Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest on Company's Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.	$ 212,278	$ 136,628	$ 254,376	$ 30,164	$ 155,839	$ 144,721	$ 95,337	$ 140,120	$ 633,446	$ 536,017	$ 478,001
Net transfer to noncontrolling interests									(4,561)	(19,630)	(10,785)
Change from net income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests									628,885	516,387	467,216
Additional Paid-in Capital
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
(Decrease) increase in paid-in capital for sales of noncontrolling interest									(1,442)	1,064	(1,299)
Decrease in paid-in capital for the purchase of a noncontrolling interest									$ (3,119)	$ (20,694)	$ (9,486)