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Share-Based Compensation Narrative (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability $ 496us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability $ 441us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant 25us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant 11us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember		  
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant 14us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= unh_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanESPPMember