| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?> |
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> |
| <Version> 2.4.0.8 </Version> |
| <ProcessingTime/> |
| <ReportFormat> Html </ReportFormat> |
| <ContextCount> 580 </ContextCount> |
| <ElementCount> 505 </ElementCount> |
| <EntityCount> 1 </EntityCount> |
| <FootnotesReported> true </FootnotesReported> |
| <SegmentCount> 151 </SegmentCount> |
| <ScenarioCount> 0 </ScenarioCount> |
| <TuplesReported> false </TuplesReported> |
| <UnitCount> 10 </UnitCount> |
| <MyReports> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R1.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information Document </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Document and Entity Information Document </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> true </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R2.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Balance Sheets </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R3.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1002500 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R4.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Operations </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R5.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R6.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInShareholdersEquity </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R7.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 1006000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R8.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2104100 - Disclosure - Description of Business (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessNotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Description of Business (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R9.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2105100 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R10.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2106100 - Disclosure - Investments </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/Investments </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R11.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2117100 - Disclosure - Fair Value </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValue </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R12.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2120100 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/PropertyPlantAndCapitalizedSoftwareNotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R13.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2121100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R14.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2122100 - Disclosure - Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/MedicalCostAndMedicalCostsPayable </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R15.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2123100 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebt </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R16.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2124100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesNotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R17.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2125100 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareholdersEquityShareholdersEquity </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R18.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2126100 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R19.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2127100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R20.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2128100 - Disclosure - Segment Financial Information </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/SegmentFinancialInformation </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Segment Financial Information </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R21.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2129100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataNotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly Financial Data (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R22.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2130100 - Disclosure - Schedule I (Notes) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Notes </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleINotes </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I (Notes) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R23.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2205201 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R24.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2217201 - Disclosure - Fair Value Fair Value (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueFairValuePolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value Fair Value (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R25.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2224201 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes Income Taxes (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R26.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2225201 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareholdersEquityShareholdersEquityPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R27.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2226201 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R28.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2228201 - Disclosure - Segment Financial Information Segment Financial Information (Policies) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/SegmentFinancialInformationSegmentFinancialInformationPolicies </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Segment Financial Information Segment Financial Information (Policies) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R29.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2305302 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R30.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2306301 - Disclosure - Investments (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R31.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2317302 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R32.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2320301 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/PropertyPlantAndCapitalizedSoftwareTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R33.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2321301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R34.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2322301 - Disclosure - Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/MedicalCostAndMedicalCostsPayableMedicalCostAndMedicalCostsPayableTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R35.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2323302 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R36.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2324302 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R37.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2325302 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareholdersEquityShareholdersEquityTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R38.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2326302 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R39.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2327301 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R40.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2328302 - Disclosure - Segment Financial Information (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/SegmentFinancialInformationTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Segment Financial Information (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R41.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2329301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataTables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly Financial Data (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R42.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2330301 - Disclosure - Schedule I (Tables) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleITables </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I (Tables) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R43.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405403 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R44.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405404 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Medicare Part D (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesMedicarePartDDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Medicare Part D (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R45.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2405405 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Useful lives for property, equipment and capitalized software (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/BasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasisOfPresentationUseOfEstimatesAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesUsefulLivesForPropertyEquipmentAndCapitalizedSoftwareDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Useful lives for property, equipment and capitalized software (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R46.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406402 - Disclosure - Investments (Narrative) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Narrative) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R47.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406403 - Disclosure - Investments (Short-Term and Long-Term Investments) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Short-Term and Long-Term Investments) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R48.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406404 - Disclosure - Investments (Fair Value of Mortgage-Backed Securities by Credit Rating Origination) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsFairValueOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesByCreditRatingOriginationDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Fair Value of Mortgage-Backed Securities by Credit Rating Origination) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R49.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406405 - Disclosure - Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndFairValueOfAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesByContractualMaturityDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R50.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406406 - Disclosure - Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held-To-Maturity Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndFairValueOfHeldToMaturityDebtSecuritiesByContractualMaturityDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held-To-Maturity Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R51.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406407 - Disclosure - Investments (Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses by Investment Type and Length of Time That Individual Securities Have Been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsWithGrossUnrealizedLossesByInvestmentTypeAndLengthOfTimeThatIndividualSecuritiesHaveBeenInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses by Investment Type and Length of Time That Individual Securities Have Been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R52.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2406408 - Disclosure - Investments (Net Realized Gains) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Investments (Net Realized Gains) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R53.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417403 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R54.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417404 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Excluding AARP, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesExcludingAarpMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Excluding AARP, Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R55.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417405 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Excluding AARP, Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesExcludingAarpNotMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Excluding AARP, Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R56.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417406 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueReconciliationOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisUsingLevel3InputsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value (Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R57.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417407 - Disclosure - Fair Value Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueFairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R58.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2417408 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Assets and Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Fair Value (Assets and Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R59.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2420402 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/PropertyPlantAndCapitalizedSoftwareDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R60.