Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Quarterly Selected Financial Information (Details)

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Quarterly Selected Financial Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]                      
Total revenues $ 2,396,597 $ 2,448,121 $ 2,110,746 $ 1,712,148 $ 1,507,176 $ 1,302,035 $ 1,315,014 $ 1,216,357 $ 8,667,612 $ 5,340,582 $ 4,448,323
Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation common shareholders $ 9,061 $ 3,819 $ (34,999) $ 23,978 $ 30,112 $ 28,987 $ 28,374 $ 23,745 $ 1,859 $ 111,218 $ 90,947
Earnings per common share, Basic $ 0.17 $ 0.07 $ (0.68) $ 0.47 $ 0.60 $ 0.58 $ 0.57 $ 0.48 $ 0.04 $ 2.22 $ 1.95
Earnings per common share, Diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.07 $ (0.68) $ 0.45 $ 0.57 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.46 $ 0.03 $ 2.12 $ 1.88
Period End At Risk Membership 2,560,300 2,503,000 2,397,500 2,149,500 1,816,000 1,615,700 1,580,500 1,542,500