Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	UHS
Entity Registrant Name	UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000352915
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,595,308
Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		89,669,238
Class C
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		663,940
Class D
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,100

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues before provision for doubtful accounts	$ 2,610,911	$ 2,439,071	$ 7,869,352	$ 7,271,852
Less: Provision for doubtful accounts	201,039	211,416	578,827	543,640
Net revenues	2,409,872	2,227,655	7,290,525	6,728,212
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits	1,149,729	1,057,226	3,428,801	3,132,993
Other operating expenses	597,270	529,383	1,744,849	1,571,060
Supplies expense	257,793	242,259	767,465	721,979
Depreciation and amortization	103,712	99,442	309,172	295,697
Lease and rental expense	23,799	24,544	73,057	70,631
Electronic health records incentive income	0	(356)	0	(1,751)
Operating Expenses, Total	2,132,303	1,952,498	6,323,344	5,790,609
Income from operations	277,569	275,157	967,181	937,603
Interest expense, net	32,129	27,130	92,171	84,851
Income before income taxes	245,440	248,027	875,010	852,752
Provision for income taxes	88,175	84,373	306,577	293,371
Net income	157,265	163,654	568,433	559,381
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,400	13,367	40,232	52,602
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 151,865	$ 150,287	$ 528,201	$ 506,779
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 1.56	$ 1.52	$ 5.43	$ 5.12
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS	$ 1.54	$ 1.48	$ 5.36	$ 5.02
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	97,118	98,858	97,278	98,924
Add: Other share equivalents	1,203	2,301	1,257	1,987
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	98,321	101,159	98,535	100,911

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 157,265	$ 163,654	$ 568,433	$ 559,381
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized derivative gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	6,424	(9,888)	(11,644)	(4,950)
Amortization of terminated hedge	0	(84)	(167)	(252)
Unrealized loss on marketable security	(134)	0	(755)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(10,973)	(2,304)	(9,150)	(96)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(4,683)	(12,276)	(21,716)	(5,298)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	2,346	(3,742)	(4,681)	(1,530)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(7,029)	(8,534)	(17,035)	(3,768)
Comprehensive income	150,236	155,120	551,398	555,613
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,400	13,367	40,232	52,602
Comprehensive income attributable to UHS	$ 144,836	$ 141,753	$ 511,166	$ 503,011

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 61,744	$ 61,228
Accounts receivable, net	1,315,827	1,302,429
Supplies	121,616	116,037
Deferred income taxes	0	135,120
Other current assets	88,712	103,490
Total current assets	1,587,899	1,718,304
Property and equipment	6,928,440	6,530,569
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,900,273)	(2,694,591)
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	4,028,167	3,835,978
Other assets:
Goodwill	3,615,085	3,596,114
Deferred charges	14,138	16,688
Deferred income taxes	2,748	0
Other	425,602	448,360
Total assets	9,673,639	9,615,444
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	91,246	62,722
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,183,125	1,033,697
Federal and state taxes	5,108	3,987
Total current liabilities	1,279,479	1,100,406
Other noncurrent liabilities	296,155	278,834
Long-term debt	3,542,923	3,368,634
Deferred income taxes	82,686	315,900
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	9,280	242,509
Equity:
UHS common stockholders’ equity	4,394,703	4,249,647
Noncontrolling interest	68,413	59,514
Total equity	4,463,116	4,309,161
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 9,673,639	$ 9,615,444

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 568,433	$ 559,381
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization	309,172	295,697
Stock-based compensation expense	36,358	30,145
Gain on sales of assets and businesses	0	(1,037)
Changes in assets & liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable	(6,836)	(60,877)
Accrued interest	3,303	(297)
Accrued and deferred income taxes	12,187	(12,568)
Other working capital accounts	124,987	(54,018)
Other assets and deferred charges	(11,451)	6,629
Other	58,040	13,140
Accrued insurance expense, net of commercial premiums paid	66,049	75,715
Payments made in settlement of self-insurance claims	(60,137)	(55,411)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,100,105	796,499
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Property and equipment additions, net of disposals	(396,163)	(269,578)
Proceeds received from sale of assets and businesses	0	2,744
Acquisition of property and businesses	(136,221)	(183,103)
Net cash used in investing activities	(532,384)	(449,937)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Reduction of long-term debt	(814,971)	(207,371)
Additional borrowings and related funds	1,026,000	16,300
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in majority owned businesses	(418,000)	0
Financing costs	(12,330)	0
Repurchase of common shares	(297,177)	(129,862)
Dividends paid	(29,197)	(29,696)
Issuance of common stock	6,379	6,030
Excess income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	36,407	29,287
Profit distributions to noncontrolling interests	(61,053)	(35,965)
Proceeds received from sale/leaseback of real property	0	12,765
Net cash used in financing activities	(563,942)	(338,512)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,263)	(596)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	516	7,454
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	61,228	32,069
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	61,744	39,523
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	82,883	79,866
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	259,174	274,124
Noncash purchases of property and equipment	$ 45,319	$ 37,228

General	9 Months Ended
General	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	(1) General This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016. In this Quarterly Report, “we,” “us,” “our” “UHS” and the “Company” refer to Universal Health Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our majority-owned subsidiaries and partnerships and limited liability companies controlled by us, or our subsidiaries, as managing general partner or managing member. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by us, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in our opinion, are necessary to fairly state results for the interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the accompanying disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, significant accounting policies and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Related Party Transactions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Related Party Transactions

(2) Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Related Party Transactions

Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust:

At September 30, 2016, we held approximately 5.8% of the outstanding shares of Universal Health Realty Income Trust (the “Trust”). We serve as Advisor to the Trust under an annually renewable advisory agreement pursuant to the terms of which we conduct the Trust’s day-to-day affairs, provide administrative services and present investment opportunities. In addition, certain of our officers and directors are also officers and/or directors of the Trust. Management believes that it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the Trust, therefore we account for our investment in the Trust using the equity method of accounting. We earned an advisory fee from the Trust, which is included in net revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, of approximately $800,000 and $700,000 during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and approximately $2.4 million and $2.1 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Our pre-tax share of income from the Trust was approximately $250,000 and $100,000 during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and approximately $750,000 and $1.1 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Included in our share of the Trust’s income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, is our share of a gain realized by the Trust in connection with a property exchange transaction completed during the second quarter of 2015. The carrying value of this investment was approximately $7.9 million and $8.7 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The market value of our investment in the Trust was $49.6 million at September 30, 2016 and $39.4 million at December 31, 2015, based on the closing price of the Trust’s stock on the respective dates.

Total rent expense under the operating leases on the three hospital facilities reflected in the table below was approximately $4 million during each of the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and approximately $12 million for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries are tenants in several medical office buildings and two FEDs owned by the Trust or by limited liability companies in which the Trust holds 100% of the ownership interest.

The Trust commenced operations in 1986 by purchasing certain properties from us and immediately leasing the properties back to our respective subsidiaries. Most of the leases were entered into at the time the Trust commenced operations and provided for initial terms of 13 to 15 years with up to six additional 5-year renewal terms. Each lease also provided for additional or bonus rental, as discussed below. The base rents are paid monthly and the bonus rents are computed and paid on a quarterly basis, based upon a computation that compares current quarter revenue to a corresponding quarter in the base year. The leases with those subsidiaries are unconditionally guaranteed by us and are cross-defaulted with one another.

During the first quarter of 2015, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours sold to and leased back from the Trust, two newly constructed free-standing emergency departments (“FEDs”) located in Texas which were completed and opened during the first quarter of 2015. In conjunction with these transactions, ten-year lease agreements with six, five-year renewal options have been executed with the Trust. We have the option to purchase the properties upon the expiration of the fixed terms and each five-year renewal terms at the fair market value of the property. The aggregate construction cost/sales proceeds of these facilities was approximately $13 million, and the aggregate rent expense paid to the Trust at the commencement of the leases was approximately $900,000 annually.

In June, 2016, we provided the required notice to the Trust, exercising the 5-year renewal options on McAllen Medical Center, Wellington Regional Medical Center and Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus. The renewals extend the lease terms on these facilities, at existing lease rates, through December, 2021.

The table below details the renewal options and terms for each of our three acute care hospital facilities leased from the Trust:

Hospital Name	Annual Minimum Rent		End of Lease Term	Renewal Term (years)
McAllen Medical Center	$	5,485,000	December, 2021	10(a)
Wellington Regional Medical Center	$	3,030,000	December, 2021	10(b)
Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus	$	2,648,000	December, 2021	10(b)

(a)	We have two 5-year renewal options at existing lease rates (through 2031).

(b)	We have two 5-year renewal options at fair market value lease rates (2022 through 2031).

