Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,015 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	$ 73,977	$ 68,478
Inventories	9,455	8,868
Deferred income taxes, net	3,595	3,610
Other current assets	4,277	4,280
Total current assets	91,304	85,236
Property and equipment, net:
Medical equipment, net	235,465	236,905
Property and office equipment, net	30,258	30,094
Total property and equipment, net	265,723	266,999
Other long-term assets:
Goodwill	335,577	335,577		325,911
Other intangibles, net	230,828	234,391
Other, primarily deferred financing costs, net	16,492	15,210
Total assets	939,924	937,413
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	5,959	6,223
Book overdrafts	6,174	3,905
Accounts payable	30,467	26,036
Accrued compensation	20,311	16,956
Accrued interest	6,512	13,845
Dividend payable	88	88
Other accrued expenses	12,418	11,641
Total current liabilities	81,929	78,694
Long-term debt, less current portion	701,518	692,791
Pension and other long-term liabilities	14,893	14,377
Payable to Parent	21,444	21,640
Deferred income taxes, net	69,641	69,036
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
Additional paid-in capital	214,481	214,481
Accumulated deficit	(155,222)	(144,864)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(9,086)	(9,086)
Total Universal Hospital Services, Inc. equity	50,173	60,531
Non controlling interest	326	344
Total equity	50,499	60,875	91,780	93,187
Total liabilities and equity	$ 939,924	$ 937,413