Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 10-Q 29 Oct 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 22, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,022,079
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		143,349,705

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 1,880	$ 1,904	$ 5,644	$ 5,552
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of services	1,162	1,178	3,507	3,453
Selling, general and administrative	402	446	1,250	1,301
Amortization expense	20	24	61	71
Gain on contribution of business to joint venture	(334)	0	(334)	0
Other operating (income) expense, net	(1)	0	0	1
Total operating costs and expenses	1,249	1,648	4,484	4,826
Operating income	631	256	1,160	726
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(35)	(41)	(117)	(122)
Other (expense) income, net	(4)	(1)	(146)	3
Total non-operating expenses, net	(39)	(42)	(263)	(119)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees	592	214	897	607
Income tax expense	(239)	(82)	(359)	(234)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes	1	7	15	19
Net income	354	139	553	392
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12	10	32	26
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 342	$ 129	$ 521	$ 366
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:
Basic (per share)	$ 2.37	$ 0.89	$ 3.61	$ 2.52
Diluted (per share)	$ 2.35	$ 0.88	$ 3.58	$ 2.51
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	144	145	144	144
Diluted (in Shares)	145	145	145	145
Dividends per common share	$ 0.38	$ 0.33	$ 1.14	$ 0.99

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 354	$ 139	$ 553	$ 392
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Currency translation	(5)	(5)	(7)	(3)
Market valuation, net of taxes	(2)	(2)	0	1
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of taxes	1	0	3	(5)
Other comprehensive loss	(6)	(7)	(4)	(7)
Comprehensive income	348	132	549	385
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12	10	32	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 336	$ 122	$ 517	$ 359

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 123	$ 192
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $267 and $250 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	914	932
Inventories	86	110
Deferred income taxes	165	169
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	194	186
Assets held for sale	166	14
Total current assets	1,648	1,603
Property, plant and equipment, net	886	933
Goodwill	5,895	6,032
Intangible assets, net	1,004	1,071
Investment in equity method investees	478	46
Other assets	163	172
Total assets	10,074	9,857
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	973	1,191
Current portion of long-term debt	160	518
Total current liabilities	1,133	1,709
Long-term debt	3,571	3,224
Other liabilities	680	594
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	69	0
Quest Diagnostics stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 600 shares authorized at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; 216 shares and 215 shares issued at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	2,469	2,418
Retained earnings	6,066	5,723
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(31)	(27)
Treasury stock, at cost; 72 shares and 71 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	(3,917)	(3,815)
Total Quest Diagnostics stockholders' equity	4,589	4,301
Noncontrolling interests	32	29
Total stockholders' equity	4,621	4,330
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 10,074	$ 9,857

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 267	$ 250
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600	600
Common stock, shares, issued	216	215
Treasury stock, shares	72	71

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 553	$ 392
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	230	235
Provision for doubtful accounts	232	224
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	138	(21)
Stock-based compensation expense	39	38
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	(4)	0
Gain on contribution of business to joint venture	(334)	0
Other, net	(4)	(5)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(214)	(260)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(41)	20
Income taxes payable	(15)	22
Other assets and liabilities, net	(41)	(10)
Net cash provided by operating activities	539	635
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(41)	(725)
Capital expenditures	(169)	(219)
Investment in equity method investee	(37)	0
Decrease in investments and other assets	10	10
Net cash used in investing activities	(237)	(934)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	2,214	1,953
Repayments of debt	(2,235)	(1,466)
Purchases of treasury stock	(174)	(82)
Exercise of stock options	58	55
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	4	0
Dividends paid	(158)	(139)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(28)	(23)
Sale of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	51	0
Payment of deferred business acquisition consideration	(51)	0
Other financing activities, net	(52)	(16)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(371)	282
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(69)	(17)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	192	187
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 123	$ 170

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock, at Cost	Non-controlling Interests
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 3,973	$ 2	$ 2,379	$ 5,358	$ (8)	$ (3,783)	$ 25
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		144
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	392			366			26
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(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
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2014	4,330	$ 2	2,418	5,723	(27)	(3,815)	29
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		144
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	552			521			31
Net income	553
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(4)				(4)
Dividends declared	(164)			(164)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(28)						(28)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, value	17		5			12
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, shares		1
Stock-based compensation expense	39		$ 37			2
Exercise of stock options, value	58					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	4		4
Purchases of treasury stock, value	(174)					(174)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares		(2)
Sale of redeembable noncontrolling interest	11		11
Adjustment to fair value	(14)			(14)
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2015	4,621	$ 2	$ 2,469	$ 6,066	$ (31)	$ (3,917)	$ 32
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015		144
Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2014	0
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest [Abstract]
Net income	1
Sale of redeembable noncontrolling interest	54
Adjustment to fair value	14
Balance, Value at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 69

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Description of Business (Abstract)
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Background Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its subsidiaries ("Quest Diagnostics" or the "Company") empower people to take action to improve health outcomes. The Company uses its extensive database of clinical lab results to derive diagnostic insights that reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. The Company's diagnostic information services business ("DIS") provides insights through clinical testing and related services to patients, physicians, hospitals, accountable care organizations ("ACOs"), integrated delivery networks ("IDNs"), health plans, employers and others. The Company offers the broadest access in the United States to diagnostic information services through its nationwide network of laboratories, Company-owned patient service centers and phlebotomists in physician offices. The Company is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, including routine clinical testing, gene-based and esoteric testing, anatomic pathology services and drugs-of-abuse testing, as well as related services and insights. The Company provides interpretive consultation through the organization, with one of the largest medical and scientific staffs in the industry and hundreds of M.D.s and Ph.D.s, 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 as well as a leading provider of central laboratory testing for clinical trials (see Note 6 regarding the contribution of the clinical trials testing business to a newly formed joint venture effective July 1, 2015). The Company's diagnostics products business manufactures and markets diagnostic products. In addition, the Company offers healthcare organizations, clinicians and patients robust information technology solutions.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2014 , but does not include all the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Reclassifications Prior to the Company's clinical trials central laboratory services joint venture, Q 2 Solutions, the earnings of the Company's equity method investees consisted of earnings that were not directly taxable to the investees, in which case it was appropriate to present equity in earnings of equity method investees before income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The earnings of Q 2 Solutions, which closed on July 1, 2015, includes earnings that are directly taxable to the joint venture. As a result of the Q 2 Solutions transaction, the current period presentation of equity in earnings of equity method investees is required to be presented below income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company's equity in earnings of equity method investees on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. In addition as a result of the current period presentation of investment in equity method investees on the consolidated balance sheet, the Company's investment in equity method investees as of December 31, 2014 has been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. For further details regarding the Company's investment in Q 2 Solutions, see Note 6. As a result of the classification of certain non-core assets as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet in the current period, current assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 were reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. For further details regarding assets held for sale, see Note 6. As a result of the early adoption of the accounting standard update (“ASU”) associated with classification of debt issuance costs, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform with the current period presentation. For further details regarding the impact of the ASU, see Adoption of New Accounting Standards . 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, 2015, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the presentation and reporting of discontinued operations, including the disposals of components of an entity. The standard 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 standard 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. The impact of this standard on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures will be assessed as part of any future disposal activity. In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction to the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company adopted this standard in the second quarter of 2015 and applied the standard retrospectively. Adoption of this standard has resulted in the reclassification of $20 million of unamortized debt issuance costs from other assets to a reduction of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014. New Accounting Pronouncements 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. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this ASU to the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2017. The ASU can be applied using a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective method of adoption. 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. In February 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which makes targeted amendments to the current consolidation guidance for variable interest entities and limited partnerships and similar entities. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 with the option of using a full retrospective or a modified retrospective method. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which provides guidance in determining whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If it is determined that a cloud computing arrangement does include a software license, the software element of the arrangement should be accounted for consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, it should be accounted for as a service contract. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 and can be applied prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date or retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In September 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts after the effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ stockholders: Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 342 $ 129 $ 521 $ 366 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 2 1 3 2 Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted $ 340 $ 128 $ 518 $ 364 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 144 145 144 144 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and performance share units 1 — 1 1 Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 145 145 145 145 Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders: Basic $ 2.37 $ 0.89 $ 3.61 $ 2.52 Diluted $ 2.35 $ 0.88 $ 3.58 $ 2.51 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock options and performance share units 2 — 2 3

