Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Building and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Furniture and equipment Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Capitalized software Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Summary of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization on building and improvements, furniture and equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment, Owned, Accumulated Depreciation Less: accumulated amortization for capitalized software Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated depreciation, Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Fee-for-service claims incurred but not paid (IBNP) Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount Pharmacy payable Pharmacy Claims Payable Pharmacy Claims Payable Capitation payable Capitation Claims Payable Capitation Claims Payable Other Other Claims Payable Other Claims Payable Medical claims and benefits payable Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations [Table] Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Missouri MISSOURI Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Health Plans Health Plans [Member] Health plans. Molina Medicaid Solutions Segment Medicaid Solutions Segment [Member] Molina Medicaid solutions segment. Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations [Line Items] Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations [Table] Tax benefit from stock abandon Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Stock Abandon Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Stock Abandon Summary of quarterly results of operations Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Premium revenue Health Care Organization, Premium Revenue Service revenue Technology Services Revenue Operating (loss) income Operating Income (Loss) Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent (Loss) income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic net income per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block] Components of the change in medical claims and benefits payable Components Of Change In Medical Claims And Benefits Payable [Table Text Block] Components Of Change In Medical Claims And Benefits Payable [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2011 Plan Two Thousand And Eleven Plan [Member] Two thousand and eleven plan. Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted shares Restricted Stock [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee stock purchase plan. Performance and Restricted Units Restricted and Performance Stock [Member] Restricted and Performance Stock [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Performance Restricted Stock [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] One-year TSR Condition, Achievement of One-Year Total Stockholder Return [Member] [Member] Condition, Achievement of One-Year Total Stockholder Return [Member] [Member] Three-year TSR Condition, Achievement of Three-Year Total Stockholder Return [Member] Condition, Achievement of Three-Year Total Stockholder Return [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments, by Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Executive Officer Executive Officer [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Number of employee equity incentives plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock option expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Fair market value of common stock (in percent) Fair Market Value Of Common Stock Percentage Fair market value of common stock, Percentage. Maximum purchase amount under plan for participants Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Maximum Amount Per Employee Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award maximum amount per employee. Minimum risk free interest rate inputs for fair value measurement (in percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Maximum risk free interest rate inputs for fair value measurement (in percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Minimum expected volatility rate inputs for fair value measurement (in percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Maximum expected volatility rate inputs for fair value measurement (in percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Dividend yield (in percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Fair value assumption, expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Employee stock grants and employee stock plan purchases, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Unrecognized compensation forfeited rate Unrecognized Compensation Forfeited Rate Unrecognized compensation forfeited rate. Total fair value of restricted and performance award granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Granted in Period Fair Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options granted in period fair value. Total fair value of restricted shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value per share of the performance awards with vesting conditions based on TSR (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted units vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted units granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted units outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] 1.125% Call Option Call Option, Derivative Asset [Member] Call Option, Derivative Asset [Member] 1.125% Notes Conversion Option Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Non-current assets Non-current assets [Member] Non-current assets Non-current liabilities Non-current liabilities [Member] Non-current liabilities [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [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] Corporate Debt Securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Municipal Securities Municipal Securities [Member] Municipal securities. GSEs US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] US Treasury Notes Securities US Treasury Notes Securities [Member] Certificates of Deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] Auction Rate Securities Auction Rate Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale investments Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract] In a Continuous Loss Position for Less than 12 Months, Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value In a Continuous Loss Position for Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss, Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments Number of securities, 12 months or less Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Securities In a Continuous Loss Position for 12 Months or More, Estimated Fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value In a Continuous Loss Position for 12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss, Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer impacting investments Number of securities, 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Securities Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Premium Revenue by Health Plan Type Schedule of Premium Revenue by Health Plan Type [Table] Schedule of premium revenue by health plan type. California CALIFORNIA Florida FLORIDA Illinois ILLINOIS Michigan MICHIGAN New Mexico NEW MEXICO Ohio OHIO South Carolina SOUTH CAROLINA Texas TEXAS Utah UTAH Washington WASHINGTON Wisconsin WISCONSIN Direct delivery and other Other Health Plan [Member] Other health plan. Schedule of Premium Revenue by Health Plan Type [Line Items] Schedule of Premium Revenue by Health Plan Type [Line Items] Schedule