Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 10-Q 19 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 12, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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		136,299,442

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 1,931	$ 1,885	$ 5,773	$ 5,654
Operating costs and expenses and other operating income:
Cost of services	1,190	1,157	3,525	3,456
Selling, general and administrative	423	409	1,297	1,281
Amortization of intangible assets	19	18	54	54
Gain on disposition of business	0	0	0	(118)
Other operating expense (income), net	1	(21)	1	(20)
Total operating costs and expenses, net	1,633	1,563	4,877	4,653
Operating income	298	322	896	1,001
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(38)	(37)	(112)	(107)
Other (expense) income, net	(2)	4	12	(50)
Total non-operating expenses, net	(40)	(33)	(100)	(157)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees	258	289	796	844
Income tax expense	(92)	(95)	(264)	(345)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes	9	11	25	30
Net income	175	205	557	529
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	14	13	39	39
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 161	$ 192	$ 518	$ 490
Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders:
Basic (per share)	$ 1.18	$ 1.37	$ 3.77	$ 3.46
Diluted (per share)	$ 1.15	$ 1.34	$ 3.68	$ 3.42
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	137	139	137	141
Diluted (in Shares)	140	142	140	143
Dividends per common share	$ 0.45	$ 0.40	$ 1.35	$ 1.20

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 175	$ 205	$ 557	$ 529
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	8	(5)	20	(23)
Investment adjustments, net of taxes	3	0	3	(1)
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of taxes	1	0	1	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12	(5)	24	(23)
Comprehensive income	187	200	581	506
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	14	13	39	39
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 173	$ 187	$ 542	$ 467

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 350	$ 359
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $286 and $265 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	960	926
Inventories	100	82
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	134	164
Total current assets	1,544	1,531
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,097	1,029
Goodwill	6,164	6,000
Intangible assets, net	1,029	949
Investment in equity method investees	459	443
Other assets	146	148
Total assets	10,439	10,100
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,047	975
Current portion of long-term debt	5	6
Total current liabilities	1,052	981
Long-term debt	3,759	3,728
Other liabilities	722	654
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	78	77
Quest Diagnostics stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 600 shares authorized as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016; 216 shares issued as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	2,585	2,545
Retained earnings	6,946	6,613
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(48)	(72)
Treasury stock, at cost; 80 shares and 79 shares as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	(4,691)	(4,460)
Total Quest Diagnostics stockholders' equity	4,794	4,628
Noncontrolling interests	34	32
Total stockholders' equity	4,828	4,660
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 10,439	$ 10,100

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 286	$ 265
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600	600
Common stock, shares, issued	216	216
Treasury stock, shares	80	79

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 557	$ 529
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	197	186
Provision for doubtful accounts	241	242
Deferred income tax provision	90	19
Stock-based compensation expense	54	52
Gain on disposition of business	0	(118)
Other, net	(5)	(15)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(265)	(316)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(3)	43
Income taxes payable	0	74
Termination of interest rate swap agreements	0	54
Other assets and liabilities, net	(14)	15
Net cash provided by operating activities	852	765
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(299)	(139)
Proceeds from disposition of businesses	1	270
Escrow proceeds associated with disposition of business	25	0
Capital expenditures	(170)	(165)
Decrease (increase) in investments and other assets	4	(11)
Net cash used in investing activities	(439)	(45)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	0	1,869
Repayments of debt	(5)	(1,722)
Purchases of treasury stock	(350)	(440)
Exercise of stock options	125	63
Employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans	(23)	(10)
Dividends paid	(186)	(168)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(38)	(31)
Other financing activities, net	55	(8)
Net cash used in financing activities	(422)	(447)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(9)	273
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	359	133
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 350	$ 406

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, 2015	$ 4,713	$ 2	$ 2,481	$ 6,199	$ (38)	$ (3,960)	$ 29
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		143
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	523			490			33
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(23)				(23)
Dividends declared	(169)			(169)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(31)						(31)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, value	16		5			11
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, shares		1
Stock-based compensation expense	52		49			3
Exercise of stock options, value	63		1			62
Exercise of stock options, shares		1
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans	(10)		(10)
Purchases of treasury stock, value	(440)		0			$ (440)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares		(6)				(5.7)
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2016	4,694	$ 2	2,526	6,520	(61)	$ (4,324)	31
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016		139
Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2015	70
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest [Abstract]
Net income	6
Balance, Value at Sep. 30, 2016	76
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2016	4,660	$ 2	2,545	6,613	(72)	(4,460)	32
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		137
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	552			518			34
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	24				24
Dividends declared	(185)			(185)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(34)						(34)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans, value	18		9			9
Stock-based compensation expense	54		51			3
Exercise of stock options, value	125		3			122
Exercise of stock options, shares		3
Shares to cover employee payroll tax withholdings on stock issued under stock-based compensation plans	(23)		(23)
Purchases of treasury stock, value	(365)					$ (365)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares		(4)				(3.6)
Other	2						2
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2017	4,828	$ 2	$ 2,585	$ 6,946	$ (48)	$ (4,691)	$ 34
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2017		136
Balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2016	77
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest [Abstract]
Net income	5
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4)
Balance, Value at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 78