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2420403 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software table (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/PropertyPlantAndCapitalizedSoftwarePropertyEquipmentAndCapitalizedSoftwarePropertyEquipmentAndCapitalizedSoftwareTableDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Property, Plant, and Capitalized Software Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software table (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R61.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R62.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Segment (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillByReportingSegmentDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Segment (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R63.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421404 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net carrying value of intangible assets (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGrossCarryingValueAccumulatedAmortizationAndNetCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net carrying value of intangible assets (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R64.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421405 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Weighted-average useful lives assigned to finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLivesAssignedToFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredInBusinessCombinationsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Weighted-average useful lives assigned to finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R65.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2421406 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Amortization Expense relating to Intangible Assets (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRelatingToIntangibleAssetsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Amortization Expense relating to Intangible Assets (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R66.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2422402 - Disclosure - Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/MedicalCostAndMedicalCostsPayableDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R67.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2422403 - Disclosure - Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable Medical Costs and Medical Costs Payable Rollforward (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/MedicalCostAndMedicalCostsPayableMedicalCostsAndMedicalCostsPayableRollforwardDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Medical Cost and Medical Costs Payable Medical Costs and Medical Costs Payable Rollforward (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R68.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2423403 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R69.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2423404 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R70.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2423405 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Maturities of commercial paper and long-term debt (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtMaturitiesOfCommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Maturities of commercial paper and long-term debt (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R71.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2423406 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Balance Sheet Location of Fair Value Derivatives (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtBalanceSheetLocationOfFairValueDerivativesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Balance Sheet Location of Fair Value Derivatives (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R72.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2423407 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Income Statement Recognition of Fair Value Hedge (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtIncomeStatementRecognitionOfFairValueHedgeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Income Statement Recognition of Fair Value Hedge (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R73.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2424403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Narrative (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes Narrative (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R74.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2424404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes Income Taxes Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R75.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2424405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Tax Reconciliation of the tax provision at the U.S. Federal Statutory Rate (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxReconciliationOfTaxProvisionAtUSFederalStatutoryRateDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes Income Tax Reconciliation of the tax provision at the U.S. Federal Statutory Rate (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R76.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2424406 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes Income Taxes Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R77.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2424407 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Income Taxes Income Taxes Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R78.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2425403 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareholdersEquityShareholdersEquityDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R79.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2425404 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity Dividends (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareholdersEquityShareholdersEquityDividendsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity Dividends (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R80.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2426403 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R81.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2426404 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option and SAR Activity) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationStockOptionAndSarActivityDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option and SAR Activity) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R82.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2426405 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Share Activity) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationRestrictedShareActivityDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Share Activity) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R83.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2426406 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Other Share-Based Compensation Data (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationOtherShareBasedCompensationDataDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation Other Share-Based Compensation Data (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R84.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2426407 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Principal Fair Value Assumptions) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationPrincipalFairValueAssumptionsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Share-Based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Principal Fair Value Assumptions) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R85.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2427402 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R86.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2427403 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Future Lease Payments (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureLeasePaymentsDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Future Lease Payments (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R87.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2428403 - Disclosure - Segment Financial Information Segment Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/SegmentFinancialInformationSegmentFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Segment Financial Information Segment Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R88.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2428404 - Disclosure - Segment Financial Information (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/SegmentFinancialInformationDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Segment Financial Information (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R89.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2429403 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R90.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2430402 - Disclosure - Schedule I (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleIDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R91.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2430403 - Disclosure - Schedule I Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleICondensedBalanceSheetDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R92.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2430404 - Disclosure - Schedule I Condensed Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleICondensedBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I Condensed Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R93.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2430405 - Disclosure - Schedule I Condensed Income Statement (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleICondensedIncomeStatementDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I Condensed Income Statement (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R94.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2430406 - Disclosure - Schedule I Condensed Cash Flow (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleICondensedCashFlowDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I Condensed Cash Flow (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <HtmlFileName> R95.htm </HtmlFileName> |
| | | <LongName> 2430407 - Disclosure - Schedule I Maturities of Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Details) </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Sheet </ReportType> |
| | | <Role> http://www.uhc.com/role/ScheduleIMaturitiesOfCommercialPaperAndLongTermDebtDetails </Role> |
| | | <ShortName> Schedule I Maturities of Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt (Details) </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | <Report> |
| | | <IsDefault> false </IsDefault> |
| | | <HasEmbeddedReports> false </HasEmbeddedReports> |
| | | <LongName> All Reports </LongName> |
| | | <ReportType> Book </ReportType> |
| | | <ShortName> All Reports </ShortName> |
| | | </Report> |
| | </MyReports> |
| <Logs> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Element us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Element us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Element us-gaap_ReinsuranceReceivablesPaidLossesRecoverable had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> 'Monetary' elements on report '2405403 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation, Use of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> 'Monetary' elements on report '2421402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> 'Monetary' elements on report '2423406 - Disclosure - Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt Balance Sheet Location of Fair Value Derivatives (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> 'Monetary' elements on report '2425403 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity Shareholder's Equity (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> 'Monetary' elements on report '2430402 - Disclosure - Schedule I (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values. </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: 1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: 1002500 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: 1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Sep. 30, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Mar. 31, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2012' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Sep. 30, 2012' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2012' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Mar. 31, 2012' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: 1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Sep. 30, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended Mar. 31, 2013' </Log> |
| | <Log type="Info"> Process Flow-Through: 1006000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows </Log> |
| | </Logs> |
| <InputFiles> |
| | <File> unh-20131231.xml </File> |
| | <File> unh-20131231.xsd </File> |
| | <File> unh-20131231_cal.xml </File> |
| | <File> unh-20131231_def.xml </File> |
| | <File> unh-20131231_lab.xml </File> |
| | <File> unh-20131231_pre.xml </File> |
| | </InputFiles> |
| <SupplementalFiles/> |
| <BaseTaxonomies/> |
| <HasPresentationLinkbase> true </HasPresentationLinkbase> |
| <HasCalculationLinkbase> true </HasCalculationLinkbase> |
| </FilingSummary> |