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	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. Invigorate has consisted of several flagship programs, with structured plans in each, to drive savings and improve performance across the customer value chain. These flagship programs include: organization excellence; information technology excellence; procurement excellence; service excellence; lab excellence; and billing excellence. From 2012 through 2014, the Invigorate program was intended to partially offset reimbursement pressures and labor and benefit cost increases; free up additional resources to invest in science, innovation and other growth initiatives; and enable us to improve service quality and operating profitability. In January 2015, the Company adopted a course of action related to its multi-year Invigorate program to further reduce its cost structure through 2017. This multi-year course of action continues to focus on the flagship program opportunities and new key opportunities such as: standardizing processes, information technology systems, equipment and data; enhancing electronic enabling services; and enhancing reimbursement for work performed. The estimated pre-tax charges expected to be incurred in 2015 in connection with this course of action are now expected to be: $35 million to $40 million of employee separation costs and up to $5 million of facility-related costs and asset impairment 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, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Employee separation costs $ 14 $ 14 $ 35 $ 28 Facility-related costs 1 2 1 6 Asset impairment charges — — — 1 Total restructuring charges $ 15 $ 16 $ 36 $ 35 Total restructuring charges incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are primarily associated with various workforce reduction initiatives as the Company continues to simplify and restructure its organization. Of the total $15 million in restructuring charges incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015 , $12 million and $3 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the total $36 million in restructuring charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $29 million and $7 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Total restructuring charges incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are primarily associated with various workforce reduction initiatives as the Company continued 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. Charges for all periods presented were primarily recorded in the Company's DIS business. The following table summarizes activity in the restructuring liability as of September 30, 2015 , which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet: Employee Separation Costs Facility-Related Costs Total Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 18 $ 11 $ 29 Current period charges 35 1 36 Less: Cash payments (29 ) (5 ) (34 ) Other / adjustments — (3 ) (3 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ 24 $ 4 $ 28

BUSINESS ACQUISITION

BUSINESS ACQUISITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITION	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Acquisition of MemorialCare Health System's Laboratory Outreach Business On August 3, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of MemorialCare Health System's laboratory outreach business ("MemorialCare") in an all-cash transaction valued at $35 million . The assets acquired primarily represent deductible goodwill and intangible assets, principally comprised of customer-related intangibles. 2014 Acquisitions In the first quarter of 2015, the Company finalized the purchase price allocations associated with the 2014 acquisitions of Solstas Lab Partners Group ("Solstas") and Summit Health, Inc. ("Summit Health"). The purchase price allocation adjustments recorded in 2015 were not material. For further details regarding the Company's 2014 acquisitions, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For further details regarding the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration associated with the Summit Health and Steward Health Care Systems, LLC ("Steward") acquisitions, see Note 7.