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 a broad range of customers, including patients, clinicians, hospitals, integrated delivery networks ("IDNs"), health plans, employers and accountable care organizations ("ACOs"). The Company offers the broadest access in the United States to diagnostic information services through its nationwide network of laboratories, patient service centers and phlebotomists in physician offices. The Company is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, which includes providing clinical testing services such as routine testing, non-routine (including advanced diagnostics) testing, and anatomic pathology services, as well as related services and insights. The Company provides interpretive consultation 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 and healthcare providers. The Company is the leading provider of risk assessment services for the life insurance industry. In addition, the Company offers healthcare organizations and clinicians robust information technology solutions. Prior to the sale of the Focus Diagnostics products business on May 13, 2016, the Company's diagnostics products business manufactured and marketed diagnostic products.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2016 , but does not include all the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accounting policies of the Company are the same as those set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K except for the impact of the adoption of new accounting standards discussed under New Accounting Pronouncements. 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 Pronouncements Adoption of New Accounting Standards On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that simplifies the transition to the equity method of accounting by requiring adoption as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update (“ASU”) that amends and simplifies existing hedge accounting guidance and allows for more hedging strategies to be eligible for hedge accounting. In addition, the ASU amends disclosure requirements and how hedge effectiveness is assessed. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company elected to early adopt this standard, effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows. For further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments, see Note 8. New Accounting Standards To Be Adopted 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. 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 will adopt the ASU in the first quarter of 2018 using the full retrospective method. The Company continues to assess the impact of this ASU on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures. Based on the Company's preliminary assessment of this ASU, the majority of the amounts that were historically classified as bad debt expense, primarily related to patient responsibility, will be considered an implicit price concession in determining net revenues. Accordingly, the Company will report uncollectible balances associated with patient responsibility as a reduction of the transaction price and therefore as a reduction in net revenues when historically these amounts were classified as bad debt expense within selling, general and administrative expenses. As a result of this change, the Company preliminarily estimates the following impact to its statement of operations: Year Ended December 31, 2016 As Reported Adjustment for ASU on Revenue Recognition As Adjusted Net revenues $ 7,515 $ (301 ) $ 7,214 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 1,681 $ (301 ) $ 1,380 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 645 $ — $ 645 The Company continues to assess the impact of the reclassification on its statement of operations for 2017. In addition, the adoption of this ASU will result in increased disclosure, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. However, the adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position and cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. This ASU requires that all equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, companies may elect to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. In addition, the ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. 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 February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that amends accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee will recognize assets and liabilities for most leases on its balance sheet but will recognize expense on its statement of operations similar to current lease accounting. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach, and provides for certain practical expedients. The adoption of this ASU will result in a significant increase to the Company’s balance sheet for lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, which has not yet been quantified. 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. Significant implementation matters being addressed by the Company include implementing an integrated third-party lease accounting application, assessing the impact to its internal controls over financial reporting and documenting the new lease accounting process. In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment model for most financial instruments, including trade receivables, from an incurred loss method to a new forward-looking approach, based on expected losses. The estimate of expected credit losses will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2020 and must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach. 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 August 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted and must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Upon adoption cash payments for debt retirement costs would be reclassified from operating cash outflows to financing cash outflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that clarifies the presentation and classification of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The ASU requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be presented with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted and must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that provides guidance on evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (set) is a business. If an entity determines that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then the asset is not a business. If this threshold is not met, then the entity needs to evaluate whether the asset includes, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted and must be applied prospectively. The future impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be dependent upon the nature of any future acquisitions or dispositions made by the Company. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that simplifies the quantitative test for goodwill impairment. The guidance eliminates step two in the current two-step process so that any goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2020 with early adoption permitted and must be applied prospectively. 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, 2017
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: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders: Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 161 $ 192 $ 518 $ 490 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1 2 2 3 Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted $ 160 $ 190 $ 516 $ 487 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 137 139 137 141 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and performance share units 3 3 3 2 Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 140 142 140 143 Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders: Basic $ 1.18 $ 1.37 $ 3.77 $ 3.46 Diluted $ 1.15 $ 1.34 $ 3.68 $ 3.42 The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock options 2 — 1 1