of premium revenue by health plan type. Summarized premium revenue Health Care Organization, Revenue [Abstract] Premium revenue percentage Health Care Organization, Revenue Percentage Health Care Organization, Revenue Percentage Depreciation expense recognized Depreciation Amortization of capitalized software Amortization Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue, continuing operations: Revenues [Abstract] Premium revenue Service revenue Premium tax revenue Health Care Organization, Premium Tax Revenue Health Care Organization, Premium Tax Revenue Health insurer fee revenue Health Care Organization, Insurer Fee Revenue Health Care Organization, Insurer Fee Revenue Investment income Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Other revenue Health Care Organization, Other Revenue Total revenue Revenues Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Medical care costs Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net, Health Cost of service revenue Technology Services Costs General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Premium tax expenses Premium Tax Expenses An assessment levied by a state government on the net premium income collected. Health insurer fee expenses Health Care Organization, Insurer Fee Expense Health Care Organization, Insurer Fee Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Interest expense Interest Expense Other expense, net Other Expenses Total other expenses, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(203), $(9,912), and $(1,238), respectively Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share (Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic net income per share (in dollars per share) Diluted net income per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share) Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Financing Obligations Lease Financing Obligations [Member] Lease Financing Obligations [Member] Lease Financing Obligations - Related Party Lease Financing Obligations - Related Party [Member] Lease Financing Obligations - Related Party [Member] Operating Leases Operating Leases [Member] Operating Leases [Member] Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items] Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments [Table] Summary of future minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted Investments Restricted Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheets Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Investments Marketable Securities, Current Income tax refundable Income Taxes Receivable Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Due from affiliates Due from Affiliates Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Investments in subsidiaries Investment In Subsidiaries Investment in subsidiaries. Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Derivative asset Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Advances to related parties and other assets Advances To Related Parties And Other Assets Advances to related parties and other assets. Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Lease financing obligations - related party Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Derivative liability Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.001 par value; 150,000 shares authorized; outstanding: 49,727 shares at December 31, 2014 and 45,871 shares at December 31,2013 Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Summary of quarterly results of operations Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Contractual maturities of our held-to-maturity restricted investments Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Net Carrying Amount Amortized Cost, Due one year through five years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount Amortized Cost, Total Held-to-maturity Securities Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Due one year through five years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Estimated Fair Value, Total Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Table] Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Table] Schedule of maturities of long term debt. Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 1.125% Notes Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member] Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member] 1.625% Notes Convertible Senior Notes Due 2044 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due 2044 [Member] Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Line Items] Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Line Items] Maturities of long-term debt. Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Total Long-term Debt 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] New Mexico Data Center New Mexico Data Center [Member] New Mexico data center. Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable interest entity, total assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Variable interest entity, total liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Tax credit claimed as a percentage of original investment amount Tax Credit Claimed As Percentage Of Original Investment Amount Tax credit claimed as percentage of original investment amount. Tax credit claimed, term Tax Credit Claimed, Term Tax Credit Claimed, Term Percentage of credit claimed for first three years Percentage of credit claimed for first three years Percentage of credit claimed for first three years. Percentage of credit claimed for remaining four years Percentage Of Credit Claimed For Each Of Remaining Four Years Percentage of credit claimed for each of remaining four years. Capital contribution by related party Capital Contribution by Related Party Capital contribution by related party. Principal amount of loan by party Principal Amount Of Loan By Party Principal amount of loan by party. Proceeds from other debt Proceeds from Other Debt Deferred finance costs, gross Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Percentage recapture for period of seven years as provided in Internal Revenue Code Percentage recapture for period of seven years as provided in Internal Revenue Code Percentage recapture for period of seven years as provided in Internal Revenue Code. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to Operating Lease Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] 6th & Pine Development, LLC 6th & Pine Development, LLC [Member] 6th & Pine Development, LLC [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Number of properties Number of Property Leased Number of Property Leased Annual rent increase percentage Related Party Transactions, Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Annual Rent Increase, Percentage Related Party Transactions, Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Annual Rent Increase, Percentage Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Summary of accounts receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Investments Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Contractual maturities of investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale investments Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] 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] Percentage of contractual interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Participants in valuation data pool Fair Value Measurement, Valuation Data Pool of Participants Fair Value Measurement, Valuation Data Pool of Participants Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested, shares beginning of period Granted Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Unvested, shares