v2.4.1.9

Health Care Costs Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2015
Health Care Organizations [Abstract] |
Decrease in prior year estimates of health care costs payable | $ (1,111)dva_IncreaseDecreaseInPriorYearEstimatesOfHealthCareCostsPayable

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: | us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration