Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 827,543	$ 797,883	$ 771,312
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains on cash flow hedges	(3,925)	(2,805)	6,679
Minimum pension liability	8,503	(6,892)	4,070
Foreign currency translation adjustment	27,886	9,718	(2,169)
Other	0	4,398	26,678
Other comprehensive income before tax	32,464	4,419	35,258
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	4,813	8,905	2,664
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	27,651	(4,486)	32,594
Comprehensive income	855,194	793,397	803,906
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,689	18,178	19,009
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 842,505	$ 775,219	$ 784,897