Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 10-Q30 Oct 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001022079	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	144,534,244

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$1,904	$1,788	$5,552	$5,390
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of services	1,178	1,089	3,453	3,275
Selling, general and administrative	446	423	1,301	1,289
Amortization of intangible assets	24	20	71	59
Gain on sale of royalty rights	0	-474	0	-474
Other operating expense, net	0	41	1	36
Total operating costs and expenses	1,648	1,099	4,826	4,185
Operating income	256	689	726	1,205
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	-41	-40	-122	-120
Equity in earnings of equity method investees	7	5	19	18
Other (expense) income, net	-1	3	3	7
Total non-operating expenses, net	-35	-32	-100	-95
Income from continuing operations before taxes	221	657	626	1,110
Income tax expense	82	245	234	413
Income from continuing operations	139	412	392	697
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	2	0	35
Net income	139	414	392	732
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	9	26	26
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	129	405	366	706
Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics' stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	129	403	366	671
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	2	0	35
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$129	$405	$366	$706
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders - basic:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.89	$2.68	$2.52	$4.36
Income from discontinued operations, per basic share	$0	$0.02	$0	$0.23
Net income	$0.89	$2.70	$2.52	$4.59
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders - diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.88	$2.66	$2.51	$4.32
Income from discontinued operations, per diluted share	$0	$0.02	$0	$0.23
Net income	$0.88	$2.68	$2.51	$4.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	145	150	144	153
Diluted	145	151	145	155
Dividends per common share	$0.33	$0.30	$0.99	$0.90

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$139	$414	$392	$732
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Currency translation	-5	4	-3	-26
Market valuation, net of tax	-2	0	1	0
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	0	1	-5	1
Other, net of tax	0	0	0	-3
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-7	5	-7	-22
Comprehensive income	132	419	385	710
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	9	26	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$122	$410	$359	$684

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$170	$187
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $261 and $236 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	953	852
Inventories	111	91
Deferred income taxes	165	148
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	164	105
Total current assets	1,563	1,383
Property, plant and equipment, net	888	805
Goodwill	6,026	5,649
Intangible assets, net	1,095	896
Other assets	229	215
Total assets	9,801	8,948
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,058	920
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	132	212
Total current liabilities	1,190	1,132
Long-term debt	3,732	3,120
Other liabilities	669	723
Quest Diagnostics stockholdersâ€™ equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 600 shares authorized at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; 216 and 215 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	2,406	2,379
Retained earnings	5,581	5,358
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-15	-8
Treasury stock, at cost; 71 shares at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-3,792	-3,783
Total Quest Diagnostics stockholders' equity	4,182	3,948
Noncontrolling interests	28	25
Total stockholders' equity	4,210	3,973
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$9,801	$8,948

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$261	$236
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600	600
Common stock, shares, issued	216	215
Treasury stock, shares	71	71

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$392	$732
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	235	211
Provision for doubtful accounts	224	204
Deferred income tax benefit	-21	-3
Stock-based compensation expense	38	24
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	0	-3
Gain on sale of royalty rights	0	-474
Loss on sale of businesses, net	0	17
Other, net	-5	-1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-260	-252
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	20	-77
Income taxes payable	22	77
Other assets and liabilities, net	-10	-13
Net cash provided by operating activities	635	442
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-725	-180
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	296
Proceeds from sale of royalty rights	0	474
Capital expenditures	-219	-155
Decrease (increase) in investments and other assets	10	-2
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-934	433
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	1,953	790
Repayments of debt	-1,466	-757
Purchases of treasury stock	-82	-994
Exercise of stock options	55	98
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	0	3
Dividends paid	-139	-141
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-23	-21
Other financing activities, net	-16	-8
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	282	-1,030
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-17	-155
Change in cash and cash equivalents included in assets held for sale	0	17
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	187	296
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$170	$158

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock, at Cost	Non-controlling Interests
In Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock, at Cost	Non-controlling Interests
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2012	$4,186	$2	$2,371	$4,690	$14	($2,914)	$23
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	158	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	732	'	'	706	'	'	26
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-22	'	'	'	-22	'	'
Dividends declared	-137	'	'	-137	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-21	'	'	'	'	'	-21
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, value	16	'	2	'	'	14	'
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, shares	'	1	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	24	'	21	'	'	3	'
Exercise of stock options, value	98	'	-7	'	'	105	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	2	'	'	'	'	'
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under benefit plans, value	-10	'	-10	'	'	'	'
Tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation plans	-1	'	-1	'	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock, value	-994	'	-70	'	'	-924	'
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	'	-16	'	'	'	'	'
Other	1	'	'	'	'	'	1
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2013	3,872	2	2,306	5,259	-8	-3,716	29
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	145	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013	3,973	2	2,379	5,358	-8	-3,783	25
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	144	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	392	'	'	366	'	'	26
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-7	'	'	'	-7	'	'
Dividends declared	-143	'	'	-143	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-23	'	'	'	'	'	-23
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, value	14	'	1	'	'	13	'
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, shares	'	1	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	38	'	36	'	'	2	'
Exercise of stock options, value	55	'	-3	'	'	58	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	1	'	'	'	'	'
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under benefit plans, value	-6	'	-6	'	'	'	'
Tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation plans	-1	'	-1	'	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock, value	-82	'	'	'	'	-82	'
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	'	-1	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2014	$4,210	$2	$2,406	$5,581	($15)	($3,792)	$28
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	'	145	'	'	'	'	'

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	Sep. 30, 2014
Description of Business (Abstract)	'
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	'
	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

	Background

	Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its subsidiaries ("Quest Diagnostics" or the "Company") is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services ("DIS") providing insights that empower and enable patients, physicians, hospitals, integrated delivery networks, health plans, employers and others to make better healthcare decisions. The Company offers the broadest access in the United States to DIS through its nationwide network of laboratories and Company-owned patient service centers and the Company is the leading provider of DIS, including routine testing, esoteric or gene-based testing and anatomic pathology testing. The Company provides interpretive consultation through the largest medical and scientific staff in the industry, with hundreds of M.D.s and Ph.D.s, primarily located in the United States, many of whom are recognized leaders in their fields. The Company's Diagnostic Solutions ("DS") businesses offer a variety of solutions for life insurers, healthcare providers and others. The Company is the leading provider of risk assessment services for the life insurance industry. In addition, the Company is a leading provider of testing for clinical trials. The Company's diagnostics products business manufactures and markets diagnostic products. In addition, the Company offers healthcare organizations and clinicians robust information technology solutions.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

	Basis of Presentation

	The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair statement of results of operations, comprehensive income, financial condition, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2013, but does not include all the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

	Use of Estimates

	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

	Earnings Per Share

	The Company's unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and performance share units granted under the Company's Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan and its Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan. Earnings allocable to participating securities include the portion of dividends declared as well as the portion of undistributed earnings during the period allocable to participating securities.

	Adoption of New Accounting Standards

	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") on foreign currency matters that clarifies the guidance of a parent company's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. Under this standard, a parent company that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity shall release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if a sale or transfer results in complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the FASB on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The standard provides that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit would be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

	New Accounting Pronouncements

	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update ("ASU") related to the presentation and reporting of discontinued operations, including the disposals of components of an entity. The ASU changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The new guidance also requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures will be assessed as part of any future disposal activity.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on revenue recognition. This ASU outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This standard supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and eliminates most industry-specific guidance from GAAP. The core principle of the revenue recognition standard is to require an entity to recognize as revenue the amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services as it transfers control to its customers. The standard requires additional disclosures including those that are qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017 with the option of using a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective method. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE

	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share was as follows (in millions, except per share data):



		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ stockholders:

	Income from continuing operations	$	129		$	403		$	366	$	671

	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			2			—		35

	Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders	$	129		$	405		$	366	$	706


	Income from continuing operations	$	129		$	403		$	366	$	671

	Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1			1			2		2

	Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted	$	128		$	402		$	364	$	669


	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic	145			150			144		153

	Effect of dilutive securities:

	Stock options and performance share units	—			1			1		2

	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted	145			151			145		155


	Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic:

	Income from continuing operations	$	0.89		$	2.68		$	2.52	$	4.36

	Income from discontinued operations	—			0.02			—		0.23

	Net income	$	0.89		$	2.7		$	2.52	$	4.59


	Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – diluted:

	Income from continuing operations	$	0.88		$	2.66		$	2.51	$	4.32

	Income from discontinued operations	—			0.02			—		0.23

	Net income	$	0.88		$	2.68		$	2.51	$	4.55


	The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect (shares in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Stock options and performance share units	—		2			3		2

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	'

	Invigorate Program

	During 2012, the Company committed to a course of action related to a multi-year program called Invigorate which is
	designed to reduce its cost structure. The Invigorate program is intended to mitigate the impact of continued reimbursement
	pressures and labor and benefit cost increases, free up additional resources to invest in science, innovation and other growth
	initiatives, and enable the Company to improve operating profitability and quality.