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 program to further reduce its cost structure through 2017. This multi-year program continues to focus on the flagship program themes and additional key themes such as: standardizing processes, information technology systems, equipment and data; enhancing electronic enabling services; and enhancing reimbursement for work performed. Restructuring Charges The following table provides a summary of the Company's pre-tax restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Employee separation costs $ 4 $ 1 $ 9 $ 7 Facility-related costs 1 2 2 2 Total restructuring charges $ 5 $ 3 $ 11 $ 9 The restructuring charges incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily associated with various workforce reduction initiatives as the Company continues to simplify and restructure its organization. Of the total restructuring charges incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2017 , $4 million and $1 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the total restructuring charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , $8 million and $3 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. The restructuring charges incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were primarily associated with various workforce reduction initiatives as the Company continued to simplify and restructure its organization. Of the total restructuring charges incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 , $1 million and $2 million were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. Of the total restructuring charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , $4 million and $5 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 restructuring liability as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses, was $8 million and $9 million , respectively.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS On May 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of the outreach laboratory service business of PeaceHealth Laboratories ("PHL"), in an all-cash transaction for $101 million . PHL is a healthcare system that provides clinical testing services to physicians, hospitals, and clinics in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. The assets acquired principally consist of $71 million of tax deductible goodwill and $30 million of customer-related intangible assets. The intangible assets are being amortized over a useful life of 15 years. On July 14, 2017, the Company completed the acquisitions of Med Fusion, LLC and Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories, LLC ("Med Fusion"), in an all-cash transaction for $150 million . The final consideration paid is subject to post closing adjustments related to working capital. Through the acquisition, the Company acquired all of Med Fusion's operations. Med Fusion provides precision medicine diagnostics to aid cancer treatment nationwide and the acquired businesses form the Company's center of excellence in precision diagnostics for oncology. The assets acquired principally consist of $84 million of customer-related intangible assets, $62 million of tax deductible goodwill and $31 million of property, plant and equipment. The liabilities assumed principally consist of a $28 million capital lease obligation. The intangible assets are being amortized over a useful life of 15 years. On September 28, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of the outreach laboratory service businesses of two hospitals of Hartford Health Care ("HHC"), The William W. Backus Hospital and The Hospital of Central Connecticut, in an all-cash transaction for $30 million . The assets acquired principally consist of tax deductible goodwill and customer-related intangible assets. The acquisitions during the quarter were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. As such, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date. Supplemental pro forma combined financial information has not been presented as the impact of the acquisitions is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. The goodwill recorded primarily includes the expected synergies resulting from combining the operations of the acquired entities with those of the Company and the value associated with an assembled workforce and other intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. All of the goodwill acquired in connection with these acquisitions has been allocated to the Company's DIS business. For further details regarding business segment information, see Note 12. For details regarding the Company's 2016 acquisitions, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 56 $ 56 $ — $ — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 36 — 36 — Available-for-sale equity securities 2 2 — — Total $ 94 $ 58 $ 36 $ — Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 99 $ — $ 99 $ — Interest rate swaps 76 — 76 — Contingent consideration 1 — — 1 Total $ 176 $ — $ 175 $ 1 Basis of Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 51 $ 51 $ — $ — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 32 — 32 — Available-for-sale equity securities 3 3 — — Total $ 86 $ 54 $ 32 $ — Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 91 $ — $ 91 $ — Interest rate swaps 88 — 88 — Contingent consideration 3 — — 3 Total $ 182 $ — $ 179 $ 3 A full description regarding the Company's fair value measurements is contained in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 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. The trading securities are classified within Level 1 because the 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 classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy 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. 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 April 2014, and as further discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company completed the acquisition of Steward Health Care Systems, LLC's laboratory outreach business. In connection with the acquisition, the Company initially recorded a contingent consideration liability of $4 million . The contingent consideration liability was classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy measured at fair value using a probability weighted and discounted cash flow method. The remaining $1 million is expected to be paid in 2018. 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. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated at $4.0 billion and $3.9 billion , respectively. 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, 2017
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, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows: September 30, December 31, Balance, beginning of period $ 6,000 $ 5,905 Goodwill acquired during the period 164 95 Balance, end of period $ 6,164 $ 6,000 Principally all of the Company’s goodwill as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was associated with its DIS business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , goodwill acquired during the period was principally associated with the Med Fusion, PHL, and HHC acquisitions (see Note 5). For the year ended December 31, 2016 , goodwill acquired was principally associated with the acquisition of the outreach laboratory service business of Clinical Laboratory Partners, LLC. For details regarding the Company's 2016 acquisitions, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Intangible assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizing intangible assets: Customer-related 18 $ 1,103 $ (388 ) $ 715 $ 971 $ (346 ) $ 625 Non-compete agreements 7 7 (5 ) 2 6 (4 ) 2 Technology 18 94 (43 ) 51 93 (40 ) 53 Other 9 103 (78 ) 25 103 (70 ) 33 Total 17 1,307 (514 ) 793 1,173 (460 ) 713 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 235 — 235 235 — 235 Other 1 — 1 1 — 1 Total intangible assets $ 1,543 $ (514 ) $ 1,029 $ 1,409 $ (460 ) $ 949 Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $19 million and $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. For both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , amortization expense related to intangible assets was $54 million . The estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of September 30, 2017 is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Remainder of 2017 $ 19 2018 74 2019 73 2020 73 2021 67 2022 64 Thereafter 423 Total $ 793

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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. In May 2016, the Company entered into interest rate lock agreements with several financial institutions for a total notional amount of $250 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 ten-year treasury rates related to the planned issuance of senior notes in 2016. In connection with the issuance of senior notes in 2016, these agreements were settled, and the Company paid $1 million . These losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity, net of 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $9 million and $10 million , respectively. 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. For an interest rate derivative instrument that has been formally designated as a fair value hedge, fair value gains or losses on the derivative instrument are reported in earnings together with offsetting fair value gains or losses on the hedged item (the long-term debt) that are attributable to the risk being hedged. A summary of the notional amounts of these interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows: Notional Amount Debt Instrument September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 $ 250 $ 250 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 600 600 3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026 350 350 $ 1,200 $ 1,200 The fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements in the table above have variable interest rates ranging from one-month LIBOR plus 2.2% to one-month LIBOR plus 3.0% . As of December 31, 2015, the Company had entered into various fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $1.2 billion and variable interest rates ranging from one-month LIBOR plus 1.4% to one-month LIBOR plus 3.6% . In July 2016, the Company terminated those interest rate swaps agreements. As a result of the termination, the Company received proceeds of $60 million , which included $6 million of accrued interest. The remaining basis adjustment on the respective debt obligation of $54 million will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining terms of the hedged debt instrument. Immediately after the termination of these interest rate swaps, the Company entered into new fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements, which are reflected in the table above. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges: Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term Debt Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Long-Term Debt September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 Long-term debt $ 1,146 $ (16 ) (a) (a) The balance includes $60 million of hedging adjustment on a discontinued relationship as of September 30, 2017 . The following table presents the effect of fair value hedge accounting on the statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Fair Value Hedges Impact on Statement of Operations Statement of Operations Classification Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Hedged items (Long-term debt) Other (expense) income, net $ (1 ) $ (12 ) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Other (expense) income, net $ 1 $ 12 Interest Rate Derivatives - Economic Hedges In connection with the retirement of debt in the first quarter of 2016, which is further discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 $75 million of the $200 million principal amount of debt that was retired in the first quarter of 2016. These agreements were settled during the first quarter of 2016 resulting in a gain of $1 million which was recognized in other (expense) income, net. A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets was as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Interest rate swaps Other liabilities $ 76 Other liabilities $ 88 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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND REDEEM

