CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,462.2	$ 4,371.3	$ 4,266.1	$ 1,419.4
Cost of sales	914.6	2,674.2	2,554.4	863.3
Gross profit	547.6	1,697.1	1,711.7	556.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses	279.0	843.1	835.8	285.1
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	20.3	60.3	63.1	21.1
Restructuring and other special charges	3.7	17.8	4.6	4.8
Operating income	244.6	775.9	808.2	245.1
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(24.7)	(72.3)	(66.9)	(24.1)
Equity method income, net	3.6	12.3	17.4	5.1
Investment income	1.8	2.2	0.7	0.3
Other, net	4.7	3.3	(6.7)	0.5
Earnings before income taxes	230.0	721.4	752.7	226.9
Provision for income taxes	81.3	272.7	288.5	78.5
Net earnings	148.7	448.7	464.2	148.4
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(1.2)	(1.3)	(0.4)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 148.3	$ 447.5	$ 462.9	$ 148.0
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.66	$ 4.90	$ 4.81	$ 1.56
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.63	$ 4.81	$ 4.72	$ 1.53