	The following table provides a summary of the Company's pre-tax restructuring charges associated with its Invigorate program and other restructuring activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Employee separation costs	$	14		$	24		$	28		$	66

	Facility-related costs	2			5			6			6

	Asset impairment charges	—			—			1			—

	Accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation	—			—			—			1


	Total restructuring charges	$	16		$	29		$	35		$	73


	Total restructuring charges incurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are primarily associated with various workforce reduction initiatives as the Company continues to simplify and restructure its organization.

	Of the total $16 million in restructuring charges incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2014, $7 million and $9 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the total $35 million in restructuring charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $19 million and $16 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

	Of the total employee separation costs incurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, $1 million
	and $20 million, respectively, represent costs associated with the Company's management layer reduction initiative, and $1 million and $5 million, respectively, represent costs incurred under the Company's voluntary retirement program. In
	connection with further restructuring efforts, the Company entered into agreements to outsource certain aspects of support
	functions. As a result of these agreements, the Company incurred approximately $17 million of employee separation costs in
	the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to this initiative. The remaining employee separation costs
	incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 represent other actions the Company has taken to
	restructure its business.

	Of the total $29 million in restructuring charges incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2013, $9 million and $20 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the total $73 million in restructuring charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, $26 million and $47 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

	Charges for both periods presented were primarily recorded in the Company's DIS business.

	The following table summarizes activity in the restructuring liability as of September 30, 2014:


		Employee Separation Costs			Facility-Related Costs			Total

	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	31		$	5		$	36

	Current period charges	28			6			34

	Less:
	Cash payments	(36		)	(3		)	(39		)

	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	23		$	8		$	31

BUSINESS_ACQUISITION

BUSINESS ACQUISITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS ACQUISITION	'
	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

	Acquisition of Solstas Lab Partners Group

	On March 7, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Solstas Lab Partners Group and its subsidiaries ("Solstas") in an all-cash transaction valued at $572 million, or $563 million net of cash acquired. The Company financed the acquisition with borrowings under its secured receivables credit facility and senior unsecured revolving credit facility. The final consideration paid is subject to post closing adjustments related to working capital. Through the acquisition, the Company acquired all of Solstas' operations. Solstas is a full-service commercial laboratory based in Greensboro, North Carolina and operates in nine states throughout the Southeastern United States, including the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Solstas contributed $90 million and $212 million, respectively, to the Company's consolidated net revenues and $98 million and $220 million, respectively, to operating expenses which includes approximately $11 million and $17 million of restructuring, integration and transaction related costs, respectively. Of the $11 million of restructuring, integration and transaction related costs recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2014, $3 million and $8 million were in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the $17 million of restructuring, integration and transaction related costs recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $3 million and $14 million were in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

	Acquisition of Summit Health, Inc.

	On April 18, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Summit Health, Inc. ("Summit Health") for $151 million, which consisted of cash consideration of $124 million (which includes $9 million of working capital adjustments), or $123 million net of cash acquired, estimated contingent consideration of $22 million, and $5 million associated with certain transaction related costs due to the sellers of Summit Health. The contingent consideration arrangement is dependent on the achievement of certain revenue targets in 2015 and the Company could pay up to $25 million in 2016 based on the achievement of such targets. The final consideration paid is subject to post closing adjustments related to working capital. Through the acquisition, the Company acquired all of Summit Health's operations. Summit is a provider of on-site prevention and wellness programs. For further details regarding the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration associated with the Summit Health acquisition, see Note 8.

	Acquisition of Steward Health Care Systems, LLC

	On April 16, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the outreach laboratory service operations of Steward Health Care Systems, LLC ("Steward") for $34 million, which consisted of cash consideration of $30 million and contingent consideration of $4 million. The assets acquired primarily represent goodwill and intangible assets, principally comprised of customer-related intangibles (see Note 9). The deferred consideration arrangement secures the seller's compliance with a non-compete agreement under which the Company will pay up to $5 million, ratably, over the next four years provided the non-compete agreement is not violated through 2018. For further details regarding the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration associated with the Steward acquisition, see Note 8.

	These acquisitions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. As such, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date. The purchase price allocations related to the Solstas and Summit Health acquisitions are based upon the Company's preliminary estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the measurement period. Management is currently in the process of verifying data and finalizing information related to this valuation and recording of identifiable intangible assets, certain other assets and liabilities and the corresponding effect on the amount of goodwill. All of the goodwill acquired in connection with the Solstas, Summit Health and Steward acquisitions has been allocated to the Company's DIS business.

	The following tables summarizes the consideration paid and the preliminary amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date for the Solstas and Summit Health acquisitions described above:


		Solstas					Summit Health
	Cash	$	572				$	124

	Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	—					22

	Transaction related costs due to sellers	—					5

	Total consideration	$	572				$	151


		Solstas					Summit Health
	Allocation of purchase price:	Fair Value			Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)		Fair Value			Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	9				$	1

	Accounts receivable, net	48					9

	Current deferred income taxes	7					—

	Other current assets	13					16

	Property, plant and equipment, net	48					6

	Goodwill	266					91

	Intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	203			20		33			15

	Software	—					3			4

	Trade name	7			2		2			1

	Total intangible assets	210					38

	Non-current deferred income taxes	42					—


	Total assets acquired	643					161


	Current liabilities	59					10

	Non-current deferred income taxes	4					—

Other non-current liabilities	8					—


Total liabilities assumed	71					10


Net assets acquired	$	572				$	151


The goodwill recorded as part of the Solstas and Summit Health acquisitions includes the expected synergies resulting from combining the operations of the acquired business with those of the Company and the value associated with an assembled workforce that has a historical track record of identifying opportunities.

Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information reflects the consolidated statement of operations of the Company as if the acquisitions of Solstas and Summit Health had occurred as of January 1, 2013. The pro forma information includes adjustments primarily related to the amortization of intangible assets acquired, interest expense associated with debt extinguished prior to the acquisitions, and transaction costs related to the Solstas and Summit Health acquisitions. The pro forma combined financial information does not include the estimated annual synergies expected to be realized upon completion of the integration of Solstas and Summit Health and is not indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date. Financial information for Steward has not been included in the table below as this acquisition is not material to the Company’s interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.


	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2013			2014				2013

Pro forma net revenues	$	1,911		$	5,637			$	5,740


Pro forma income from continuing operations	$	417		$	390			$	703


Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders - basic:
Pro forma income from continuing operations	$	2.71		$	2.51			$	4.4


Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders - diluted:
Pro forma income from continuing operations	$	2.7		$	2.5			$	4.36

DISPOSITIONS

DISPOSITIONS	9 Months Ended
DISPOSITIONS	Sep. 30, 2014
Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
DISPOSITIONS	'
	DISPOSITIONS

	Sale of Royalty Rights

	As part of its acquisition of Celera in 2011, the Company gained rights to receive royalties on ibrutinib, an experimental cancer therapy. In July 2013, the Company sold its right to receive royalties related to the commercialization of ibrutinib for $485 million in cash. The Company has accounted for this transaction as a sale of royalty rights and recognized a pre-tax gain of $474 million, net of transaction costs, associated with this sale.

	Sale of Enterix

	In September 2013, the Company completed the sale of Enterix and recorded a pre-tax loss of approximately $40 million associated with the sale, which is included in other operating expense, net. The Enterix business has not been reclassified to discontinued operations due to the level of continuing involvement in the Enterix business subsequent to its sale.

	Sale of HemoCue

	In April 2013, the Company completed the sale of HemoCue and recorded an after-tax gain of $14 million (including foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by income tax expense and transaction costs), which is included in discontinued operations in 2013. For further details regarding the sale of HemoCue, see Note 15.

TAXES_ON_INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	9 Months Ended
TAXES ON INCOME	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
TAXES ON INCOME	'
	TAXES ON INCOME

	Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $82 million and $245 million, respectively. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $234 million and $413 million, respectively. The decrease in income tax expense for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the prior year period, is primarily due to approximately $176 million of income tax expense associated with the gain on sale of royalty rights (see Note 6).

