Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 187,774	$ (260,726)	$ 96,123
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) loss	(186,763)	(204,065)	(18,203)
Net investment hedge CTA gain	4,484	0	0
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities	(40)	(279)	(298)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	4,550	8,790	(1,750)
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans	1,153	(2,001)	0
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(176,616)	(197,555)	(20,251)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11,158	(458,281)	75,872
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests	0	1,179	(1,438)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest	0	(1,810)	7,526
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Equinix	$ 11,158	$ (458,912)	$ 81,960