Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	$ (21,392)	$ (5,586)	$ (22,022)	$ (14,044)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on cash flow hedge, net of tax		1,970	2,887	5,254
Total other comprehensive income		1,970	2,887	5,254
Comprehensive loss	(21,392)	(3,616)	(19,135)	(8,790)
Comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest	202	159	568	297
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(21,594)	(3,775)	(19,703)	(9,087)
Parent Issuer UHS
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	(21,392)	(5,586)	(22,022)	(14,044)
Other comprehensive income:
Gain on cash flow hedge, net of tax		1,970	2,887	5,254
Total other comprehensive income		1,970	2,887	5,254
Comprehensive loss	(21,392)	(3,616)	(19,135)	(8,790)
Comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest	202	159	568	297
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(21,594)	(3,775)	(19,703)	(9,087)
Subsidiary Guarantor Surgical Services
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	(163)	573	(1,372)	900
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive loss	(163)	573	(1,372)	900
Comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest	202	159	568	297
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(365)	414	(1,940)	603
Consolidating Adjustments
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	163	(573)	1,372	(900)
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive loss	163	(573)	1,372	(900)
Comprehensive income attributable to non controlling interest	(202)	(159)	(568)	(297)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	$ 365	$ (414)	$ 1,940	$ (603)

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

Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent entity.

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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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