Supplemental Data - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (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
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 219,784		$ 169,836	$ 612,942		$ 512,928
Other comprehensive loss	(12,290)		(880)	(8,979)		11,083
Total comprehensive income	207,494		168,956	603,963		524,011
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(35,662)		(33,208)	(97,848)		(91,760)
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.	171,832		135,748	506,115		432,251
Physician Groups
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	1,846			10,775
Total comprehensive income	1,846			10,775
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.	1,846			10,775
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(16)			(158)
Total comprehensive income	(16)			(158)
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.	(16)			(158)
Company and Restricted Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	217,954	[1]		602,325	[1]
Other comprehensive loss	(12,290)	[1]		(8,979)	[1]
Total comprehensive income	205,664	[1]		593,346	[1]
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(35,662)	[1]		(97,848)	[1]
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.	$ 170,002	[1]		$ 495,498	[1]

[1] After the elimination of the unrestricted subsidiaries and the physician groups