Shareholder's equity Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 04, 2019	Jul. 17, 2019
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net (loss) income attributable to DaVita Inc.	$ 244,871	$ 143,270	$ 273,551	$ 149,289	$ (149,772)	$ (136,796)	$ 267,276	$ 178,686	$ 810,981	$ 159,394	$ 663,618
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount												$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
Additional paid-in capital
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net [Abstract]
Increase (Decrease) In Paid-In Capital for Sales of Noncontrolling Interests									0	79	(114)
Partial purchases									(37,145)	(17,897)	(2,752)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)									(37,145)	(17,818)	(2,866)
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 773,836				$ 141,576				$ 773,836	$ 141,576	$ 660,752