2.2.0.25truefalse40403 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_20092http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_20082http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse432000000432falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse366000000366falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse133000000133falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse3false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-103000000-103falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8600000086falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse216000000216falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(2)
falsefalse4false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse5false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarningsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1100000011falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-54000000-54falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse6false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNetus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse6900000069falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(3)
falsefalse7false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse349000000349falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse432000000432falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse366000000366falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse8false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/taxonomy/role/disclosurefairvaluereconciliationofassetsmeasuredatfairvalueonrecurringbasisusinglevel3inputsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Debt Securities
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_201022222http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseDebt Securitiesus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Debt Securities
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
$Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_200939http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseDebt Securitiesus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Debt Securities
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
$Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_20084http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseDebt Securitiesus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse9false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse120000000120falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6200000062falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse10false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6400000064falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1400000014falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(2)
falsefalse11false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse12false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarningsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-6000000-6falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse13false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNetus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse4800000048falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(3)
falsefalse14false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse141000000141falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse120000000120falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse6200000062falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse15false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/taxonomy/role/disclosurefairvaluereconciliationofassetsmeasuredatfairvalueonrecurringbasisusinglevel3inputsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Equity Securities
1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
$Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_2010322222http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity Securitiesus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Equity Securities
1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
$Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_2009310http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity Securitiesus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Equity Securities
1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($)
$Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_20085http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000731766duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity Securitiesus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse16false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse312000000312falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse304000000304falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse133000000133falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse17false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-122000000-122falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2200000022falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse202000000202falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(2)
falsefalse18false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse19false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarningsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-21000000-21falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-54000000-54falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse20false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNetus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2100000021falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(3)
falsefalse21false0us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse208000000208falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse312000000312falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse304000000304falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c
falsefalse320Fair Value (Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue
