Consolidating Financial Statements - Comp Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	$ (1,779)	$ (32,710)	$ (8,745)	$ (42,262)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) on minimum pension liability, net of tax	488		488
Total other comprehensive income	488		488
Comprehensive loss	(1,291)	(32,710)	(8,257)	(42,262)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	95	131	220	261
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(1,386)	(32,841)	(8,477)	(42,523)
UHS Holdco, Inc., (Parent)
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	(1,779)	(32,710)	(8,745)	(42,262)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) on minimum pension liability, net of tax	488		488
Total other comprehensive income	488		488
Comprehensive loss	(1,291)	(32,710)	(8,257)	(42,262)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(1,291)	(32,710)	(8,257)	(42,262)
Subsidiary Guarantor Surgical Services
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	573	335	759	(201)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive loss	573	335	759	(201)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	95	131	220	261
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	478	204	539	(462)
Consolidating Adjustments
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	(573)	(335)	(759)	201
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive loss	(573)	(335)	(759)	201
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	$ (573)	$ (335)	$ (759)	$ 201