Pursuant to the terms of the three hospital leases with the Trust, we have the option to renew the leases at the lease terms described above by providing notice to the Trust at least 90 days prior to the termination of the then current term. We also have the right to purchase the respective leased hospitals at the end of the lease terms or any renewal terms at their appraised fair market value as well as purchase any or all of the three leased hospital properties at their appraised fair market value upon one month’s notice should a change of control of the Trust occur. In addition, we have rights of first refusal to: (i) purchase the respective leased facilities during and for 180 days after the lease terms at the same price, terms and conditions of any third-party offer, or; (ii) renew the lease on the respective leased facility at the end of, and for 180 days after, the lease term at the same terms and conditions pursuant to any third-party offer.

Other Related Party Transactions:

In December, 2010, our Board of Directors approved the Company’s entering into supplemental life insurance plans and agreements on the lives of our chief executive officer (“CEO”) and his wife. As a result of these agreements, as amended in October, 2016, based on actuarial tables and other assumptions, during the life expectancies of the insureds, we would pay approximately $28 million in premiums, and certain trusts owned by our CEO, would pay approximately $9 million in premiums. Based on the projected premiums mentioned above, and assuming the policies remain in effect until the death of the insureds, we will be entitled to receive death benefit proceeds of no less than approximately $37 million representing the $28 million of aggregate premiums paid by us as well as the $9 million of aggregate premiums paid by the trusts. In connection with these policies, we paid/will pay approximately $1.3 million in premium payments during each of 2016 and 2015.

In August, 2015, Marc D. Miller, our President and member of our Board of Directors, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Premier, Inc. (“Premier”), a healthcare performance improvement alliance. During 2013, we entered into a new group purchasing organization agreement (“GPO”) with Premier. In conjunction with the GPO agreement, we acquired a minority interest in Premier for a nominal amount. During the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with the completion of an initial public offering of the stock of Premier, we received cash proceeds for the sale of a portion of our ownership interest in the GPO. Also in connection with this GPO agreement, we received shares of restricted stock of Premier which vest ratably over a seven-year period (2014 through 2020), contingent upon our continued participation and minority ownership interest in the GPO.

A member of our Board of Directors and member of the Executive Committee is Of Counsel to the law firm used by us as our principal outside counsel. This Board member is also the trustee of certain trusts for the benefit of our CEO and his family. This law firm also provides personal legal services to our CEO.

Other Noncurrent liabilities and Redeemable/Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Other Noncurrent liabilities and Redeemable/Noncontrolling Interests	(3) Other Noncurrent liabilities and Redeemable/Noncontrolling Interests Other noncurrent liabilities include the long-term portion of our professional and general liability, workers’ compensation reserves, pension and deferred compensation liabilities, and liabilities incurred in connection with split-dollar life insurance agreements on the lives of our chief executive officer and his wife. In May, 2016, we purchased the minority ownership interests held by a third-party in our six acute care hospitals located in Las Vegas, Nevada (including Henderson Hospital which opened in October, 2016) for an aggregate cash payment of $445 million which included both the purchase price ($418 million) and the return of reserve capital ($27 million). The ownership interests purchased, which range from 26.1% to 27.5%, were previously reflected as redeemable noncontrolling interests on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 30, 2016, outside owners held noncontrolling, minority ownership interests of: (i) 20% in an acute care facility located in Washington, D.C.; (ii) approximately 11% in an acute care facility located in Laredo, Texas; (iii) 20% in a behavioral health care facility located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and; (iv) approximately 5% in an acute care facility located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest balances of $68 million and $9 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2016, consist primarily of the third-party ownership interests in these hospitals. In connection with a behavioral health care facility located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the minority ownership interest of which is reflected as redeemable noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, the outside owner has a “put option” to put its entire ownership interest to us at any time. If exercised, the put option requires us to purchase the minority member’s interest at fair market value.

Long-term debt, Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt, Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

(4) Long-term debt, Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

Debt:

On June 7, 2016, we entered into a Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to our credit agreement dated as of November 15, 2010, as amended on March 15, 2011, September 21, 2012, May 16, 2013 and August 7, 2014, among UHS, as borrower, the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto, as lenders (“Credit Agreement”). The Fifth Amendment increased the size of the term loan A facility by $200 million and those proceeds were utilized to repay outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement, as amended, which is scheduled to mature in August, 2019, consists of: (i) an $800 million revolving credit facility ($20 million of borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2016), and; (ii) a term loan A facility with $1.886 billion of borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2016.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either (1) the ABR rate which is defined as the rate per annum equal to, at our election: the greatest of (a) the lender’s prime rate, (b) the weighted average of the federal funds rate, plus 0.5% and (c) one month LIBOR rate plus 1%, in each case, plus an applicable margin based upon our consolidated leverage ratio at the end of each quarter ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% for revolving credit and term loan-A borrowings, or (2) the one, two, three or six month LIBOR rate (at our election), plus an applicable margin based upon our consolidated leverage ratio at the end of each quarter ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% for revolving credit and term loan-A borrowings. As of September 30, 2016, the applicable margins were 0.50% for ABR-based loans and 1.50% for LIBOR-based loans under the revolving credit and term loan-A facilities.

As of September 30, 2016, we had $20 million of borrowings outstanding pursuant to the terms of our $800 million revolving credit facility and we had $746 million of available borrowing capacity net of $34 million of outstanding letters of credit. The revolving credit facility includes a $125 million sub-limit for letters of credit. The Credit Agreement is secured by certain assets of the Company (which generally excludes asset classes such as substantially all of the patient-related accounts receivable of our acute care hospitals, certain real estate assets and assets held in joint-ventures with third-parties) and our material subsidiaries and guaranteed by our material subsidiaries.

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, term loan-A quarterly installment payments of approximately $22 million are scheduled from the fourth quarter of 2016 through June, 2019. Previously, approximately $11 million of quarterly installment payments were made from the fourth quarter of 2014 through the third quarter of 2016.

Pursuant to the terms of our $400 million accounts receivable securitization program with a group of conduit lenders and liquidity banks (“Securitization”), which is scheduled to mature in December, 2018, substantially all of the patient-related accounts receivable of our acute care hospitals (“Receivables”) serve as collateral for the outstanding borrowings. We have accounted for this Securitization as borrowings. We maintain effective control over the Receivables since, pursuant to the terms of the Securitization, the Receivables are sold from certain of our subsidiaries to special purpose entities that are wholly-owned by us. The Receivables, however, are owned by the special purpose entities, can be used only to satisfy the debts of the wholly-owned special purpose entities, and thus are not available to us except through our ownership interest in the special purpose entities. The wholly-owned special purpose entities use the Receivables to collateralize the loans obtained from the group of third-party conduit lenders and liquidity banks. The group of third-party conduit lenders and liquidity banks do not have recourse to us beyond the assets of the wholly-owned special purpose entities that securitize the loans. At September 30, 2016, we had $325 million of outstanding borrowings and $75 million of additional borrowing capacity pursuant to the terms of the Securitization.

As of September 30, 2016, we had combined aggregate principal of $1.4 billion from the following senior secured notes:

•

$300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% senior secured notes due in 2019 (“2019 Notes”) which were issued on August 7, 2014.

•

$700 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% senior secured notes due in 2022 (“2022 Notes”) which were issued as follows:

$300 million aggregate principal amount issued on August 7, 2014 at par.

$400 million aggregate principal amount issued on June 3, 2016 at 101.5% to yield 4.35%.

•

$400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior secured notes due in 2026 (“2026 Notes”) which were issued on June 3, 2016.

Interest is payable on the 2019 Notes and the 2022 Notes on February 1 and August 1 of each year until the maturity date of August 1, 2019 for the 2019 Notes and August 1, 2022 for the 2022 Notes. Interest on the 2026 Notes is payable on June 1 and December 1 until the maturity date of June 1, 2026. The 2019 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2026 Notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The 2019 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2026 Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

In June, 2016, we repaid the $400 million, 7.125% senior secured notes which matured on June 30, 2016.

Our Credit Agreement includes a material adverse change clause that must be represented at each draw. The Credit Agreement contains covenants that include a limitation on sales of assets, mergers, change of ownership, liens and indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, dividends and stock repurchases; and requires compliance with financial covenants including maximum leverage and minimum interest coverage ratios. We are in compliance with all required covenants as of September 30, 2016.

At September 30, 2016, the carrying value and fair value of our debt were approximately $3.6 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the carrying value and fair value of our debt were each approximately $3.5 billion. The fair value of our debt was computed based upon quotes received from financial institutions. We consider these to be “level 2” in the fair value hierarchy as outlined in the authoritative guidance for disclosures in connection with debt instruments.

Cash Flow Hedges:

We manage our ratio of fixed and floating rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that management believes is appropriate. To manage this risk in a cost-effective manner, we, from time to time, enter into interest rate swap agreements in which we agree to exchange various combinations of fixed and/or variable interest rates based on agreed upon notional amounts. We account for our derivative and hedging activities using the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) guidance which requires all derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet. For derivative transactions designated as hedges, we formally document all relationships between the hedging instrument and the related hedged item, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction.

Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges are accounted for by recording the fair value of the derivative instrument on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability, with a corresponding amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) within shareholders’ equity. Amounts are reclassified from AOCI to the income statement in the period or periods the hedged transaction affects earnings. We use interest rate derivatives in our cash flow hedge transactions. Such derivatives are designed to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows related to the hedged liability. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the ineffective portion of the change in expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized currently in the income statement.

For hedge transactions that do not qualify for the short-cut method, at the hedge’s inception and on a regular basis thereafter, a formal assessment is performed to determine whether changes in the fair values or cash flows of the derivative instruments have been highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items and whether they are expected to be highly effective in the future.

The fair value of interest rate swap agreements approximates the amount at which they could be settled, based on estimates obtained from the counterparties. We assess the effectiveness of our hedge instruments on a quarterly basis. We performed periodic assessments of the cash flow hedge instruments during 2015 and the first nine months of 2016 and determined the hedges to be highly effective. We also determined that any portion of the hedges deemed to be ineffective was de minimis and therefore there was no material effect on our consolidated financial position, operations or cash flows. The counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements expose us to credit risk in the event of nonperformance. We do not anticipate nonperformance by our counterparties. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Seven interest rate swaps on a total notional amount of $825 million matured in May, 2015. Four of these swaps, with a total notional amount of $600 million, became effective in December, 2011 and provided that we receive three-month LIBOR while the average fixed rate payable was 2.38%. The remaining three swaps, with a total notional amount of $225 million, became effective in March, 2011 and provided that we receive three-month LIBOR while the average fixed rate payable was 1.91%.

During 2015, we entered into nine forward starting interest rate swaps whereby we pay a fixed rate on a total notional amount of $1.0 billion and receive one-month LIBOR. The average fixed rate payable on these swaps, which are scheduled to mature on April 15, 2019, is 1.31%. These interest rates swaps consist of:

•

Four forward starting interest rate swaps, entered into during the second quarter of 2015, whereby we pay a fixed rate on a total notional amount of $500 million and receive one-month LIBOR. Each of the four swaps became effective on July 15, 2015 and are scheduled to mature on April 15, 2019. The average fixed rate payable on these swaps is 1.40%;

•

Four forward starting interest rate swaps, entered into during the third quarter of 2015, whereby we pay a fixed rate on a total notional amount of $400 million and receive one-month LIBOR. One swap on a notional amount of $100 million became effective on July 15, 2015, two swaps on a total notional amount of $200 million became effective on September 15, 2015 and another swap on a notional amount of $100 million became effective on December 15, 2015. All of these swaps are scheduled to mature on April 15, 2019. The average fixed rate payable on these four swaps is 1.23%, and;

•

One interest rate swap, entered into during the fourth quarter of 2015, whereby we pay a fixed rate on a total notional amount of $100 million and receive one-month LIBOR. The swap became effective on December 15, 2015 and is scheduled to mature on April 15, 2019. The fixed rate payable on this swap is 1.21%.

We measure our interest rate swaps at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of our interest rate swaps is based on quotes from our counterparties. We consider those inputs to be “level 2” in the fair value hierarchy as outlined in the authoritative guidance for disclosures in connection with derivative instruments and hedging activities. At September 30, 2016, the fair value of our interest rate swaps was a net liability of $13 million of which $7 million is included in other current liabilities and $6 million is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying balance sheet. At December 31, 2015, the fair value of our interest rate swaps was a net liability of $1 million comprised of a $5 million asset which is included in other assets offset by a $6 million liability which is included in other current liabilities on the accompanying balance sheet.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:

We use forward exchange contracts to hedge our net investment in foreign operations against movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the unrealized gains or losses on these contracts is recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive income and remains there until either the sale or liquidation of the subsidiary. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded net cash inflows of $56 million and $12 million, respectively, associated with these forward exchange contracts.

