| Document And Entity Information | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000352915 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 1-10765 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-2077891 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | UNIVERSAL CORPORATE CENTER |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 367 SOUTH GULPH ROAD |
| Entity Address, City or Town | KING OF PRUSSIA |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19406 |
| City Area Code | 610 |
| Local Phone Number | 768-3300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Class B Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | UHS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
