| Cover | Sep. 30, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Providence Service Corp |
| 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, $0.001 par value per share |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Trading Symbol | PRSC |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001220754 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