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(5) Commitments and Contingencies Professional and General Liability and Workers Compensation Liability: Effective November, 2010, the vast majority of our subsidiaries are self-insured for professional and general liability exposure up to $10 million and $3 million per occurrence, respectively. These subsidiaries are provided with several excess policies through commercial insurance carriers which provide for coverage in excess of the applicable per occurrence self-insured retention (either $3 million or $10 million) or underlying policy limits up to $250 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims incurred after 2013 and up to $200 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims incurred from 2011 through 2013. We remain liable for 10% of the claims paid pursuant to the commercially insured coverage in excess of $10 million up to $60 million per occurrence and in the aggregate. In addition, from time to time based upon marketplace conditions, we may elect to purchase additional commercial coverage for certain of our facilities or businesses. Our behavioral health care facilities located in the U.K. have policies through a commercial insurance carrier located in the U. K. that provides for £10 million of professional liability coverage and £25 million of general liability coverage. Our estimated liability for self-insured professional and general liability claims is based on a number of factors including, among other things, the number of asserted claims and reported incidents, estimates of losses for these claims based on recent and historical settlement amounts, estimates of incurred but not reported claims based on historical experience, and estimates of amounts recoverable under our commercial insurance policies. While we continuously monitor these factors, our ultimate liability for professional and general liability claims could change materially from our current estimates due to inherent uncertainties involved in making this estimate. Given our significant self-insured exposure for professional and general liability claims, there can be no assurance that a sharp increase in the number and/or severity of claims asserted against us will not have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations. As of September 30, 2016, the total accrual for our professional and general liability claims was $209 million, of which $48 million is included in current liabilities. As of December 31, 2015, the total accrual for our professional and general liability claims was $204 million, of which $48 million is included in current liabilities. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total accrual for our workers’ compensation liability claims was $69 million and $68 million, respectively, of which $34 million is included in current liabilities as of each date. Property Insurance: We have commercial property insurance policies for our properties covering catastrophic losses, including windstorm damage, up to a $1 billion policy limit per occurrence, subject to a deductible ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 per occurrence. Losses resulting from named windstorms are subject to deductibles between 3% and 5% of the declared total insurable value of the property. In addition, we have commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses resulting from earthquake and flood damage, each subject to aggregated loss limits (as opposed to per occurrence losses). Commercially insured earthquake coverage for our facilities is subject to various deductibles and limitations including: (i) $500 million limitation for our facilities located in Nevada; (ii) $130 million limitation for our facilities located in California; (iii) $100 million limitation for our facilities located in fault zones within the United States; (iv) $40 million limitation for our facility located in Puerto Rico, and; (v) $250 million limitation for many of our facilities located in other states. Deductibles for flood losses vary in amount, up to a maximum of $500,000, based upon location of the facility. Since certain of our facilities have been designated by our insurer as flood prone, we have elected to purchase policies from The National Flood Insurance Program to cover a substantial portion of the applicable deductible. Property insurance for our behavioral health facilities located in the U.K. are provided on an all risk basis up to a £180 million limit that includes coverage for real and personal property as well as business interruption losses. Other Our accounts receivable as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include amounts due from Illinois of approximately $25 million and $28 million, respectively. Collection of the outstanding receivables continues to be delayed due to state budgetary and funding pressures. Approximately $11 million as of September 30, 2016 and $12 million as of December 31, 2015, of the receivables due from Illinois were outstanding in excess of 60 days, as of each respective date. In addition, our accounts receivable as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 includes approximately $7 million and $80 million, respectively, due from Texas in connection with Medicaid supplemental payment programs. The $7 million due from Texas as of September 30, 2016 related to uncompensated care program and disproportionate share hospital revenues. Although the accounts receivable due from Illinois and Texas could remain outstanding for the foreseeable future, since we expect to eventually collect all amounts due to us, no related reserves have been established in our consolidated financial statements. However, we can provide no assurance that we will eventually collect all amounts due to us from Illinois and/or Texas. Failure to ultimately collect all outstanding amounts due from these states would have an adverse impact on our future consolidated results of operations and cash flows. As of September 30, 2016 we were party to certain off balance sheet arrangements consisting of standby letters of credit and surety bonds which totaled $127 million consisting of: (i) $105 million related to our self-insurance programs, and; (ii) $22 million of other debt and public utility guarantees. Legal Proceedings We are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business, including those arising from care and treatment afforded by our hospitals and are party to various government investigations, regulatory matters and litigation, as outlined below. Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) and Government Investigations: In February, 2013, the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“OIG”) served a subpoena requesting various documents from January, 2008 to the date of the subpoena directed at Universal Health Services, Inc. (“UHS”) concerning it and UHS of Delaware, Inc., and certain UHS owned behavioral health facilities including: Keys of Carolina, Old Vineyard Behavioral Health, The Meadows Psychiatric Center, Streamwood Behavioral Health, Hartgrove Hospital, Rock River Academy and Residential Treatment Center, Roxbury Treatment Center, Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center, f/k/a The Pines Residential Treatment Center, including the Crawford, Brighton and Kempsville campuses, Wekiva Springs Center and River Point Behavioral Health. Prior to receiving this subpoena: (i) the Keys of Carolina and Old Vineyard received notification during the second half of 2012 from the DOJ of its intent to proceed with an investigation following requests for documents for the period of January, 2007 to the date of the subpoenas from the North Carolina state Attorney General’s Office; (ii) Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center received a subpoena in December, 2012 from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia requesting various documents from July, 2006 to the date of the subpoena, and; (iii) The Meadows Psychiatric Center received a subpoena from the OIG in February, 2013 requesting certain documents from 2008 to the date of the subpoena. Unrelated to these matters, the Keys of Carolina was closed and the real property was sold in January, 2013. We were advised that a qui tam action had been filed against Roxbury Treatment Center but the government declined to intervene and the case was dismissed. In April, 2013, the OIG served facility specific subpoenas on Wekiva Springs Center and River Point Behavioral Health requesting various documents from January, 2005 to the date of the subpoenas. In July, 2013, another subpoena was issued to Wekiva Springs Center and River Point Behavioral Health requesting additional records. In October, 2013, we were advised by the DOJ’s Criminal Frauds Section that they received a referral from the DOJ Civil Division and opened an investigation of River Point Behavioral Health and Wekiva Springs Center. Subsequent subpoenas have since been issued to River Point Behavioral Health and Wekiva Springs Center requesting additional documentation. In April, 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) instituted a Medicare payment suspension at River Point Behavioral Health in accordance with federal regulations regarding suspension of payments during certain investigations. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration subsequently issued a Medicaid payment suspension for the facility. River Point Behavioral Health submitted a rebuttal statement disputing the basis of the suspension and requesting revocation of the suspension. Notwithstanding, CMS continued the payment suspension. River Point Behavioral Health provided additional information to CMS in an effort to obtain relief from the payment suspension but the suspension remains in effect. In August, 2016, we received notification from CMS that effective August 30, 2016, the payment suspension will be continued for another 180 days. We cannot predict if and/or when the facility’s suspended payments will resume. Although the operating results of River Point Behavioral Health did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 or the year ended December 31, 2015, the payment suspension has had a material adverse effect on the facility’s results of operations and financial condition. In June, 2013, the OIG served a subpoena on Coastal Harbor Health System in Savannah, Georgia requesting documents from January, 2009 to the date of the subpoena. In February, 2014, we were notified that the investigation conducted by the Criminal Frauds Section had been expanded to include the National Deaf Academy. In March, 2014, a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) was served on the National Deaf Academy requesting documents and information from the facility from January 1, 2008 through the date of the CID. We have been advised by the government that the National Deaf Academy has been added to the facilities which are the subject of the coordinated investigation referenced above. In March, 2014, CIDs were served on Hartgrove Hospital, Rock River Academy and Streamwood Behavioral Health requesting documents and information from those facilities from January, 2008 through the date of the CID. In September, 2014, the DOJ Civil Division advised us that they were expanding their investigation to include four additional facilities and were requesting production of documents from these facilities. These facilities are Arbour-HRI Hospital, Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire, St. Simons by the Sea, and Turning Point Care Center. In December, 2014, the DOJ Civil Division requested that Salt Lake Behavioral Health produce documents responsive to the original subpoenas issued in February, 2013. In March, 2015, the OIG issued subpoenas to Central Florida Behavioral Hospital and University Behavioral Center requesting certain documents from January, 2008 to the date of the subpoena. In late March, 2015, we were notified that the investigation conducted by the Criminal Frauds Section had been expanded to include UHS as a corporate entity arising out of the coordinated investigation of the facilities described above and, in particular, Hartgrove Hospital. In December, 2015, we were notified by the DOJ Civil Division that the civil investigation also includes Arbour Hospital, Arbour-Fuller Hospital, Pembroke Hospital and Westwood Lodge located in Massachusetts. To date, these facilities have not received any requests for documentation or other information. The DOJ has advised us that the civil aspect of the coordinated investigation referenced above is a False Claim Act investigation focused on billings submitted to government payers in relation to services provided at those facilities. At present, we are uncertain as to potential liability and/or financial exposure of the Company and/or named facilities, if any, in connection with these matters. In December, 2015, we were advised that the DOJ opened an investigation involving the El Paso Behavioral Health System in El Paso, Texas. The DOJ is investigating potential Stark law violations relating to arrangements between the facility and physician(s) at the facility. These agreements were entered into before we acquired the facility as a part of our acquisition of Ascend Health Corporation in October, 2012. To our knowledge, this matter is not a part of the omnibus investigation referenced above. At present, we are uncertain as to potential liability and/or financial exposure, if any, which may be associated with this matter. In January, 2016, we were notified that the Department of Justice opened an investigation of the South Texas Health System of a potential False Claim Act case regarding compensation paid to cardiologists pursuant to employment agreements entered into in 2005. At present, we are uncertain as to potential liability and/or financial exposure, if any, which may be associated with this matter. Regulatory Matters: On July 23, 2015, Timberlawn Mental Health System (“Timberlawn”) received notification from CMS of its intent to terminate Timberlawn’s Medicare provider agreement effective August 7, 2015. This notification resulted from surveys conducted which alleged that Timberlawn was out of compliance with conditions of participation required for participation in the Medicare/Medicaid program. We filed a request for expedited administrative appeal with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Departmental Appeals Board, Civil Remedies Division, seeking review and reversal of the termination action. In conjunction with the administrative appeal, we filed litigation in the U.S District Court for the Northern District of Texas seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to have the termination stayed pending the conclusion of the administrative appeal. The trial court denied Timberlawn’s request for a temporary restraining order and dismissed the case. Timberlawn’s provider agreement was terminated effective August 14, 2015. In September, 2015 Timberlawn reached an agreement with CMS relative to its reapplication to the Medicare/Medicaid program. In exchange, Timberlawn agreed to dismiss its administrative appeal as well as not to pursue an appeal of the decision of the trial court. During this time, Timberlawn has remained open. In December, 2015, Timberlawn received notice from the Texas Department of State Health Services (“TDSHS”) of its intent to revoke Timberlawn’s license and impose an administrative penalty. We appealed and contested the proposed revocation and fine. We recently reached a settlement with TDSHS which resulted in their withdrawal of the intent to revoke Timberlawn’s license and a reduced administrative penalty. Also during the third quarter of 2016, Timberlawn successfully completed all requirements of the settlement agreement with CMS which included passing the second of two required inspections. As a result, Timberlawn has been reenrolled in the Medicare program effective September 21, 2016. Although the operating results of Timberlawn did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 or the year ended December 31, 2015, the termination of Timberlawn’s provider agreement has had a material adverse effect on the facility’s results of operations and financial condition. Other Matters: In late September, 2015, many hospitals in Pennsylvania, including seven of our behavioral health care hospitals located in the state, received letters from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (the “Department”) demanding repayment of allegedly excess Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments (“DSH”) for the federal fiscal year 2011 (“FFY2011”) amounting to approximately $4 million in the aggregate. In September, 2016, we received similar requests for repayment for alleged DSH overpayments for FFY2012. We filed administrative appeals for all of our facilities contesting the recoupment efforts for FFYs 2011 and 2012 as we believe the Department’s calculation methodology is inaccurate and conflicts with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The Department has agreed to postpone the recoupment of the state’s share of the DSH payments until all hospital appeals are resolved but recently started recoupment of the federal share. If the Department is ultimately successful in its demand related to FFY2011 and FFY2012, it could take similar action with regards to FFY2013 and FFY2014. Due to a change in the Pennsylvania Medicaid State Plan and implementation of a CMS-approved Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver, we do not believe the methodology applied by the Department to FFY2011 and FFY2012 is applicable to reimbursements received for Medicaid services provided after January 1, 2015 by our behavioral health care facilities located in Pennsylvania. We can provide no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our legal and administrative appeals related to the Department’s repayment demands. If our legal and administrative appeals are unsuccessful, our future consolidated results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted by these repayments. Matters Relating to Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (“PSI”): The following matters pertain to PSI or former PSI facilities (owned by subsidiaries of PSI) which were in existence prior to the acquisition of PSI and for which we have assumed the defense as a result of our acquisition which was completed in November, 2010. Department of Justice Investigation of Friends Hospital: In October, 2010, Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a subpoena from the DOJ requesting certain documents from the facility. The requested documents were collected and provided to the DOJ for review and examination. Another subpoena was issued to the facility in July, 2011 requesting additional documents, which have also been delivered to the DOJ. All documents requested and produced pertained to the operations of the facility while under PSI’s ownership prior to our acquisition. At present, we are uncertain as to the focus, scope or extent of the investigation, liability of the facility and/or potential financial exposure, if any, in connection with this matter. Department of Justice Investigation of Riveredge Hospital: In 2008, Riveredge Hospital in Chicago, Illinois received a subpoena from the DOJ requesting certain information from the facility. Additional requests for documents were also received from the DOJ in 2009 and 2010. The requested documents have been provided to the DOJ. All documents requested and produced pertained to the operations of the facility while under PSI’s ownership prior to our acquisition. At present, we are uncertain as to the focus, scope or extent of the investigation, liability of the facility and/or potential financial exposure, if any, in connection with this matter. General: We operate in a highly regulated and litigious industry which subjects us to various claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of business as well as regulatory proceedings and government investigations. These claims or suits include claims for damages for personal injuries, medical malpractice, commercial/contractual disputes, wrongful restriction of, or interference with, physicians’ staff privileges, and employment related claims, In addition, health care companies are subject to investigations and/or actions by various state and federal governmental agencies or those bringing claims on their behalf. Government action has increased with respect to investigations and/or allegations against healthcare providers concerning possible violations of fraud and abuse and false claims statutes as well as compliance with clinical and operational regulations. Currently, and from time to time, we and some of our facilities are subjected to inquiries in the form of subpoenas, Civil Investigative Demands, audits and other document requests from various federal and state agencies. These inquiries can lead to notices and/or actions including repayment obligations from state and federal government agencies associated with potential non-compliance with laws and regulations. Further, the federal False Claim Act allows private individuals to bring lawsuits (qui tam actions) against healthcare providers that submit claims for payments to the government. Various states have also adopted similar statutes. When such a claim is filed, the government will investigate the matter and decide if they are going to intervene in the pending case. These qui tam lawsuits are placed under seal by the court to comply with the False Claims Act’s requirements. If the government chooses not to intervene, the private individual(s) can proceed independently on behalf of the government. Health care providers that are found to violate the False Claims Act may be subject to substantial monetary fines/penalties as well as face potential exclusion from participating in government health care programs or be required to comply with Corporate Integrity Agreements as a condition of a settlement of a False Claim Act matter. In September 2014, the Criminal Division of the DOJ, announced that all qui tam cases will be shared with their Division to determine if a parallel criminal investigation should be opened. The DOJ has also announced an intention to pursue civil and criminal actions against individuals within a company as well as the corporate entity or entities. In addition, health care facilities are subject to monitoring by state and federal surveyors to ensure compliance with program Conditions of Participation. In the event a facility is found to be out of compliance with a Condition of Participation and unable to remedy the alleged deficiency(s), the facility faces termination from the Medicare and Medicaid programs or compliance with a System Improvement Agreement to remedy deficiencies and ensure compliance. The laws and regulations governing the healthcare industry are complex covering, among other things, government healthcare participation requirements, licensure, certification and accreditation, privacy of patient information, reimbursement for patient services as well as fraud and abuse compliance. These laws and regulations are constantly evolving and expanding. Further, the Affordable Care Act has added additional obligations on healthcare providers to report and refund overpayments by government healthcare programs and authorizes the suspension of Medicare and Medicaid payments “pending an investigation of a credible allegation of fraud.” We monitor our business and have developed an ethics and compliance program with respect to these complex laws, rules and regulations. Although we believe our policies, procedures and practices comply with government regulations, there is no assurance that we will not be faced with the sanctions referenced above which include fines, penalties and/or substantial damages, repayment obligations, payment suspensions, licensure revocation, and expulsion from government healthcare programs. Even if we were to ultimately prevail in any action brought against us or our facilities or in responding to any inquiry, such action or inquiry could have a material adverse effect on us. The outcome of any current or future litigation or governmental or internal investigations, including the matters described above, cannot be accurately predicted, nor can we predict any resulting penalties, fines or other sanctions that may be imposed at the discretion of federal or state regulatory authorities. We record accruals for such contingencies to the extent that we conclude it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. No estimate of the possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts accrued, if any, can be made at this time regarding the matters specifically described above because the inherently unpredictable nature of legal proceedings may be exacerbated by various factors, including, but not limited to: (i) the damages sought in the proceedings are unsubstantiated or indeterminate; (ii) discovery is not complete; (iii) the proceeding is in its early stages; (iv) the matters present legal uncertainties; (v) there are significant facts in dispute; (vi) there are a large number of parties, or; (vii) there is a wide range of potential outcomes. It is possible that the outcome of these matters could have a material adverse impact on our future results of operations, financial position, cash flows and, potentially, our reputation. In addition, various suits and claims arising against us in the ordinary course of business are pending. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such claims and litigation will not materially affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Segment Reporting

