Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 256,504	$ 241,265	$ 400,964	$ 478,663
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		(1,008)		(3,925)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,676	5,159	(32,525)	(9,103)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	6,676	4,151	(32,525)	(13,028)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	898	1,616	(1,210)	(850)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,778	2,535	(31,315)	(12,178)
Comprehensive income	262,282	243,800	369,649	466,485
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,575	2,945	6,998	6,175
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 257,707	$ 240,855	$ 362,651	$ 460,310