CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,122	$ 23,471	$ 25,652	$ 41,229
Accounts receivable, net	1,166,514	1,067,197
Supplies	101,249	99,000
Other current assets	90,771	87,936
Deferred income taxes	132,624	104,461
Assets of facilities held for sale	0	25,431
Total current assets	1,503,280	1,407,496
Property and equipment	5,610,076	5,368,345
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,185,175)	(1,986,110)
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	3,424,901	3,382,235
Other assets:
Goodwill	3,039,169	3,036,765
Deferred charges	62,619	75,888
Other	321,774	298,459
Total assets	8,351,743	8,200,843	7,781,066
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	88,292	2,589
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	926,768	889,557
Liabilities of facilities held for sale	0	850
Federal and state taxes	9,257	1,062
Total current liabilities	1,024,317	894,058
Other noncurrent liabilities	320,214	395,355
Long-term debt	3,411,635	3,727,431
Deferred income taxes	215,026	183,747
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	218,080	234,303
Equity:
UHS common stockholders' equity	3,110,778	2,713,345
Noncontrolling interest	51,693	52,604
Total equity	3,162,471	2,765,949
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 8,351,743	$ 8,200,843