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST Stockholders' Equity Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) includes: • Foreign currency translation adjustments; • Investment adjustments, which represent unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax on available for sale securities, net of other than temporary impairment amounts reclassified to other (expense) income, net; • Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, which represents deferred losses, net of tax on interest rate related derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of amounts reclassified to interest expense (see Note 8 ). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the tax effects related to the deferred losses on cash flow hedges and investment adjustments were not material. Foreign currency translation adjustments are not adjusted for taxes since they relate to indefinite investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Dividend Program During each of the quarters of 2017 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per common share. During each of the first three quarters of 2016 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per common share. During the fourth quarter of 2016 , the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per common share. Share Repurchase Program As of September 30, 2017 , $1.0 billion remained available under the Company’s share repurchase authorizations. The share repurchase authorization has no set expiration or termination date. Share Repurchases For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 3.6 million shares of its common stock for $365 million , which includes an accrual of $15 million recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet for share repurchases not settled. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company repurchased 5.7 million shares of its common stock for $440 million , including 3.1 million shares repurchased under an accelerated share repurchase agreement ("ASR") as follows: In May 2016, the Company entered into an ASR with a financial institution to repurchase $250 million of the Company's common stock as part of the Company's share repurchase program. The ASR was structured as a combination of two transactions: (1) a treasury stock repurchase; and (2) a forward contract, which permitted the Company to purchase shares immediately with the final purchase price of those shares determined by the volume weighted average price of the Company's common stock during the repurchase period, less a fixed discount. Under the ASR, the Company paid $250 million to the financial institution and received 3.1 million shares of common stock, resulting in a final price per share of $81.04 . The Company initially received 2.8 million shares of its common stock during the second quarter of 2016 and received an additional 0.3 million shares upon completion of the ASR during the third quarter of 2016. Shares Reissued from Treasury Stock For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company reissued 2.3 million shares and 1.4 million shares, respectively, from treasury stock for shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and stock option plans. For details regarding the Company's stock ownership and compensation plans, see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest In connection with the sale of an 18.9% noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary to UMass Memorial Medical Center ("UMass") on July 1, 2015, the Company granted UMass the right to require the Company to purchase all of its interest in the subsidiary at fair value commencing July 1, 2020. The subsidiary performs diagnostic information services in a defined territory within the state of Massachusetts. 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 records changes in the fair value of the noncontrolling interest immediately as they occur. As of September 30, 2017 , the redeemable noncontrolling interest was presented at its fair value.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Depreciation expense $ 50 $ 45 $ 143 $ 132 Amortization expense 19 18 54 54 Depreciation and amortization expense $ 69 $ 63 $ 197 $ 186 Interest expense $ (39 ) $ (37 ) $ (114 ) $ (108 ) Interest income 1 — 2 1 Interest expense, net $ (38 ) $ (37 ) $ (112 ) $ (107 ) Interest paid $ 27 $ 41 $ 104 $ 116 Income taxes paid $ 64 $ 141 $ 177 $ 262 Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures $ 14 $ 11 $ 14 $ 11 Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ — Dividends payable $ 62 $ 56 $ 62 $ 56 Businesses acquired: Fair value of assets acquired $ 229 $ 4 $ 343 $ 139 Fair value of liabilities assumed 40 — 40 — Fair value of net assets acquired $ 189 $ 4 $ 303 $ 139 Merger consideration paid (payable), net (2 ) — (4 ) — Cash paid for business acquisitions 187 4 299 139 Less: Cash acquired — — — — Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 187 $ 4 $ 299 $ 139 The escrow proceeds associated with disposition of business received in 2017 related to the sale of the Company's Focus Diagnostics products business on May 13, 2016. A full description regarding the Company's dispositions is contained in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Letters of Credit The Company can issue letters of credit totaling $100 million under its secured receivables credit facility and $150 million under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility. For further discussion regarding the Company's secured receivables credit facility and senior unsecured revolving credit facility, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In support of its risk management program, to ensure the Company’s performance or payment to third parties, $71 million in letters of credit under the secured receivables credit facility were outstanding as of September 30, 2017 . 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, including 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. For further details, see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Settlements 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. The Company filed a motion for summary judgment on the primary claim in the case; the motion was granted. The court found that the Company had properly billed the Medicaid program the Company’s “usual and customary charge.” The Company had filed a motion for summary judgment on the state’s remaining claim. The Company previously reported that the parties had reached an agreement in principle to resolve these matters. The parties have finalized the settlement agreement and the matter is resolved. 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 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. 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, 2017 , the Company does not believe that material losses related to legal matters are probable. Reserves for legal matters totaled $2 million and $5 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 $120 million and $117 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company's DIS business provides insights through clinical testing and related services to a broad range of customers, including patients, clinicians, hospitals, IDNs, health plans, employers and ACOs. The Company is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, which includes providing clinical testing services such as routine testing, non-routine (including advanced diagnostics) testing, and anatomic pathology services, as well as related services and insights. The DIS business accounted for greater than 90% of net revenues in 2017 and 2016 . All other operating segments include the Company's DS businesses, which consists of its risk assessment services, healthcare information technology and diagnostic products (prior to disposition on May 13, 2016) businesses. The Company's DS businesses offer a variety of solutions for life insurers and healthcare providers. As of September 30, 2017 , substantially all of the Company’s services were provided within the United States, and substantially all of the Company’s assets were located within the United States. The following table is a summary of segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . 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 and impairment of intangibles assets, gain on the disposition of business, and other operating income and expenses, net of certain general corporate activity costs that are allocated to the DIS and DS businesses. 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 2016 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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net revenues: DIS business $ 1,850 $ 1,800 $ 5,517 $ 5,365 All other operating segments 81 85 256 289 Total net revenues $ 1,931 $ 1,885 $ 5,773 $ 5,654 Operating earnings (loss): DIS business $ 334 $ 329 $ 987 $ 935 All other operating segments 10 12 40 50 General corporate activities (46 ) (19 ) (131 ) 16 Total operating income 298 322 896 1,001 Non-operating expenses, net (40 ) (33 ) (100 ) (157 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees 258 289 796 844 Income tax expense (92 ) (95 ) (264 ) (345 ) Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes 9 11 25 30 Net income 175 205 557 529 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 14 13 39 39 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 161 $ 192 $ 518 $ 490

