Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,985 at September 30, 2014 and $2,185 at December 31, 2013	$ 67,342	$ 69,667
Inventories	9,761	9,481
Deferred income taxes, net	1,494	1,841
Other current assets	6,546	4,438
Total current assets	85,143	85,427
Property and equipment:
Medical equipment	585,933	584,078
Property and office equipment	83,294	80,696
Accumulated depreciation	(434,717)	(405,443)
Total property and equipment, net	234,510	259,331
Other long-term assets:
Goodwill	335,577	335,577
Other intangibles, net	176,016	220,631
Other, primarily deferred financing costs, net	12,852	14,649
Total assets	844,098	915,615
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	5,777	6,487
Book overdrafts	4,923	9,469
Accounts payable	30,041	32,502
Accrued compensation	15,457	11,714
Accrued interest	6,562	18,884
Dividend payable	50	73
Other accrued expenses	11,226	11,031
Total current liabilities	74,036	90,160
Long-term debt, less current portion	715,851	704,284
Pension and other long-term liabilities	6,535	7,425
Payable to Parent	23,420	22,669
Deferred income taxes, net	54,165	68,057
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Additional paid-in capital	214,494	214,505
Accumulated deficit	(240,712)	(187,901)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,884)	(3,884)
Total Universal Hospital Services, Inc. equity	(30,102)	22,720
Noncontrolling interest	193	300
Total equity	(29,909)	23,020	28,497	60,875
Total liabilities and equity	$ 844,098	$ 915,615