Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 507,245	$ 365,359	$ 232,982
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) gain (loss), net of tax effects of $(51), $4,419 and $0	(58,334)	(421,743)	454,269
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss), net of tax effects of $10, $1,358 and $0	73,294	219,628	(235,292)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effects of $0, $0 and $(10)	0	0	14
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $2,938, $(14,557) and $18,542	(3,842)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $2,938, $(14,557) and $18,542		43,671	(54,895)
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans, net of tax effects of $(9), $(15) and $39	(48)	55	(143)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11,070	(158,389)	163,953
Comprehensive income, net of tax	518,315	206,970	396,935
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	205	0	0
Other comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	19	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Equinix	$ 518,539	$ 206,970	$ 396,935