2.2.0.7 false Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) 41401 - Disclosure - Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) true false In Millions false false 1 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 2 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ 2 0 unh_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract unh false na duration Commitments And Contingencies false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Commitments And Contingencies false 3 1 unh_LossContingencyProposedSettlementConsideration unh false debit instant The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the proposed settlement loss contingency reserve. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 true true false false 350000000 350 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the proposed settlement loss contingency reserve. No authoritative reference available. false 4 1 unh_PlaintiffsCounselFeesAndExpensesFederalCourt unh false debit instant Plaintiffs counsel fees and expenses, federal court false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 30000000 30 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Plaintiffs counsel fees and expenses, federal court No authoritative reference available. false 5 1 unh_PlaintiffsCounselFeesAndExpensesStateCourt unh false debit instant Plaintiffs counsel fees and expenses, state court false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 true true false false 6000000 6 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Plaintiffs counsel fees and expenses, state court No authoritative reference available. false 2 4 false Millions UnKnown UnKnown false true