Amortizable Intangible Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities [Line Items]
Lease agreements, accumulated amortization	$ 2,628	$ 606

Intangible Lease Liabilities Accumulated Amortization

No definition available.

Name:	dva_IntangibleLeaseLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	dva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant