of available-for-sale debt securities at cost, maturing in the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet. Adjustments include, but are not limited to, accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) recognized in earnings less cumulative-effect adjustments and fair value hedge accounting adjustments. For interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Fair value of available-for-sale debt securities maturing in the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet. For interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount after adjustments of available-for-sale debt securities at cost, maturing in the third rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet. Adjustments include, but are not limited to, accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) recognized in earnings less cumulative-effect adjustments, and fair value hedge accounting adjustments. For interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearOneThroughThreeAmortizedCostBasis
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Fair value of available-for-sale debt securities maturing after first fiscal year through third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearOneThroughYearThreeFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of contractual maturities available for sale debt securities amortized basis.

No definition available.

Name:	uthr_ContractualMaturitiesOfAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
Namespace Prefix:	uthr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of contractual maturities of available for sale securities debt securities.

No definition available.