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

(6) Segment Reporting

Our reportable operating segments consist of acute care hospital services and behavioral health care services. The “Other” segment column below includes centralized services including information services, purchasing, reimbursement, accounting, taxation, legal, advertising, design and construction and patient accounting as well as the operating results for our other operating entities including outpatient surgery and radiation centers. The chief operating decision making group for our acute care hospital services and behavioral health care services is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Presidents of each operating segment. The Presidents of each operating segment also manage the profitability of each respective segment’s various facilities. The operating segments are managed separately because each operating segment represents a business unit that offers different types of healthcare services or operates in different healthcare environments. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

	Three months ended September 30, 2016
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	4,647,578		$	2,031,868		$	0		$	6,679,446
Gross outpatient revenues	$	2,854,851		$	217,571		$	0		$	3,072,422
Total net revenues	$	1,253,866		$	1,153,880		$	2,126		$	2,409,872
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	97,542		$	245,515		$	(97,617	)	$	245,440
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(42,667	)	$	(38,719	)	$	81,386		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	54,875		$	206,796		$	(16,231	)	$	245,440
Total assets as of September 30, 2016	$	3,581,425		$	5,927,564		$	164,650		$	9,673,639

	Nine months ended September 30, 2016
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	14,295,797		$	5,987,430		$	0		$	20,283,227
Gross outpatient revenues	$	8,461,032		$	668,457		$	0		$	9,129,489
Total net revenues	$	3,794,341		$	3,489,681		$	6,503		$	7,290,525
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	420,832		$	784,016		$	(329,838	)	$	875,010
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(128,007	)	$	(116,161	)	$	244,168		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	292,825		$	667,855		$	(85,670	)	$	875,010
Total assets as of September 30, 2016	$	3,581,425		$	5,927,564		$	164,650		$	9,673,639

	Three months ended September 30, 2015
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	4,115,598		$	1,876,896		$	0		$	5,992,494
Gross outpatient revenues	$	2,444,456		$	202,333		$	0		$	2,646,789
Total net revenues	$	1,136,341		$	1,089,509		$	1,805		$	2,227,655
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	91,784		$	249,812		$	(93,569	)	$	248,027
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(49,426	)	$	(29,526	)	$	78,952		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	42,358		$	220,286		$	(14,617	)	$	248,027
Total assets as of September 30, 2015	$	3,391,193		$	5,458,647		$	337,575		$	9,187,415

	Nine months ended September 30, 2015
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	12,633,298		$	5,565,391		$	0		$	18,198,689
Gross outpatient revenues	$	7,132,212		$	623,915		$	16,111		$	7,772,238
Total net revenues	$	3,446,797		$	3,272,714		$	8,701		$	6,728,212
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	387,568		$	771,667		$	(306,483	)	$	852,752
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(148,274	)	$	(88,913	)	$	237,187		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	239,294		$	682,754		$	(69,296	)	$	852,752
Total assets as of September 30, 2015	$	3,391,193		$	5,458,647		$	337,575		$	9,187,415

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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+ Details

Earnings Per Share Data ("EPS") and Stock Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share Data ("EPS") and Stock Based Compensation

(7) Earnings Per Share Data (“EPS”) and Stock Based Compensation

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted to give effect to common stock equivalents.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for classes A, B, C and D common stockholders for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	(amounts in thousands)
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$	151,865		$	150,287		$	528,201		$	506,779
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants		(69	)		(82	)		(242	)		(221	)
Net income attributable to UHS – basic and diluted	$	151,796		$	150,205		$	527,959		$	506,558

Weighted average number of common shares - basic		97,118			98,858			97,278			98,924
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method		1,203			2,301			1,257			1,987
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted		98,321			101,159			98,535			100,911
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$	1.56		$	1.52		$	5.43		$	5.12
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$	1.54		$	1.48		$	5.36		$	5.02

The “Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method”, for all periods presented above, excludes certain outstanding stock options applicable to each period since the effect would have been anti-dilutive. There were no significant anti-dilutive stock options during the three months ended September 30, 2016. The excluded weighted-average stock options totaled 2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. There were no significant anti-dilutive stock options during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The excluded weighted-average stock options totaled 987,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. All classes of our common stock have the same dividend rights.

Stock-Based Compensation: During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, compensation cost of $11.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively, was recognized related to outstanding stock options. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, compensation cost of $34.7 million and $28.7 million, respectively, was recognized related to outstanding stock options. In addition, during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, compensation cost of approximately $390,000 and $304,000, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, compensation cost of approximately $1.0 million and $796,000, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock. As of September 30, 2016 there was $93.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options and restricted stock which is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.8 years. There were 2,867,050 stock options granted (net of cancellations) during the first nine months of 2016 with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $23.79 per share.

