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Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2014
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Dec. 31, 2013
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Dec. 31, 2012
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Dec. 31, 2011
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,610us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations | $ 1,038us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations | $ 844us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations | $ 574us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations |
| Short term investments | 177us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments | 102us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments | ||
| Other current assets | 324us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent | 217us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent | ||
| Total current assets | 3,034us-gaap_AssetsCurrent | 1,800us-gaap_AssetsCurrent | ||
| Long term investments | 1,280us-gaap_LongTermInvestments | 792us-gaap_LongTermInvestments | ||
| Other long term assets | 80us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent | 60us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent | ||
| Total assets | 5,838us-gaap_Assets | 3,529us-gaap_Assets | ||
| Current liabilities | 2,900us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent | 1,559us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent | ||
| Long term debt | 888us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent | 666us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent | ||
| Other long term liabilities | 158us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent | 60us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent | ||
| Total liabilities | 3,947us-gaap_Liabilities | 2,286us-gaap_Liabilities | ||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 148us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount | 0us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount | ||
| Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares; 124,274,864 issued and 118,433,416 outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 117,346,430 issued and 110,638,478 outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 0us-gaap_CommonStockValue | 0us-gaap_CommonStockValue | ||
| Additional paid-in capital | 840us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock | 594us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock | ||
| Retained earnings | 1,003us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit | 732us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit | ||
| Treasury stock, at cost (5,841,448 and 6,707,952 shares, respectively) | (98)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue | (89)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue | ||
| Total Centene stockholders’ equity | 1,744us-gaap_StockholdersEquity | 1,234us-gaap_StockholdersEquity | ||
| Noncontrolling interest | (1)us-gaap_MinorityInterest | 9us-gaap_MinorityInterest | ||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 1,743us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 1,243us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 954us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 937us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | 5,838us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity | 3,529us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity | ||
| Parent Company [Member] | ||||
| Income Taxes Receivable | 359us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
113us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Cash and cash equivalents | 3us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
3us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
22us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
29us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
| Short term investments | 8us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
6us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Other current assets | 378us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
125us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Total current assets | 389us-gaap_AssetsCurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
134us-gaap_AssetsCurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Long term investments | 10us-gaap_LongTermInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
8us-gaap_LongTermInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Investment in subsidiaries | 2,296us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
1,667us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
||
| Other long term assets | 38us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
32us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
||
| Total assets | 2,733us-gaap_Assets / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
1,841us-gaap_Assets / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Current liabilities | 24us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
5us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Long term debt | 815us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
591us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Other long term liabilities | 3us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
2us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Total liabilities | 842us-gaap_Liabilities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
598us-gaap_Liabilities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 148us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
0us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares; 124,274,864 issued and 118,433,416 outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 117,346,430 issued and 110,638,478 outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 0us-gaap_CommonStockValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
0us-gaap_CommonStockValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
||
| Additional paid-in capital | 840us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
594us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
||
| Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax | (1)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
(3)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
||
| Retained earnings | 1,003us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
732us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Treasury stock, at cost (5,841,448 and 6,707,952 shares, respectively) | (98)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
(89)us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Total Centene stockholders’ equity | 1,744us-gaap_StockholdersEquity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
1,234us-gaap_StockholdersEquity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Noncontrolling interest | (1)us-gaap_MinorityInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
9us-gaap_MinorityInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Total stockholders’ equity | 1,743us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
1,243us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
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| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ 2,733us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
$ 1,841us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Accumulated appreciation or loss, net of tax, in value of the total of available-for-sale securities at the end of an accounting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Value received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
For the entity and the disposal group, cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also called income tax refund receivable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of liabilities and equity items, including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
As of the reporting date, the aggregate carrying amount of all noncontrolling interests which are redeemable by the (parent) entity (1) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (2) at the option of the holder of the noncontrolling interest, or (3) upon occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the (parent) entity. This item includes noncontrolling interest holder's ownership (or holders' ownership) regardless of the type of equity interest (common, preferred, other) including all potential organizational (legal) forms of the investee entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Investments which are intended to be sold in the short term (usually less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) including trading securities, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, and other short-term investments not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount allocated to treasury stock. Treasury stock is common and preferred shares of an entity that were issued, repurchased by the entity, and are held in its treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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