v2.4.0.8

Medicaid Payables - Additional Information (Detail) (Prior Year, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013
Prior Year |
Medical Expense And Medical Claims Payable [Line Items] |
Decrease in prior year estimates of health care costs payable | $ (16,587)

X
- Definition The increase (decrease) in prior year estimates of health care costs payable during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dva_IncreaseDecreaseInPriorYearEstimatesOfHealthCareCostsPayable
Namespace Prefix: | dva_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dva_MedicalExpenseAndMedicalClaimsPayableLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | dva_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration