Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated net loss	$ (21,392)	$ (5,586)	$ (22,022)	$ (14,044)	$ (21,939)	$ (29,111)	$ (18,573)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain (loss) on minimum pension liability, net of tax					(4,136)	(980)	572
Gain on cash flow hedge, net of tax		1,970	2,887	5,254	7,088	2,839	3,541
Total other comprehensive income		1,970	2,887	5,254	2,952	1,859	4,113
Comprehensive loss	(21,392)	(3,616)	(19,135)	(8,790)	(18,987)	(27,252)	(14,460)
Comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest	202	159	568	297	451
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	$ (21,594)	$ (3,775)	$ (19,703)	$ (9,087)	$ (19,438)	$ (27,252)	$ (14,460)

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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