DISPOSITION AND HELD FOR SALE

DISPOSITION AND HELD FOR SALE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
DISPOSITION AND HELD FOR SALE	DISPOSITION AND HELD FOR SALE Contribution of Clinical Trials Business On March 30, 2015, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Quintiles Transnational Holdings Inc. to form a global clinical trials central laboratory services joint venture, Q 2 Solutions. The transaction closed on July 1, 2015. In connection with the transaction, the Company contributed certain assets of its clinical trials testing business ("Clinical Trials") and $37 million of cash to the newly formed joint venture in exchange for a non-controlling, 40% ownership interest. The assets of Clinical Trials contributed to the joint venture, principally consisting of property, plant and equipment and goodwill, were classified as non-current assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2015 and were contributed to Q 2 Solutions upon closing of the transaction. Subsequent to closing, the Company's ownership interest in the the joint venture is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. At September 30, 2015 , the investment in Q 2 Solutions had a carrying value of $422 million . During the third quarter of 2015, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $334 million based on the difference between the fair value of the Company's equity interest in the newly formed joint venture over the carrying value of the assets contributed. The fair value of the Company's equity interest was determined using discounted cash flows. In connection with the gain, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of $145 million . Upon formation, the Company's investment in Q 2 Solutions exceeded its equity in the underlying net assets by approximately $219 million . This basis difference is attributable to finite-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill of the joint venture. The basis difference associated with the finite-lived assets of $75 million is being amortized over a weighted average useful life of 8 years as a reduction to the carrying value of the investment in equity method investees and corresponding reduction in equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes. Assets Held for Sale During the third quarter of 2015, the Company classified certain non-core assets as held for sale. The assets consist of $113 million of goodwill, with the remainder consisting of property, plant and equipment, inventories and intangible assets and are classified as current assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as at September 30, 2015. Clinical Trials, prior to July 1, 2015, and the non-core assets held for sale are included in all other operating segments and have not been classified as discontinued operations. For further details regarding business segment information, see Note 14.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis 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 Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs September 30, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 46 $ 46 $ — $ — Interest rate swaps 34 — 34 — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 28 — 28 — Available-for-sale equity securities 7 7 — — Total $ 115 $ 53 $ 62 $ — Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 81 $ — $ 81 $ — Contingent consideration 3 — — 3 Total $ 84 $ — $ 81 $ 3 Basis of Fair Value Measurements Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 49 $ 49 $ — $ — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 30 — 30 — Interest rate swaps 17 — 17 — Available-for-sale equity securities 9 9 — — Put option 1 — — 1 Total $ 106 $ 58 $ 47 $ 1 Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 85 $ — $ 85 $ — Contingent consideration 17 — — 17 Forward starting interest rate swaps 15 — 15 — Interest rate swaps 13 — 13 — Call option 5 — — 5 Total $ 135 $ — $ 113 $ 22 A full description regarding the Company's fair value measurements is contained in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in non-qualified supplemental deferred compensation plans. A participant's deferrals, together with Company matching credits, are invested in a variety of participant-directed stock and bond mutual funds that are classified as trading securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the trading securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2 because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to the trading securities. The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation program. A participant's deferrals, together with Company matching credits, are “invested” at the direction of the employee in a hypothetical portfolio of investments which are tracked by an administrator. The Company purchases life insurance policies, with the Company named as beneficiary of the policies, for the purpose of funding the program's liability. Changes in the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies are based upon earnings and changes in the value of the underlying investments. Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation obligation are derived using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units. The cash surrender value and the deferred compensation obligations are classified within Level 2 because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to the hypothetical investments. 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. Investment in available-for-sale equity securities represents an investment in registered shares of a publicly-held company listed on the Euronext Paris exchange. 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. In connection with the acquisition of certain businesses from UMass Memorial Medical Center ("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 whose fair values have been measured using a combination of discounted cash flows and the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. On July 1, 2015, UMass exercised its call option, acquiring an 18.9% noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary of the Company that performs diagnostic information services in a defined territory within the state of Massachusetts. In connection with the transaction, the Company paid the $50 million deferred consideration associated with the January 2, 2013 acquisition of the Massachusetts-based clinical outreach and anatomic pathology businesses from UMass and received $50 million associated with the call option exercise price. The put option expired unexercised. In April 2014, and as further detailed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company completed the acquisitions of Summit Health and Steward. In connection with these acquisitions the Company initially 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 initial probability estimate of the occurrence of such triggering events associated with the amounts the Company could be obligated to pay in future periods for both Summit Health and Steward was between 5% and 95% . The probability-weighted cash flows were then discounted using a discount rate of 1.5% to 2.8% . The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration associated with Summit Health was reduced to $13 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and $0 in the second quarter of 2015. These reductions were a result of updated revenue forecasts for 2015 compared to the earn-out target included in the contingent consideration arrangement. The contingent consideration associated with Summit Health, if earned, would be paid in the first quarter of 2016, with a maximum payment of $25 million. The remaining contingent consideration associated with Steward is projected to be paid out in three equal annual installments, with a maximum payout of $4 million. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Assets Liabilities Put Option Derivative Asset Contingent Consideration Call Option Derivative Liability Total Liabilities Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 1 $ 17 $ 5 $ 22 Settlements — (1 ) (4 ) (5 ) Total gains/losses - realized/unrealized: Included in earnings (1 ) (13 ) (1 ) (14 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ — $ 3 $ — $ 3 The $13 million gain included in earnings associated with the change in the fair value of contingent consideration for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is reported in other operating (income) expense, net. 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, 2015 , the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $3.8 billion , which exceeded the carrying value by $116 million . At December 31, 2014 , the fair value of the Company's debt was estimated at $4.2 billion , which exceeded the carrying value by $416 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, 2015
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, 2015 and for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, December 31, Balance, beginning of period $ 6,032 $ 5,649 Goodwill acquired during the period 23 383 Reclassification to assets held for sale (160 ) — Balance, end of period $ 5,895 $ 6,032 Principally all of the Company’s goodwill as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is associated with its DIS business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , goodwill acquired during the period was principally associated with the acquisition of MemorialCare (see Note 5) and reclassification to assets held for sale was principally associated with Clinical Trials and non-core assets (see Note 6). For the year ended December 31, 2014 , goodwill acquired was principally associated with the Solstas, Summit Health, and Steward acquisitions. Acquisitions during 2014 also resulted in $270 million of intangible assets, principally comprised of customer-related intangibles and trade names. For further details regarding the Company's 2014 acquisitions, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Intangible assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizing intangible assets: Customer-related intangibles 19 $ 926 $ (283 ) $ 643 $ 929 $ (259 ) $ 670 Non-compete agreements 5 6 (3 ) 3 43 (37 ) 6 Technology 14 117 (45 ) 72 118 (38 ) 80 Other 9 105 (55 ) 50 152 (82 ) 70 Total 17 1,154 (386 ) 768 1,242 (416 ) 826 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 235 — 235 244 — 244 Other 1 — 1 1 — 1 Total intangible assets $ 1,390 $ (386 ) $ 1,004 $ 1,487 $ (416 ) $ 1,071 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , intangible assets with a net book value of $16 million (original cost of $48 million and accumulated amortization of $32 million ), principally associated with Clinical Trials and non-core assets (see Note 6), were reclassified to assets held for sale. During the second quarter of 2015, a fully amortized contractual non-compete agreement (cost of $37 million and accumulated amortization of $37 million ) that expired was written-off. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $20 million and $24 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , amortization expense related to intangible assets was $61 million and $71 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, 2015 is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Remainder of 2015 $ 19 2016 72 2017 68 2018 63 2019 63 2020 63 Thereafter 420 Total $ 768

