v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Jan. 31, 2013
Class A
Jan. 31, 2013
Class B
Jan. 31, 2013
Class C
Jan. 31, 2013
Class D
Document Information [Line Items]            
Document Type 10-K          
Amendment Flag false          
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012          
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012          
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     6,625,708 90,407,949 664,000 31,942
Entity Public Float   $ 3,820,000,000