end of period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Unvested, weighted average grant date fair value beginning balance (USD per share) Granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (USD per share) Forfeited (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, weighted average grant date fair value ending balance (USD per share) Class of Treasury Stock Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 [Member] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] 3.75% Convertible Note Exchange 3.75% Convertible Note Exchange [Member] 3.75% Convertible Note Exchange [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Repurchase in Connection with Offering of 1.125% Cash Convertible Senior Notes Repurchase in Connection with Offering of Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Repurchase in Connection with Offering of Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member] February 2015 Repurchase Program February 2015 Repurchase Program [Member] February 2015 Repurchase Program [Member] September 2013 Repurchase Program September 2013 Repurchase Program [Member] September 2013 Repurchase Program [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Stockholders' equity increased during the period Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Net income Increase to stockholders' equity due to 1.625% Notes and 3.75% Exchange Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Increase to stockholders' equity due to share-based compensation transactions Stock Issued During Period, Value, and Income Tax Benefit Related to Share-based Compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, and Income Tax Benefit Related to Share-based Compensation Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Shares issued in connection with exchange Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Shares issued for services render in connection with the 3.75% exchange Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services Shares issued in connection with conversion Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Trading days measurement period (in days) Class of Warrant or Right, Trading Days Measurement Period Class of Warrant or Right, Trading Days Measurement Period Stated interest rate for Warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Stated Percentage Class of Warrant or Right, Stated Percentage Threshold percentage of stock price trigger (percent) Class of Warrant or Right, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Class of Warrant or Right, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Number of warrants issued Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Warrants or Options Issued Striking price of Warrants (USD per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Purchase of treasury stock, amount Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Number of securities purchased under securities repurchase program Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock repurchase program average price per share Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Approved amount related to stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Issued shares of common stock, net of shares used to settle employees’ income tax obligations Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Student loan portfolios pledged as collateral, term of loans Loans Pledged as Collateral for Investments, Term Loans Pledged as Collateral for Investments, Term Auction rate securities Auction Rate Securities, Noncurrent Auction rate securities settled during period Investments Settled During Period Investments Settled During Period Unrealized gain on auction rate securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Services revenue from subsidiaries Revenue from Related Parties Provision for income taxes Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total provision for income taxes Maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Long term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Debt instruments interest cost recognized Schedule Of Debt Instruments Interest Cost Recognized [Table Text Block] Schedule of debt instruments interest cost recognized. Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period Shares, Outstanding Weighted-average number of shares: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Issued, share-based compensation Weighted Average Number of Shares, Common Stock Subject to Repurchase or Cancellation Issued, 3.75% Notes and 3.75% Exchange Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Exchange of Debt Instruments Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Exchange of Debt Instruments Issued, share-based compensation Weighted Average Number Of Shares Issued Under Equity Offering Weighted-average number of shares issued under equity offering. Denominator for basic net income per share Denominator For Basic Net Income (Loss) Denominator For Basic Net Income (Loss) Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Share-based compensation Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements 3.75% Notes and 3.75% Exchange Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Denominator for diluted net income per share Denominator For Diluted Net Income (Loss) Denominator For Diluted Net Income (Loss) Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] 1.125% Warrants Warrant [Member] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Potentially dilutive common shares excluded from calculations Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Insurance Claims [Table] Insurance Claims [Table] Insurance Claims [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Medicaid Expansion Medicaid Expansion [Member] Medicaid Expansion [Member] Insurance Claims [Line Items] Insurance Claims [Line Items] Insurance Claims [Line Items] Medical claims and benefits payable Medical Claims and Benefits Payable Medical Claims and Benefits Payable Estimated discount percentage of final payment on claims incurred but not paid Claims Incurred But Not Paid (IBNP) Liability, Estimated Discount Percentage of Final Payment Claims Incurred But Not Paid (IBNP) Liability, Estimated Discount Percentage of Final Payment Prior period claims recognized Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Number of members added Number of Members Added Number of Members Added Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] 1.125% Call Option Derivative Asset Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 1.125% Notes Conversion Option derivative liability Derivative Liability Contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Summary of restricted investments by health plan Schedule of Balances of Restricted Investments by Health Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of balances of restricted investments by health plan. Contractual maturities of our held-to-maturity restricted investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date Held To Maturity Restricted Investments [Table Text Block] Investments classified by contractual maturities of our held-to-maturity restricted investments. Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Statements of Income Revenue: Management fees and other operating revenue Management Fees Revenue Investment income Investment Income, Net Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Medical care costs Health Care Organization, Expenses, Net Depreciation and amortization Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Loss before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiaries Loss Before Income Taxes And Equity In Net Income Of Subsidiaries Loss before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiaries. Income tax benefit Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries Net Loss Before Equity In Net Income Of Subsidiaries Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries. Equity in net income of subsidiaries Equity In Net Income Of Subsidiaries Equity in net income of subsidiaries. