CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,430.7	$ 1,440.9
Cost of sales	913.9	868.7
Gross profit	516.8	572.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses	284.9	283.2
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	21.0	19.5
Restructuring and other special charges	7.6	7.5
Operating income	203.3	262.0
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(25.7)	(24.5)
Equity method income, net	3.0	4.3
Investment income	0.2	0.2
Other, net	6.9	(0.6)
Earnings before income taxes	187.7	241.4
Provision for income taxes	74.2	93.8
Net earnings	113.5	147.6
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(0.4)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 113.1	$ 147.2
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 1.58
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.31	$ 1.56