| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 01, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 1, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | American Renal Associates Holdings, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37751 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-2170749 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 500 Cummings Center |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Beverly |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 01915 |
| City Area Code | 978 |
| Local Phone Number | 922-3080 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | true |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001498068 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | ARA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