The expense associated with share-based compensation arrangements is a non-cash charge. In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, share-based compensation expense is an adjustment to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities and aggregated to $36.4 million and $30.1 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In accordance with ASC 718, excess income tax benefits related to stock based compensation are classified as cash inflows from financing activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. During the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, we generated $36.4 million and $29.3 million, respectively, of excess income tax benefits related to stock based compensation which are reflected as cash inflows from financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References + Details

Dispositions and acquisitions and purchase of third-party ownership interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Dispositions and acquisitions and purchase of third-party ownership interests	(8) Dispositions and acquisitions and purchase of third-party ownership interests Nine-month period ended September 30, 2016: Acquisitions: During the first nine months of 2016, we paid approximately $136 million to acquire: (i) a 25-bed facility located in Pahrump, Nevada (acquired during the third quarter); (ii) an office building located in Pennsylvania (acquired during the third quarter) and; (iii) various other businesses and property assets. In addition, during the second quarter of 2016, we paid $445 million in connection with the purchase of the minority ownership interests held by a third-party in our six acute care hospitals located in the Las Vegas, Nevada market which includes both the purchase price ($418 million) and return of reserve capital ($27 million). The ownership interests purchased, which range from 26.1% to 27.5%, relate to Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center, Desert Springs Hospital, Henderson Hospital (opened October 31, 2016), Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, Summerlin Hospital Medical Center and Valley Hospital Medical Center. Nine-month period ended September 30, 2015: Acquisitions: During the first nine months of 2015, we paid approximately $183 million to acquire: (i) a 46-bed behavioral health care facility located in the U.K. (acquired during the first quarter); (ii) Alpha Hospital Holdings Limited consisting of four behavioral health care hospitals with 305 beds located in the U.K. (acquired during the third quarter), and; (iii) various other businesses, a management contract and real property assets. Divestitures: During the first nine months of 2015, we received approximately $3 million related to the divestiture of a small operator of behavioral health care services (sold during the third quarter). The pre-tax gain realized on this divestiture did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(10) Income Taxes As of January 1, 2016, our unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $2 million. The amount, if recognized, that would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $1 million. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, changes to the estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest) relating to tax positions taken during prior and current periods did not have a material impact on our financial statements. We recognize accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as part of the tax provision. As of September 30, 2016, we have less than $1 million of accrued interest and penalties. The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the 2013 and subsequent years. Foreign and U.S. state and local jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 4 years. The statute of limitations on certain jurisdictions could expire within the next twelve months. It is reasonably possible that the amount of uncertain tax benefits will change during the next 12 months, however, it is anticipated that any such change, if it were to occur, would not have a material impact on our results of operations. We operate in multiple jurisdictions with varying tax laws. We are subject to audits by any of these taxing authorities. Our tax returns have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) through the year ended December 31, 2006. We believe that adequate accruals have been provided for federal, foreign and state taxes.

Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Standards	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Standards	(11) Recent Accounting Standards In November, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, which eliminates the guidance in Topic 740, Income Taxes, that required an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets between current and noncurrent amounts in a classified balance sheet. The amendments require that all deferred tax liabilities and assets of the same tax jurisdiction or a tax filing group, as well as any related valuation allowance, be offset and presented as a single noncurrent amount in a classified balance sheet. The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We early adopted this standard effective January 1, 2016, on a prospective basis and did not adjust prior periods presented. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income or Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In August, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which adds or clarifies guidance of the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows with the intent to alleviate diversity in practice for classifying various types of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our statement of cash flows. In April and August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 and ASU No. 2015-15, “Interest- Imputation of Interest,” respectively, to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The standard requires debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt liability. The FASB clarified that debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements can be presented as an asset and amortized over the term of the arrangement. The guidance is effective for annual fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, on a retrospective basis and adjusted prior periods presented. In connection with the adoption of this ASU, debt issuance costs of $27 million as of September 30, 2016 and $19 million as of December 31, 2015 were recorded as deductions from the carrying value of our long-term debt liabilities. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial position or overall results of operations. In March, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which amends the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions to require recognition of the tax effects resulting from the settlement of stock-based awards as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement in the reporting period in which they occur. In addition, the ASU requires that all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments, including the excess tax benefits related to the settlement of stock-based awards, be classified as cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The ASU also requires that cash paid by directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. In addition, the ASU also allows companies to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest, consistent with current U.S. GAAP, or account for forfeitures when they occur. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-09 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014 and March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”, respectively, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires additional disclosures. The FASB updated the new revenue standard by clarifying the principal versus agent implementation guidance, but does not change the core principle of the new standard. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; however, in July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of this standard, with a new effective date for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification “ (“Update 2016-02”), which requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key qualitative and quantitative information about the entity’s leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective approach is required. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. From time to time, new accounting guidance is issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies that is adopted by the Company as of the effective date or, in some cases where early adoption is permitted, in advance of the effective date. The Company has assessed the recently issued guidance that is not yet effective and, unless otherwise indicated above, believes the new guidance will not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66092750

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22583-107794

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27015980&loc=d3e46468-122699

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accounting Change
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Retrospective Application
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68064558&loc=d3e765-108305

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68064558&loc=d3e725-108305

+ Details

Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Related Party Transactions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Remaining Renewal Options and Terms for Each of Three Hospital Facilities Leased from Trust

The table below details the renewal options and terms for each of our three acute care hospital facilities leased from the Trust:

Hospital Name	Annual Minimum Rent		End of Lease Term	Renewal Term (years)
McAllen Medical Center	$	5,485,000	December, 2021	10(a)
Wellington Regional Medical Center	$	3,030,000	December, 2021	10(b)
Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus	$	2,648,000	December, 2021	10(b)

(a)	We have two 5-year renewal options at existing lease rates (through 2031).

(b)	We have two 5-year renewal options at fair market value lease rates (2022 through 2031).

Segment Reporting (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

	Three months ended September 30, 2016
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	4,647,578		$	2,031,868		$	0		$	6,679,446
Gross outpatient revenues	$	2,854,851		$	217,571		$	0		$	3,072,422
Total net revenues	$	1,253,866		$	1,153,880		$	2,126		$	2,409,872
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	97,542		$	245,515		$	(97,617	)	$	245,440
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(42,667	)	$	(38,719	)	$	81,386		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	54,875		$	206,796		$	(16,231	)	$	245,440
Total assets as of September 30, 2016	$	3,581,425		$	5,927,564		$	164,650		$	9,673,639

	Nine months ended September 30, 2016
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	14,295,797		$	5,987,430		$	0		$	20,283,227
Gross outpatient revenues	$	8,461,032		$	668,457		$	0		$	9,129,489
Total net revenues	$	3,794,341		$	3,489,681		$	6,503		$	7,290,525
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	420,832		$	784,016		$	(329,838	)	$	875,010
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(128,007	)	$	(116,161	)	$	244,168		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	292,825		$	667,855		$	(85,670	)	$	875,010
Total assets as of September 30, 2016	$	3,581,425		$	5,927,564		$	164,650		$	9,673,639

	Three months ended September 30, 2015
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	4,115,598		$	1,876,896		$	0		$	5,992,494
Gross outpatient revenues	$	2,444,456		$	202,333		$	0		$	2,646,789
Total net revenues	$	1,136,341		$	1,089,509		$	1,805		$	2,227,655
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	91,784		$	249,812		$	(93,569	)	$	248,027
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(49,426	)	$	(29,526	)	$	78,952		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	42,358		$	220,286		$	(14,617	)	$	248,027
Total assets as of September 30, 2015	$	3,391,193		$	5,458,647		$	337,575		$	9,187,415

	Nine months ended September 30, 2015
	Acute Care Hospital Services			Behavioral Health Services			Other			Total Consolidated
	(Amounts in thousands)
Gross inpatient revenues	$	12,633,298		$	5,565,391		$	0		$	18,198,689
Gross outpatient revenues	$	7,132,212		$	623,915		$	16,111		$	7,772,238
Total net revenues	$	3,446,797		$	3,272,714		$	8,701		$	6,728,212
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	$	387,568		$	771,667		$	(306,483	)	$	852,752
Allocation of corporate overhead	$	(148,274	)	$	(88,913	)	$	237,187		$	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	$	239,294		$	682,754		$	(69,296	)	$	852,752
Total assets as of September 30, 2015	$	3,391,193		$	5,458,647		$	337,575		$	9,187,415

Earnings Per Share Data ("EPS") and Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share for Classes A, B, C and D Common Stockholders

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for classes A, B, C and D common stockholders for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	(amounts in thousands)
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$	151,865		$	150,287		$	528,201		$	506,779
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants		(69	)		(82	)		(242	)		(221	)
Net income attributable to UHS – basic and diluted	$	151,796		$	150,205		$	527,959		$	506,558

Weighted average number of common shares - basic		97,118			98,858			97,278			98,924
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method		1,203			2,301			1,257			1,987
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted		98,321			101,159			98,535			100,911
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$	1.56		$	1.52		$	5.43		$	5.12
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$	1.54		$	1.48		$	5.36		$	5.02

Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust and Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) Facility RenewalOption	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Hospital RenewalOption	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Hospital	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Chief Executive Officer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Estimated payments to acquire life insurance policies						$ 28,000,000
Payments to acquire life insurance policies						1,300,000	$ 1,300,000
Chief Executive Officer \| Trust Owned by CEO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Estimated payments to acquire life insurance policies						$ 9,000,000
McAllen Medical Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of renewal options at existing lease rates \| RenewalOption						2
Renewal options term at existing lease rates	5 years					5 years
Renewals extend lease terms at existing lease rates	2021-12					2021-12
Wellington Regional Medical Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Renewal options term at fair market lease rates	5 years					5 years
Renewals extend lease terms at existing lease rates	2021-12					2021-12
Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Renewal options term at fair market lease rates	5 years					5 years
Renewals extend lease terms at existing lease rates	2021-12					2021-12
Minimum \| Chief Executive Officer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Estimated death benefit proceeds						$ 37,000,000
Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Trust outstanding shares held, percentage		5.80%				5.80%
Advisory fee earned		$ 800,000	$ 700,000			$ 2,400,000	2,100,000
Pre-tax share of income from the Trust		250,000	100,000			750,000	1,100,000
Carrying value of investment in Trust		7,900,000				7,900,000		$ 8,700,000
Market value of investment in Trust		49,600,000				49,600,000		$ 39,400,000
Rent expense under operating leases		$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000			$ 12,000,000	$ 12,000,000
Non-controlling ownership interests by subsidiaries		100.00%				100.00%
Number of hospital facilities \| Hospital						3	3
Lease renewal period, years						5 years
Aggregate construction cost/sales proceeds				$ 13,000,000
Aggregate rent expense paid				$ 900,000
Notice period on renewal of lease						90 days
Period of rights of refusal to leased facilities						180 days
Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust \| Texas
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease initial terms				10 years
Number of free-standing emergency departments to be acquired \| Facility				2
Number of renewal options at existing lease rates \| RenewalOption				6
Renewal options term at existing lease rates				5 years
Renewal options term at fair market lease rates				5 years
Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust \| Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease initial terms						13 years
Relationship with Universal Health Realty Income Trust \| Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease initial terms						15 years
Premier, Inc. \| Group Purchasing Organization Agreement \| Restricted Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Shares vesting period					7 years
Shares vesting period start year					2014
Shares vesting period end year					2020

Remaining Renewal Options and Terms for Hospital Facilities Leased from Trust (Detail) - USD ($)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

McAllen Medical Center

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

Annual Minimum Rent

$ 5,485,000

End of Lease Term

2021-12

Renewal Term (years)

^[1]

10 years

Wellington Regional Medical Center

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

Annual Minimum Rent

$ 3,030,000

End of Lease Term

2021-12

Renewal Term (years)

^[2]

10 years

Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

Annual Minimum Rent

$ 2,648,000

End of Lease Term

2021-12

Renewal Term (years)

^[2]

10 years

[1]	We have two 5-year renewal options at existing lease rates (through 2031).
[2]	We have two 5-year renewal options at fair market value lease rates (2022 through 2031).

Remaining Renewal Options and Terms for Hospital Facilities Leased from Trust (Parenthetical) (Detail) - RenewalOption	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
McAllen Medical Center
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Number of renewal options at existing lease rates		2
Renewal options term at existing lease rates	5 years	5 years
McAllen Medical Center \| Maximum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Renewal options at existing lease rates expiration year		2031
Wellington Regional Medical Center
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Number of renewal options at fair market lease rates		2
Renewal options term at fair market lease rates	5 years	5 years
Wellington Regional Medical Center \| Maximum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Renewal options at fair market value lease rates expiration year		2031
Wellington Regional Medical Center \| Minimum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Renewal options at fair market value lease rates expiration year		2022
Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Number of renewal options at fair market lease rates		2
Renewal options term at fair market lease rates	5 years	5 years
Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus \| Maximum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Renewal options at fair market value lease rates expiration year		2031
Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus \| Minimum
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Renewal options at fair market value lease rates expiration year		2022

Other Noncurrent Liabilities and Redeemable/Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016 USD ($) Hospital	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Hospital	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest balances			$ 68
Redeemable non-controlling interest balances			$ 9
Minimum
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased		26.10%
Maximum
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased		27.50%
Acute Care Hospital Services \| Las Vegas, Nevada
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of hospital facilities \| Hospital	6	6
Payments to purchase minority ownership interests	$ 445	$ 445
Purchase price of minority ownership interests	418	418
Return of reserve capital to purchase of minority ownership interests	$ 27	$ 27
Percentage of noncontrolling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners			5.00%
Acute Care Hospital Services \| Las Vegas, Nevada \| Minimum
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased			26.10%
Acute Care Hospital Services \| Las Vegas, Nevada \| Maximum
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased			27.50%
Acute Care Hospital Services \| Washington, District of Columbia
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of noncontrolling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners			20.00%
Acute Care Hospital Services \| Laredo, Texas
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of noncontrolling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners			11.00%
Behavioral Health Services \| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of noncontrolling, minority ownership interests held by outside owners			20.00%

Long-term debt, Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts - Additional Information (Detail)		3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 07, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Derivative	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Derivative	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) Derivative	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($) Derivative	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Derivative	Jun. 03, 2016 USD ($)	Aug. 07, 2014 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, starting date	Jun. 07, 2016
Line of credit facility, maturity month	2019-08
Rate adjustment to weighted average federal funds rate for credit facility borrowings								0.50%
Rate adjustment to one month Eurodollar rate on credit facility borrowings								1.00%
Accounts receivable securitization program credit facility, borrowing capacity								$ 400,000,000
Accounts receivable securitization program credit facility, amount outstanding								325,000,000
Reduction of long-term debt								814,971,000	$ 207,371,000
Debt instrument carrying amount		$ 3,500,000,000						3,600,000,000		$ 3,500,000,000
Fair value of debt		$ 3,500,000,000						3,700,000,000		$ 3,500,000,000
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative			4
Maturity date of interest rate cash flow hedges						May 31, 2015
Two Point Three Eight Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative						4
Fixed rate payable on interest rate swap						2.38%
One Point Nine One Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative						3
Fixed rate payable on interest rate swap						1.91%
One Point Three One Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative										9
Maturity date of interest rate cash flow hedges										Apr. 15, 2019
Fixed rate payable on interest rate swap		1.31%								1.31%
One Point Four Zero Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative				4
Maturity date of interest rate cash flow hedges				Apr. 15, 2019
Average fixed rate payable on interest rate swap				1.40%
One Point Two Three Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date of interest rate cash flow hedges			Apr. 15, 2019
Average fixed rate payable on interest rate swap			1.23%						1.23%
One Point Two One Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative		1
Maturity date of interest rate cash flow hedges		Apr. 15, 2019
Fixed rate payable on interest rate swap		1.21%								1.21%
Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of our interest rate swaps		$ 1,000,000						13,000,000		$ 1,000,000
Fair value of our interest rate swaps, liability		6,000,000						7,000,000		6,000,000
Fair value of our interest rate swaps, assets		5,000,000								5,000,000
Interest Rate Swap \| Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of our interest rate swaps, liability								6,000,000
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net cash inflows								$ 56,000,000	$ 12,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of additional forward starting interest rate swaps \| Derivative						7
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges						$ 825,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| Two Point Three Eight Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges						600,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Nine One Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges						$ 225,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Three One Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges		1,000,000,000								1,000,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Four Zero Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges				$ 500,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges			$ 400,000,000						400,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Two Three Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges			100,000,000						100,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Two Three Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges			200,000,000						200,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Two Three Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges			$ 100,000,000						$ 100,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging \| One Point Two One Percent Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedges		$ 100,000,000								$ 100,000,000
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maturity month								2018-12
Accounts receivable securitization program, additional capacity								$ 75,000,000
Senior Notes 7.125%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate							7.125%
Senior notes, maturity date							Jun. 30, 2016
Reduction of long-term debt							$ 400,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity	$ 800,000,000							800,000,000
Line of credit facility amount outstanding								$ 20,000,000
Current applicable margins								1.50%
Line of credit facility, available borrowing capacity								$ 746,000,000
Letters of credit, outstanding								34,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity								$ 125,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| ABR-based loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current applicable margins								0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| One Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| One Two Three Six Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| One Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| One Two Three Six Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								2.25%
Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility amount outstanding								$ 1,886,000,000
Line of credit facility increased amount	$ 200,000,000
Current applicable margins								1.50%
Term Loan A \| Quarterly installment payments made from the fourth quarter of 2014 through third quarter of 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments made					$ 11,000,000
Term Loan A \| Quarterly installment payments after September, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled principal payments made					$ 22,000,000
Term Loan A \| ABR-based loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current applicable margins								0.50%
Term Loan A \| Minimum \| One Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								0.50%
Term Loan A \| Minimum \| One Two Three Six Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								1.50%
Term Loan A \| Maximum \| One Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								1.25%
Term Loan A \| Maximum \| One Two Three Six Month Eurodollar Rate Plus Index Based Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio								2.25%
New Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, issued								$ 1,400,000,000
New Senior Secured Notes \| 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, issued												$ 300,000,000
Senior notes, interest rate												3.75%
Senior notes, maturity date								Aug. 01, 2019
New Senior Secured Notes \| 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, issued								$ 700,000,000			$ 400,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Senior notes, interest rate								4.75%
Senior notes issued percentage											101.50%
Senior notes yield percentage											4.35%
Senior notes, maturity date								Aug. 01, 2022
New Senior Secured Notes \| 5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, issued											$ 400,000,000
Senior notes, interest rate											5.00%
Senior notes, maturity date								Jun. 01, 2026

