| Document And Entity Information | Apr. 15, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | The Providence Service Corporation |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Apr. 15, 2020 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-34221 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 86-0845127 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 1275 Peachtree Street |
| Entity, Address, Address Line Two | Sixth Floor |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 30309 |
| City Area Code | 404 |
| Local Phone Number | 888-5800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | PRSC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001220754 |
