v2.4.0.8

Summary of Segment Net Revenues, Segment Operating Income Loss and Reconciliation of Segment Income to Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Corporate support costs, Adjustment to reduce tax | $ 65,041 | [1] | $ 52,457 | [1] | $ 47,051 | [1]
Tax Adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Corporate support costs, Adjustment to reduce tax | $ 7,721 |  |  |  |  |
[1] | Corporate support costs also include $7,721 of an adjustment to reduce a tax asset associated with the HCP acquisition escrow provisions

X
- Definition Amount of general and administrative support costs, such as labor, benefits and stock-based compensation costs. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dva_SegmentReportingInformationCorporateExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | dva_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration