CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,468.2	$ 1,423.4	$ 2,909.1	$ 2,846.7
Cost of sales	890.9	843.9	1,759.6	1,691.1
Gross profit	577.3	579.5	1,149.5	1,155.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses	280.9	279.5	564.1	550.7
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	20.5	20.6	40.0	42.0
Restructuring and other special charges	6.6	3.4	14.1	(0.2)
Operating income	269.3	276.0	531.3	563.1
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(23.1)	(21.3)	(47.6)	(42.8)
Equity method income, net	4.4	8.0	8.7	12.3
Investment income	0.2	0.2	0.4	0.4
Other, net	(0.8)	(6.7)	(1.4)	(7.2)
Earnings before income taxes	250.0	256.2	491.4	525.8
Provision for income taxes	97.7	102.4	191.4	210.0
Net earnings	152.3	153.8	300.0	315.8
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(0.5)	(0.8)	(0.9)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 151.9	$ 153.3	$ 299.2	$ 314.9
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.65	$ 1.59	$ 3.24	$ 3.25
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.62	$ 1.56	$ 3.18	$ 3.19