Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 143,852	$ 67,618	$ 261,599	$ 130,512
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) gain (loss), net of tax effects of $(585), $5,985, $(595) and $5,985	25,127	(421,233)	(56,592)	(275,382)
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss), net of tax effect of $0, $0, $10 and $1,637	(37,857)	226,115	38,993	153,480
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $650, $(11,758), $(2,091) and $(10,398)	(3,355)		4,869
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $650, $(11,758), $(2,091) and $(10,398)		35,280		31,200
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans, net of tax effects of $2, $(4), $1 and $(10)	(7)	13	(18)	21
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(16,092)	(159,825)	(12,748)	(90,681)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	127,760	(92,207)	248,851	39,831
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(325)	0	6	0
Other comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	14	0	7	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Equinix	$ 127,449	$ (92,207)	$ 248,864	$ 39,831