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

	The following table provides a summary of the recognized assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


					Basis of Fair Value Measurements
					Quoted			Significant			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Unobservable
					Active			Observable			Inputs
					Markets for			Inputs
					Identical
					Assets /
					Liabilities
	September 30, 2014				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3

	Assets:

	Trading securities	$	49		$	49		$	—		$	—

	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	30			—			30			—

	Available-for-sale equity securities	11			11			—			—

	Interest rate swaps	9			—			9			—

	Put option	2			—			—			2

	Total	$	101		$	60		$	39		$	2


	Liabilities:

	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	84		$	—		$	84		$	—

	Contingent consideration	26			—			—			26

	Interest rate swaps	21			—			21			—

	Call option	6			—			—			6

	Forward starting interest rate swaps	8			—			8			—

	Total	$	145		$	—		$	113		$	32



					Basis of Fair Value Measurements
					Quoted			Significant			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Unobservable
					Active			Observable			Inputs
					Markets for			Inputs
					Identical
					Assets /
					Liabilities
	December 31, 2013				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3

	Assets:

	Trading securities	$	50		$	50		$	—		$	—

	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	29			—			29			—

	Put option	4			—			—			4

Forward starting interest rate swaps	2			—			2			—

Total	$	85		$	50		$	31		$	4


Liabilities:

Deferred compensation liabilities	$	84		$	—		$	84		$	—

Interest rate swaps	34			—			34			—

Call option	8			—			—			8

Total	$	126		$	—		$	118		$	8


A full description regarding the Company's fair value measurements is contained in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The fair value measurements of the Company's interest rate swaps and forward starting swaps are model-derived valuations as of a given date in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets including certain financial information and certain assumptions regarding past, present and future market conditions.

In connection with the acquisition of certain businesses of UMass, the Company granted to UMass a call option and UMass granted to the Company a put option for UMass to acquire an 18.90% equity interest in a newly formed entity. The put and call options are derivative instruments that have a remaining vesting period of approximately 6 months and their fair values have been measured using a combination of discounted cash flows and the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. There were no material changes in the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs associated with the UMass put option derivative asset or the call option derivative liability at September 30, 2014.

In April 2014, and as further detailed in Note 5, the Company completed the acquisitions of Steward and Summit Health. In connection with these acquisitions the Company recorded an aggregate contingent consideration liability of $26 million. The contingent consideration liability was classified within Level 3 measured at fair value using a probability weighted and discounted cash flow method. These measurements are based on externally obtained inputs and management's probability assessments of the occurrence of triggering events, appropriately discounted considering the uncertainties associated with the obligations, as well as the likelihood of achieving financial targets. The current probability estimate of the occurrence of such triggering events associated with the amounts the Company could be obligated to pay in future periods is between 5% and 95%. The probability-weighted cash flows were then discounted using a discount rate between 1.5% and 2.8%. The contingent consideration associated with Summit Health is projected to be paid in the first quarter of 2016, with a maximum payment of $25 million. The contingent consideration associated with Steward is projected to be paid out in four equal annual installments beginning in 2015, with a maximum payout of $5 million in total.

Investment in available-for-sale equity securities represents an investment that the Company previously accounted for under the cost method as it consisted of common shares of a privately held entity. In April 2014, the Company's investee registered its shares through an initial public offering on the Euronext Paris exchange. As a result of the initial public offering, the Company reclassified the shares to an investment in available-for-sale equity securities. The Company's investment in available-for-sale equity securities is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because the fair value is obtained from quoted prices in an active market.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the contingent consideration measured using significant and unobservable inputs:


	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(Level 3)
	Contingent Consideration
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—

Purchases, additions and issuances	26

Total gains (losses) - realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings	—

Transfers in and out of Level 3	—

Balance, September 30, 2014	$	26


The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value based on the short maturities of these instruments. At September 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $4.2 billion, which exceeded the carrying value by $349 million. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Company's debt was estimated at $3.5 billion, which exceeded the carrying value by $184 million. Principally all of the Company's debt is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because the fair value of the debt is estimated based on rates currently offered to the Company with identical terms and maturities, using quoted active market prices and yields, taking into account the underlying terms of the debt instruments.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

	The changes in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:


		September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	5,649			$	5,536

	Goodwill acquired during the period	377				150

	Write-off associated with sale of a business during the period	—				(37		)

	Balance at end of period	$	6,026			$	5,649


	Principally all of the Company’s goodwill as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is associated with its DIS business.

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, goodwill acquired was principally associated with the Solstas, Summit Health and Steward acquisitions, of which $106 million is deductible for tax purposes. Acquisitions during the year also resulted in $269 million of intangible assets, principally comprised of customer-related intangibles and trade names. For further details regarding business acquisitions, see Note 5.

	For the year ended December 31, 2013, goodwill acquired was principally associated with the UMass, ATN, Dignity and ConVerge acquisitions, of which $135 million is deductible for tax purposes. These acquisitions also resulted in $108 million of intangible assets, principally comprised of customer-related intangibles. For further details regarding the Company's 2013 acquisitions, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

	For the year ended December 31, 2013, $37 million of goodwill was written-off in conjunction with the sale of Enterix. For further details regarding the sale of Enterix, see Note 6.

	Intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:



		Weighted		September 30, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Average
		Amortization
		Period
		(in years)
				Cost				Accumulated			Net		Cost		Accumulated			Net
								Amortization							Amortization
	Amortizing intangible assets:

	Customer-related intangibles	18		$	928			$	(245	)	$	683	$	670	$	(210	)	$	460

	Non-compete agreements	4		43				(35		)	8		43		(27		)	16

	Technology	14		119				(36		)	83		119		(28		)	91

	Other	8		152				(76		)	76		141		(57		)	84

	Total	16		1,242				(392		)	850		973		(322		)	651


	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

	Trade names			244				—			244		244		—			244

	Other			1				—			1		1		—			1

	Total intangible assets			$	1,487			$	(392	)	$	1,095	$	1,218	$	(322	)	$	896


	Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $24 million and $20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, amortization expense related to intangible assets was $71 million and $59 million, respectively.

	The estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:



Year Ending December 31,

Remainder of 2014	$	24

2015	84

2016	74

2017	72

2018	64

2019	62

Thereafter	470

Total	$	850

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	DEBT

	Long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:


		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013

	Floating Rate Senior Notes due March 2014	$	—	$	200

	5.45% Senior Notes due November 2015	500		500

	3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016	305		307

	6.40% Senior Notes due July 2017	375		375

	2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019	300		—

	4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020	520		520

	4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021	544		533

	4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024	305		—

	6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037	421		421

	5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040	439		439

	Other	45		37


	Total long-term debt	3,754		3,332

	Less: current portion of long-term debt	22		212


	Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	3,732	$	3,120


	2014 Senior Notes Offering

	In March 2014, the Company completed a $600 million senior notes offering (the “2014 Senior Notes”) that was sold in two tranches: (a) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2.70% senior notes due April 2019; and (b) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% senior notes due April 2024, issued at a discount of $1 million. These senior notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally with the Company's other senior unsecured obligations. None of the Company's senior notes have a sinking fund requirement.

	The Company incurred $5 million of costs associated with the 2014 Senior Notes, which is included in other assets and is being amortized over the term of the related debt.

	Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

	In April 2014, the Company amended and restated the agreement for the $750 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) entered into in September 2011. The amended and restated Credit Facility matures in April 2019. Under the Credit Facility, the Company can issue letters of credit totaling $150 million. At September 30, 2014, letters of credit totaling less than $1 million were issued under the Credit Facility. Interest on the Credit Facility is based on certain published rates plus an applicable margin that will vary over a range from 75 basis points to 163 basis points based on changes in the Company's public debt ratings. At the option of the Company, it may elect to lock into LIBOR-based interest rates for periods up to six months. Interest on any outstanding amounts not covered under LIBOR-based interest rate contracts is based on an alternate base rate, which is calculated by reference to the prime rate, the federal funds rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate. At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's borrowing rate for LIBOR-based loans under the Credit Facility was LIBOR plus 1.125%. The Credit Facility contains various covenants, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios, which could impact the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness. At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s senior unsecured revolving credit facility.

	Maturities of Long-Term Debt

	As of September 30, 2014, long-term debt matures as follows:



	Year Ending December 31,
	Remainder of 2014	$	4

	2015	520

	2016	309

	2017	381

2018	4

2019	301

Thereafter	2,226


Total maturities of long-term debt	3,745

Unamortized discount	(21		)
Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt	30


Total long-term debt	3,754

Current portion of long-term debt	22


Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	3,732


For further discussion regarding the Company's debt, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates and foreign currencies. This strategy includes the use of interest rate swap agreements, forward starting interest rate swap agreements, treasury lock agreements and foreign currency forward contracts to manage its exposure to movements in interest and currency rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. These policies prohibit holding or issuing derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments that contain credit-risk-related contingent features or requirements to post collateral.

A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets is stated in the table below:

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

Balance Sheet

Fair Value

Balance Sheet

Fair Value

Classification

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Asset Derivatives:

Interest rate swaps

Other assets

—

Forward starting interest rate swaps

Other assets

—

Other assets

Total Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives:

Interest rate swaps

Other liabilities

Forward starting interest rate swaps

Other liabilities

—

Total Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Asset Derivatives:

Put option

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Other assets

Liability Derivatives:

Call option

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other liabilities

Total Net Derivatives Liabilities

(24

)

(36

)

A full description regarding the Company's use of derivative financial instruments is contained in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its debt obligations. Interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents may fluctuate as interest rates change; however, due to their relatively short maturities, the Company does not hedge these assets or their investment cash flows and the impact of interest rate risk is not material. The Company's debt obligations consist of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt instruments. The Company's primary objective is to achieve the lowest overall cost of funding while managing the variability in cash outflows within an acceptable range. In order to achieve this objective, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of underlying principal or notional amounts. Net settlements between the counterparties are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.

