CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 475	$ 740	$ 2,660	$ 1,421
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(235)	(503)	(124)	(1,664)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, tax effect	56	120	29	397
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	(179)	(383)	(95)	(1,267)
Reclassification adjustment, net of tax	57	3	61	12
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(22)	(101)	24	(216)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedge, net of tax	20	0	20	0
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)	(124)	(481)	10	(1,471)
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	351	259	2,670	(50)
Comprehensive (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(2)	(3)	(6)
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Centene Corporation	$ 345	$ 257	$ 2,667	$ (56)