Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Capital in excess of par value Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization expense for other intangible assets Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Number of antidilutive stock options and restricted stock excluded from computation Acquisition Anvita, Inc [Member] Anvita Inc [Member] Anvita, Inc. Arcadian Management Services Inc [Member] Arcadian Management Services Inc [Member] Arcadian Management Services Inc ASO and Other [Member] Aso And Other [Member] Aso And Other Asset Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction Rate Securities Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost Amortized Cost Total debt securities, Amortized Cost Availableforsale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses 2 12 months or more, Gross Unrealized Losses Availableforsale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses 2 Total, Gross Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Total, Fair Value Availableforsale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses 2 Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Less than 12 months, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value 12 months or more, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Fair Value Due after one year through five years, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost Due after ten years, Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Fair Value Due after ten years, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Amortized Cost Due within one year, Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Due within one year, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Without Single Maturity Date Amortized Cost Mortgage and asset-backed securities, Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Without Single Maturity Date Fair Value Mortgage and asset-backed securities, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities Current Investment securities Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities Noncurrent Long-term investment securities Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure Total debt securities, Fair Value Total debt securities, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Gain Loss Net Net realized capital gains Net realized capital gains Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Gains Gross realized gains Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Losses Gross realized losses Availableforsale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Gains Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses 1 Gross Unrealized Losses Balance Sheet Account Associated With Medicare Part D Balance Sheet Account Associated With Medicare Part D Table [Text Block] Balance Sheet Amounts Associated With Medicare Part D Benefits Losses And Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Estimated transaction value to acquire the entity Business Acquisition Date Of Acquisition Agreement 1 Date of acquisition Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement, Month and Year Business Acquisition Date Of Acquisition Agreement Month And Year Date of acquisition of noncontrolling equity interest Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Amount allocated to other intangible assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Goodwill acquired Business Acquisition Share Price Amount per share paid to acquire all outstanding shares Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] ACQUISITIONS Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents, Fair Value Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class Of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] CMS Subsidies Or Discounts [Member] Cms Subsidies Or Discounts [Member] CMS Subsidies Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES Common Stock Dividends Per Share Cash Paid Amount per Share Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Cash dividend declared Dividends declared per common share Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.16 2/3 par; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 194,285,994 shares issued at September 30, 2012 and 193,230,310 shares issued at December 31, 2011 Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income Contract Expiration Date Contract Expiration Date Contract expiration date Contract term, years. Contract Term Years Contract term, years Contractual Rights [Member] Provider contracts Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Contracts [Member] Customer contracts/relationships Debt Instrument Fair Value Long-term debt, fair value Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security [Axis] Deferred Revenue Current Unearned revenues Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense that has been reclassified to be included with benefit expenses. The reclassification is the result of depreciation and amortization expense associated primarily from the delivery of pharmacy services by our wholly-owned pharmacy business included in our Health and Well-Being Services segment. Depreciation And Amortization Classified As Benefit Expense Depreciation and amortization classified as benefit expense Depreciation and amortization expense excluding depreciation and amortization primarily from the delivery of pharmacy services by our wholly-owned pharmacy business (included in our Health and Well-Being Services segment) which has been reclassified to benefit expenses. Depreciation And Amortization Income Statement Depreciation and amortization Operating expenses, depreciation and amortization Description Of New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Dilutive Securities [Axis] Dilutive Securities [Axis] Dilutive Securities [Axis] Dilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Dilutive Securities Name [Domain] Dilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Disclosure Acquisitions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Balance Sheet Amounts Associated With Medicare Part D [Abstract] Disclosure Balance Sheet Amounts Associated With Medicare Part D [Abstract] Disclosure - Balance Sheet Amounts Associated With Medicare Part D [Abstract] Disclosure Basis Of Presentation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Basis Of Presentation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Basis Of Presentation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Reportable Segments [Abstract] Disclosure Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Reportable Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Reportable Segments [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes In Fair Value Of Assets Measured Using Significant Unobservable Inputs [Abstract] Disclosure Changes In Fair Value Of Assets Measured Using Significant Unobservable Inputs [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes In Fair Value Of Assets Measured Using Significant Unobservable Inputs [Abstract] Disclosure - Details Of Intangible Assets Included In Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Details Of Intangible Assets Included In Other Long Term Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Details Of Intangible Assets Included In Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure G U A R A N T E E S A N