Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 41,229	$ 29,474
Accounts receivable, net	969,802	837,820
Supplies	96,775	94,330
Deferred income taxes	108,324	120,834
Other current assets	99,859	130,060
Assets of facilities held for sale	48,916	118,598
Total current assets	1,364,905	1,331,116
Property and Equipment
Land	377,984	376,567
Buildings and improvements	3,244,117	3,057,313
Equipment	1,256,165	1,165,635
Property under capital lease	37,037	38,711
Property and equipment, gross	4,915,303	4,638,226
Accumulated depreciation	(1,818,180)	(1,601,005)
Property and equipment, excluding construction in progress, net	3,097,123	3,037,221
Construction-in-progress	190,857	215,746
Property and equipment, net, total	3,287,980	3,252,967
Other assets:
Goodwill	2,627,602	2,589,914
Deferred charges	111,780	108,660
Other	272,978	245,279
Other assets, total	3,012,360	2,943,853
Total assets	7,665,245	7,527,936
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,479	3,449
Accounts payable	228,043	252,487
Liabilities of facilities held for sale	2,329	3,516
Accrued liabilities
Compensation and related benefits	233,583	249,429
Interest	10,622	14,160
Taxes other than income	45,359	35,175
Other	314,518	268,083
Total current liabilities	836,933	826,299
Other noncurrent liabilities	401,908	380,649
Long-term debt	3,651,428	3,912,102
Deferred income taxes	209,592	173,354
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Reedemable noncontrolling interest	218,266	211,761
Equity:
Cumulative dividends	(147,515)	(128,049)
Retained earnings	2,494,076	2,125,989
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(51,175)	(20,139)
Universal Health Services, Inc. common stockholders' equity	2,296,352	1,978,772
Noncontrolling interest	50,766	44,999
Total Equity	2,347,118	2,023,771
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	7,665,245	7,527,936
Class A Common [Member]
Equity:
Common Stock	66	67
Class B Common [Member]
Equity:
Common Stock	893	897
Class C Common [Member]
Equity:
Common Stock	7	7
Class D Common [Member]
Equity:
Common Stock