| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CENTENE CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-31826 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 42-1406317 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7700 Forsyth Blvd |
| Entity Address, City or Town | St. Louis |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 63105 |
| City Area Code | 314 |
| Local Phone Number | 725-4477 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001071739 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | CNC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
