v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Jan. 31, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol UHS    
Entity Registrant Name UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000352915    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 11.9
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   89,315,389  
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