CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 592,134	[1]	$ 505,650	[1]	$ 757,017
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	24,520		(12,920)		27,271
Market valuation, net of tax	(20)		(2,696)		3,090
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	838		(1,042)		724
Other	(2,951)		(2,035)		502
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22,387		(18,693)		31,587
Comprehensive income	614,521		486,957		788,604
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	36,413		35,083		36,123
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 578,108		$ 451,874		$ 752,481

[1] During the third quarter of 2006, the Company completed its wind down of NID and classified the operations of NID as discontinued operations. Results of operations have been prepared to report the results of HemoCue, OralDNA and NID as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 18).