CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 883	[1]	$ 592	[1]	$ 506
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	(27)		24		(13)
Market valuation, net of tax	(1)		0		(3)
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	2		1		(1)
Other	4		(3)		(2)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(22)		22		(19)
Comprehensive income	861		614		487
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	34		36		35
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 827		$ 578		$ 452

[1] In December 2012, the Company committed to a plan to sell HemoCue and completed the sale of OralDNA. 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 19).