Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 41,132	$ 42,961	$ 177,043	$ 94,377
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") loss	(72,677)	(144,994)	(149,546)	(106,943)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(21)	(862)	99	(97)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	3,309	4,194	(425)	4,448
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss)	4,426		(5,963)
Defined benefit plans	124		266
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(64,839)	(141,662)	(155,569)	(102,592)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(23,707)	(98,701)	21,474	(8,215)
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests		(120)		1,179
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests		1,007		(1,810)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Equinix	$ (23,707)	$ (97,814)	$ 21,474	$ (8,846)