Consolidating Financial Statements - Comp Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ 4,740	$ (1,890)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on minimum pension liability, net of tax	210	179
Total other comprehensive income	210	179
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,950	(1,711)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	86	73
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	4,864	(1,784)
Consolidating Adjustments
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	(1,119)	(414)
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income (loss)	(1,119)	(414)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(1,119)	(414)
Parent Issuer UHS
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	4,740	(1,890)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on minimum pension liability, net of tax	210	179
Total other comprehensive income	210	179
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,950	(1,711)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	4,950	(1,711)
Subsidiary Guarantor
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	1,119	414
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,119	414
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	86	73
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	$ 1,033	$ 341