RELATED PARTIES

RELATED PARTIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 each of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recognized net revenues of $8 million associated with diagnostic information services provided to its equity method investees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized net revenues of $28 million and $24 million , respectively, associated with such services. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there was $6 million and $10 million , respectively, of accounts receivable from equity method investees related to such services. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recognized income of $3 million and $4 million , respectively, associated with the performance of certain corporate services, including transition services, for its equity method investees, classified within selling, general and administrative expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized income of $12 million and $13 million , respectively, associated with the performance of such services classified within selling, general and administrative expenses. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there was $4 million and $5 million , respectively, of other receivables from equity method investees included in prepaid expenses and other current assets related to these service agreements and other transition related items. In addition, accounts payable and accrued expenses as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included $1 million and $9 million , respectively, due to equity method investees.

TAXES ON INCOME

TAXES ON INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
TAXES ON INCOME	TAXES ON INCOME For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the effective income tax rate was 35.7% and 33.1% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 benefited from $7 million and $3 million , respectively, of excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation arrangements. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the effective income tax rate was also impacted by a non-taxable gain on an escrow recovery associated with an acquisition and other discrete tax benefits. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the effective income tax rate was 33.2% and 40.9% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 benefited from $36 million and $7 million , respectively, of excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation arrangements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the effective tax rate was also impacted by the higher tax rate associated with the sale of the Focus Diagnostics products business, partially offset by a non-taxable gain on an escrow recovery associated with an acquisition and other discrete tax benefits. The income tax expense from the sale of the Focus Diagnostics products business resulted in a combined tax rate of 71.4% , which was significantly in excess of the statutory rate primarily due to a lower tax basis in the assets sold, specifically the goodwill associated with the disposition. A full description regarding the Company's adoption of the ASU that simplified several aspects of the accounting for stock-based compensation award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and accounting for forfeitures is contained in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 18, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cleveland HeartLab, Inc. ("CHL") in an all-cash transaction for $94 million . CHL is a specialty clinical laboratory and disease management company, which will form the basis for the Company’s advanced diagnostics center of excellence in cardiovascular testing. The final consideration is subject to post closing adjustments related to working capital. Closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN23

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2016 , but does not include all the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
Use Of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share	The Company's unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and performance share units granted under the Company's Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan and its Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Long-Term Incentive Plan. Earnings allocable to participating securities include the portion of dividends declared as well as the portion of undistributed earnings during the period allocable to participating securities.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of New Accounting Standards On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted a new accounting standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that simplifies the transition to the equity method of accounting by requiring adoption as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update (“ASU”) that amends and simplifies existing hedge accounting guidance and allows for more hedging strategies to be eligible for hedge accounting. In addition, the ASU amends disclosure requirements and how hedge effectiveness is assessed. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company elected to early adopt this standard, effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows. For further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments, see Note 8. New Accounting Standards To Be Adopted 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. 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 will adopt the ASU in the first quarter of 2018 using the full retrospective method. The Company continues to assess the impact of this ASU on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures. Based on the Company's preliminary assessment of this ASU, the majority of the amounts that were historically classified as bad debt expense, primarily related to patient responsibility, will be considered an implicit price concession in determining net revenues. Accordingly, the Company will report uncollectible balances associated with patient responsibility as a reduction of the transaction price and therefore as a reduction in net revenues when historically these amounts were classified as bad debt expense within selling, general and administrative expenses. As a result of this change, the Company preliminarily estimates the following impact to its statement of operations: Year Ended December 31, 2016 As Reported Adjustment for ASU on Revenue Recognition As Adjusted Net revenues $ 7,515 $ (301 ) $ 7,214 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 1,681 $ (301 ) $ 1,380 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 645 $ — $ 645 The Company continues to assess the impact of the reclassification on its statement of operations for 2017. In addition, the adoption of this ASU will result in increased disclosure, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. However, the adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position and cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. This ASU requires that all equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, companies may elect to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. In addition, the ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. 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 February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that amends accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee will recognize assets and liabilities for most leases on its balance sheet but will recognize expense on its statement of operations similar to current lease accounting. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach, and provides for certain practical expedients. The adoption of this ASU will result in a significant increase to the Company’s balance sheet for lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, which has not yet been quantified. 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. Significant implementation matters being addressed by the Company include implementing an integrated third-party lease accounting application, assessing the impact to its internal controls over financial reporting and documenting the new lease accounting process. In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment model for most financial instruments, including trade receivables, from an incurred loss method to a new forward-looking approach, based on expected losses. The estimate of expected credit losses will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2020 and must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach. 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 August 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted and must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Upon adoption cash payments for debt retirement costs would be reclassified from operating cash outflows to financing cash outflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that clarifies the presentation and classification of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The ASU requires that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be presented with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted and must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that provides guidance on evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (set) is a business. If an entity determines that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then the asset is not a business. If this threshold is not met, then the entity needs to evaluate whether the asset includes, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted and must be applied prospectively. The future impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be dependent upon the nature of any future acquisitions or dispositions made by the Company. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that simplifies the quantitative test for goodwill impairment. The guidance eliminates step two in the current two-step process so that any goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The ASU is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2020 with early adoption permitted and must be applied prospectively. 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.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN24