D C O N T I N G E N C I E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure I N V E S T M E N T S E C U R I T I E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - MEDICARE PART D - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure M E D I C A R E P A R T D Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - MEDICARE PART D - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Contractual Maturities Of Debt Securities Available For Sale [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Contractual Maturities Of Debt Securities Available For Sale [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Contractual Maturities Of Debt Securities Available For Sale [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Details Of Dividend Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Details Of Dividend Payments [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Details Of Dividend Payments [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Details Supporting Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Details Supporting Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Details Supporting Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Gross Unrealized Losses And Fair Values Of Securities [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Gross Unrealized Losses And Fair Values Of Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Gross Unrealized Losses And Fair Values Of Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Investment Securities Classified As Current And Long-Term [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Investment Securities Classified As Current And Long Term [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Investment Securities Classified As Current And Long-Term [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Realized Gains (Losses) Related To Investment Securities Included Within Investment Income [Abstract] Disclosure Schedule Of Realized Gains Losses Related To Investment Securities Included Within Investment Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Schedule Of Realized Gains (Losses) Related To Investment Securities Included Within Investment Income [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information by Segment [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information By Segment [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information by Segment [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Dividend Declared [Member] Dividend Declared Dividend Payable Date To Be Paid Day Month And Year Dividend payable date Payment Date Dividends Total Amount Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year Record Date Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share Basic Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted earnings per common share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE COMPUTATION Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Options Employer Group [member] Employer Group [Member] Employer Group Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Class Of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the full year. Estimated Amortization Expense For Current Year 2012 Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items] Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items] Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items] Expected Amortization Expense [Table] Expected Amortization Expense [Table] Expected Amortization Expense [Table] Expiration date for the authorization to repurchase up to $1 billion. Expiration Date Of New Authorization Expiration Date of April 2012 Authorization Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Text Block] Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] Changes In Fair Value Of Assets Measured Using Significant Unobservable Inputs Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation By Asset Type [Domain] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] FAIR VALUE Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurement Transfers Between Measurement Levels One And Two Fair Value Measurement Transfers Between Measurement Levels One And Two Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain Loss Included In Earnings 1 Realized in earnings Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain Loss Included In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Unrealized in other comprehensive income Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Purchases Purchases Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Sales Sales Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Settlements Settlements Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Value Ending Balance Beginning Balance Level 3 assets fair value Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Next Twelve Months 2013 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Five 2017 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Four 2016 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Three 2015 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Two 2014 Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Cost Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life Other intangible assets useful life, years Weighted Average Life Fourth Quarter Twenty Twelve [Member] Fourth Quarter Twenty Twelve [Member] Expected to be settled in the fourth quarter of 2012 Fully Insured [Member] Fully Insured [Member] Fully-Insured General Obligation Bonds As Percentage Of Tax Exempt Municipal Securities That Were Not Pre Refunded General Obligation Bonds As Percentage Of Tax Exempt Municipal Securities That Were Not Pre Refunded General obligation bonds as percentage of tax-exempt municipal securities that were not pre-refunded Goodwill Balance at September 30, 2012 Balance at January 1, 2012 Goodwill Goodwill Acquired During Period Acquisitions Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Amount of member co-share amounts and government subsidies that are excluded from benefits expense because the health plans do not bear responsibility. Government And Health Plan Member Subsidies Amount Member co-share amounts and government subsidies Health and Well-Being Services [Member] Health And Well Being Services [Member] Health And Well-Being Services Health care cost payments associated with the TRICARE South Region contract Health Care Cost Payments TRICARE Health care cost payments The difference between health care cost payments and reimbursements related to the TRICARE South Region contract. Health Care Cost Payments And Reimbursements Net Difference between TRICARE health care costs payments and reimbursements Reimbursements for health care cost payments associated with the TRICARE South Region contract Health Care Cost Reimbursements TRICARE Health care cost reimbursements Impairment Of Investments Other-than-temporary impairments Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income (loss) before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Paid Net Income tax payments, net Income Tax Expense Benefit Provision for income taxes Increase Decrease In Book Overdrafts Change in book overdraft Increase Decrease In Deferred Income Taxes (Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes Increase Decrease In Deferred Revenue Unearned revenues Increase Decrease In