v3.7.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Jul. 31, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
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   88,376,195
Class C    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   663,940
Class D    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   21,844