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	Based on the Company's preliminary assessment of this ASU, the majority of the amounts that were historically classified as bad debt expense, primarily related to patient responsibility, will be considered an implicit price concession in determining net revenues. Accordingly, the Company will report uncollectible balances associated with patient responsibility as a reduction of the transaction price and therefore as a reduction in net revenues when historically these amounts were classified as bad debt expense within selling, general and administrative expenses. As a result of this change, the Company preliminarily estimates the following impact to its statement of operations: Year Ended December 31, 2016 As Reported Adjustment for ASU on Revenue Recognition As Adjusted Net revenues $ 7,515 $ (301 ) $ 7,214 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 1,681 $ (301 ) $ 1,380 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 645 $ — $ 645

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amounts attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders: Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 161 $ 192 $ 518 $ 490 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1 2 2 3 Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders – basic and diluted $ 160 $ 190 $ 516 $ 487 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 137 139 137 141 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and performance share units 3 3 3 2 Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 140 142 140 143 Earnings per share attributable to Quest Diagnostics’ common stockholders: Basic $ 1.18 $ 1.37 $ 3.77 $ 3.46 Diluted $ 1.15 $ 1.34 $ 3.68 $ 3.42
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: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock options 2 — 1 1

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Employee separation costs $ 4 $ 1 $ 9 $ 7 Facility-related costs 1 2 2 2 Total restructuring charges $ 5 $ 3 $ 11 $ 9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 56 $ 56 $ — $ — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 36 — 36 — Available-for-sale equity securities 2 2 — — Total $ 94 $ 58 $ 36 $ — Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 99 $ — $ 99 $ — Interest rate swaps 76 — 76 — Contingent consideration 1 — — 1 Total $ 176 $ — $ 175 $ 1 Basis of Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Trading securities $ 51 $ 51 $ — $ — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 32 — 32 — Available-for-sale equity securities 3 3 — — Total $ 86 $ 54 $ 32 $ — Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 91 $ — $ 91 $ — Interest rate swaps 88 — 88 — Contingent consideration 3 — — 3 Total $ 182 $ — $ 179 $ 3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill, Net	The changes in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows: September 30, December 31, Balance, beginning of period $ 6,000 $ 5,905 Goodwill acquired during the period 164 95 Balance, end of period $ 6,164 $ 6,000
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill	Intangible assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizing intangible assets: Customer-related 18 $ 1,103 $ (388 ) $ 715 $ 971 $ (346 ) $ 625 Non-compete agreements 7 7 (5 ) 2 6 (4 ) 2 Technology 18 94 (43 ) 51 93 (40 ) 53 Other 9 103 (78 ) 25 103 (70 ) 33 Total 17 1,307 (514 ) 793 1,173 (460 ) 713 Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 235 — 235 235 — 235 Other 1 — 1 1 — 1 Total intangible assets $ 1,543 $ (514 ) $ 1,029 $ 1,409 $ (460 ) $ 949
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, 2017 is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Remainder of 2017 $ 19 2018 74 2019 73 2020 73 2021 67 2022 64 Thereafter 423 Total $ 793

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows: Notional Amount Debt Instrument September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 $ 250 $ 250 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 600 600 3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026 350 350 $ 1,200 $ 1,200
Schedule of Debt Instrument Fair Value Basis Adjustment Attributable to Hedged Debt	As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the following amounts were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges: Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term Debt Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Long-Term Debt September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 Long-term debt $ 1,146 $ (16 ) (a) (a) The balance includes $60 million of hedging adjustment on a discontinued relationship as of September 30, 2017 .
Schedule of Fair Value Hedge Accounting on the Statement of Operations	The following table presents the effect of fair value hedge accounting on the statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 : Fair Value Hedges Impact on Statement of Operations Statement of Operations Classification Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Hedged items (Long-term debt) Other (expense) income, net $ (1 ) $ (12 ) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Other (expense) income, net $ 1 $ 12
Schedule of Derivative Liabilities at Fair Value	A summary of the fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets was as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Interest rate swaps Other liabilities $ 76 Other liabilities $ 88

