v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Jul. 15, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Trading Symbol WLP    
Entity Registrant Name WellPoint, Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001156039    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     304,035,158
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float   $ 20,656,154,130  
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes