Consolidating Financial Statements - Comp Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net (loss) income	$ (2,293)	$ (609)	$ (4,183)	$ (5,249)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on minimum pension liability, net of tax	192	184	371	370
Total other comprehensive income	192	184	371	370
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,101)	(425)	(3,812)	(4,879)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	75	170	135
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(2,199)	(500)	(3,982)	(5,014)
Consolidating Adjustments
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net (loss) income	(929)	(901)	(1,342)	(1,268)
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive (loss) income	(929)	(901)	(1,342)	(1,268)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(929)	(901)	(1,342)	(1,268)
Parent Issuer UHS
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net (loss) income	(2,293)	(609)	(4,183)	(5,249)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on minimum pension liability, net of tax	192	184	371	370
Total other comprehensive income	192	184	371	370
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,101)	(425)	(3,812)	(4,879)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(2,101)	(425)	(3,812)	(4,879)
Subsidiary Guarantor
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net (loss) income	929	901	1,342	1,268
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive (loss) income	929	901	1,342	1,268
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	75	170	135
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	$ 831	$ 826	$ 1,172	$ 1,133