Long-term Incentive Compensation and Shareholders’ Equity - Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest on Company's Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net income attributable to DaVita Inc.	$ (149,772)	$ (136,796)	$ 267,276	$ 178,686	$ 303,396	$ (214,476)	$ 127,001	$ 447,697	$ 159,394	$ 663,618	$ 879,874
Changes in paid-in-capital for:
Net income attributable to DaVita Inc. net of transfers in noncontrolling interests									141,576	660,752	866,769
Additional paid-in capital
Changes in paid-in-capital for:
Sales of noncontrolling interest									79	(114)	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interests									(17,897)	(2,752)	(13,105)
Net transfer in noncontrolling interests									$ (17,818)	$ (2,866)	$ (13,105)