Centene Corporation Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating losses acquired in business combinations	$ 6,547
Valuation allowance additions in the tax provision	1,301	2,093
Valuation allowance reductions	1,362	2,289
Potential benefits included in reserve that would impact effective tax rate	3,274	4,095
Liabilities included in the reserve		3,775
Tax benefit recognized due to decrease in accrued interest	310	170
Interest accrued, net of federal benefit	$ 623	$ 933	$ 1,157
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal Net Operating Losses Expire Period	2020
State Net Operating Losses Expire Period	2014
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal Net Operating Losses Expire Period	2032
State Net Operating Losses Expire Period	2034