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Long-Term Debt Long-term debt at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: September 30, December 31, Secured Receivables Credit Facility (0.93% at September 30, 2015) $ 60 $ — 5.45% Senior Notes due November 2015 — 500 3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 151 304 6.40% Senior Notes due July 2017 — 375 2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019 300 300 4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 527 524 2.50% Senior Notes due March 2020 299 — 4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 561 549 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 318 311 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 603 — 6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037 246 421 5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040 368 439 4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045 300 — Other 24 39 Debt issuance costs (26 ) (20 ) Total long-term debt 3,731 3,742 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 160 518 Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 3,571 $ 3,224 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt At September 30, 2015, current portion of long-term debt was principally comprised of the 3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016. At December 31, 2014, current portion of long-term debt was principally comprised of the 5.45% Senior Notes due November 2015. 2015 Senior Notes Offering In March 2015, the Company completed a $1.2 billion senior notes offering (the “2015 Senior Notes”) that was sold in three tranches: (a) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% senior notes due March 2020, issued at a discount of $1 million ; (b) $600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior notes due March 2025; and (c) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.70% senior notes due March 2045. 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 $11 million of costs associated with the 2015 Senior Notes, which is included as a reduction to the carrying amount of long-term debt and is being amortized over the term of the related debt. Retirement of Debt In March 2015, the Company commenced a cash tender offer to purchase up to $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037 and 5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040 using a portion of the proceeds from the 2015 Senior Notes. The Company repurchased $176 million of its 6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037 and $74 million of its 5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040. In April 2015, the Company redeemed all of the 5.45% Senior Notes due November 2015, $150 million of the 3.2% Senior Notes due April 2016 and all of the 6.4% Senior Notes due July 2017 with the remaining proceeds from the 2015 Senior Notes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded a loss on retirement of debt in other (expense) income, net of $144 million , principally comprised of premiums paid in connection with these transactions. Maturities of Long-Term Debt As of September 30, 2015 , long-term debt matures as follows: Year Ending December 31, Remainder of 2015 $ 3 2016 219 2017 6 2018 4 2019 302 2020 801 Thereafter 2,375 Total maturities of long-term debt 3,710 Unamortized discount (17 ) Debt issuance costs (26 ) Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt 64 Total long-term debt 3,731 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 160 Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 3,571 For further discussion regarding the Company's debt, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates and, from time to time, 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, net. Interest Rate Derivatives – Cash Flow Hedges From time to 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. During the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, the Company entered into various forward starting interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $150 million which were accounted for as cash flow hedges. In connection with the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes, all of these agreements were settled and the Company paid $17 million . These losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense, net over the term of the Senior Notes due 2025. In March 2015, the Company entered into interest rate lock agreements with several financial institutions for a total notional amount of $350 million which were accounted for as cash flow hedges. These agreements were entered into to hedge a portion of the Company’s interest rate exposure associated with variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in the five-year, ten-year and thirty-year treasury rates related to the planned issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes. In connection with the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes, these agreements were settled and the Company received $3 million . These gains are deferred in stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense, net over the term of the respective senior notes. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $12 million and $15 million , respectively. The loss recognized on the Company's cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , 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, net within the next twelve months is $3 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. A summary of the notional amounts of these interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: Notional Amount Debt Instrument Floating Rate Paid by the Company September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 Six-month LIBOR plus a 2.3% spread $ — $ 200 4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 One-month LIBOR plus a 3.6% spread 350 350 4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 One-month LIBOR plus a 2.45% to 3.39% spread 400 400 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 One-month LIBOR plus a 1.54% to 1.59% spread 250 250 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 One-month LIBOR plus a 1.44% spread 200 — $ 1,200 $ 1,200 In April 2015, the Company terminated the outstanding interest rate swaps associated with the Senior Notes due 2016. The value of these interest rate swaps at the date of termination was not material. The net amount of losses on fair value hedges related to the Senior Notes due 2016 reclassified into earnings upon redemption for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was not material. Since inception, the fair value hedges have been effective or highly effective; therefore, there is no impact on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 as a result of hedge ineffectiveness. Interest Rate Derivatives - Economic Hedges In March 2015, in connection with the retirement of debt discussed in Note 9, the Company entered into reverse interest rate lock agreements with several financial institutions which were not designated for hedge accounting. The Company entered into these agreements to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with $280 million of the $1.3 billion principal amount of debt that was retired in the first and second quarters of 2015. These agreements were settled during the first and second quarters of 2015 which resulted in a gain of $3 million which was recognized in other (expense) income, net. A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets is stated in the table below: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset Derivatives: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 34 Other assets $ 17 Liability Derivatives: Interest rate swaps — Other liabilities 13 Forward starting interest rate swaps — Other liabilities 15 Total Liability Derivatives — 28 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset Derivatives: Put option — Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 Liability Derivatives: Call option — Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5 Total Net Derivatives Assets (Liabilities) $ 34 $ (15 ) 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND REDEEM

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 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 10). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the tax effects related to the market valuation adjustments and deferred losses 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 2015 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per common share. During each of the quarters of 2014 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per common share. Share Repurchase Program At September 30, 2015 , $522 million remained available under the Company’s share repurchase authorizations. The share repurchase authorization has no set expiration or termination date. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company repurchased 0.3 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $69.24 per share for $25 million . For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company repurchased 2.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $71.27 per share for $174 million . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company reissued 0.1 million shares and 1.3 million shares, respectively, for employee benefit plans. 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 a total of $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 a total of $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. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest On July 1, 2015, UMass exercised its call option, acquiring an 18.9% noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary of the Company that performs diagnostic information services in a defined territory within the state of Massachusetts. Under the terms of the transaction, UMass has the right to require the Company to purchase all of its interest in the subsidiary at fair value commencing July 1, 2020. Since the redemption of the noncontrolling interest is outside of the Company's control, it has been presented outside of stockholders' equity at the greater of its carrying amount or its fair value. The Company will record changes in the fair value of the noncontrolling interest immediately as they occur. At September 30, 2015 , the redeemable noncontrolling interest was $69 million and was presented at its fair value, representing the total consideration received from UMass to acquire its 18.9% noncontrolling interest in the subsidiary.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA Supplemental cash flow and other data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Depreciation expense $ 57 $ 55 $ 169 $ 164 Amortization expense 20 24 61 71 Depreciation and amortization expense $ 77 $ 79 $ 230 $ 235 Interest expense $ (35 ) $ (42 ) $ (118 ) $ (124 ) Interest income — 1 1 2 Interest expense, net $ (35 ) $ (41 ) $ (117 ) $ (122 ) Interest paid $ 52 $ 51 $ 151 $ 133 Income taxes paid 140 98 249 236 Assets acquired under capital leases — 2 2 12 Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures 11 12 11 12 Dividends payable $ 55 $ 48 $ 55 $ 48 Businesses acquired: Fair value of assets acquired $ 35 $ 1 $ 37 $ 846 Fair value of liabilities assumed — (1 ) — 81 Fair value of net assets acquired 35 2 37 765 Merger consideration paid (payable), net — — 4 (30 ) Cash paid for business acquisitions 35 2 41 735 Less: Cash acquired — — — 10 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 35 $ 2 $ 41 $ 725

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 matures on November 17, 2015 . The Company can also issue letters of credit under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility. For further discussion regarding the Company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In support of its risk management program, to ensure the Company’s performance or payment to third parties, $67 million in letters of credit, principally associated with the Letter of Credit Line, were outstanding at September 30, 2015 . The letters of credit primarily represent collateral for current and future automobile liability and workers’ compensation loss payments. Contingent Lease Obligations The Company remains 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 17 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details. Settlements 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. Celera and the director and officer defendants have reached an agreement to settle this action, which the court has preliminarily approved. The settlement is fully covered by insurance. 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 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 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's motion to dismiss the state's amended complaint was denied. In April 2015, a qui tam civil lawsuit entitled United States ex rel. Mayes v. Berkeley HeartLab, Inc. , et al., filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, was unsealed. The complaint alleges that certain alleged business practices of the defendants violate the False Claims Act, and seeks monetary relief. The United States has intervened as a plaintiff as to Berkeley HeartLab, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company and filed a complaint in intervention; the United States did not intervene as a plaintiff as to Quest Diagnostics Incorporated. 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, 2015 , the Company does not believe that any losses related to the legal matters described above are probable. 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, totaled $10 million and $11 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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 $121 million and $113 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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.