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Construction in Progress Construction in Progress [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] June 2013 Transactions June 2013 Transactions [Member] June 2013 Transactions February 2013 Transactions February 2013 Transactions [Member] February 2013 Transactions Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Sale leaseback lease term Sale Leaseback Transaction, Term of Lease Sale Leaseback Transaction, Term of Lease Annual increase in rental payment (in percent) Sale Leaseback Transaction, Annual Rental Payments Increase Percentage Sale Leaseback Transaction, Annual Rental Payments Increase Percentage Interest expense related to lease financing obligations Lease financing obligation related to the construction projects Lease Financing Obligations Lease Financing Obligations Rent expense Sale Leaseback Transaction, Rent Expense Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Employee Benefits Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Investments Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Income (loss) from discontinued operations, tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Country Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards California enterprise zone tax credit carryovers Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Deferred tax assets Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance Increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Impact on effective tax rate if tax benefits are recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Liability for unrecognized tax benefits Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Gain on 1.125% Call Option Loss on 1.125% Notes Conversion Option Loss on 1.125% Warrants Gain (loss) on interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] 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] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization of convertible senior notes and lease financing obligations Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) and Sale Leaseback Financing Obligation Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) and Sale Leaseback Financing Obligation Gain on sale of subsidiary Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Medical claims and benefits payable Increase (Decrease) in Health Care Insurance Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Amounts due government agencies Increase (Decrease) in Medical Premium Liability Due to Agency Increase (Decrease) in Medical Premium Liability Due to Agency Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of investments Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Purchases of equipment Payments to Acquire Machinery and Equipment Net cash paid in business combinations Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Increase in restricted investments Increase (Decrease) of Restricted Investments Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash surrendered Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes, net of financing costs paid Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds, Financing Activities Purchase of call option Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Proceeds from issuance of warrants Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants Contingent consideration liabilities settled Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired Treasury stock purchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Principal payments on term loan Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment of amount borrowed under credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Proceeds from employee stock plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Principal payments on convertible senior notes Repayments of Convertible Debt Amount borrowed under credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest Interest Paid Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 3.75% Notes exchanged for 1.625% Notes Notes Issued Retirement of treasury stock Retirement Of Treasury Stock Retirement of treasury stock. Increase in non-cash lease financing obligation - related party Construction in Progress Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Common stock used for stock-based compensation Retirement of Common Stock Used for Stock Based Compensation Retirement of Common Stock Used for Stock Based Compensation Change in fair value of derivatives, net Details of Business Combinations Abstract Details of business combinations: Fair value of assets acquired Fair Value of Assets Acquired Fair value of contingent consideration liabilities incurred Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Accrual Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Accrual Payable to seller Supplemental Deferred Purchase Price Escrow deposit Escrow Deposit Disbursements Related to Property Acquisition Details of change in fair value of derivatives, net: Details of change in fair value of derivatives [Abstract] Details of change in fair value of derivatives Change in fair value of derivatives, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Details of sale of subsidiary: Details of Sale of Subsidiary [Abstract] Details of Sale of Subsidiary [Abstract] Decrease in carrying value of assets Divestiture of Business, Decrease in Carrying Value of Assets Divestiture of Business, Decrease in Carrying Value of Assets Decrease in carrying value of liabilities Divestiture of Business, Decrease in Carrying Value of Liabilities Divestiture of Business, Decrease in Carrying Value of Liabilities Gain on sale Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash surrendered Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair value of assets measured on recurring basis using unobservable inputs Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Values of Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Contractual maturities of investments Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due one year through five years, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Due after ten years, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due one year through five years, Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due after ten years, Estimated Fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Total, Estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Summary of identified intangible assets, by major class Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance, shares Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Purchase of treasury stock, shares Purchase of treasury stock Retirement of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Convertible senior notes transactions, including issuance costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued Shares issued in connection with conversions, shares Convertible senior notes transactions, including issuance costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature Share-based compensation, shares Share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Tax benefit from share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Ending Balance Ending Balance, shares Segment Reporting [Abstract] Operating segment information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Net Income per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Health Care Organization, Revenue Sources [Axis] Health Care Organization, Revenue Sources [Axis] Health Care Organization, Revenue Sources [Domain] Health Care Organization, Revenue Sources [Domain] Third-Party Payor Third-Party Payor [Member] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] Software Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Leasehold Improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Contract backlog Contract Backlog [Member] Contract backlog. Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] New Mexico, Texas, Washington New Mexico, Texas, Washington [Member] New Mexico, Texas, Washington [Member] California, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin California, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin [Member] [Member] California, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin [Member] [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] California Department of Health Care Services California Department of Health Care Services [Member] California Department of Health Care Services [Member] Maturity of cash and cash equivalents Maturity Of Cash And Cash Equivalents Maturity of cash and cash equivalents. Final maturities of investments Investments, Maturity Period Investments, Maturity Period Average maturity of investments Investments, Average Maturity Period Investments, Average Maturity Period Useful life of property plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Weighted average amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Goodwill impairment charges Goodwill, Impairment Loss Medical premium liability based on medical costs threshold Medical Premiums Liability, Medical Care Costs Threshold Medical Premiums Liability, Medical Care Costs Threshold Profit sharing liability Medical Premiums Liability, Profit Sharing Threshold Medical Premiums Liability, Profit Sharing Threshold Maximum period for member risk scores and member pharmacy cost experience after original year of service Maximum Period For Member Risk Scores And Member Pharmacy Cost Experience After Original Year Of Service Maximum period for member risk scores and member pharmacy cost experience after original year of service. Anticipated Medicare risk adjustment premiums Anticipated Medicare Risk Adjustment Premiums Anticipated Medicare risk adjustment premiums. Percentage of incremental revenue earned maximum Percentage Of Incremental Revenue Earned Maximum Percentage of incremental revenue earned maximum. Percentage of additional incremental revenue earned Percentage Of Additional Incremental Revenue Earned Percentage of additional incremental revenue earned. Alternative minimum payment, maximum Health Care Organization, Alternative Minimum Payment Maximum Amount Health Care Organization, Alternative Minimum Payment Maximum Amount Medical administrative costs Medical Administrative Costs Medical administrative costs. Missouri health plan's medical care costs Health Care Organization, Expenses, Gross Concentration of credit risk Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Investments Number of States Health Plans segments contracted with (states) Number of States in which Entity Operates Assessment fees paid in 2014 Health Care Organization, Estimated Assessment Fees Health Care Organization, Estimated Assessment Fees Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Interest Rate Swap 1.125% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 Fixed interest rate on derivative Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Notional amount of interest rate swap agreement Derivative, Notional Amount Settlement of interest rate swap Derivative, Settlement Amount Derivative, Settlement Amount Maximum Available Quality Incentive Premium-Current Year Maximum Available Quality Incentive Premium Current Year Maximum available quality incentive premium current year. Amount of Current Year Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized Amount Of Current Year Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized Amount of current year quality incentive premium revenue recognized. Amount of Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized from Prior Year Amount Of Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized From Prior Year Amount of quality incentive premium revenue recognized from prior year. Total Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized Quality incentive premium revenue recognized. Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Net cash provided by operating activities Capital contributions to subsidiaries Net Dividends From And Capital Contributed To Subsidiaries Net dividends from and capital contributed to subsidiaries. Dividends received from subsidiaries Proceeds from Dividends Received Purchases of investments Payments to Acquire Investments Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Other Investments Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash surrendered Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates Purchases of equipment Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Change in amounts due to/from affiliates Changes In Amounts Due To And Due From Affiliates Changes in amounts due to and due from affiliates. Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Principal payment on term loan of subsidiary Proceeds from employee stock plans Components Of Condensed Balance Sheets Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Components Of Condensed Statements Of Income Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components Of Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Table] Other Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] Summary of restricted investments by health plan Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent [Abstract] Restricted investments by health plan Restricted Investments, Noncurrent Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense [Member] Other expense, net Other Expense [Member] Derivatives, Net Derivative [Member] Contingent Consideration Liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total gains for the period recognized Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Balance, ending period Future Amortization Expenses Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Future amortization expense, 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Future amortization expense, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Future amortization expense, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Future amortization expense, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Future amortization expense, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Short-term Investments Short-term Investments [Member] Investments Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Reconciliation [Abstract] Schedule of available for sale securities reconciliation. Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, net Goodwill Goodwill, Acquisitions Goodwill, Other Changes Receivables Receivables, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other Assets, Current Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net Deferred contract costs Costs in Excess of Billings, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Restricted investments Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Current liabilities: Medical claims and benefits payable Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Amounts due government agencies Medical Premium Liability Due to Agency Medical Premium Liability Due to Agency Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Convertible senior notes Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent Lease financing obligations Lease Financing Obligations, Noncurrent Lease Financing Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] 3.75% Notes Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Default [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Estimated fair values of long-term debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Depreciation and amortization Depreciation And Amortization [Table Text Block] Depreciation and amortization. Summarized premium revenue Summarized Premium Revenue [Table Text Block] summarized premium revenue. Quality incentive premium revenue recognized Quality Incentive Premium Revenue Recognized [Table Text Block] Quality incentive premium revenue recognized. Consolidated medical care costs Schedule Of Health Care Organization Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of health care organization cost. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Employment Contracts Employment Contracts [Member] Health Care Authority Health Care Authority [Member] Health Care Authority [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] Lease renewal terms Sale Leaseback Transaction, Lease Renewal Term Sale Leaseback Transaction, Lease Renewal Term Operating lease terms Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Operating lease renewal options Operating Lease, Number of Renewal Option Operating Lease, Number of Renewal Option Rental expense related to leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Employment agreements terms Related Party Transaction, Terms Related Party Transaction, Terms Automatically extension term Related Party Transaction, Extension Term Related Party Transaction, Extension Term Period of employment agreements Period For Health and Welfare Benefits Under Employment Agreements For Termination Without Cause Period for health and welfare benefits under employment agreements for termination without cause. Payment to Health Care Settlements Payment to Health Care Settlements Amount of cash outflow related to overpayment matters Proceeds from Health Care Settlements Proceeds from Health Care Settlements Amount of cash inflow related to health care settlement matters Premium revenue reduction Increase (Decrease) in Health Care Organization Premium Revenue Increase (Decrease) in Health Care Organization Premium Revenue Net assets of subsidiaries subject to restrictions Amount of Restricted Net Assets for Consolidated and Unconsolidated Subsidiaries Cash and investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Aggregate statutory capital and surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance Required minimum statutory capital surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Operating segment information Operating Segment Information [Abstract] Operating segment information. Segment Information Segment Information [Abstract] Segment information. Health Plans: Health Plans [Abstract] Health plans. Molina Medicaid Solutions segment: Molina Medicaid Solutions [Abstract] Molina Medicaid solutions. Depreciation and amortization reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Income from continuing operations before income tax expense: Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Operating income Other expense, net Goodwill and intangible assets, net: Goodwill and intangible assets, net Goodwill And Intangible Assets Net Goodwill and intangible assets net. Total assets: Total assets Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Reserve liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves State taxes Deferred Tax Assets, State Taxes Other accrued medical costs Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Unrealized losses Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unearned premiums Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Unearned Premiums Reserve Prepaid expenses Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves And Accruals Prepaid Expenses Deferred tax assets tax deferred expense reserves and accruals prepaid expenses. Basis in debt Deferred Tax Assets, Financing Arrangements Deferred Tax Assets, Financing Arrangements Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Other, net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Current Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance — current Reserve liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities Reserve Liabilities Deferred tax liabilities reserve liabilities. State tax credit carryover Deferred Tax Liabilities State Taxes Deferred tax liabilities state taxes. Net operating losses Deferred Tax Liabilities Operating Losses Deferred tax liabilities operating losses. Unrealized losses Deferred Tax Liabilities Unrealized Losses Deferred tax liabilities unrealized losses. Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Compensation Deferred tax liabilities deferred compensation. Lease financing obligation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements Basis in debt Deferred Tax Liabilities, Financing Arrangements Other, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability, net of valuation allowance — long term Net deferred income tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Net income (loss) Unrealized investment gain (loss) Effect of income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Stock based compensation expense Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Restricted and performance stock activity Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of information about stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Components of medical care costs related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract] Current period Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Prior periods Total medical care costs Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Change in non-risk provider payables Medical Claims and Benefits Payable, Adjustments, Change in Provider Medical Claims and Benefits Payable, Adjustments, Change in Provider Payments for medical care costs related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract] Current period Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year Prior periods Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Total paid Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid Balance at end of period Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis Of Presentation [Table] Basis Of Presentation [Table] Basis Of Presentation [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Healthy Palm Beaches, Inc and First Coast Advantage, LLC Healthy Palm Beaches, Inc and First Coast Advantage, LLC [Member] Healthy Palm Beaches, Inc and First Coast Advantage, LLC [Member] LOUISIANA LOUISIANA Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Number of members eligible for the health care programs Number of Members Eligible for the Health Care programs Number of members eligible for the health care programs. Minimum contract terms Minimum Contract Term Minimum contract term. Maximum contract terms Maximum Contract Term Maximum contract term. Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Net carrying amount Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Effective income tax rate reconciliation to the statutory federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Statutory federal tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Change in unrecognized tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent Nondeductible health insurer fee (HIF) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Health Insurance, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Health Insurance, Percent Nondeductible compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent Nondeductible lobbying Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Charitable Contributions, Percent Nondeductible fair value of 1.125% Warrants Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Warrants, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Warrants, Percent Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Summary of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of future minimum rentals on noncancelable leases Schedule Of Future Minimum Rentals Table [Text Block] Schedule of future minimum rentals. Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Redemption period, option one Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Option One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Option One [Member] Redemption period, option two Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Option Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Option Two [Member] August 19, 2018 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] August 19, 2024 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] August 19, 2029 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] August 19, 2034 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] August 19, 2039 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Convertible Debt Convertible Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Debt convertible threshold trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days Debt convertible threshold consecutive trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Debt convertible maximum threshold percentage of stock price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Maximum Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Debt Instrument, Convertible, Maximum Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Debt convertible threshold percentage of stock price trigger Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Debt instrument, conversion ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt instrument conversion price per share Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Senior note effective interest rate (in percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Senior notes amortization period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period If-converted value in excess of principal on convertible debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, If-converted Value in Excess of Principal Amount of debt extinguished Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Principal amount outstanding Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Unamortized premium of debt instrument Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Gross noncurrent deferred finance costs Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Gross Frequency of periodic payment Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Date of first required payment on debt Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment Increase of interest rate contingent on principal amount outstanding Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Increase, Contingent on Principal Amount Outstanding Additional interest rate per year to be payable for any semiannual interest period for which principal amount outstanding on Notes is less than the required amount Minimum principal amount outstanding threshold for interest rate increase Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Increase, Minimum Principal Amount Outstanding Threshold Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Increase, Minimum Principal Amount Outstanding Threshold Debt redemption start date Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date Debt redemption price, percentage of principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt Instrument, Term Debt Instrument, Term Convertible debt discount amortization period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Discount Amortization Period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Discount Amortization Period Convertible debt, carrying amount of equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Repayments of debt amount Repayments of Debt Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Employee stock purchase plan and stock options Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Stock Options [Member] Stock based compensation expense Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stock based compensation expense, Pretax charges Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock based compensation expense, Net-of-Tax Amount Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Medical Claims and Benefits Payable Medical Claims And Benefits Payable [Text Block] Medical claims and benefits payable. Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrecognized tax benefits roll forward Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases in tax positions for prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases in tax positions for prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases in tax positions for current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decreases in tax positions for current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Lapse in statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of period Summary of denominators for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Provision for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Effective income tax rate reconciliation to the statutory federal income tax rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Unrecognized tax benefits roll forward Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Medical Care Costs Health Care Organization, Expenses, Gross [Abstract] Fee-for-service Health Care Organization Expenses Servicing Cost Health care organization expenses fee for service costs. Pharmacy Health Care Organization, Medical Supplies and Drugs Expense Capitation Health Care Organization Expenses Capitation Costs Health care organization expenses capitation costs. Direct delivery Health Care Organization, Direct Delivery Expense Health Care Organization, Direct Delivery Expense Other Health Care Organization Expenses Other Costs Health care organization expenses other costs. Total Medical Care Costs, PMPM Health Care Organization, Expenses, Per Member Per Month [Abstract] Health Care Organization, Expenses, Per Member Per Month [Abstract] Fee-for-service (per member per month) Health Care Organization Expenses Servicing Cost, Per Member Per Month Health Care Organization Expenses Servicing Cost, Per Member Per Month Pharmacy (per member per month) Health Care Organization, Medical Supplies and Drugs Expense, Per Member Per Month Health Care Organization, Medical Supplies and Drugs Expense, Per Member Per Month Capitation (per member per month) Health Care Organization Expenses Capitation Costs, Per Member Per Month Health Care Organization Expenses Capitation Costs, Per Member Per Month Direct delivery (per member per month) Health Care Organization, Direct Delivery Expense, Per Member Per Month Health Care Organization, Direct Delivery Expense, Per Member Per Month Other (per member per month) Health Care Organization Expenses Other Costs, Per Member Per Month Health Care Organization Expenses Other Costs, Per Member Per Month Total (per member per month) Health Care Organization, Expenses, Gross, Per Member Per Month Health Care Organization, Expenses, Gross, Per Member Per Month Medical Care Costs, Percentage Health Care Organization, Expenses, Percentage [Abstract] Health Care Organization, Expenses, Percentage [Abstract] Percentage of total in Fee for service Percentage Of Fee For Service Percentage of fee for service. Percentage of total in pharmacy Percentage Of Pharmacy Percentage of pharmacy. Percentage of total in capitation Percentage Of Capitation Percentage of capitation. Percent of total in direct delivery Percent of Direct Delivery Percent of Direct Delivery Percentage of total in other Percentage Of Other Percentage of other. Percentage of total Percentage Of Medical Costs Percentage of medical costs. Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Stock options outstanding, Shares Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted, Shares Exercised, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock options outstanding, Shares Ending balance Stock options exercisable and expected to vest, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Exercisable, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of period (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of period (USD per share) Stock options exercisable and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Stock options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Stock options exercisable and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term, Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options exercisable and expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] $19.11 Range One [Member] Range one. $20.88 Range Two [Member] Range two. $22.86 – $34.82 Range Three [Member] Range three. Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Summary of information about stock options outstanding and exercisable Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract] Lower range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Upper range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Number of options outstanding Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Exercisable Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Depreciation, and amortization of capitalized software, continuing operations Depreciation And Amortization Of Capitalized Software Depreciation, and amortization of capitalized software. Amortization of intangible assets, continuing operations Amortization of Intangible Assets Depreciation and amortization, continuing operations Depreciation and Amortization, Continuing Operations Depreciation and Amortization, Continuing Operations Depreciation and amortization, discontinued operations Depreciation and Amortization, Discontinued Operations Amortization recorded as reduction of service revenue Cost of Services, Amortization Amortization of capitalized software recorded as cost of service revenue Cost Of Services Amortization Of Capitalized Software Cost of services amortization of capitalized software. Depreciation and amortization reported in the statement of cash flows Cost of Goods Sold, Depreciation and Amortization Summary of future minimum rentals on non cancelable leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Next Twelve Months 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Two Years 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Three Years 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Four Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable Thereafter Total minimum future rentals Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Contract Rights and Licensing Agreements Contract Rights and Licensing Agreements [Member] Contract Rights and Licensing Agreements [Member] Provider networks Provider Networks [Member] Provider networks. Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Number of Member Conversion Number of Member Conversion [Member] Number of Member Conversion [Member] First Coast Advantage, LLC First Coast Advantage, LLC [Member] First Coast Advantage, LLC [Member] Community Healthy Solutions of America, Inc. Community Healthy Solutions of America, Inc. [Member] Community Healthy Solutions of America, Inc. [Member] Lovelace Community Health Plan Lovelace Community Health Plan [Member] Lovelace Community Health Plan Healthy Palm Beaches, Inc. Healthy Palm Beaches, Inc [Member] Healthy Palm Beaches, Inc [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Final purchase price Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Estimated final purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Goodwill Fair value of finite-lived intangible assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Amortization period for intangible assets Weighted-average useful life for acquired intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Payments made in business combinations Restricted Investments Restricted Investments Estimated fair value of contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Maximum matching contribution by employer under defined contribution plan Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Expense recognized in connection with contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Deferred compensation plan deferral percentage of basic salary Deferred Compensation Plan Deferral Percentage Of Basic Salary Deferred compensation plan deferral percentage of basic salary. Deferred compensation plan deferral percentage of bonus Deferred Compensation Plan Deferral Percentage Of Bonus Deferred compensation plan deferral percentage of bonus. Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Summary of accounts receivable Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Total receivables Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Contract backlog Order or Production Backlog [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Summary of identified intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net balance Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block] Long-Lived Assets, including Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Investments Restricted Investments [Policy Text Block] Restricted investments. Other Assets Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Other assets. Delegated Provider Insolvency Delegated Provider Insolvency [Policy Text Block] Delegated provider insolvency. Premium Revenue Premium Revenue [Policy Text Block] Premium revenue. Medical Care Costs Health Care Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Taxes Based on Premiums Taxes Based On Premiums [Policy Text Block] Taxes based on premiums. Premium Deficiency Reserves on Loss Contracts Premium Deficiency Reserves on Loss Contracts [Policy Text Block] Premium Deficiency Reserves on Loss Contracts [Policy Text Block] Service Revenue and Cost of Service Revenue - Molina Medicaid Solutions Segment Service Revenue and Cost of Service Revenue Policy [Policy Text Block] Service Revenue and Cost of Service Revenue Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Risks and Uncertainties Risks And Uncertainties [Policy Text Block] Risks and uncertainties. Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest cost recognized for the period relating to the: Interest Costs Incurred [Abstract] Contractual interest coupon rate Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Amortization of the discount Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Total interest cost recognized Interest Expense, Debt Summary of future minimum lease payments Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]