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) £ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Hospital	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2010 GBP (£)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Self-insured for professional and general liability				$ 209,000,000	$ 204,000,000
Self-insured for professional and general liability, current				48,000,000	48,000,000
Compensation liability claims				69,000,000	68,000,000
Compensation and related benefits				34,000,000	34,000,000
Accounts receivable, net				1,315,827,000	1,302,429,000
Payment suspension period increased	180 days
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Off-balance sheet contingent obligation				127,000,000
Self Insurance Programs \| Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Off-balance sheet contingent obligation				105,000,000
Other Debt Guarantees \| Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Off-balance sheet contingent obligation				22,000,000
Location 1
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum Insurance Deductible				50,000
Location 2
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum Insurance Deductible				250,000
Illinois
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net				25,000,000	28,000,000
Accounts receivable net greater than sixty days Past due				11,000,000	12,000,000
Texas
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts receivable				7,000,000	80,000,000
Flood \| Location 1
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum insurance deductible				500,000
Cygnet Health Care Limited
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Property insurance \| £		£ 180
Maximum \| Wind Storms
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses				$ 1,000,000,000
Percentage of insurance deductible				5.00%
Maximum \| Earthquake \| LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses				$ 500,000,000
Maximum \| Earthquake \| CALIFORNIA
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses				130,000,000
Maximum \| Earthquake \| UNITED STATES
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses				100,000,000
Maximum \| Earthquake \| PUERTO RICO
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses				40,000,000
Maximum \| Earthquake \| OTHER STATES
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Commercial property insurance policies covering catastrophic losses				$ 250,000,000
Minimum \| Wind Storms
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of insurance deductible				3.00%
Professional Liability \| Cygnet Health Care Limited
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Self-insured for professional and general liability \| £									£ 10
General Liability \| Cygnet Health Care Limited
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Self-insured for professional and general liability \| £									£ 25
Subsidiaries \| Professional Liability \| Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Self-insured for professional and general liability								$ 10,000,000
Subsidiaries \| General Liability \| Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Self-insured for professional and general liability								$ 3,000,000
Subsidiaries \| General And Professional Liability Insurance Policies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of liability for claims paid under commercially insured coverage				10.00%
Subsidiaries \| General And Professional Liability Insurance Policies \| Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Purchased several excess policies through commercial insurance carriers per occurrence					$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Liability for claims paid under commercially insured coverage				$ 60,000,000
Subsidiaries \| General And Professional Liability Insurance Policies \| Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability for claims paid under commercially insured coverage				$ 10,000,000
Department of Human Services
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Repayment of legal settlement amount on demand			$ 4,000,000
Department of Human Services \| Pennsylvania
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of behavioral health care hospitals \| Hospital			7

Segment Reporting (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross inpatient revenues	$ 6,679,446	$ 5,992,494	$ 20,283,227	$ 18,198,689
Gross outpatient revenues	3,072,422	2,646,789	9,129,489	7,772,238
Total net revenues	2,409,872	2,227,655	7,290,525	6,728,212
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	245,440	248,027	875,010	852,752
Allocation of corporate overhead	0	0	0	0
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	245,440	248,027	875,010	852,752
Total assets	9,673,639	9,187,415	9,673,639	9,187,415	$ 9,615,444
Acute Care Hospital Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross inpatient revenues	4,647,578	4,115,598	14,295,797	12,633,298
Gross outpatient revenues	2,854,851	2,444,456	8,461,032	7,132,212
Total net revenues	1,253,866	1,136,341	3,794,341	3,446,797
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	97,542	91,784	420,832	387,568
Allocation of corporate overhead	(42,667)	(49,426)	(128,007)	(148,274)
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	54,875	42,358	292,825	239,294
Total assets	3,581,425	3,391,193	3,581,425	3,391,193
Behavioral Health Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross inpatient revenues	2,031,868	1,876,896	5,987,430	5,565,391
Gross outpatient revenues	217,571	202,333	668,457	623,915
Total net revenues	1,153,880	1,089,509	3,489,681	3,272,714
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	245,515	249,812	784,016	771,667
Allocation of corporate overhead	(38,719)	(29,526)	(116,161)	(88,913)
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	206,796	220,286	667,855	682,754
Total assets	5,927,564	5,458,647	5,927,564	5,458,647
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross inpatient revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross outpatient revenues	0	0	0	16,111
Total net revenues	2,126	1,805	6,503	8,701
Income/(loss) before allocation of corporate overhead and income taxes	(97,617)	(93,569)	(329,838)	(306,483)
Allocation of corporate overhead	81,386	78,952	244,168	237,187
Income/(loss) after allocation of corporate overhead and before income taxes	(16,231)	(14,617)	(85,670)	(69,296)
Total assets	$ 164,650	$ 337,575	$ 164,650	$ 337,575

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for classes A, B, C and D Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basic and Diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS	$ 151,865	$ 150,287	$ 528,201	$ 506,779
Less: Net income attributable to unvested restricted share grants	(69)	(82)	(242)	(221)
Net income attributable to UHS – basic and diluted	$ 151,796	$ 150,205	$ 527,959	$ 506,558
Weighted average number of common shares - basic	97,118	98,858	97,278	98,924
Net effect of dilutive stock options and grants based on the treasury stock method	1,203	2,301	1,257	1,987
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents - diluted	98,321	101,159	98,535	100,911
Earnings per basic share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.56	$ 1.52	$ 5.43	$ 5.12
Earnings per diluted share attributable to UHS:	$ 1.54	$ 1.48	$ 5.36	$ 5.02

Earnings Per Share Data ("EPS") and Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive weighted average stock options excluded from computation of earnings per share	0	0	2,000,000	987,000
Stock options granted during period (net of cancellations)			2,867,050
Weighted-average grant date fair value, per share			$ 23.79
Compensation cost recognized			$ 36,358,000	$ 30,145,000
Excess tax benefit from share based compensation			36,407,000	29,287,000
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized	$ 11,100,000	$ 9,200,000	34,700,000	28,700,000
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized	390,000	$ 304,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 796,000
Unrecognized compensation cost vesting period			2 years 9 months 18 days
Unvested Stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 93,500,000		$ 93,500,000
Unrecognized compensation cost vesting period			2 years 9 months 18 days

Dispositions and Acquisitions and Purchase of Third-Party Ownership Interests - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016 USD ($) Hospital	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Hospital	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Hospital Bed	Mar. 31, 2015 Bed	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Bed	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Acquisition of property and businesses					$ 136,221	$ 183,103
Alpha Hospitals Holdings Limited
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of beds \| Bed			305
Number of hospital facilities \| Hospital			4
Minimum
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased		26.10%
Maximum
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased		27.50%
Behavioral Health Services
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of beds \| Bed				46
Aggregate cash proceeds from divestiture of businesses			$ 3,000
Pahrump, Nevada
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of beds \| Bed					25
Las Vegas, Nevada \| Acute Care Hospital Services
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of hospital facilities \| Hospital	6	6
Payments to purchase minority ownership interests	$ 445,000	$ 445,000
Purchase price of minority ownership interests	418,000	418,000
Return of reserve capital to purchase of minority ownership interests	$ 27,000	$ 27,000
Las Vegas, Nevada \| Acute Care Hospital Services \| Minimum
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased					26.10%
Las Vegas, Nevada \| Acute Care Hospital Services \| Maximum
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Ownership interests purchased					27.50%

Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared and paid	$ 9.7	$ 9.9	$ 29.2	$ 29.7
Quarterly cash dividend	$ 0.10	$ 0.10

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits		$ 2
Impact of unrecognized tax benefits if recognized		$ 1
Jurisdictions statutes of limitations expiration period	12 months
Period of expiration of the statute of limitations for certain jurisdictions	within the next twelve months
Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign and U.S. state and local jurisdictions have statutes of limitations, in years	3 years
Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign and U.S. state and local jurisdictions have statutes of limitations, in years	4 years
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1

Recent Accounting Standards - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Debt issuance cost	$ 27	$ 19

- Definition

Amount of cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle or new accounting pronouncement on retained earnings or other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

+ References + Details

Dividends	9 Months Ended
Dividends	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Dividends	(9) Dividends We declared and paid dividends of $9.7 million, or $.10 per share, during the third quarter of 2016 and $9.9 million or $.10 per share during the third quarter of 2015. We declared and paid dividends of $29.2 million and $29.7 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.