Health Care Insurance Liabilities Benefits payable Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired: Increase Decrease In Other Deposits Receipts (withdrawals) from contract deposits, net Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net Other, net Increase Decrease In Other Operating Liabilities Other liabilities Increase Decrease In Receivables Receivables Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of employee stock options and restricted stock Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Net Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Paid Interest payments Intersegment Elimination [Member] Corporate Elimination Investment Income Categories [Domain] Investment Income, Categories [Domain] Investment Income Interest And Dividend Investment income Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items] Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table] Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Table] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table] Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Contractual Maturities Of Debt Securities Available For Sale Investments In Debt And Marketable Equity Securities And Certain Trading Assets Disclosure [Text Block] INVESTMENT SECURITIES Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES ANDSTOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liability For Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Benefits payable Liability For Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefits payable Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term debt, carrying value Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types Of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Maximum percentage of any general obligation bonds in one state Maximum Percentage Of Any General Obligation Bonds In One State Maximum percentage of any general obligation bonds in one state Mcci Holdings Llc [Member] Mcci Holdings Llc [Member] MCCI Holdings LLC Medicaid and Other [Member] Medicaid And Other [Member] Medicaid And Other Medicaid [Member] Medicaid [Member] Medicaid Medicare Advantage [Member] Medicare Advantage [Member] Medicare Advantage Medicare [Member] Medicare [Member] Medicare Balance sheet amounts associated with Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D Disclosure [Text Block] MEDICARE PART D Medicare Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan [Member] Medicare Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan [Member] Medicare Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc [Member] Metropolitan Health Networks Inc [Member] Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. Military Service [Member] Military Service [Member] Military Services Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Mortgage-Backed Securities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net current (liability) asset Net Current Liability Asset Net current (liability) asset Net Income Loss Net income Net income Net income available for common stockholders New TRICARE South Region Contract [Member] New Tricare South Region Contract [Member] New Tricare South Region Contract Noncompetes and Other [Member] Noncompetes And Other [Member] Noncompetes And Other Nontaxable Municipal Notes [Member] Tax-exempt municipal securities Number Of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments States where Arcadian serves members. Number Of States Arcadian Member States One Billion Dollar Authorization [Member] One Billion Dollar Authorization [Member] $1 Billion Authorization Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Operating Income Loss Income (loss) from operations Income from operations Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Table] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Table] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Table] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] BASIS OF PRESENTATION Other Assets Current Other current assets Other Assets Noncurrent Other long-term assets Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Sale Of Securities Included In Net Income Before Tax Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Sale Of Securities Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Total reclassification adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Sale Of Securities Included In Net Income Tax Effect of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Before Tax Gross unrealized investment gain Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax Total unrealized investment gain, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Tax Effect of income taxes Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Short Term Borrowings Book overdraft Payments For Legal Settlements Litigation settlement associated with Military services business Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Common stock repurchases Payments Of Dividends Dividends paid Payments To Acquire Available For Sale Securities Debt Purchases of investment securities Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Percentage of collateral related to prime loans Percentage Of Collateral Related To Prime Loan Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, percentage of collateral consisting of prime loans Percentage of corporate securities associated with financial services industry. Percentage Of Corporate Securities Associated With Financial Services Industry Percentage of corporate securities associated with financial services industry Percentage of tax exempt securities Percentage Of Tax Exempt Securities Percentage of tax-exempt securities insured by bond insurers Percentage Of tax-exempt to municipal securities classified as pre-refunded Percentage Of Tax Exempt To Municipal Securities Classified As Pre Refunded Percentage of tax-exempt municipal securities classified as pre-refunded Percentage of Total Debt Securities Percentage Of Total Debt Securities Percentage of debt securities considered to be of investment-grade Percentage Of Total Premium And Services Revenues Percentage Of Total Premium And Services Revenues Percentage of premiums and services revenue Pharmacy Pharmacy [Member] Pharmacy Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Health Care Benefits Operating expenses, Benefits Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued Preferred Stock Value Preferred stock, $1 par; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Premiums Earned Net Premiums Revenues-external customers, Premiums Prior Authorization [Member] Prior Authorization [Member] Prior Authorization Prior period favorable (unfavorable) medical claims reserve development not in the ordinary course of business. Prior Period Medical Claims Reserve Development Prior Period Medical Claims Reserve Development Private Placements/Venture Capital [Member] Private Placements Venture Capital [Member] Private Placements/Venture Capital Proceeds From Maturities Prepayments And Calls Of Available For Sale Securities Maturities of investment securities Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities Debt Proceeds from sales of investment securities Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock option exercises and other Product [Member] Products Property Plant And Equipment Net Property and equipment, net Provider