v2.4.0.6
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Jan. 31, 2011
Common Class A [Member]
Jan. 31, 2011
Common Class B [Member]
Jan. 31, 2011
Common Class C [Member]
Jan. 31, 2011
Common Class D [Member]
Document Type 10-K          
Amendment Flag false          
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2010          
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2010          
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 Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer          
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     6,656,308 90,117,514 665,400 34,918
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes          
Entity Public Float   $ 3,390,000,000        
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes          
Entity Voluntary Filers No