CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income	$ 147,660	$ 81,373	$ 117,444	$ 142,570	$ 108,007	$ 94,842	$ 116,034	$ 129,987	$ 489,047	$ 448,870	$ 275,795
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges									6,677	(37,477)	1,396
Amortization of terminated hedge									(336)	(336)	(336)
Minimum Pension Liability									4,986	(12,397)	743
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax									11,327	(50,210)	1,803
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive income									4,306	(19,174)	689
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									7,021	(31,036)	1,114
Comprehensive income									496,068	417,834	276,909
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									45,601	50,703	45,612
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS									$ 450,467	$ 367,131	$ 231,297