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company's DIS business provides insights through clinical testing and related services to patients, physicians, hospitals, ACOs, IDNs, health plans, employers and others. The Company is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, including routine clinical testing, gene-based and esoteric testing, anatomic pathology services and drugs-of-abuse testing, as well as related services and insights. The DIS business accounted for greater than 90% of net revenues in 2015 and 2014 . All other operating segments include the Company's DS businesses, which consists of its risk assessment services, clinical trials testing, diagnostic products and healthcare information technology businesses (see Note 6 regarding the contribution of the clinical trials testing business to a newly formed joint venture effective July 1, 2015 and non-core assets held for sale). The Company's DS businesses offer a variety of solutions for life insurers, healthcare providers and others. The Company provides risk assessment services, testing for clinical trials, robust information technology solutions and diagnostic products. During 2015, the Company acquired MemorialCare, which is included in the Company's DIS business (see Note 5). During 2014, the Company acquired Solstas, Summit Health and Steward, which are included in the Company's DIS business. At September 30, 2015 , 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, 2015 and 2014 . 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 (loss) for the segment. General corporate activities included in the table below are comprised of general management and administrative corporate expenses, amortization or impairment of intangibles assets, other 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 2015 pre-tax gain on contribution of business to joint venture (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 2014 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net revenues: DIS business $ 1,764 $ 1,765 $ 5,227 $ 5,141 All other operating segments 116 139 417 411 Total net revenues $ 1,880 $ 1,904 $ 5,644 $ 5,552 Operating earnings (loss): DIS business $ 294 $ 281 $ 838 $ 805 All other operating segments 30 23 86 63 General corporate activities 307 (48 ) 236 (142 ) Total operating income 631 256 1,160 726 Non-operating expenses, net (39 ) (42 ) (263 ) (119 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees 592 214 897 607 Income tax expense (239 ) (82 ) (359 ) (234 ) Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes 1 7 15 19 Net income 354 139 553 392 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 12 10 32 26 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 342 $ 129 $ 521 $ 366

RELATED PARTIES

RELATED PARTIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTIES The Company's equity method investees primarily consist of its clinical trials central laboratory services joint venture and its diagnostic information services joint ventures, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized net revenues of $8 million and $23 million , respectively, associated with diagnostic information services provided to its equity method investees. As of September 30, 2015, there was $4 million of accounts receivable from equity method investees on the consolidated balance sheet related to such services. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized $14 million and $17 million of income, respectively, associated with the performance of certain corporate services, including transition services, for its equity method investees, classified within selling, general and administrative expenses. As of September 30, 2015, there was $29 million of other receivables from equity method investees included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet primarily related to these service agreements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN23

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2014 , but does not include all the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
Reclassifications	Prior to the Company's clinical trials central laboratory services joint venture, Q 2 Solutions, the earnings of the Company's equity method investees consisted of earnings that were not directly taxable to the investees, in which case it was appropriate to present equity in earnings of equity method investees before income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The earnings of Q 2 Solutions, which closed on July 1, 2015, includes earnings that are directly taxable to the joint venture. As a result of the Q 2 Solutions transaction, the current period presentation of equity in earnings of equity method investees is required to be presented below income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company's equity in earnings of equity method investees on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. In addition as a result of the current period presentation of investment in equity method investees on the consolidated balance sheet, the Company's investment in equity method investees as of December 31, 2014 has been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. For further details regarding the Company's investment in Q 2 Solutions, see Note 6. As a result of the classification of certain non-core assets as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet in the current period, current assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 were reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. For further details regarding assets held for sale, see Note 6. As a result of the early adoption of the accounting standard update (“ASU”) associated with classification of debt issuance costs, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform with the current period presentation. For further details regarding the impact of the ASU, see Adoption of New Accounting Standards .
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.
New Accounting Standards	Adoption of New Accounting Standards On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") related to the presentation and reporting of discontinued operations, including the disposals of components of an entity. The standard 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 standard 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. The impact of this standard on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures will be assessed as part of any future disposal activity. In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction to the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company adopted this standard in the second quarter of 2015 and applied the standard retrospectively. Adoption of this standard has resulted in the reclassification of $20 million of unamortized debt issuance costs from other assets to a reduction of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014. New Accounting Pronouncements 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. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this ASU to the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2017. The ASU can be applied using a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective method of adoption. 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. In February 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which makes targeted amendments to the current consolidation guidance for variable interest entities and limited partnerships and similar entities. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 with the option of using a full retrospective or a modified retrospective method. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which provides guidance in determining whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If it is determined that a cloud computing arrangement does include a software license, the software element of the arrangement should be accounted for consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, it should be accounted for as a service contract. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 and can be applied prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date or retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In September 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts after the effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Derivative Financial Instruments	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to market risks for changes in interest rates and, from time to time, 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, net.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ stockholders: Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 342 $ 129 $ 521 $ 366 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 2 1 3 2 Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted $ 340 $ 128 $ 518 $ 364 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 144 145 144 144 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and performance share units 1 — 1 1 Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 145 145 145 145 Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders: Basic $ 2.37 $ 0.89 $ 3.61 $ 2.52 Diluted $ 2.35 $ 0.88 $ 3.58 $ 2.51
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock options and performance share units 2 — 2 3

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Employee separation costs $ 14 $ 14 $ 35 $ 28 Facility-related costs 1 2 1 6 Asset impairment charges — — — 1 Total restructuring charges $ 15 $ 16 $ 36 $ 35
Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Liability	The following table summarizes activity in the restructuring liability as of September 30, 2015 , which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet: Employee Separation Costs Facility-Related Costs Total Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 18 $ 11 $ 29 Current period charges 35 1 36 Less: Cash payments (29 ) (5 ) (34 ) Other / adjustments — (3 ) (3 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ 24 $ 4 $ 28

