Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Assets Assets [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' equity Treasury Stock, Value Common stock in treasury at cost, 164,032,000 and 70,272,000 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Common stock in treasury at cost, XX and 71,309,000 shares, respectively Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value per share; shares issued: 690,243,000 and 345,279,000, respectively; shares outstanding: 526,211,000 and 275,007,000, respectively Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized, $0.01 par value per share; and no shares issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Total liabilities Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other liabilities Long-term debt Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Current liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Less current maturities Less current maturities Current maturities of long-term debt Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accounts Payable, Current Claims and rebates payable Claims And Rebates Payable Claims and Rebates Payable. Assets Total assets Total assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other assets Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Total other intangible assets Goodwill Ending Balance Beginning Balance Goodwill Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Assets, Current Total current assets Total current assets Deferred taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net, Total Inventory, Net Receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current, Total Receivables, Net, Current Restricted cash and investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Current, Total Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Common stock, shares outstanding Beginning Balance, Shares Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, par value per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, par value per share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Consolidated Statement of Operations [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Basic earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period: Revenues Revenues Total Revenue Revenues Cost of revenues Cost of revenues Cost of Revenue Gross profit Gross Profit, Total Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating income Other (expense) income: Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Investment Income, Interest and Dividend, Total Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense, net Total other (expense) income Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Net income from continuing operations Net income (loss) from continuing operations Net income from continuing operations Net income from continuing operations Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) Net income Net income Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period - Basic EPS Diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period - Diluted EPS Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per share from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Continuing operations Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net earnings Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Earnings Per Share, Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations Continuing operations Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share, Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net earnings Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of foreign currency translation adjustment Effect of foreign currency translation adjustment Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Treasury stock acquired Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Treasury stock acquired Tax benefit relating to employee stock compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Scheduled payments on the Term A loan Deferred financing fees Deferred financing fees Payments of Financing Costs, Total Payments of Financing Costs Deferred financing fees Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net proceeds resulting from public offering of common stock Net proceeds from stock issuance Net proceeds from stock issuance Proceeds on long-term debt, net of discounts Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Purchase of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Purchase of short-term investments Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash flows provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities-discontinued operations Net cash provided by operating activities-continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities-continuing operations Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other net changes in operating assets and liabilities Other net changes in operating assets and liabilities Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Non-cash adjustments to net income Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Deferred financing fees Deferred financing fees Deferred financing fees Deferred financing fees. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Beginning Balance, Shares Ending Balance, Shares Shares, Issued Comprehensive income: Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Fair value measurements [Abstract] Fair value measurements. Fair Value Measurements Contingencies [Abstract] Contingencies. Condensed consolidating financial information [Abstract] Condensed consolidating financial information. Summary of significant accounting policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair value measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per share (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) Financing Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) [Abstract] Common stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) Stock-based compensation plans (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) [Abstract] Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed consolidating financial information Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract] Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract] Financing [Abstract] Financing [Abstract] Financing Abstract. Segment Information [Abstract] Segment information Abstract. Segment Information [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Text Block] Acquisition (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Increase Decrease In Claims And Rebates Payable The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of claims and rebates payable. Claims and rebates payable Earnings per share (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) [Abstract] Earnings per share [Abstract] Common stock in treasury at cost, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets. Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Income Before Income Taxes Income (loss) before income taxes Income before income taxes Income before income taxes. Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Capital expenditures Purchases of property and equipment Proceeds from Stock Plans Net proceeds from employee stock plans Net proceeds from employee stock plans Net proceeds from employee stock plans Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity before treasury stock Stockholders Equity Before Treasury Stock Stockholders' equity before treasury stock. Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Acquisition (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) [Abstract] Fair value measurements (Tables) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements. 5.25% senior notes due 2012, net of unamortized discount 5.25% senior notes due 2012, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior notes due year one. 6.25% senior notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount 6.25% senior notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior notes due year two. Fair value measurements (Details) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements. Fair Value Measurements (Textuals) Fair Value Measurements Textuals Abstract Fair Value Measurements. Average Maturity period of investment in AAA-rated money market mutual funds, days Average Maturity period of investment in money market mutual fund Average Maturity period of investment in money market mutual fund. Acquisition Details Abstract Acquisition (Details) [Abstract] Acquisition. Acquisition (Textuals) Acquisition Textuals Abstract Acquisition. Purchase price of acquisition Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price, Total Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Period of Tax deduction for goodwill generated Period of tax deduction for goodwill and other intangibles generated, years Period of Tax deduction for goodwill generated. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount, Total Allocation of excess of purchase price to goodwill, amount Carrying values and the fair values of Senior Notes Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Carrying values and the fair values of Senior Notes Senior Notes [Abstract] Cash equivalents Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Cash and Cash Equivalents Trading securities, included in other assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Trading Account Assets 7.25% senior notes due 2019, net of unamortized discount 7.25% senior notes due 2019, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior notes due year three. Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Fair Value Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Earnings per share (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) (Tables) [Abstract] Earnings per share. Number of weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations Number Of Weighted Average Shares Used In The Basic And Diluted Eps Calculations Text Block Number of weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations. Earnings per share (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) (Details) [Abstract] Earnings per share. Number of weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations Number Of Weighted Average Shares Used In The Basic And Diluted Eps Calculations Abstract Number of weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations. Dilutive common stock equivalents: Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment [Abstract] Outstanding stock options, "stock-settled" stock appreciation rights ("SSRs"), restricted stock units, and executive deferred compensation units Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Earnings per share (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) (Textuals) Earnings Per Share Textuals Abstract Earnings per share. Antidilutive shares excluded from basic and diluted EPS calculations Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive shares excluded from basic and diluted EPS calculations Financing (Tables) [Abstract] Financing. Long-term debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Financing (Details) [Abstract] Financing. Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Total debt Long-term Debt, Total Long-term Debt Other Other Long-term Debt Term 1 Loans [Member] Term-1 loans. Term A Loans [Member] Term A loans. Loans Payable, Noncurrent Loans Payable, Noncurrent, Total Term loans due October 14, 2010 Financing (Textuals) [Abstract] Financing. Financing (Textuals) Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Outstanding balance in revolving credit facility Revolving credit facility due Margin Over LIBOR Minimum Minimum margin percentage over LIBOR interest rate LIBOR Margin Interest Rate Minimum. Margin Over LIBOR Maximum Maximum margin percentage over LIBOR interest rate LIBOR margin interest rate maximum Minimum commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility Instrument Unused Borrowing Capacity Fee Minimum Minimum commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Maximum commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility Instrument Unused Borrowing Capacity Fee Maximum Maximum commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Revolving credit facility Long-term Line of Credit, Total Long-term Line of Credit Common stock (Details) [Abstract] Common stock. Stock-based compensation plans (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) (Tables) [Abstract] Stock-based compensation plans. Stock-based compensation plans (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) (Details) [Abstract] Stock-based compensation plans. Common stock (Textuals) Common stock Textuals Abstract Common stock. Common stock shares sold as a result of the underwriter's exercise of overallotment option Common stock Shares sold as a result of the underwriter's exercise of overallotment option Common stock Shares sold as a result of the underwriters exercise of overallotment option. Underwriters Exercise Of Common Stock Overallotment Option In Full At Closing Underwriter's exercise of common stock overallotment option in full at closing, per share underwriter's exercise of common stock overallotment option in full at closing, per share. Minimum [Member] Minimum. Maximum [Member] Maximum. Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted Average Assumptions Text Block Weighted Average Assumptions to Value Options and SSRs Granted Weighted average assumptions. Stock based compensation plans Textuals Abstract Stock-based compensation plans (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) (Textuals) Stock-based compensation plans. Segment information (Tables) [Abstract] Segment Information. Reportable Segments Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Balance sheet information about reportable segments Balance sheet information about reportable segments Text Block Balance sheet information about reportable segments. Segment Information Segment information (Details) [Abstract] Segment Information. Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss), Total Operating income, by segment Segment Reporting Information, Assets Total assets, by segment Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Underwriting discount and issuance costs of common stock Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Weighted Average Assumptions to Value Options and SSRs Granted Expected life of option, in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility of stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Weighted average fair market value of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted stock units and performance shares granted Weighted average fair market value of restricted stock units and performance shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total number of non-vested restricted stock and performance share awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Unamortized stock-based compensation for stock options and SSRs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized PBM [Member] PBM. EM [Member] EM. Segment Reporting, Segment Revenue Total revenues Total revenue, by segment Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Individual Foreign Countries, Amount Revenues earned by Canadian PBM totaled Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Unamortized stock-based compensation for restricted stock and performance shares Unamortized stock based compensation for restricted stock and performance shares Unamortized stock-based compensation for restricted stock and performance shares. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Maximum contractual term of stock options and SSRs, years Maximum contractual term of stock options and Ssrs in years Maximum contractual term of stock options and SSRs in years. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Reportable Segments Information Abstract. Reportable Segments Information Abstract Reportable Segments Information Network Revenues By Segment Network revenues, by segment Network Revenues By Segment. Home Delivery And Specialty Revenues By Segment Home delivery and specialty revenues, by segment Home Delivery And Specialty Revenues By Segment. Other Revenues By Segment Other revenue, by segment Other revenues. Service Revenues By Segment Service revenue, by segment Service revenues. Segment Reporting Information, Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense Segment Reporting Information, Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense, Total Depreciation and amortization expense,by segment Capital Expenditures By Segment Capital expenditures, by segment Capital expenditures. Total amounts reported in Financial Statements Abstract. Total Amounts Reported In Financial Statements Abstract Total amounts reported in Financial Statements Segment Information Textuals Abstract. Segment Information Textuals Abstract Segment information (Textuals) Retail Pharmacy Co Payments Included In Network Revenues Retail pharmacy co-payments included in network revenues Retail Pharmacy Co Payments Included In Network Revenues. Service Revenues. Service Revenues Service revenues Network Revenues. Network Revenues Network revenues Home Delivery And Specialty Revenues Home delivery and specialty revenues Home Delivery And Specialty Revenues. Other Revenues. Other Revenues Other revenues Condensed Consolidating Financial Information. Condensed consolidating financial information (Details) [Abstract] Other Assets, Current Other current assets Other current assets Intercompany Intercompany. Express Scripts, Inc. [Member] Eliminations [Member] Equity in earnings of subsidiaries. Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Net transactions with parent. Net transactions with parent Net transactions with parent Net transactions with parent Ownership in domestic subsidiaries. Ownership In Domestic Subsidiaries Ownership in domestic subsidiaries Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Investments in subsidiaries. Investments In Subsidiaries Investments in subsidiaries Costs and Expenses Operating expenses Interest Expense Net Interest expense, net Interest expense, net Interest expense, net. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Tables. Condensed consolidating financial information (Tables) [Abstract] Balance Sheet Text Block Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Text Block. Statement of Operations Text Block Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Statement of Operations Text Block. Statement of Cash Flows Text Block Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Cash Flows Text Block. Guarantors [Member] Non-Guarantors [Member] Estimated value of Section 338(h)(10) election, Minimum Estimated value of Section 338 h 10 election Minimum Estimated value of Section 338(h)(10) election, Minimum. Estimated Value Of Section 338H10 Election Maximum Estimated value of Section 338(h)(10) election, Maximum Estimated value of section 338(h)(10) election, Maximum. Completed Share Purchase Of Acquisition In Percent Completed share purchase of WellPoint subsidiaries acquisition, in percent Completed Share purchase of WellPoint subsidiaries acquisition, in percent. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Tables. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables) [Abstract] Summary of goodwill and other intangible assets. Summary of goodwill and other intangible assets Text Block Summary of goodwill and other intangible assets Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Summary of change in net carrying value of goodwill by business segment Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Details. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) [Abstract] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Summary of change in net carrying value of goodwill by business segment Other Intangible Assets. Other [Member] Goodwill, Allocation Adjustment Adjustment to purchase price allocation Gross Carrying Amount Of Goodwill Gross carrying amount, goodwill Gross Carrying Amount. Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization, goodwill Accumulated Amortization. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization, other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization expense of other intangible assets Future Amortization Expense, Year One Future aggregate amount of amortization expense of other intangible assets in 2010 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Future aggregate amount of amortization expense of other intangible assets in 2011 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Future aggregate amount of amortization expense of other intangible assets in 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Future aggregate amount of amortization expense of other intangible assets in 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Future aggregate amount of amortization expense of other intangible assets in 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life, Total Weighted average amortization period of intangible assets Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Contracts [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Period of contract Period of contract with WellPoint, years Period of contract. Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Other Intangible assets gross. Intangible assets gross Gross carrying amount, other intangible assets Gross carrying amount, other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total Finite-lived other intangible assets Public Offering Of Senior Notes Gross. Public Offering Of Senior Notes Gross Gross proceeds resulting from public offering of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Net proceeds resulting from public offering of senior notes Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Abstract] Balance sheet information about reportable segments Segment Reporting Information, Investment in Equity Method Investees Investment in equity method investees Investment in equity method investees, by segment Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest on senior notes Interest rate on debt instruments Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets Allocation of excess of purchase price to customer relationships, amount Finite-Lived Contractual Rights, Gross Gross carrying amount, other intangible assets Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross Gross carrying amount, other intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Purchase price allocation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Total Property and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Liabilities assumed are primarily comprised of rebates payable to clients Liabilities assumed Liabilities assumed are primarily comprised of rebates payable to clients Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Total Acquisition Tables Abstract. Acquisition (Tables) [Abstract] Purchase price allocation. Purchase Price Allocation Text Block Purchase price allocation Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Summary of combined results of operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Total revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax Net income from continuing operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax, Per Share, Basic Basic earnings per share from continuing operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax, Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Current assets are primarily comprised of pharmaceutical manufacturer rebate receivables Current assets Measurement period. Measurement period Measurement period Purchase price adjustment for working capital. Purchase price adjustment for working capital Purchase price adjustment for working capital Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period of SSRs and stock options Vesting period of Restricted Stock and Perrformance share grants Performance share grants multiplier Performance share grants multiplier Performance share grants multiplier. Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Discontinued Operations. Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Revenues Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax benefit from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation, Total Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations Discontinued Operations. Discontinued Operations Textuals Abstract Discontinued Operations (Textuals) Discontinued Operations. Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract] Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract] Discontinued Operations. Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Abstract] Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Stock split in form of dividend, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Dividend Stock split in form of dividend Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Dividend Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations DISC OP [Member] DISC OP. Contingencies. Contingencies (Details) [Abstract] Contingencies. Contingencies Textuals Abstract Contingencies (Textuals) Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Total consideration for pharmacy benefit management services Impairment charge on classification discontinued operation majority including goodwill and other intangible assets Impairment charge to reflect goodwill and intangible asset impairment and the subsequent write-down of PMG assets to fair market value Impairment charge on classification discontinued operation majority including goodwill and other intangible assets Impairment charge on classification discontinued operation majority including goodwill and other intangible assets. Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries Long-lived assets of Canadian PBM Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury shares, repurchased Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split Announcement regarding stock for stockholders Tax benefit realized period Tax Benefit realized period Tax Benefit realized period. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Textuals) Consolidating Financial Information Textuals Abstract Consolidating Financial Information Textuals. Activity Related To Discontinued Line Of Business Text Block Discontinued Operations Activity related to discontinued line of business. Benefits related to amendment of client contract. Benefits related to amendment of client contract Benefits related to amendment of client contract Insurance Recoveries Insurance recovery for previously incurred litigation costs Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock acquired Stock Issued During Period Shares Includes Espp Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Forfeitures And Stock Redeemed For Taxes Changes in stockholders' equity related to employee stock plans, shares Stock Issued During Period Shares Includes Espp Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Forfeitures And Stock Redeemed For Taxes. Stock Issued During Period Value Includes Espp Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Forfeitures And Stock Redeemed For Taxes Changes in stockholders' equity related to employee stock plans Stock Issued During Period Value Includes Espp Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Forfeitures And Stock Redeemed For Taxes. None of the client represented consolidated revenue. None of the client represented consolidated revenue None of the client represented consolidated revenue WellPoint [Member] WellPoint [Member] Client One Member. Client Two Member. DoD [Member] Client Two Member Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items] Schedule of Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill, Segment [Domain] Goodwill [Line Items] Summary of Goodwill Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Abstract] Other intangible assets Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Performance shares granted to certain officers exceeding certain performance measures Performance shares granted to certain officers exceeding certain performance measures. Performance shares granted to certain officers exceeding certain performance measures Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Receivables, Total Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation and other Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Loss on the sale of PMG line of business Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Line of credit facility deferred financing fees, written off Goodwill and other intangible assets (Textuals) [Abstract] Goodwill and other intangible assets (Textuals) Goodwill and other intangible assets. Senior Notes, Noncurrent Senior notes Carrying Amount Amortization For Customer Contracts Related To PBM Agreement Recorded As Offset To Revenue Amortization for customer contracts related to the PBM agreement recorded as an offset to revenue Amortization for customer contracts related to the PBM agreement recorded as an offset to revenue. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Weighted average amortization period, Minimum Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Weighted average amortization period, Maximum Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Public offering, shares of common stock, unadjusted Public offering of common stock shares Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-based compensation plans (reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective June 8, 2010) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Text Block] Summary of combined results of operations Senior Notes [Member] PBM Segment [Member] Pbm Segment. EM Segment [Member] Em Segment. DISC OP Segment [Member] Disc Op Segment. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Gross Carrying amount, other Intangible asset Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility Disclosure (includes textual data) Revolving credit facility due in 2013 [Member] Revolving credit facility due in 2013 [Member] Line of credit facility two member. Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Revolving credit facility due in 2010 [Member] Line Of Credit Facility One. Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Gross Line of credit facility deferred financing fees, capitalized Line of credit facility deferred financing costs Line of Credit facility Duration Revolving credit facility duration. Revolving credit facility duration Intercompany Liabilities Intercompany Liabilities. Intercompany Revenue percentage represented by five top clients Revenue percentage represented by five top clients. Revenue percentage represented by five top clients Revenue percentage represented by largest clients Revenue percentage represented by largest clients. Revenue percentage represented by largest clients Litigation settlement expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Repayment of Term Loans Repayment of long-term debt Repayment of Term Loans.