CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,403.3	$ 1,238.4	$ 2,771.7	$ 2,432.0
Cost of sales	815.1	704.8	1,615.1	1,391.5
Gross profit	588.2	533.6	1,156.6	1,040.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses	322.7	245.4	605.5	491.4
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	21.5	17.7	43.4	35.1
Restructuring and other special charges	18.3	0	46.2	9.3
Operating income	225.7	270.5	461.5	504.7
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(21.0)	(14.5)	(45.0)	(29.1)
Equity method income, net	2.6	4.6	4.1	8.4
Investment income	0.2	0.2	0.5	0.5
Other, net	(0.2)	(0.8)	(0.1)	(1.4)
Earnings before income taxes	207.3	260.0	421.0	483.1
Provision for income taxes	80.6	102.8	163.7	189.7
Net earnings	126.7	157.2	257.3	293.4
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(3.8)	(3.5)	(7.3)	(7.0)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 122.9	$ 153.7	$ 250.0	$ 286.4
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.22	$ 1.48	$ 2.49	$ 2.75
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.20	$ 1.46	$ 2.44	$ 2.70

Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.

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Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs, excluding asset retirement obligations, associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program planned and controlled by management, and materially changes either the scope or manner of conduct of a business undertaken. Also, may include reversals and other adjustments to accrued liabilities and special charges, if any, for asset abandonment, uncollectible balances, etc.

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The aggregate costs related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. This excludes costs incurred during the reporting period related to financial services rendered and other revenue generating activities.

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The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period.

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The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

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The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes.

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The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent.

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The net amount of other nonoperating income and expense, which does not qualify for separate disclosure on the income statement under materiality guidelines.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc.

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