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs	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 Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs September 30, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 46 $ 46 $ — $ — Interest rate swaps 34 — 34 — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 28 — 28 — Available-for-sale equity securities 7 7 — — Total $ 115 $ 53 $ 62 $ — Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 81 $ — $ 81 $ — Contingent consideration 3 — — 3 Total $ 84 $ — $ 81 $ 3 Basis of Fair Value Measurements Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 49 $ 49 $ — $ — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 30 — 30 — Interest rate swaps 17 — 17 — Available-for-sale equity securities 9 9 — — Put option 1 — — 1 Total $ 106 $ 58 $ 47 $ 1 Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 85 $ — $ 85 $ — Contingent consideration 17 — — 17 Forward starting interest rate swaps 15 — 15 — Interest rate swaps 13 — 13 — Call option 5 — — 5 Total $ 135 $ — $ 113 $ 22
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Assets and Liabilities, Unobservable Inputs	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Assets Liabilities Put Option Derivative Asset Contingent Consideration Call Option Derivative Liability Total Liabilities Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 1 $ 17 $ 5 $ 22 Settlements — (1 ) (4 ) (5 ) Total gains/losses - realized/unrealized: Included in earnings (1 ) (13 ) (1 ) (14 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ — $ 3 $ — $ 3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill, Net	The changes in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, December 31, Balance, beginning of period $ 6,032 $ 5,649 Goodwill acquired during the period 23 383 Reclassification to assets held for sale (160 ) — Balance, end of period $ 5,895 $ 6,032
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill	Intangible assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizing intangible assets: Customer-related intangibles 19 $ 926 $ (283 ) $ 643 $ 929 $ (259 ) $ 670 Non-compete agreements 5 6 (3 ) 3 43 (37 ) 6 Technology 14 117 (45 ) 72 118 (38 ) 80 Other 9 105 (55 ) 50 152 (82 ) 70 Total 17 1,154 (386 ) 768 1,242 (416 ) 826 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 235 — 235 244 — 244 Other 1 — 1 1 — 1 Total intangible assets $ 1,390 $ (386 ) $ 1,004 $ 1,487 $ (416 ) $ 1,071
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, 2015 is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Remainder of 2015 $ 19 2016 72 2017 68 2018 63 2019 63 2020 63 Thereafter 420 Total $ 768

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: September 30, December 31, Secured Receivables Credit Facility (0.93% at September 30, 2015) $ 60 $ — 5.45% Senior Notes due November 2015 — 500 3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 151 304 6.40% Senior Notes due July 2017 — 375 2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019 300 300 4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 527 524 2.50% Senior Notes due March 2020 299 — 4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 561 549 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 318 311 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 603 — 6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037 246 421 5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040 368 439 4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045 300 — Other 24 39 Debt issuance costs (26 ) (20 ) Total long-term debt 3,731 3,742 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 160 518 Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 3,571 $ 3,224
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	As of September 30, 2015 , long-term debt matures as follows: Year Ending December 31, Remainder of 2015 $ 3 2016 219 2017 6 2018 4 2019 302 2020 801 Thereafter 2,375 Total maturities of long-term debt 3,710 Unamortized discount (17 ) Debt issuance costs (26 ) Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt 64 Total long-term debt 3,731 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 160 Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 3,571

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	A summary of the notional amounts of these interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows: Notional Amount Debt Instrument Floating Rate Paid by the Company September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 Six-month LIBOR plus a 2.3% spread $ — $ 200 4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 One-month LIBOR plus a 3.6% spread 350 350 4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 One-month LIBOR plus a 2.45% to 3.39% spread 400 400 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 One-month LIBOR plus a 1.54% to 1.59% spread 250 250 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 One-month LIBOR plus a 1.44% spread 200 — $ 1,200 $ 1,200
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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset Derivatives: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 34 Other assets $ 17 Liability Derivatives: Interest rate swaps — Other liabilities 13 Forward starting interest rate swaps — Other liabilities 15 Total Liability Derivatives — 28 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Asset Derivatives: Put option — Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 Liability Derivatives: Call option — Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5 Total Net Derivatives Assets (Liabilities) $ 34 $ (15 )

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHE30

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data	Supplemental cash flow and other data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Depreciation expense $ 57 $ 55 $ 169 $ 164 Amortization expense 20 24 61 71 Depreciation and amortization expense $ 77 $ 79 $ 230 $ 235 Interest expense $ (35 ) $ (42 ) $ (118 ) $ (124 ) Interest income — 1 1 2 Interest expense, net $ (35 ) $ (41 ) $ (117 ) $ (122 ) Interest paid $ 52 $ 51 $ 151 $ 133 Income taxes paid 140 98 249 236 Assets acquired under capital leases — 2 2 12 Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures 11 12 11 12 Dividends payable $ 55 $ 48 $ 55 $ 48 Businesses acquired: Fair value of assets acquired $ 35 $ 1 $ 37 $ 846 Fair value of liabilities assumed — (1 ) — 81 Fair value of net assets acquired 35 2 37 765 Merger consideration paid (payable), net — — 4 (30 ) Cash paid for business acquisitions 35 2 41 735 Less: Cash acquired — — — 10 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 35 $ 2 $ 41 $ 725

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 . 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 (loss) for the segment. General corporate activities included in the table below are comprised of general management and administrative corporate expenses, amortization or impairment of intangibles assets, other 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 2015 pre-tax gain on contribution of business to joint venture (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 2014 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net revenues: DIS business $ 1,764 $ 1,765 $ 5,227 $ 5,141 All other operating segments 116 139 417 411 Total net revenues $ 1,880 $ 1,904 $ 5,644 $ 5,552 Operating earnings (loss): DIS business $ 294 $ 281 $ 838 $ 805 All other operating segments 30 23 86 63 General corporate activities 307 (48 ) 236 (142 ) Total operating income 631 256 1,160 726 Non-operating expenses, net (39 ) (42 ) (263 ) (119 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees 592 214 897 607 Income tax expense (239 ) (82 ) (359 ) (234 ) Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes 1 7 15 19 Net income 354 139 553 392 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 12 10 32 26 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 342 $ 129 $ 521 $ 366

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN32

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 26	$ 20

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 342	$ 129	$ 521	$ 366
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	2	1	3	2
Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders - basic and diluted	$ 340	$ 128	$ 518	$ 364
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	144	145	144	144
Stock options and performance share units	1		1	1
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	145	145	145	145
Basic (per share)	$ 2.37	$ 0.89	$ 3.61	$ 2.52
Diluted (per share)	$ 2.35	$ 0.88	$ 3.58	$ 2.51
Stock options and performance share units not included due to their antidilutive effect	2	0	2	3