Interest Rate Derivatives – Cash Flow Hedges

In March 2014, the Company entered into interest rate lock agreements with several financial institutions for a total notional amount of $175 million (the "Treasury Lock Agreements"). The Treasury Lock Agreements, which had an original maturity date of March 28, 2014, were entered into to hedge part of the Company's interest rate exposure associated with the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in the five-year U.S. treasury rates related to the planned issuance of debt securities. In connection with the Company's senior notes offering in March 2014 (see Note 10), the Company settled the Treasury Lock Agreements, which were accounted for as cash flow hedges. The loss on settlement of the Treasury Lock Agreements was not material. During the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, the Company entered into various forward starting interest rate swap agreements (the "Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreements") for an aggregate notional amount of $150 million. The Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreements have fixed interest rates ranging from 3.570% to 3.788%. The Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreements are 21 to 24 month forward agreements that cover a ten-year hedging period and were entered into to hedge part of the Company's interest rate exposure associated with forecasted new debt issuances related to the refinancing of certain debt maturing through 2016. Through time the Company has entered into various interest rate lock agreements and forward starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge part of the Company's interest rate exposure associated with the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in interest rates. The total net loss, net of taxes, recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, related to the Company's cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $11 million and $5 million, respectively. The loss recognized on the Company's cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, as a result of ineffectiveness, was not material. The net amount of deferred losses on cash flow hedges that is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense within the next twelve months is $1 million.

Interest Rate Derivatives – Fair Value Hedges

The Company maintains various fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the Company's long-term debt into variable interest rate debt. In July 2012, the Company entered into fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements on a portion of the Senior Notes due 2016 and 2020. These interest rate swap agreements have an aggregate notional amount of $550 million and variable interest rates based on six-month LIBOR plus 2.3% and one-month LIBOR plus 3.6%. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company entered into additional fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $400 million and variable interest rates based on one-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 3.4% to 5.1%. These derivative financial instruments are accounted for as fair value hedges on a portion of the Senior Notes due 2015 and a portion of the Senior Notes due 2021. In November 2013, the Company terminated the interest rate swaps associated with the Senior Notes due 2015 and concurrently entered into additional fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps agreements. The fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements entered into in November 2013 have an aggregate notional amount of $200 million and variable interest rates based on one-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.45% to 2.46% and are accounted for as fair value hedges on a portion of the Senior Notes due 2021. In March 2014, the Company entered into various fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements which have a notional amount of $250 million and variable interest rates based on one-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.54% to 1.59% and are accounted for as fair value hedges of a portion of the Senior Notes due 2024.

The interest rate swaps associated with the Senior Notes due 2016, the Senior Notes due 2020 and those associated with a portion of the Senior Notes due 2021 are classified as liabilities with an aggregate fair value of $21 million at September 30, 2014. The interest rate swaps associated with the Senior Notes due 2024 and those associated with an additional portion of Senior Notes due 2021 are classified as assets with an aggregate fair value of $9 million at September 30, 2014. The interest rate swaps associated with the Senior Notes due 2016, 2020, and 2021 are classified as liabilities with an aggregate fair value of $34 million at December 31, 2013. Since inception, the fair value hedges have been highly effective; therefore, there is no impact on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as a result of hedge ineffectiveness.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

	Components of Comprehensive Income

	The market valuation adjustments represent unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes. The net deferred loss on cash flow hedges represents deferred losses on the Company’s interest rate related derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of amounts reclassified to interest expense (see Note 11). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the tax effects related to the market valuation adjustments, deferred losses and other were not material. Foreign currency translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes since they relate to indefinite investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries.

	Dividend Program

	During each of the first three quarters of 2014, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per common share. During each of the quarters of 2013, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share.

	Share Repurchase Program

	In August 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase an additional $1 billion of the Company’s common stock, increasing the total available authorization at that time to $1.3 billion. The share repurchase authorization has no set expiration or termination date.

	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 0.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $62.03 per share for $25 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $56.84 per share for $82 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company reissued 0.6 million shares and 1.4 million shares, respectively, for employee benefit plans. At September 30, 2014, $746 million remained available under the Company’s share repurchase authorizations.

	On April 19, 2013, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement ("ASR") with a financial institution to repurchase $450 million of the Company’s common stock as part of the Company’s Common Stock repurchase program. The ASR was structured as a combination of two transactions: (1) a treasury stock repurchase and (2) a forward contract which permitted the Company to purchase shares immediately with the final purchase price of those shares determined by the volume weighted average price of the Company's common stock during the purchase period, less a fixed discount. Under the ASR agreement, the Company paid $450 million to the financial institution and received 7.6 million shares of common stock, resulting in a final price per share of $59.46. The Company initially received 7.2 million shares of its common stock during the second quarter of 2013 and an additional 0.4 million shares upon the completion of the ASR agreement during the third quarter of 2013. As of June 30, 2013, the Company recorded this transaction as an increase to treasury stock of $405 million, and recorded the remaining $45 million as a decrease to additional paid-in capital in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Upon completion of the ASR in the third quarter of 2013, the Company reclassified the $45 million to treasury stock from additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets.

	On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into an ASR agreement with a financial institution to repurchase $350 million of the Company’s common stock as part of the Company’s Common Stock repurchase program. The ASR was structured as a combination of two transactions: (1) a treasury stock repurchase and (2) a forward contract which permits the Company to purchase shares immediately with the final purchase price of those shares determined by the volume weighted average price of the Company's common stock during the purchase period, less a fixed discount. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 4.7 million shares of its common stock under the ASR at an initial price of $59.93 per share for a total of $280 million, which represents approximately 80 percent of the total shares expected to be repurchased under the ASR. The forward contract settled the remaining shares upon the completion of the ASR in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company recorded this transaction as an increase to treasury stock of $280 million, and recorded the remaining $70 million as a decrease to additional paid-in capital in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013. The $70 million recorded in additional paid-in capital was reclassified to treasury stock upon completion of the ASR in the fourth quarter of 2013.

	In addition to the ASRs previously discussed, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock on the open market. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 2.2 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $59.06 per share for $132 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 3.3 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $58.66 per share for a total of $194 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company reissued 0.8 million shares and 2.3 million shares, respectively, for employee benefit plans.

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_OTHER_D

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA

	Supplemental cash flow data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Depreciation expense	$	55		$	49		$	164		$	152

	Amortization expense	24			20			71			59


	Interest paid	51			52			133			136

	Income taxes paid	98			127			236			332


	Assets acquired under capital leases	2			—			12			2

	Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures	12			6			12			6


	Businesses acquired:

	Fair value of assets acquired	1			—			846			241

	Fair value of liabilities assumed	(1		)	—			81			11


	Fair value of net assets acquired	2			—			765			230

	Merger consideration paid (payable), net	—			—			(30		)	(50		)


	Cash paid for business acquisitions	2			—			735			180

	Less: Cash acquired	—			—			10			—


	Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	2		$	—		$	725		$	180


	Supplemental continuing operations data for the statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Depreciation expense	$	55		$	48		$	164		$	151


	Interest expense	(42		)	(41		)	(124		)	(122		)
	Interest income	1			1			2			2


	Interest expense, net	$	(41	)	$	(40	)	$	(122	)	$	(120	)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

	The Company has a line of credit with a financial institution totaling $85 million for the issuance of letters of credit (the “Letter of Credit Line”). The Letter of Credit Line, which is renewed annually, matures on November 18, 2014.

	In support of its risk management program, to ensure the Company’s performance or payment to third parties, $62 million in letters of credit were outstanding at September 30, 2014. The letters of credit primarily represent collateral for current workers’ compensation loss payments.

	Contingent Lease Obligations

	The Company is subject to contingent obligations under certain real estate leases that were entered into by certain predecessor companies of a subsidiary prior to the Company's acquisition of the subsidiary. No liability has been recorded for any of these potential contingent obligations. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.

	Legal Matters

	The Company is involved in various legal proceedings. Some of the proceedings against the Company involve claims that could be substantial in amount.

	In addition to the matters described below, in the normal course of business, the Company has been named, from time to time, as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with the Company's activities as a provider of diagnostic testing, information and services. These legal actions may include lawsuits alleging negligence or other similar legal claims. These actions could involve claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages, and could have an adverse impact on the Company's client base and reputation.

	The Company is also involved, from time to time, in other reviews, investigations and proceedings by governmental agencies regarding the Company's business, including, among other matters, operational matters, which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. The number of these reviews, investigations and proceedings has increased in recent years with regard to many firms in the healthcare services industry, including the Company.