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHE30

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Depreciation expense $ 50 $ 45 $ 143 $ 132 Amortization expense 19 18 54 54 Depreciation and amortization expense $ 69 $ 63 $ 197 $ 186 Interest expense $ (39 ) $ (37 ) $ (114 ) $ (108 ) Interest income 1 — 2 1 Interest expense, net $ (38 ) $ (37 ) $ (112 ) $ (107 ) Interest paid $ 27 $ 41 $ 104 $ 116 Income taxes paid $ 64 $ 141 $ 177 $ 262 Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures $ 14 $ 11 $ 14 $ 11 Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ — Dividends payable $ 62 $ 56 $ 62 $ 56 Businesses acquired: Fair value of assets acquired $ 229 $ 4 $ 343 $ 139 Fair value of liabilities assumed 40 — 40 — Fair value of net assets acquired $ 189 $ 4 $ 303 $ 139 Merger consideration paid (payable), net (2 ) — (4 ) — Cash paid for business acquisitions 187 4 299 139 Less: Cash acquired — — — — Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 187 $ 4 $ 299 $ 139

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 . 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 and impairment of intangibles assets, gain on the disposition of business, and other operating income and expenses, net of certain general corporate activity costs that are allocated to the DIS and DS businesses. 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 2016 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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net revenues: DIS business $ 1,850 $ 1,800 $ 5,517 $ 5,365 All other operating segments 81 85 256 289 Total net revenues $ 1,931 $ 1,885 $ 5,773 $ 5,654 Operating earnings (loss): DIS business $ 334 $ 329 $ 987 $ 935 All other operating segments 10 12 40 50 General corporate activities (46 ) (19 ) (131 ) 16 Total operating income 298 322 896 1,001 Non-operating expenses, net (40 ) (33 ) (100 ) (157 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees 258 289 796 844 Income tax expense (92 ) (95 ) (264 ) (345 ) Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes 9 11 25 30 Net income 175 205 557 529 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 14 13 39 39 Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics $ 161 $ 192 $ 518 $ 490

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN32

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 1,931	$ 1,885	$ 5,773	$ 5,654
Selling, general and administrative expenses	423	409	1,297	1,281
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 161	$ 192	$ 518	$ 490
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net revenues					$ 7,214
Selling, general and administrative expenses					1,380
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics					645
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] | As Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net revenues					7,515
Selling, general and administrative expenses					1,681
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics					645
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] | Adjustment for ASU on Revenue Recognition [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net revenues					(301)
Selling, general and administrative expenses					(301)
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics					$ 0

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 161	$ 192	$ 518	$ 490
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities	1	2	2	3
Earnings available to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders - basic and diluted	$ 160	$ 190	$ 516	$ 487
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	137	139	137	141
Stock options and performance share units	3	3	3	2
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	140	142	140	143
Basic (per share)	$ 1.18	$ 1.37	$ 3.77	$ 3.46
Diluted (per share)	$ 1.15	$ 1.34	$ 3.68	$ 3.42
Stock options and performance share units not included due to their antidilutive effect	2	0	1	1

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Narra

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Narrative) (Details) - Invigorate Program [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring charges	$ 5	$ 3	$ 11	$ 9
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	8		8		$ 9
Cost of Revenue [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring charges	4	1	8	4
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring charges	$ 1	$ 2	$ 3	$ 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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee separation costs	$ 4	$ 1	$ 9	$ 7
Facility-related costs	1	2	2	2
Total restructuring charges	$ 5	$ 3	$ 11	$ 9

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Details)

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 28, 2017	Jul. 14, 2017	May 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets, useful life				18 years
PeaceHealth (PHL) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition			$ 101
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount			71
PeaceHealth (PHL) [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets			$ 30
Intangible assets, useful life			15 years
Med Fusion and Clear Point [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition		$ 150
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount		$ 62
Intangible assets, useful life		15 years
Property, plant and equipment		$ 31
Med Fusion and Clear Point [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capital lease obligation		28
Med Fusion and Clear Point [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		$ 84
The William W. Backus Hospital and The Hospital of Central Connecticut [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 30

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 16, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of debt	$ 4,000	$ 3,900
Steward Health Care Systems, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, liability			$ 4
Contingent consideration value high	$ 1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Recogn

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Recognized Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) - Recurring Basis [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	$ 56	$ 51
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	36	32
Available-for-sale equity securities	2	3
Total assets	94	86
Deferred compensation liabilities	99	91
Derivative instruments, liabilities	76	88
Contingent consideration	1	3
Total liabilities	176	182
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets / Liabilities, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Trading securities	56	51
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	0	0
Available-for-sale equity securities	2	3
Total assets	58	54
Deferred compensation liabilities	0	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
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	36	32
Available-for-sale equity securities	0	0
Total assets	36	32
Deferred compensation liabilities	99	91
Derivative instruments, liabilities	76	88
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities	175	179
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
Deferred compensation liabilities	0	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Contingent consideration	1	3
Total liabilities	$ 1	$ 3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET39

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Balance at beginning of period	$ 6,000	$ 5,905
Goodwill acquired during the period	164	95
Goodwill, Balance at end of period	$ 6,164	$ 6,000

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET40

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Cost	$ 1,543		$ 1,543		$ 1,409
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(514)		(514)		(460)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	1,029		1,029		949
Amortization expense	19	$ 18	54	$ 54
Remainder of 2017	19		19
Future Amortization Expense, 2018	74		74
Future Amortization Expense, 2019	73		73
Future Amortization Expense, 2020	73		73
Future Amortization Expense, 2021	67		67
Future Amortization Expense, 2022	64		64
Future Amortization Expense, Thereafter	423		423
Future Amortization Expense, Total	793		793
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Cost	235		235		235
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	235		235		235
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			18 years
Intangible assets, Cost	1,103		$ 1,103		971
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(388)		(388)		(346)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	715		$ 715		625
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			7 years
Intangible assets, Cost	7		$ 7		6
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(5)		(5)		(4)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	2		$ 2		2
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			18 years
Intangible assets, Cost	94		$ 94		93
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(43)		(43)		(40)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	51		$ 51		53
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			9 years
Intangible assets, Cost	103		$ 103		103
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(78)		(78)		(70)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	25		$ 25		33
Total Amortizing Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period			17 years
Intangible assets, Cost	1,307		$ 1,307		1,173
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(514)		(514)		(460)
Amortizing intangible assets, Net	$ 793		$ 793		$ 713

