CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			15 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 148.7	$ 448.7		$ 464.2	$ 148.4
Other Comprehensive Earnings, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	22.4	(36.7)		39.1	32.7
Net benefit plan adjustments	2.5	9.0	[1]	0	0
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) before tax	24.9	(27.7)		39.1	32.7
Provision for income tax related to items of comprehensive earnings	9.5	(10.4)		15.0	12.5
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax	15.4	(17.3)		24.1	20.2
Comprehensive earnings	164.1	431.4		488.3	168.6
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(1.2)		(1.3)	(0.4)
Comprehensive earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 163.7	$ 430.2		$ 487.0	$ 168.2

[1] The amortization of prior service cost is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 10 (Pension and Postretirement Plans) below for additional information regarding the Company's net periodic benefit cost.