Quarterly Results (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 2,107,581	$ 2,017,758	$ 2,019,821	$ 1,920,166	$ 1,800,846	$ 1,816,369	$ 1,834,975	$ 1,831,632	$ 8,065,326	$ 7,283,822	$ 6,961,400
Net income	190,492	96,038	166,614	151,852	133,186	123,099	167,803	129,935	604,996	554,023	489,047
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	17,695	13,241	14,943	13,774	8,665	8,512	15,962	10,151	59,653	43,290	45,601
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 172,797	$ 82,797	$ 151,671	$ 138,078	$ 124,521	$ 114,587	$ 151,841	$ 119,784	$ 545,343	$ 510,733	$ 443,446
Total basic earnings per share	$ 1.75	$ 0.84	$ 1.53	$ 1.40	$ 1.27	$ 1.17	$ 1.55	$ 1.23	$ 5.52	$ 5.21	$ 4.57
Total diluted earnings per share	$ 1.71	$ 0.82	$ 1.51	$ 1.38	$ 1.24	$ 1.15	$ 1.53	$ 1.21	$ 5.42	$ 5.14	$ 4.53