Long-term Incentive Compensation and Shareholders’ Equity - Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest on Company's Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to DaVita Inc.	$ 303,396	$ (214,476)	$ 127,001	$ 447,697	$ 157,726	$ 571,332	$ 53,382	$ 97,434	$ 663,618	$ 879,874	$ 269,732
Changes in paid-in-capital for:
Net income attributable to DaVita Inc. net of transfers in noncontrolling interests									660,752	866,769	213,906
Additional paid-in capital
Changes in paid-in-capital for:
Sales of noncontrolling interest									(114)	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interests									(2,752)	(13,105)	(55,826)
Net transfer in noncontrolling interests									$ (2,866)	$ (13,105)	$ (55,826)