Consolidating Financial Statements - Comp Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ 24,999	$ (2,293)	$ 29,739	$ (4,183)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on minimum pension liability, net of tax	214	192	424	371
Total other comprehensive income	214	192	424	371
Comprehensive income (loss)	25,213	(2,101)	30,163	(3,812)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	81	98	166	170
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	25,132	(2,199)	29,997	(3,982)
Consolidating Adjustments
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	(1,310)	(929)	(2,428)	(1,342)
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income (loss)	(1,310)	(929)	(2,428)	(1,342)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	(1,310)	(929)	(2,428)	(1,342)
Parent Issuer UHS | Reportable Legal Entities
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	24,999	(2,293)	29,739	(4,183)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on minimum pension liability, net of tax	214	192	424	371
Total other comprehensive income	214	192	424	371
Comprehensive income (loss)	25,213	(2,101)	30,163	(3,812)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	25,213	(2,101)	30,163	(3,812)
Subsidiary Guarantors | Reportable Legal Entities
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net income (loss)	1,310	929	2,428	1,342
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,310	929	2,428	1,342
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	81	98	166	170
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries	$ 1,229	$ 831	$ 2,262	$ 1,172