Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Health Net (Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details)

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Health Net (Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 24, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]            
Goodwill   $ 4,707   $ 4,707   $ 842
Health Net, Inc.            
Business Acquisition [Line Items]            
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,368          
Premium and related receivables 1,086          
Short term investments 82          
Other current assets 638          
Long term investments 1,966          
Restricted deposits 36          
Property, software and equipment, net 41          
Intangible assets, net 1,500          
Other long term assets 204          
Total assets acquired 6,921          
Medical claims liability 1,462          
Borrowings under revolving credit facility 285          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,030          
Return of premium payable 375          
Unearned revenue 117          
Long term deferred tax liabilities 349          
Long term debt 418          
Other long term liabilities 452          
Total liabilities assumed 5,488          
Total identifiable net assets 1,433          
Goodwill 3,850          
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed 5,283          
Fair value of the risk corridor receivable $ 9          
Weighted average life of intangibles 10 years          
Premium deficiency reserves $ 300          
Deferred tax assets 500          
Revenue of acquiree since acquisition date, actual   $ 4,269   4,623    
Pro forma total revenue     $ 9,650 $ 21,523 $ 18,657  
Pro forma net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation     $ 91   $ 130  
Pro forma diluted earnings per share (usd per share)     $ 0.53   $ 0.76  
Senior Notes | Health Net, Inc.            
Business Acquisition [Line Items]            
Long term debt 418          
Face amount of senior notes 400          
Unamortized premium $ 18