CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 894	$ 808	$ 561
Reclassification adjustment, net of tax	2	(2)	(2)
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax	(52)	28	(22)
Defined benefit pension plan net gain arising during the period, net of tax	1	1	1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4)	6	(3)
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings	(53)	33	(26)
Comprehensive earnings	841	841	535
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	6	20	1
Comprehensive earnings attributable to Centene Corporation	$ 847	$ 861	$ 536

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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