	In 2010, a purported class action entitled In re Celera Corp. Securities Litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Celera Corporation and certain of its directors and current and former officers. An amended complaint filed in October 2010 alleges that from April 2008 through July 22, 2009, the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding Celera's business and financial results with an intent to defraud investors. The complaint was further amended in 2011 to add allegations regarding a financial restatement. The amended complaint seeks unspecified damages on behalf of an alleged class of purchasers of Celera's stock during the period in which the alleged misrepresentations were made. The Company's motion to dismiss the complaint was denied. Celera and the director and officer defendants have reached an agreement to settle this action, which is subject to court approval. The settlement is expected to be fully covered by insurance.

	In August 2011, the Company received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia seeking various business records, including records related to the Company's compliance program, certain marketing materials, certain product offerings, and test ordering and other policies. The Company is cooperating with the request.

	In September 2009, the Company received a subpoena from the Michigan Attorney General's Office seeking documents relating to the Company's pricing and billing practices as they relate to Michigan's Medicaid program. The Company cooperated with the requests. In January 2012, the State of Michigan intervened as a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, Michigan ex rel. Hunter Laboratories LLC v. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, et al., filed in Michigan Superior Court. The suit, originally filed by a competitor laboratory, alleges that the Company overcharged Michigan's Medicaid program. The Company's motion for summary judgment was granted and the case was dismissed. Plaintiffs have filed an appeal.

	In June 2010, the Company received a subpoena from the Florida Attorney General's Office seeking documents relating to the Company's pricing and billing practices as they relate to Florida’s Medicaid program. The Company cooperated with the requests. In November 2013, the State of Florida intervened as a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, Florida ex rel. Hunter Laboratories LLC v. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, et al., filed in Florida Circuit Court. The suit, originally filed by a competitor laboratory, alleges that the Company overcharged Florida’s Medicaid program. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the state's amended complaint in intervention. Hunter Laboratories LLC filed similar lawsuits in Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada and Virginia; in each of those lawsuits, the state attorney general’s office did not intervene. The parties settled the Massachusetts, Nevada, Virginia and Georgia lawsuits.

	In July 2013, Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. and others filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company, Celera, former directors of Celera and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”) alleging, among other things, federal securities laws violations and breach of fiduciary duty claims against Celera, its directors and Credit Suisse. Following motions by the parties, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint.

	In October 2013, the Company commenced a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California seeking a declaration that the Company’s BRCA1 and 2 tests do not infringe several patents of Myriad Genetics, Inc., or that the patents are invalid. Later that month, Myriad and its partners commenced a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Utah against the Company alleging that the Company’s BRCA 1 and 2 tests infringed Myriad’s patents. Myriad moved to dismiss the Company’s lawsuit and to transfer all cases involving its BRCA 1 and 2 patents to the federal court in Utah. The Company moved to dismiss Myriad’s lawsuit. The Multidistrict Panel for Litigation consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Utah all the litigation between the Company and Myriad regarding BRCA, and the parties withdrew their motions to dismiss without prejudice.

	Berkeley HeartLab, Inc. (“BHL”), a Company subsidiary, received a subpoena from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding certain alleged business practices of BHL. In addition, the Company and BHL received civil investigative demands requesting responses to interrogatories. BHL and the Company are cooperating with the investigation.

	The federal or state governments may bring claims based on the Company's current practices, which it believes are lawful. In addition, certain federal and state statutes, including the qui tam provisions of the federal False Claims Act, allow private individuals to bring lawsuits against healthcare companies on behalf of government or private payers. The Company is aware of lawsuits, and from time to time has received subpoenas, related to billing practices based on the qui tam provisions of the Civil False Claims Act or other federal and state statutes, regulations or other laws. The Company understands that there may be other pending qui tam claims brought by former employees or other "whistle blowers" as to which the Company cannot determine the extent of any potential liability.

	Management cannot predict the outcome of such matters. Although management does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, given the high degree of judgment involved in establishing loss estimates related to these types of matters, the outcome of such matters may be material to the Company's results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such matters is determined or paid.

	These matters are in different stages. Some of these matters are in their early stages. Matters may involve responding to and cooperating with various government investigations and related subpoenas. As of September 30, 2014, the Company believes that there are no losses related to the Legal Matters described above that are probable, or, if a loss is probable, it cannot be reasonably estimated. While the Company believes that a reasonable possibility exists that losses may have been incurred related to the Legal Matters described above, based on the nature and status of these matters, potential losses, if any, cannot be estimated.

	Reserves for Legal Matters

	Reserves for legal matters, other than those described above in "Legal Matters", totaled $11 million and less than $5 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

	Reserves for General and Professional Liability Claims

	As a general matter, providers of clinical testing services may be subject to lawsuits alleging negligence or other similar legal claims. These suits could involve claims for substantial damages. Any professional liability litigation could also have an adverse impact on the Company's client base and reputation. The Company maintains various liability insurance coverages for, among other things, claims that could result from providing, or failing to provide, clinical testing services, including inaccurate testing results, and other exposures. The Company's insurance coverage limits its maximum exposure on individual claims; however, the Company is essentially self-insured for a significant portion of these claims. Reserves for such matters, including those associated with both asserted and incurred but not reported claims, are established by considering actuarially determined losses based upon the Company's historical and projected loss experience. Such reserves totaled approximately $126 million and $121 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Management believes that established reserves and present insurance coverage are sufficient to cover currently estimated exposures. Management cannot predict the outcome of any claims made against the Company. Although management does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, given the high degree of judgment involved in establishing accruals for loss estimates related to these types of matters, the outcome may be material to the Company's results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such claims is determined or paid.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

	Results of operations for OralDNA, HemoCue and NID have been reported as discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

	Discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes discrete tax benefits of $20 million associated with the favorable resolution of certain tax contingencies related to the Company's NID business and a gain of $14 million (including foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by income tax expense and transaction costs) associated with the sale of HemoCue.

	Summarized financial information for the discontinued operations is as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Net revenues	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	28


	Income from discontinued operations before taxes	—		3			—		25

	Income tax (expense) benefit	—		(1		)	—		10

	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	—	$	2		$	—	$	35


	The remaining balance sheet information related to HemoCue, OralDNA and NID was not material at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

	The clinical testing that the Company performs is an essential element in the delivery of healthcare services. Physicians use clinical testing to assist in detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring and treatment of diseases and other medical conditions.

	The Company's DIS business provides insights through clinical testing and related services that empower and enable patients, physicians, hospitals, integrated delivery networks, health plans, employers and others to make better healthcare decisions. The Company provides clinical testing, including routine testing, gene-based and esoteric testing, anatomic pathology services and drugs-of-abuse testing, as well as related services and insights. Customers of the DIS business include patients, physicians, hospitals, employers, governmental institutions and other commercial clinical laboratories. The DIS business accounted for greater than 90% of net revenues from continuing operations in 2014 and 2013.

	All other operating segments are included in the Company's DS business and consist of its risk assessment services, clinical trials testing, diagnostic products and healthcare information technology businesses. The Company's DS business offers a variety of solutions for life insurers, healthcare providers and others. The Company provides risk assessment services for the life insurance industry and the Company also provides testing for clinical trials. In addition, the Company offers healthcare organizations and clinicians robust information technology solutions, and diagnostic products, including test kits.

	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company acquired Solstas. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired Summit Health and Steward. Solstas, Summit Health and Steward are included in the Company's DIS business. See Note 5 for further details regarding business acquisitions.

	On April 19, 2006, the Company decided to discontinue NID’s operations. The Company completed the sale of OralDNA in the fourth quarter of 2012 and completed the sale of HemoCue in the second quarter of 2013. The results of operations for NID, OralDNA and HemoCue have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 15 for further details regarding discontinued operations.

	At September 30, 2014, substantially all of the Company’s services are provided within the United States, and substantially all of the Company’s assets are located within the United States.

