Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)									$ 187,774,000	$ (260,726,000)	$ 96,123,000
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests									0	1,179,000	(1,438,000)
Net income (loss) attributable to Equinix, basic and diluted	$ 10,731,000	$ 41,132,000	$ 59,459,000	$ 76,452,000	$ (355,103,000)	$ 42,841,000	$ 11,328,000	$ 41,387,000	$ 187,774,000	$ (259,547,000)	$ 94,685,000
Weighted-average shares used to calculate basic EPS									57,790	52,359	49,438
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee equity awards									693	0	678
Total dilutive potential shares									693	0	678
Weighted-average shares used to calculate diluted EPS									58,483	52,359	50,116
EPS attributable to Equinix:
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)									$ 3.25	$ (4.96)	$ 1.92
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)									$ 3.21	$ (4.96)	$ 1.89