Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues before provision for doubtful accounts			$ 11,278,942
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts			869,077
Net revenues	$ 11,378,259	$ 10,772,278	10,409,865
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits	5,588,893	5,254,536	4,980,637
Other operating expenses	2,723,911	2,614,687	2,493,062
Supplies expense	1,251,346	1,168,654	1,105,096
Depreciation and amortization	490,392	453,045	447,765
Lease and rental expense	107,809	106,094	103,127
Operating Expenses, Total	10,162,351	9,597,016	9,129,687
Income from operations	1,215,908	1,175,262	1,280,178
Interest expense, net	162,733	154,956	145,169
Other (income) expense, net	(13,162)	(14,219)	0
Income before income taxes	1,066,337	1,034,525	1,135,009
Provision for income taxes	238,794	236,642	363,697
Net income	827,543	797,883	771,312
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,689	18,178	19,009
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 814,854	$ 779,705	$ 752,303
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 9.16	$ 8.35	$ 7.86
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 9.13	$ 8.31	$ 7.81
Weighted average number of common shares—basic	88,762	93,276	95,652
Add: Other share equivalents	278	474	673
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents—diluted	89,040	93,750	96,325