Provider [Member] Provider Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration Contracts East Southeast And Southwest Regions [Member] Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration Contracts East Southeast And Southwest Regions [Member] Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration Contracts East Southeast And Southwest Regions Receivables Net Current Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $94 in 2012 and $85 in 2011: Repayments Of Long Term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Retail Retail [Member] Retail Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues From External Customers Total revenues-external customers Revenues From Transactions With Other Operating Segments Of Same Entity Total intersegment revenues Risk Corridor Settlements [Member] Risk Corridor Settlements [Member] Risk Corridor Settlements Sales Revenue Services Net Services Total services revenue Schedule Of Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Investment Securities Classified As Current And Long-Term Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Components [Table] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Components [Table] Schedule Of Balance Sheet Components [Table] Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Details Supporting The Computation Of Earnings Per Share Tabular disclosure of all or some of the information related to dividends declared and paid Schedule Of Dividends Declared And Paid Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Details Of Dividend Payments Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic By Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule Of Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customers By Products And Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Schedule Of Expected Amortization Expense Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment [Axis] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Axis] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Separate Accounts By Major Category Of Investment Category [Domain] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Category [Domain] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Details Of Intangible Assets Included In Other Long-Term Assets Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments Including Marketable Securities And Investments Held At Cost Income Statement Reported Amounts Summary [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill [Text Block] Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Reportable Segments Schedule Of Income Tax [Table] Schedule Of Income Tax [Table] Schedule Of Income Tax [Table] Schedule Of Investment Income Reported Amounts By Category [Axis] Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Axis] Schedule Of Realized Gain Loss Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Realized Gains (Losses) Related To Investment Securities Included Within Investment Income Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment Schedule Of Unrealized Loss On Investments Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Gross Unrealized Losses And Fair Values Of Securities Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segment Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Axis] Segment Reporting Information By Segment Secondary [Axis] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Axis] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Domain] Segment Reporting Information By Segment Secondary [Domain] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Domain] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Selling General And Administrative Expense Operating costs Operating expenses, Operating costs Senior Bridge Family Companies Inc [Member] Senior Bridge Family Companies Inc [Member] Senior Bridge Family Companies Inc Services [Member] Services [Member] Services Settlement Period [Axis] Settlement Period [Axis] Settlement Period [Axis] Settlement Period [Domain] Settlement Period [Domain] Settlement Period [Domain] Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation Number of shares of common stock that were repurchased in the administration of our employee share-based compensation plans. Under the terms of these plans, we accept shares of common stock from option holders if they elect to surrender previously-owned shares upon exercise of the option to cover the exercise price of the options or, in the case of restricted shares of common stock, the withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of such shares. Share Repurchases Related To Employee Stock Based Compensation Awards Shares Common shares acquired in connection with employee stock plans, shares Cost of common stock that were repurchased in the administration of our employee share-based compensation plans. Under the terms of these plans, we accept shares of common stock from option holders if they elect to surrender previously-owned shares upon exercise of the option to cover the exercise price of the options or, in the case of restricted shares of common stock, the withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of such shares. Share Repurchases Related To Employee Stock Based Compensation Awards Value Common shares acquired in connection with employee stock plans, amount Special Revenue Bonds As Percentage Of Tax Exempt Municipal Securities That Were Not Pre Refunded Special Revenue Bonds As Percentage Of Tax Exempt Municipal Securities That Were Not Pre Refunded Special revenue bonds as percentage of tax exempt municipal securities that were not pre-refunded Specialty [Member] Specialty [Member] Specialty Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Statement Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Total stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note [Table] Stockholders Equity Note [Table] Stockholders Equity Note [Table] Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount Share repurchase authorization Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Remaining authorized amount under new authorization Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental cash flow disclosures: Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Total fair value of cash equivalents and debt securities Total Invested Assets Total invested assets Trade Names [Member] Trade names and technology Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock Acquired Average Cost Per Share Shares repurchased in open market, average price Treasury Stock Acquired Repurchase Authorization Share repurchase authorization Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Shares repurchased in open market Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock, at cost, 36,062,239 shares at September 30, 2012 and 29,225,996 shares at December 31, 2011 Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Value of shares repurchased Upper limit percentage of Level 3 assets to total invested assets. Upper Limit Percentage Of Level Three Assets To Total Invested Assets Upper limit percentage of Level 3 assets to total invested assets Us Treasury And Agency Obligation [Member] Us Treasury And Agency Obligation [Member] U.S. Treasury And Agency Obligations U S Treasury And Government [Member] U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share