Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest on Company's Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.	$ 184,122	$ 136,628	$ 515,094	$ 421,168
Net transfers to noncontrolling interests	(2,278)	21	(151)	(1,340)
Net income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., net of transfers to noncontrolling interests	181,844	136,649	514,943	419,828
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 interests	(316)	21	355	(866)
Decrease in paid-in capital for the purchase of noncontrolling interests and adjustments to ownership interest	$ (1,962)		$ (506)	$ (474)