	The following table is a summary of segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Segment asset information is not presented since it is not used by the chief operating decision maker at the operating segment level. Operating earnings (loss) of each segment represents net revenues less directly identifiable expenses to arrive at operating income for the segment. General corporate activities included in the table below are comprised of general management and administrative corporate expenses, amortization of intangibles assets, other miscellaneous operating income and expenses, net of certain general corporate activity costs that are allocated to the DIS and DS businesses, and the third quarter of 2013 pre-tax gain on the sale of the ibrutinib royalty rights and the pre-tax loss on the sale of Enterix (see Note 6). The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company as set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 2 to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:

	DIS business	$	1,765		$	1,648		$	5,141		$	4,971

	All other operating segments	139			140			411			419

	Total net revenues	$	1,904		$	1,788		$	5,552		$	5,390


	Operating earnings (loss):

	DIS business	$	281		$	294		$	805		$	887

	All other operating segments	23			22			63			53

	General corporate activities	(48		)	373			(142		)	265

	Total operating income	256			689			726			1,205

	Non-operating expenses, net	(35		)	(32		)	(100		)	(95		)
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	221			657			626			1,110

	Income tax expense	82			245			234			413

	Income from continuing operations	139			412			392			697

	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			2			—			35

	Net income	139			414			392			732

	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10			9			26			26

	Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$	129		$	405		$	366		$	706

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
Basis of Presentation	The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair statement of results of operations, comprehensive income, financial condition, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2013, but does not include all the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
Use Of Estimates	'
Use Of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	The Company's unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and performance share units granted under the Company's Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan and its Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan. Earnings allocable to participating securities include the portion of dividends declared as well as the portion of undistributed earnings during the period allocable to participating securities.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards	'
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") on foreign currency matters that clarifies the guidance of a parent company's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. Under this standard, a parent company that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity shall release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if a sale or transfer results in complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the FASB on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The standard provides that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit would be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update ("ASU") related to the presentation and reporting of discontinued operations, including the disposals of components of an entity. The ASU changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The new guidance also requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures will be assessed as part of any future disposal activity.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on revenue recognition. This ASU outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This standard supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and eliminates most industry-specific guidance from GAAP. The core principle of the revenue recognition standard is to require an entity to recognize as revenue the amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services as it transfers control to its customers. The standard requires additional disclosures including those that are qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017 with the option of using a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective method. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates and foreign currencies. This strategy includes the use of interest rate swap agreements, forward starting interest rate swap agreements, treasury lock agreements and foreign currency forward contracts to manage its exposure to movements in interest and currency rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. These policies prohibit holding or issuing derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments that contain credit-risk-related contingent features or requirements to post collateral.
Interest Rate Risk	'
	The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and cash equivalents and its debt obligations. Interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents may fluctuate as interest rates change; however, due to their relatively short maturities, the Company does not hedge these assets or their investment cash flows and the impact of interest rate risk is not material. The Company's debt obligations consist of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt instruments. The Company's primary objective is to achieve the lowest overall cost of funding while managing the variability in cash outflows within an acceptable range. In order to achieve this objective, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of underlying principal or notional amounts. Net settlements between the counterparties are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share was as follows (in millions, except per share data):



		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ stockholders:

	Income from continuing operations	$	129		$	403		$	366	$	671

	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			2			—		35

	Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders	$	129		$	405		$	366	$	706


	Income from continuing operations	$	129		$	403		$	366	$	671

	Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1			1			2		2

	Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted	$	128		$	402		$	364	$	669


	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic	145			150			144		153

	Effect of dilutive securities:

	Stock options and performance share units	—			1			1		2

	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted	145			151			145		155


	Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic:

	Income from continuing operations	$	0.89		$	2.68		$	2.52	$	4.36

	Income from discontinued operations	—			0.02			—		0.23

	Net income	$	0.89		$	2.7		$	2.52	$	4.59


	Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – diluted:

	Income from continuing operations	$	0.88		$	2.66		$	2.51	$	4.32

	Income from discontinued operations	—			0.02			—		0.23

	Net income	$	0.88		$	2.68		$	2.51	$	4.55

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect (shares in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Stock options and performance share units	—		2			3		2

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Pre-Tax Restructuring and Integration Charges	'
	The following table provides a summary of the Company's pre-tax restructuring charges associated with its Invigorate program and other restructuring activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:



		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Employee separation costs	$	14		$	24		$	28		$	66

	Facility-related costs	2			5			6			6

	Asset impairment charges	—			—			1			—

	Accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation	—			—			—			1


	Total restructuring charges	$	16		$	29		$	35		$	73

Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Liability	'
	The following table summarizes activity in the restructuring liability as of September 30, 2014:


		Employee Separation Costs			Facility-Related Costs			Total

	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	31		$	5		$	36

	Current period charges	28			6			34

	Less:
	Cash payments	(36		)	(3		)	(39		)

	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	23		$	8		$	31

BUSINESS_ACQUISITION_Tables

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarizes the consideration paid and the preliminary amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date for the Solstas and Summit Health acquisitions described above:


		Solstas				Summit Health
	Cash	$	572			$	124

	Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	—				22

	Transaction related costs due to sellers	—				5

	Total consideration	$	572			$	151


		Solstas				Summit Health
	Allocation of purchase price:	Fair Value		Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)		Fair Value				Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	9			$	1

	Accounts receivable, net	48				9

	Current deferred income taxes	7				—

	Other current assets	13				16

	Property, plant and equipment, net	48				6

	Goodwill	266				91

	Intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	203		20		33				15

	Software	—				3				4

	Trade name	7		2		2				1

	Total intangible assets	210				38

	Non-current deferred income taxes	42				—


	Total assets acquired	643				161


	Current liabilities	59				10

	Non-current deferred income taxes	4				—

	Other non-current liabilities	8				—


	Total liabilities assumed	71				10


	Net assets acquired	$	572			$	151

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information reflects the consolidated statement of operations of the Company as if the acquisitions of Solstas and Summit Health had occurred as of January 1, 2013. The pro forma information includes adjustments primarily related to the amortization of intangible assets acquired, interest expense associated with debt extinguished prior to the acquisitions, and transaction costs related to the Solstas and Summit Health acquisitions. The pro forma combined financial information does not include the estimated annual synergies expected to be realized upon completion of the integration of Solstas and Summit Health and is not indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date. Financial information for Steward has not been included in the table below as this acquisition is not material to the Company’s interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.


		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2014				2013

	Pro forma net revenues	$	1,911	$	5,637			$	5,740


	Pro forma income from continuing operations	$	417	$	390			$	703


	Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders - basic:
	Pro forma income from continuing operations	$	2.71	$	2.51			$	4.4


	Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders - diluted:
	Pro forma income from continuing operations	$	2.7	$	2.5			$	4.36

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a summary of the recognized assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


					Basis of Fair Value Measurements
					Quoted			Significant			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Unobservable
					Active			Observable			Inputs
					Markets for			Inputs
					Identical
					Assets /
					Liabilities
	September 30, 2014				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3

	Assets:

	Trading securities	$	49		$	49		$	—		$	—

	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	30			—			30			—

	Available-for-sale equity securities	11			11			—			—

	Interest rate swaps	9			—			9			—

	Put option	2			—			—			2

	Total	$	101		$	60		$	39		$	2


	Liabilities:

	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	84		$	—		$	84		$	—

	Contingent consideration	26			—			—			26

	Interest rate swaps	21			—			21			—

	Call option	6			—			—			6

	Forward starting interest rate swaps	8			—			8			—

	Total	$	145		$	—		$	113		$	32



					Basis of Fair Value Measurements
					Quoted			Significant			Significant
					Prices in			Other			Unobservable
					Active			Observable			Inputs
					Markets for			Inputs
					Identical
					Assets /
					Liabilities
	December 31, 2013				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3

	Assets:

	Trading securities	$	50		$	50		$	—		$	—

	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	29			—			29			—

	Put option	4			—			—			4

	Forward starting interest rate swaps	2			—			2			—

Total	$	85		$	50		$	31		$	4


Liabilities:

Deferred compensation liabilities	$	84		$	—		$	84		$	—

Interest rate swaps	34			—			34			—

Call option	8			—			—			8

Total	$	126		$	—		$	118		$	8

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the contingent consideration measured using significant and unobservable inputs:


		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
		(Level 3)
		Contingent Consideration
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—

	Purchases, additions and issuances	26

	Total gains (losses) - realized/unrealized:
	Included in earnings	—

	Transfers in and out of Level 3	—

	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	26

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Goodwill, Net	'
	The changes in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:


		September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	5,649			$	5,536

	Goodwill acquired during the period	377				150

	Write-off associated with sale of a business during the period	—				(37		)

	Balance at end of period	$	6,026			$	5,649

Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill	'

	Intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:



		Weighted		September 30, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Average
		Amortization
		Period
		(in years)
				Cost				Accumulated			Net		Cost		Accumulated			Net
								Amortization							Amortization
	Amortizing intangible assets:

	Customer-related intangibles	18		$	928			$	(245	)	$	683	$	670	$	(210	)	$	460

	Non-compete agreements	4		43				(35		)	8		43		(27		)	16

	Technology	14		119				(36		)	83		119		(28		)	91

	Other	8		152				(76		)	76		141		(57		)	84

	Total	16		1,242				(392		)	850		973		(322		)	651


	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

	Trade names			244				—			244		244		—			244

	Other			1				—			1		1		—			1

	Total intangible assets			$	1,487			$	(392	)	$	1,095	$	1,218	$	(322	)	$	896

Future Amortization Expense Intangible Assets	'
	The estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:



	Year Ending December 31,

	Remainder of 2014	$	24

	2015	84

	2016	74

	2017	72

	2018	64

	2019	62

	Thereafter	470

	Total	$	850

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:


