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Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies (Parent Company [Member]) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013
Parent Company [Member] |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] | Note A - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies The parent company only financial statements should be read in conjunction with Centene Corporation's audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. The parent company's investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries. The parent company's share of net income of its unconsolidated subsidiaries is included in income using the equity method of accounting. Certain unrestricted subsidiaries receive monthly management fees from our restricted subsidiaries. The management and service fees received by our unrestricted subsidiaries are associated with all of the functions required to manage the restricted subsidiaries including but not limited to salaries and wages for all personnel, rent, utilities, medical management, provider contracting, compliance, member services, claims processing, information technology, cash management, finance and accounting, and other services. The management fees are based on a percentage of the restricted subsidiaries revenue. Due to our centralized cash management function, all cash flows generated by our unrestricted subsidiaries, including management fees, are transferred to the parent company, primarily to repay borrowings on the parent company's revolving credit facility. The parent company may also utilize the cash flow to make acquisitions, fund capital contributions to subsidiaries and fund its operations. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, cash flows received by the parent from unrestricted subsidiaries was $312,887, $318,198, and $88,701 and was included in cash flows from operating activities. Certain amounts presented in the parent company only financial statements are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements of Centene Corporation.

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