v2.4.1.9
Other Receivables (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Other Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract]    
Other receivables $ 400,916us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent $ 349,090us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
Supplier rebates and other non-trade receivables    
Other Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract]    
Other receivables 265,693us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis
= dva_SupplierRebatesAndOtherNonTradeReceivablesMember
217,100us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis
= dva_SupplierRebatesAndOtherNonTradeReceivablesMember
Medicare bad debt claims    
Other Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract]    
Other receivables 118,504us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis
= dva_MedicareMember
110,825us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis
= dva_MedicareMember
Operating advances under management and administrative services agreements    
Other Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract]    
Other receivables $ 16,719us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis
= dva_OperatingAdvancesUnderManagementAndAdministrativeServicesAgreementsMember
$ 21,165us-gaap_OtherReceivablesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis
= dva_OperatingAdvancesUnderManagementAndAdministrativeServicesAgreementsMember