Supplemental Data (unaudited) - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 830,555	$ 1,033,082	$ 427,410
Other comprehensive income	102,876	(29,627)	(34,809)
Total comprehensive income	933,431	1,003,455	392,601
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(166,935)	(153,398)	(157,678)
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita Inc.	766,496	$ 850,057	$ 234,923
Physician Groups
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	13,611
Other comprehensive income	0
Total comprehensive income	13,611
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,183
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita Inc.	20,794
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	19
Other comprehensive income	0
Total comprehensive income	19
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita Inc.	19
Company and Restricted Subsidiaries(1)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	816,925
Other comprehensive income	102,876
Total comprehensive income	919,801
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(174,118)
Comprehensive income attributable to DaVita Inc.	$ 745,683