		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013

	Floating Rate Senior Notes due March 2014	$	—		$	200

	5.45% Senior Notes due November 2015	500			500

	3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016	305			307

	6.40% Senior Notes due July 2017	375			375

	2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019	300			—

	4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020	520			520

	4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021	544			533

	4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024	305			—

	6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037	421			421

	5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040	439			439

	Other	45			37


	Total long-term debt	3,754			3,332

	Less: current portion of long-term debt	22			212


	Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	3,732		$	3,120

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	As of September 30, 2014, long-term debt matures as follows:



	Year Ending December 31,
	Remainder of 2014	$	4

	2015	520

	2016	309

	2017	381

	2018	4

	2019	301

	Thereafter	2,226


	Total maturities of long-term debt	3,745

	Unamortized discount	(21		)
	Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt	30


	Total long-term debt	3,754

	Current portion of long-term debt	22


	Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$	3,732

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of the fair values of derivative instruments

A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets is stated in the table below:

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

Balance Sheet

Fair Value

Balance Sheet

Fair Value

Classification

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Asset Derivatives:

Interest rate swaps

Other assets

—

Forward starting interest rate swaps

Other assets

—

Other assets

Total Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives:

Interest rate swaps

Other liabilities

Forward starting interest rate swaps

Other liabilities

—

Total Liability Derivatives

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Asset Derivatives:

Put option

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Other assets

Liability Derivatives:

Call option

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other liabilities

Total Net Derivatives Liabilities

(24

)

(36

)

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_OTHER_D1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data	'
	Supplemental cash flow data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Depreciation expense	$	55		$	49		$	164		$	152

	Amortization expense	24			20			71			59


	Interest paid	51			52			133			136

	Income taxes paid	98			127			236			332


	Assets acquired under capital leases	2			—			12			2

	Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures	12			6			12			6


	Businesses acquired:

	Fair value of assets acquired	1			—			846			241

	Fair value of liabilities assumed	(1		)	—			81			11


	Fair value of net assets acquired	2			—			765			230

	Merger consideration paid (payable), net	—			—			(30		)	(50		)


	Cash paid for business acquisitions	2			—			735			180

	Less: Cash acquired	—			—			10			—


	Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	2		$	—		$	725		$	180

Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures, Continuing Operations	'
	Supplemental continuing operations data for the statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Depreciation expense	$	55		$	48		$	164		$	151


	Interest expense	(42		)	(41		)	(124		)	(122		)
	Interest income	1			1			2			2


	Interest expense, net	$	(41	)	$	(40	)	$	(122	)	$	(120	)

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Summarized Financial Information for Discontinued Operations	'
	Summarized financial information for the discontinued operations is as follows:


		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Net revenues	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	28


	Income from discontinued operations before taxes	—		3			—		25

	Income tax (expense) benefit	—		(1		)	—		10

	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	—	$	2		$	—	$	35

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Segment Reporting Information by Segment	'
	The following table is a summary of segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Segment asset information is not presented since it is not used by the chief operating decision maker at the operating segment level. Operating earnings (loss) of each segment represents net revenues less directly identifiable expenses to arrive at operating income for the segment. General corporate activities included in the table below are comprised of general management and administrative corporate expenses, amortization of intangibles assets, other miscellaneous operating income and expenses, net of certain general corporate activity costs that are allocated to the DIS and DS businesses, and the third quarter of 2013 pre-tax gain on the sale of the ibrutinib royalty rights and the pre-tax loss on the sale of Enterix (see Note 6). The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company as set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 2 to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:

	DIS business	$	1,765		$	1,648		$	5,141		$	4,971

	All other operating segments	139			140			411			419

	Total net revenues	$	1,904		$	1,788		$	5,552		$	5,390


	Operating earnings (loss):

	DIS business	$	281		$	294		$	805		$	887

	All other operating segments	23			22			63			53

	General corporate activities	(48		)	373			(142		)	265

	Total operating income	256			689			726			1,205

	Non-operating expenses, net	(35		)	(32		)	(100		)	(95		)
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	221			657			626			1,110

	Income tax expense	82			245			234			413

	Income from continuing operations	139			412			392			697

	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			2			—			35

	Net income	139			414			392			732

	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10			9			26			26

	Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$	129		$	405		$	366		$	706

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$129	$403	$366	$671
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	2	0	35
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	129	405	366	706
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1	1	2	2
Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders - basic and diluted	$128	$402	$364	$669
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	145	150	144	153
Stock options and performance share units	0	1	1	2
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	145	151	145	155
Income from continuing operations, per basic share	$0.89	$2.68	$2.52	$4.36
Income from discontinued operations, per basic share	$0	$0.02	$0	$0.23
Net income	$0.89	$2.70	$2.52	$4.59
Income from continuing operations, per diluted share	$0.88	$2.66	$2.51	$4.32
Income from discontinued operations, per diluted share	$0	$0.02	$0	$0.23
Net income	$0.88	$2.68	$2.51	$4.55
Stock options and performance share units not included due to their antidilutive effect	0	2	3	2

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_Narra

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, including equity component	$16	$29	$35	$73
Cost of Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, including equity component	7	9	19	26
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, including equity component	9	20	16	47
Voluntary Retirement Program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee separation costs	'	1	'	5
Management Layer Reduction Initiative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee separation costs	'	1	'	20
Outsourcing Certain Aspects of Support Functions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee separation costs	'	$17	'	$17

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_PreTa

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Pre-Tax Restructuring and Integration Charges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charges	$16	$29	$35	$73
Invigorate Program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee Separation Costs	14	24	28	66
Facility-related costs	2	5	6	6
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges	0	0	1	0
Accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation	0	0	0	1
Total restructuring charges	$16	$29	$35	$73

RESTRUCTURING_ACTIVITIES_Activ

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Activities of Restructuring Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, beginning of period	$36
Current period charges	34
Cash payments	-39
Balance, end of period	31
Employee Separation Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, beginning of period	31
Current period charges	28
Cash payments	-36
Balance, end of period	23
Facility-Related Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, beginning of period	5
Current period charges	6
Cash payments	-3
Balance, end of period	$8

BUSINESS_ACQUISITION_Narrative

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 18, 2014

Apr. 16, 2014

Solstas Lab Parnters Group [Member]

Summit Health, Inc. [Member]

Steward Health Care Systems, LLC [Member] [Member]

Cost of Services [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid for acquisition

$572

$151

$34

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

725

180

563

123

Net revenues

1,904

1,788

5,552

5,390

212

Operating expenses

220

Integration and transaction related costs

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Fair Value

Cash consideration paid

572

124

Business Combination, Working Capital Adjustments

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Value High

Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs

BUSINESS_ACQUISITION_Considera

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Consideration Paid) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 18, 2014

Mar. 07, 2014

Apr. 18, 2014

Mar. 07, 2014

Apr. 18, 2014

Mar. 07, 2014

Apr. 18, 2014

Mar. 07, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Summit Health, Inc. [Member]

Solstas Lab Parnters Group [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Summit Health, Inc. [Member]

Solstas Lab Parnters Group [Member]

Summit Health, Inc. [Member]

Solstas Lab Parnters Group [Member]

Summit Health, Inc. [Member]

Solstas Lab Parnters Group [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash consideration paid

$124

$572

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Fair Value

Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs

Cash paid for acquisition

151

572

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable, net

Current deferred income taxes

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net

Goodwill

6,026

5,649

5,536

266

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

203

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

'15 years

'20 years

'4 years

'1 year

'2 years

Total intangible assets

210

Non-current deferred income taxes - Assets

Total assets acquired

161

643

Current liabilities

Non-current deferred income taxes - liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Total liabilities assumed

Net assets acquired

$151

$572

BUSINESS_ACQUISITION_Pro_Forma

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Pro forma net revenues	$1,911	$5,637	$5,740
Pro forma income from continuing operations	$417	$390	$703
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnosticsâ€™ common stockholders - basic:	'	'	'
Pro forma income from continuing operations	$2.71	$2.51	$4.40
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnosticsâ€™ common stockholders - diluted:	'	'	'
Pro forma income from continuing operations	$2.70	$2.50	$4.36

DISPOSITIONS_Details

DISPOSITIONS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Enterix [Member]	HemoCue [Member]	HemoCue [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets	$485	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of royalty rights	'	0	474	0	474	'	'	'
Loss on sale of businesses, net	'	'	'	0	17	40	'	'
Gain on disposal of business, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	$14	$14

TAXES_ON_INCOME_Details

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$82	$245	$234	$413
Gain on Sale of Royalty Rights [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	'	$176	'	$176

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 02, 2013	Apr. 18, 2014	Apr. 16, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Call Option [Member]	UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMass) [Member]	Summit Health, Inc. [Member]	Steward Health Care Systems, LLC [Member] [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of equity interest expected to be divested	'	'	'	18.90%	'	'	'	'
Vesting period for derivative instrument	'	'	'6 months	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability to be Paid	$26,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value inputs, probability of occurrence	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	95.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.50%	2.80%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Value High	'	'	'	'	25,000,000	5,000,000	'	'
Fair value of debt	4,200,000,000	3,500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Fair Value In Excess Of Carrying Value Of Debt	$349,000,000	$184,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Recogn