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrativ

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated net loss from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges				$ (48)	$ (72)
Retired in Q1 2016 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 200
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated net loss from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges				9	$ 10
Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives		$ (1)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
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		$ 250
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives						$ 1,200
Derivative asset designated as hedging Instrument fair value on termination	$ 60
Proceeds received from terminated interest rate swaps for accrued interest	6
Deferred gain (loss) on discontinuation of interest rate fair value hedge	$ 54
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating rate				2.20%		1.40%
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating rate				3.00%		3.60%
Economic Hedges [Member] | Reverse Treasury Locks [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives			75
Economic Hedges [Member] | Reverse Treasury Locks [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain on derivative			$ 1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary of Notional Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 1, 2024
3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 30, 2025
3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.45%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 30, 2026
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount			$ 1,200
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	2.20%		1.40%
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | One-Month LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Floating Rate	3.00%		3.60%
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,200	$ 1,200
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 4.25% Senior Notes due April 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	250	250
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 3.50% Senior Notes due March 2025 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	600	600
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | 3.45% Senior Notes due June 2026 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 350	$ 350

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Balance

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Balance Sheets) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedging adjustment on a discontinued relationship	$ 60
Long-term Debt [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Hedged Long-Term Debt	1,146
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Long-Term Debt	$ (16)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Income S

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Income Statement) (Details) - Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedged items (Long-term debt)	$ (1,000)	$ (12,000)
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$ 1,000	$ 12,000

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summar45

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Summary of Fair Value of Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 76	$ 88

STOCKHOLDERS_ EQUITY AND REDE46

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended							5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Dividends per common share	$ 0.45	$ 0.45	$ 0.45	$ 0.45	$ 0.40	$ 0.40	$ 0.40		$ 1.35	$ 1.20
Share repurchase authorization remaining available	$ 1,000								$ 1,000
Purchases of treasury stock, value									$ 365	$ 440
Reissuance of shares for employee benefit plan									2.3	1.4
UMass Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners											18.90%
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Purchases of treasury stock- shares					0.3	2.8		3.1		3.1
Purchases of treasury stock, value								$ 250
Treasury stock acquired accelerated share repurchase, final purchase price, per share								$ 81.04
Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Purchases of treasury stock- shares									3.6	5.7
Purchases of treasury stock, value									$ 365	$ 440
Share repurchase, accrual	$ 15								$ 15

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHE47

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 50	$ 45	$ 143	$ 132
Amortization expense	19	18	54	54
Depreciation and amortization expense	69	63	197	186
Interest expense	(39)	(37)	(114)	(108)
Interest income	1	0	2	1
Interest expense, net	(38)	(37)	(112)	(107)
Interest paid	27	41	104	116
Income taxes paid	64	141	177	262
Accounts payable associated with capital expenditures	14	11	14	11
Accounts payable associated with purchases of treasury stock	15	0	15	0
Dividends payable	62	56	62	56
Fair value of assets acquired	229	4	343	139
Fair value of liabilities assumed	40	0	40	0
Fair value of net assets acquired	189	4	303	139
Merger consideration paid (payable), net	(2)	0	(4)	0
Cash paid for business acquisitions	187	4	299	139
Less: Cash acquired	0	0	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 187	$ 4	$ 299	$ 139

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Litigation reserves	$ 2	$ 5
Self-insurance reserves	120	$ 117
Secured Receivables Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	71
Letter of Credit [Member] | Secured Receivables Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility capacity	100
Letter of Credit [Member] | Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility capacity	$ 150

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (D

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net revenues from Diagnostic Information Services business			90.00%	90.00%
Total net revenues	$ 1,931	$ 1,885	$ 5,773	$ 5,654
Total operating income	298	322	896	1,001
Non-operating expenses, net	(40)	(33)	(100)	(157)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of equity method investees	258	289	796	844
Income tax expense	(92)	(95)	(264)	(345)
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of taxes	9	11	25	30
Net income	175	205	557	529
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	14	13	39	39
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	161	192	518	490
DIS business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	1,850	1,800	5,517	5,365
Total operating income	334	329	987	935
All other operating segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	81	85	256	289
Total operating income	10	12	40	50
General corporate activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating income	$ (46)	$ (19)	$ (131)	$ 16

RELATED PARTIES (Details)

RELATED PARTIES (Details) - Equity Method Investee [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 8	$ 8	$ 28	$ 24
Receivables	6		6		$ 10
Accounts payable, related parties	1		1		9
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other receivables	4		4		$ 5
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income from related party recognized	$ 3	$ 4	$ 12	$ 13

TAXES ON INCOME (Details)

TAXES ON INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Share-based compensation, excess tax benefit, amount	$ 7	$ 3	$ 36	$ 7
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	35.70%	33.10%	33.20%	40.90%
Focus Diagnostics Products [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate				71.40%

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 18, 2017USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Member] | Cleveland HeartLab, Inc. (CHL) [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 94