CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net earnings	$ 575.4	$ 584.8	$ 533.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(63.2)	31.3	(13.2)
Interest rate swap adjustments	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax			2.4
Net benefit plan adjustments	42.1	7.3	(57.5)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax	16.4	0	0
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) before tax	(4.7)	38.6	(68.3)
Provision for income tax related to items of comprehensive earnings	1.5	(14.7)	25.3
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax	(3.2)	23.9	(43.0)
Comprehensive earnings	572.2	608.7	490.1
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(1.6)	(1.7)	(13.4)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 570.6	$ 607.0	$ 476.7