2.2.0.7 false Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) 40502 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) true false In Millions false false 1 USD false false Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit14 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 0 unh_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAbstract unh false na duration Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] false 3 1 us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAmount us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 true true false false 860000000 860 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount assigned to a major class of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets (in either an asset acquisition or business combination). A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 44 -Subparagraph a(1) false 1 2 false Millions UnKnown UnKnown false true