Document and Entity Information - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-14106
Entity Registrant Name	DAVITA INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	51-0354549
Entity Address, Address Line One	2000 16th Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Denver,
Entity Address, State or Province	CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	80202
City Area Code	720
Local Phone Number	631-2100
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Trading Symbol	DVA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 9.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		125.6
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000927066
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31