Consolidating Financial Statements - Comp Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	$ (8,547)	$ (10,185)	$ (17,292)	$ (52,447)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) on minimum pension liability, net of tax	244		732
Total other comprehensive income	244		732
Comprehensive loss	(8,303)	(10,185)	(16,560)	(52,447)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	121	103	341	364
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(8,424)	(10,288)	(16,901)	(52,811)
Consolidating Adjustments
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	(442)	111	(1,201)	312
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive loss	(442)	111	(1,201)	312
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(442)	111	(1,201)	312
UHS Holdco, Inc., (Parent)
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	(8,547)	(10,185)	(17,292)	(52,447)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) on minimum pension liability, net of tax	244		732
Total other comprehensive income	244		732
Comprehensive loss	(8,303)	(10,185)	(16,560)	(52,447)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	(8,303)	(10,185)	(16,560)	(52,447)
Subsidiary Guarantor Surgical Services
Consolidating Financial Statements
Consolidated net loss	442	(111)	1,201	(312)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Comprehensive loss	442	(111)	1,201	(312)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	121	103	341	364
Comprehensive loss attributable to Universal Hospital Services, Inc.	$ 321	$ (214)	$ 860	$ (676)