Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Cash and cash equivalents $ 843,952 $ 573,698 $ 434,166 $ 403,752
Short-term investments 139,118 130,499    
Other current assets 127,080 78,363    
Total current assets 1,373,602 940,010    
Long-term investments 614,723 506,140    
Other long-term assets 64,282 58,335    
Total assets 2,741,682 2,190,336 1,943,882  
Current liabilities 1,197,090 837,613    
Long-term debt 535,481 348,344    
Other long-term liabilities 55,344 67,960    
Total liabilities 1,787,915 1,253,917    
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 55,339,160 issued and 52,329,248 outstanding at December 31, 2012, and 53,586,726 issued and 50,864,618 outstanding at December 31, 2011 55 54    
Additional paid-in capital 450,856 421,981    
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax 5,189 5,761    
Retained earnings 566,820 564,961    
Treasury stock, at cost (3,009,912 and 2,722,108 shares, respectively) (69,864) (57,123)    
Total Centene stockholders' equity 953,056 935,634    
Noncontrolling interest 711 785    
Total stockholders' equity 953,767 936,419 797,055 619,427
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 2,741,682 2,190,336    
Parent Company [Member]
        
Cash and cash equivalents 22,279 28,527 9,380 8,664
Short-term investments 6,500 0    
Other current assets 42,230 36,354    
Total current assets 71,009 64,881    
Long-term investments 1,356 4,164    
Investment in subsidiaries 1,298,648 1,105,491    
Other long-term assets 42,523 32,105    
Total assets 1,413,536 1,206,641    
Current liabilities 4,333 3,100    
Long-term debt 449,127 258,617    
Other long-term liabilities 6,309 8,505    
Total liabilities 459,769 270,222    
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 55,339,160 issued and 52,329,248 outstanding at December 31, 2012, and 53,586,726 issued and 50,864,618 outstanding at December 31, 2011 55 54    
Additional paid-in capital 450,856 421,981    
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax 5,189 5,761    
Retained earnings 566,820 564,961    
Treasury stock, at cost (3,009,912 and 2,722,108 shares, respectively) (69,864) (57,123)    
Total Centene stockholders' equity 953,056 935,634    
Noncontrolling interest 711 785    
Total stockholders' equity 953,767 936,419    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,413,536 $ 1,206,641