Statutory Capital Requirements and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Statutory Capital Requirements And Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]
Statutory Capital Requirements and Dividend Restriction	Statutory Capital Requirements and Dividend Restrictions Various state laws require Centene's regulated subsidiaries to maintain minimum capital levels specified by each state and restrict the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior regulatory approval. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Centene's subsidiaries had aggregate statutory capital and surplus of $5,153 million and $4,529 million, respectively, compared with the required minimum aggregate statutory capital and surplus of $2,251 million and $2,259 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the amount of capital and surplus or net worth that was unavailable for the payment of dividends or return of capital to the Company was $2,251 million in the aggregate.

Statutory Capital Requirements and Dividend Restrictions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Statutory Capital Requirements And Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]

Statutory Capital Requirements and Dividend Restriction

Statutory Capital Requirements and Dividend Restrictions

Various state laws require Centene's regulated subsidiaries to maintain minimum capital levels specified by each state and restrict the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior regulatory approval. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Centene's subsidiaries had aggregate statutory capital and surplus of $5,153 million and $4,529 million, respectively, compared with the required minimum aggregate statutory capital and surplus of $2,251 million and $2,259 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the amount of capital and surplus or net worth that was unavailable for the payment of dividends or return of capital to the Company was $2,251 million in the aggregate.