CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 696	$ 753	$ 592
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Currency translation	(34)	(15)	(7)
Market valuation, net of tax	(2)	0	(1)
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	2	3	(10)
Other	0	1	(1)
Other comprehensive loss	(34)	(11)	(19)
Comprehensive income	662	742	573
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	51	44	36
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 611	$ 698	$ 537