CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 413,867	$ 171,538	$ 732,107	$ 526,526
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	4,592	22,288	(26,059)	21,321
Market valuation, net of tax	(31)	(161)	274	84
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	210	210	630	630
Other, net of tax	10	0	2,847	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,781	22,337	(22,308)	22,035
Comprehensive income	418,648	193,875	709,799	548,561
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8,724	8,456	25,717	26,621
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 409,924	$ 185,419	$ 684,082	$ 521,940