Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 190,492	$ 96,038	$ 166,614	$ 151,852	$ 133,186	$ 123,099	$ 167,803	$ 129,935	$ 604,996	$ 554,023	$ 489,047
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges									17,668	16,963	6,677
Amortization of terminated hedge									(336)	(336)	(336)
Minimum pension liability									(14,270)	14,657	4,986
Foreign currency translation adjustment									(2,431)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax									631	31,284	11,327
Income tax (benefit) expense related to items of other comprehensive income									1,053	11,940	4,306
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(422)	19,344	7,021
Comprehensive income									604,574	573,367	496,068
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									59,653	43,290	45,601
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS									$ 544,921	$ 530,077	$ 450,467