Shareholder's equity Effects of Changes in DaVita Inc's Ownership Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Net (loss) income attributable to DaVita Inc.	$ 978,450	$ 773,642	$ 810,981
Additional paid-in capital
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net [Abstract]
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(13,853)		(37,145)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		4,364
Increase (Decrease) In Paid-In Capital for Sales of Noncontrolling Interests	(264)	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)	(14,117)	4,364	(37,145)
Net Income Attributable To Parent Net Of Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests.	$ 964,333	$ 778,006	$ 773,836