CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,808.3	$ 5,671.4	$ 5,542.3
Cost of sales	3,585.1	3,421.7	3,267.6
Gross profit	2,223.2	2,249.7	2,274.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,128.8	1,114.6	1,159.6
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	81.7	86.3	85.8
Restructuring and other special charges	21.8	25.3	80.9
Operating income	990.9	1,023.5	948.4
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(96.5)	(94.5)	(87.5)
Equity method income, net	16.9	21.4	9.5
Investment income	2.2	1.0	1.3
Other, net	2.1	(7.2)	(5.6)
Earnings before income taxes	915.6	944.2	866.1
Provision for income taxes	340.2	359.4	333.0
Net earnings	575.4	584.8	533.1
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(1.6)	(1.7)	(13.4)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 573.8	$ 583.1	$ 519.7
Basic earnings per common share	$ 6.36	$ 6.09	$ 5.20
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 6.25	$ 5.99	$ 5.11