CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,516.4	$ 1,468.2	$ 2,947.1	$ 2,909.1
Cost of sales	947.8	890.9	1,861.7	1,759.6
Gross profit	568.6	577.3	1,085.4	1,149.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses	297.9	280.9	582.8	564.1
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	22.0	20.5	43.0	40.0
Restructuring and other special charges	2.0	6.6	9.6	14.1
Operating income	246.7	269.3	450.0	531.3
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(25.8)	(23.1)	(51.5)	(47.6)
Equity method income, net	3.7	4.4	6.7	8.7
Investment income	0.4	0.2	0.6	0.4
Other, net	7.5	(0.8)	14.4	(1.4)
Earnings before income taxes	232.5	250.0	420.2	491.4
Provision for income taxes	90.8	97.7	165.0	191.4
Net earnings	141.7	152.3	255.2	300.0
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(0.4)	(0.8)	(0.8)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 141.3	$ 151.9	$ 254.4	$ 299.2
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.67	$ 1.65	$ 3.00	$ 3.24
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.64	$ 1.62	$ 2.94	$ 3.18