Shareholder's equity Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net (loss) income attributable to DaVita Inc.	$ 173,773	$ 158,674	$ 201,602	$ 239,593	$ 244,871	$ 143,270	$ 273,551	$ 149,289	$ 773,642	$ 810,981	$ 159,394
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	0	79
Purchase of noncontrolling interests									4,364	(37,145)	(17,897)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests									4,364
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)									4,364	(37,145)	(17,818)
Net Income Attributable To Parent Net Of Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests.									$ 778,006	$ 773,836	$ 141,576