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Narra

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Narrative) (Details) - Invigorate Program [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee separation costs	$ 14	$ 14	$ 35	$ 28
Facility-related costs and asset impairment charges	1	2	1	6
Restructuring charges	15	16	36	35
Cost of Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	12	7	29	19
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 3	$ 9	$ 7	$ 16
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee separation costs					$ 35
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee separation costs					40
Facility-related costs and asset impairment charges					$ 5

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Pre-T

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Pre-Tax Restructuring and Integration Charges) (Details) - Invigorate Program [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee separation costs	$ 14	$ 14	$ 35	$ 28
Facility-related costs	1	2	1	6
Asset impairment charges	0	0	0	1
Total restructuring charges	$ 15	$ 16	$ 36	$ 35

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Activ

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Activities of Restructuring Liabilities) (Details) - Invigorate Program [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			$ 29
Current period charges	$ 15	$ 16	36	$ 35
Cash payments			(34)
Other / adjustments			(3)
Balance, end of period	28		28
Employee Separation Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			18
Current period charges			35
Cash payments			(29)
Other / adjustments			0
Balance, end of period	24		24
Facility-Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			11
Current period charges			1
Cash payments			(5)
Other / adjustments			(3)
Balance, end of period	$ 4		$ 4

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 03, 2015USD ($)
MemorialCare [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 35

DISPOSITION AND HELD FOR SALE (

DISPOSITION AND HELD FOR SALE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in equity method investee			$ (37)	$ 0
Equity method investments	$ 478		478			$ 46
Recognized a pre-tax gain	334	$ 0	334	0
Deferred tax liability			138	$ (21)
Goodwill reclassified to non-current assets held for sale	113
Q² Solutions [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in equity method investee			(37)
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage					40.00%
Equity method investments	422		422
Excess of equity in underlying net assets	$ 219		$ 219
Q² Solutions [Member] | Equity Method Investment, Basis Difference [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amount allocated to finite-lived intangible assets					$ 75
Amortization period	8 years
Clinical Trials [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recognized a pre-tax gain	$ 334
Deferred tax liability	$ 145

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2015	Apr. 18, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 02, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash received in connection with call option exercise price				$ 51,000,000	$ 0
Contingent consideration, liability		$ 26,000,000
Fair value of debt			$ 3,800,000,000	3,800,000,000		$ 4,200,000,000
Fair value in excess of carrying value of debt			116,000,000	116,000,000		416,000,000
Contingent Consideration [Member] | Other Operating (Income) Expense [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Included in earnings			0	0
Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value inputs, probability of occurrence		5.00%
Discount rate		1.50%
Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value inputs, probability of occurrence		95.00%
Discount rate		2.80%
Subsidiaries [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Deferred consideration	$ 50,000,000
Cash received in connection with call option exercise price	$ 50,000,000
Summit Health, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, liability			0	0		$ 13,000,000
Contingent consideration value high		$ 25,000,000
Steward Health Care Systems, LLC [Member] [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration value high			$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000
UMass [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest expected to be divested							18.90%
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	18.90%
UMass [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	18.90%

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Recogn

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Recognized Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 18, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Contingent consideration			$ 26
Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	$ 46	$ 49
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	28	30
Available-for-sale equity securities	7	9
Total assets	115	106
Deferred compensation liabilities	81	85
Contingent consideration	3	17
Total liabilities	84	135
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	46	49
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	0	0
Available-for-sale equity securities	7	9
Total assets	53	58
Deferred compensation liabilities	0	0
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	28	30
Available-for-sale equity securities	0	0
Total assets	62	47
Deferred compensation liabilities	81	85
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities	81	113
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	0	0
Available-for-sale equity securities	0	0
Total assets	0	1
Deferred compensation liabilities	0	0
Contingent consideration	3	17
Total liabilities	3	22
Recurring Basis [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	34	17
Derivative instruments, liabilities		13
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	0	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities		0
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	34	17
Derivative instruments, liabilities		13
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	$ 0	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities		0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset		1
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		0
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
Recurring Basis [Member] | Put Option [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset		1
Recurring Basis [Member] | Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities		15
Recurring Basis [Member] | Forward Starting 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 instruments, liabilities		0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities		15
Recurring Basis [Member] | Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities		0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Call Option [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities		5
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		0
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		$ 5

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Reconc

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Assets and Liabilities Unobservable Inputs) (Details) - Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Liabilities
Balance, December 31, 2014	$ 22
Settlements	(5)
Included in earnings	(14)
Balance, September 30, 2015	3
Call Option Derivative Liability [Member]
Liabilities
Balance, December 31, 2014	5
Settlements	(4)
Included in earnings	(1)
Balance, September 30, 2015	0
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities
Balance, December 31, 2014	17
Settlements	(1)
Included in earnings	(13)
Balance, September 30, 2015	3
Put Option Derivative Assets [Member]
Assets
Balance, December 31, 2014	1
Settlements	0
Included in earnings	(1)
Balance, September 30, 2015	$ 0

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET42

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Balance at beginning of period			$ 6,032	$ 5,649	$ 5,649
Goodwill acquired during the period			23		383
Reclassification to assets held for sale			(160)		0
Goodwill, Balance at end of period	$ 5,895		5,895		6,032
Intangible assets, Cost	1,390		1,390		1,487
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(386)		(386)		(416)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	1,004		1,004		1,071
Amortization expense	20	$ 24	61	$ 71
Remainder of 2015	19		19
Future Amortization Expense, 2016	72		72
Future Amortization Expense, 2017	68		68
Future Amortization Expense, 2018	63		63
Future Amortization Expense, 2019	63		63
Future Amortization Expense, 2020	63		63
Future Amortization Expense, Thereafter	420		420
Future Amortization Expense, Total	768		768
Held-for-sale [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Cost	48		48
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(32)		(32)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	16		16
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Cost	235		235		244
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	235		235		244
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Cost	1		1		1
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	1		$ 1		1
Customer-related intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			19 years
Intangible assets, Cost	926		$ 926		929
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(283)		(283)		(259)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	643		$ 643		670
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			5 years
Intangible assets, Cost	6		$ 6		43
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(3)		(3)		(37)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	3		$ 3		6
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			14 years
Intangible assets, Cost	117		$ 117		118
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(45)		(45)		(38)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	72		$ 72		80
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			9 years
Intangible assets, Cost	105		$ 105		152
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(55)		(55)		(82)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	50		$ 50		70
Total Amortizing Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			17 years
Intangible assets, Cost	1,154		$ 1,154		1,242
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(386)		(386)		(416)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	$ 768		$ 768		826
Noncompete Agreements, Fully Amortized [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Cost						$ 37
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization						$ (37)
Solstas, Summit Health, and Steward [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets					$ 270