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Recognized Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability to be Paid	$26	'
Recurring Basis [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	49	50
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	30	29
Available-for-sale equity securities	11	'
Total assets	101	85
Deferred compensation liabilities	84	84
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability to be Paid	26	'
Total liabilities	145	126
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	49	50
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	11	'
Total assets	60	50
Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability to be Paid	0	'
Total liabilities	'	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	30	29
Available-for-sale equity securities	'	'
Total assets	39	31
Deferred compensation liabilities	84	84
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability to be Paid	0	'
Total liabilities	113	118
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	'	'
Available-for-sale equity securities	0	'
Total assets	2	4
Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Liability to be Paid	26	'
Total liabilities	32	8
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Put Option [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	2	4
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Put Option [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Put Option [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Put Option [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	2	4
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	9	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	21	34
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	'	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	9	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	21	34
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	'	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Call Option [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	6	8
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Call Option [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	'	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Call Option [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	'	0
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Call Option [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	6	8
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	2
Derivative instruments, liabilities	8	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	'	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	2
Derivative instruments, liabilities	8	'
Recurring Basis [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Reconc

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Liabilities Unobservable Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	$0
Purchases, additions and issuances	26
Included in earnings	0
Transfers in and out of Level 3	0
Ending Balance	$26

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 07, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Enterix [Member]

Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Tradenames [Member]

Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Other [Member]

Customer-related intangibles [Member]

Non-compete agreements [Member]

Technology [Member]

Other [Member]

Total Amortizing Intangible Assets [Member]

Solstas, Summit Health and Steward [Member]

Solstas Lab Parnters Group [Member]

UMass, ATN, Dignity and Con Verge Combined [Member]

Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Total intangible assets

$210

Goodwill, Balance at beginning of period

5,649

5,536

266

Goodwill acquired during the period

377

150

Goodwill impairment and write-off associated with sale of businesses during the period

Goodwill, Balance at end of period

6,026

5,649

266

Intangible assets

269

108

Goodwill deductible for tax purposes

106

135

Weighted Average Amortization Period

'18 years

'4 years

'14 years

'8 years

'16 years

Intangible assets, Cost

1,487

1,218

244

928

670

119

152

141

1,242

973

Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization

-392

-322

-245

-210

-35

-27

-36

-28

-76

-57

-392

-322

Amortizing intangible assets, Net

1,095

896

244

683

460

850

651

Amortization expense related to intangible assets

Remainder of 2014

Future Amortization Expense, 2015

Future Amortization Expense, 2016

Future Amortization Expense, 2017

Future Amortization Expense, 2018

Future Amortization Expense, 2019

Future Amortization Expense, Thereafter

470

Future Amortization Expense, Total

$850

DEBT_Narrative_Details

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt offering amount	$600
Unamortized discount	21
Debt issuance cost	5
2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt offering amount	300
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.70%
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt offering amount	300
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.25%
Unamortized discount	$1

DEBT_LongTerm_Debt_Details

DEBT (Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$3,754	$3,332
Less: current portion of long-term debt	22	212
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	3,732	3,120
Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	0	200
5.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	500	500
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.45%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Nov-15	'
3.20% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	305	307
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.20%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Apr-16	'
6.40% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	375	375
Debt instrument, interest rate	6.40%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Jul-17	'
2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	300	0
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.70%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Apr-19	'
4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	520	520
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.75%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	30-Jan-20	'
4.70% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	544	533
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.70%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Apr-21	'
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	305	0
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.25%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Apr-24	'
6.95% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	421	421
Debt instrument, interest rate	6.95%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Jul-37	'
5.75% Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	439	439
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.75%	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	30-Jan-40	'
Other Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Other	$45	$37
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate	0.75%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.63%	'

DEBT_Senior_Unsecured_Revolvin

DEBT (Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$62	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate	0.75%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.63%	'
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility capacity	150	'
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	1	'
Unsecured Debt [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility capacity	750	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Apr-19	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$0	$0
Unsecured Debt [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| LIBOR [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate in excess of LIBOR	1.13%	'

DEBT_Maturities_of_LongTerm_De

DEBT (Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'	'
Remainder of 2014	$4	'
2015	520	'
2016	309	'
2017	381	'
2018	4	'
2019	301	'
Thereafter	2,226	'
Total maturities of debt	3,745	'
Unamortized discount	-21	'
Debt Instrument, fair value basis adjustment attributable to hedged debt	30	'
Total long-term debt	3,754	3,332
Current portion of long-term debt	22	212
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$3,732	'

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Narrativ

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2012

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Treasury Lock [Member]

Forward Contracts [Member]

One-Month LIBOR [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Fair Value Hedging [Member]

Six-Month LIBOR [Member]

One-Month LIBOR [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Notional amount of interest rate derivatives

$175

$150

$550

$250

$400

$200

Derivative, Maturity Date

28-Mar-14

Fixed interest rate

3.57%

3.79%

Term of contract

'21 months

'24 months

Accumulated net loss from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Net amount of deferred gains and losses on cash flow hedges that is expected to be reclassified within the next 12 months

Variable interest rate

2.30%

1.54%

3.40%

2.45%

1.59%

5.10%

2.46%

3.60%

Derivative instruments, liabilities

Derivative asset

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_Summary_

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary of Fair Value of Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total Net Derivatives Liabilities	($24)	($36)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	9	2
Liability Derivatives	29	34
Other Assets [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	9	0
Other Assets [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	0	2
Other Assets [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Put Option [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	2	4
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	21	34
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	8	0
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Call Option [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	$6	$8

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Narrative_

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Share Repurchases Open Market [Member]

Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Second Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Stockholder's Equity Narrative [Details]

Dividend program

$0.33

$0.30

$0.33

$0.30

$0.33

$0.30

Treasury stock aquired repurchase program

$1,000,000,000

Share repurchase authorization remaining available

1,300,000,000

746,000,000

Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase, final purchase price

450,000,000

350,000,000

Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase final shares

7.6

Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase, final purchase price, per share

$59.46

Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase initial shares

7.2

4.7

Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase, initial price per share

$59.93

Treasury stock expected to be repurchased as percent

80.00%

Accelerated share repurchase arrangement adjustment, shares

0.4

Treasury stock shares acquired

0.4

2.2

1.5

3.3

Treasury stock acquired average cost per share

$62.03

$59.06

$56.84

$58.66

Treasury stock value acquired cost method

82,000,000

994,000,000

25,000,000

132,000,000

82,000,000

194,000,000

Reissuance of shares for employee benefit plan

0.6

0.8

1.4

2.3

Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase, initial aggregate cost

405,000,000

280,000,000

Accelerated share repurchase program, adjustment

$45,000,000

$70,000,000

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_OTHER_D2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$55	$49	$164	$152
Amortization expense	24	20	71	59
Interest paid	51	52	133	136
Income taxes paid	98	127	236	332
Assets acquired under capital leases	2	0	12	2
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures	12	6	12	6
Fair value of assets acquired	1	'	846	241
Fair value of liabilities assumed	-1	0	81	11
Fair value of net assets acquired	2	'	765	230
Merger consideration paid (payable), net	0	'	-30	-50
Cash paid for business acquisitions	2	'	735	180
Less: Cash acquired	0	0	10	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$2	'	$725	$180

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_OTHER_D3

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Continuing Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$55	$49	$164	$152
Interest expense, net	-41	-40	-122	-120
Segment, Continuing Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	55	48	164	151
Interest expense	-42	-41	-124	-122
Interest income	1	1	2	2
Interest expense, net	($41)	($40)	($122)	($120)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Line of Credit [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of credit	$85	'	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	'	18-Nov-14
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	62	'	'
Litigation reserves	11	5	'
Self-insurance reserves	$126	$121	'

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	HemoCue [Member]	HemoCue [Member]	NID [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposal of business, net of tax	'	'	'	'	$14	$14	'
Discrete tax benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	20
Net revenues	0	0	0	28	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations before taxes	0	3	0	25	'	'	'
Income tax benefit	0	-1	0	10	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$0	$2	$0	$35	'	'	'

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_D

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of net revenues from the DIS business	'	'	90.00%	90.00%
Total net revenues	$1,904	$1,788	$5,552	$5,390
Total operating income	256	689	726	1,205
Non-operating expenses, net	-35	-32	-100	-95
Income from continuing operations before taxes	221	657	626	1,110
Income tax expense	82	245	234	413
Income from continuing operations	139	412	392	697
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	2	0	35
Net income	139	414	392	732
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	9	26	26
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	129	405	366	706
DIS business	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total net revenues	1,765	1,648	5,141	4,971
Total operating income	281	294	805	887
All other operating segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total net revenues	139	140	411	419
Total operating income	23	22	63	53
General corporate expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total operating income	($48)	$373	($142)	$265