DEBT (Narrative) (Details)

DEBT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount			$ 17
Other Income (Expense), Net [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pre tax losses on extinguishment of debt			$ 144
2015 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 1,200
Debt issuance cost		11
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 300
Debt instrument, interest rate		2.50%	2.50%
Unamortized discount		$ 1
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 600
Debt instrument, interest rate		3.50%	3.50%
4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 300
Debt instrument, interest rate		4.70%	4.70%
6.95% Senior Notes due July 2037 and 5.75% Senior Notes due January 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount		$ 250
6.95% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			6.95%
Extinguishment of debt, amount		176
5.75% Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			5.75%
Extinguishment of debt, amount		$ 74
5.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.45%		5.45%
3.20% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.20%		3.20%
Extinguishment of debt, amount	$ 150
6.40% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	6.40%		6.40%

DEBT (Long-Term Debt) (Details)

DEBT (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 3,731			$ 3,742
Debt issuance costs	(26)			(20)
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	160			518
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	3,571			3,224
5.45% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 0			500
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.45%	5.45%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Nov. 1, 2015
3.20% Senior Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 151			304
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.20%	3.20%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2016
6.40% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 0			375
Debt instrument, interest rate	6.40%	6.40%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jul. 1, 2017
2.70% Senior Notes due April 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 300			300
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.70%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2019
4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 527			524
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jan. 30, 2020
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 299			0
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.50%		2.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 30, 2020
4.70% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 561			549
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.70%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2021
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 318			311
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2024
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 603			0
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.50%		3.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 30, 2025
6.95% Senior Notes Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 246			421
Debt instrument, interest rate	6.95%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jul. 1, 2037
5.75% Senior Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 368			439
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.75%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jan. 30, 2040
4.70% Senior Notes due March 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 300			0
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.70%		4.70%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 30, 2045
Other Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other	$ 24			39
Secured Receivables Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 60			$ 0
Debt instrument, interest rate	0.93%

DEBT (Maturities of Long-Term D

DEBT (Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	$ 3
2,016	219
2,017	6
2,018	4
2,019	302
2,020	801
Thereafter	2,375
Total maturities of debt	3,710
Unamortized discount	(17)
Debt issuance costs	(26)	$ (20)
Fair value basis adjustments attributable to hedged debt	64
Total long-term debt	3,731	3,742
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	160	518
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$ 3,571	$ 3,224

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrativ

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	18 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
To be Retired in Q1 and Q2 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 1,300
Forward Starting Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives				$ (17)
Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives	$ 3
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives							$ 150
Accumulated net loss from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges			$ 12			$ 15
Net amount of deferred gains and losses on cash flow hedges that is expected to be reclassified within the next 12 months			$ 3
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives					$ 350
Economic Hedges [Member] | Reverse Treasury Locks [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives					$ 280
Economic Hedges [Member] | Reverse Treasury Locks [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Operating (Income) Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain on derivative		$ 3

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary of Notional Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.20%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2016
3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 [Member] | Six-Month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	2.30%
4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jan. 30, 2020
4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	3.60%
4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.70%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2021
4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	2.45%
4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	3.39%
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2024
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	1.54%
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	1.59%
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.50%	3.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 30, 2025
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	1.44%
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,200		$ 1,200
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 3.20% Senior Notes due April 2016 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0		200
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 4.75% Senior Notes due January 2020 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	350		350
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 4.70% Senior Notes due April 2021 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	400		400
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	250		250
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 200		$ 0

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summar48

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary of Fair Value of Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Total Net Derivatives Assets (Liabilities)	$ 34	$ (15)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	0	28
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	34	17
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	0	13
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	0	15
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | Put Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Call Option [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 0	$ 5

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND REDE49

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2015
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Dividends per common share	$ 0.38	$ 0.38	$ 0.38	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 1.14	$ 0.99
Share repurchase authorization remaining available	$ 522							$ 522
Treasury stock value acquired cost method								$ 174	$ 82
Reissuance of shares for employee benefit plan	0.1				0.6			1.3	1.4
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 69			$ 0				$ 69
UMass [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners										18.90%
Subsidiaries [Member] | UMass [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners										18.90%
Share Repurchases Open Market [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Treasury stock shares acquired	0.3				0.4			2.4	1.5
Treasury stock acquired average cost per share	$ 69.24				$ 62.03			$ 71.27	$ 56.84
Treasury stock value acquired cost method	$ 25				$ 25			$ 174	$ 82

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHE50

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 57	$ 55	$ 169	$ 164
Amortization expense	20	24	61	71
Depreciation and amortization expense	77	79	230	235
Interest expense	(35)	(42)	(118)	(124)
Interest income	0	1	1	2
Interest expense, net	(35)	(41)	(117)	(122)
Interest paid	52	51	151	133
Income taxes paid	140	98	249	236
Assets acquired under capital leases	0	2	2	12
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures	11	12	11	12
Dividends payable	55	48	55	48
Fair value of assets acquired	35	1	37	846
Fair value of liabilities assumed	0	(1)	0	81
Fair value of net assets acquired	35	2	37	765
Merger consideration paid (payable), net	0	0	4	(30)
Cash paid for business acquisitions	35	2	41	735
Less: Cash acquired	0	0	0	10
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 35	$ 2	$ 41	$ 725

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Line of credit	$ 85
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	67
Litigation reserves	10	$ 11
Self-insurance reserves	$ 121	$ 113
Line of Credit [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Nov. 17, 2015

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (D

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net revenues from Diagnostic Information Services business			90.00%	90.00%
Total net revenues	$ 1,880	$ 1,904	$ 5,644	$ 5,552
Total operating income	631	256	1,160	726
Non-operating expenses, net	(39)	(42)	(263)	(119)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees	592	214	897	607
Income tax expense	(239)	(82)	(359)	(234)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes	1	7	15	19
Net income	354	139	553	392
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12	10	32	26
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	342	129	521	366
DIS business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	1,764	1,765	5,227	5,141
Total operating income	294	281	838	805
All other operating segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	116	139	417	411
Total operating income	30	23	86	63
General corporate activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating income	$ 307	$ (48)	$ 236	$ (142)

RELATED PARTIES (Details)

RELATED PARTIES (Details) - Equity Method Investee [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 8	$ 23
Receivables	4	4
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other receivables	29	29
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income from related party recognized	$ 14	$ 17