Laboratory Corporation of America (LH) 10-Q/A 28 Aug 09 2009 Q2 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

1000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED B

1000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)
In Millions	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$227	$220
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $169.7 and $161.0 at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively	655	632
Supplies inventories	71	91
Prepaid expenses and other	68	84
Deferred income taxes	34	7
Total current assets	1,055	1,033
Property, plant and equipment, net	497	496
Goodwill, net	1,777	1,772
Intangible assets, net	1,234	1,223
Investments in joint venture partnerships	69	72
Other assets, net	81	74
Total assets	4,713	4,670
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	161	160
Accrued expenses and other	272	266
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	121	121
Total current liabilities	554	547
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,291	1,600
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities	569	523
Other liabilities	161	190
Total liabilities	2,575	2,860
Commitments and contingent liabilities	--	--
Noncontrolling interest	129	121
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, 108.8 and 108.2 shares outstanding at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively	13	13
Additional paid-in capital	274	237
Retained earnings	2,654	2,385
Less common stock held in treasury	(932)	(930)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2	(17)
Total shareholders' equity	2,009	1,688
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$4,713	$4,670

1100 - PARENTHETICAL DATA TO TH

1100 - PARENTHETICAL DATA TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data	Jun. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$170	$161
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	108.8	108.2

2000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED S

2000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009	3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2008	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2008
Net sales	$1,189	$1,148	$2,344	$2,251
Cost of sales	681	656	1,348	1,289
Gross profit	507	492	997	962
Selling, general and administrative expenses	237	266	471	482
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	15	15	30	28
Restructuring and other special charges	10	16	10	16
Operating income	245	195	485	436
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(16)	(17)	(33)	(37)
Income from joint venture partnerships, net	4	4	7	8
Investment income	0	1	1	1
Other, net	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Earnings before income taxes	232	181	458	407
Provision for income taxes	93	74	183	165
Net earnings	139	108	275	242
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(3)	(4)	(6)	(7)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$136	$104	$269	$234
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	1.26	0.94	2.49	2.12
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	1.24	0.92	2.46	2.06

3000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED S

3000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)
In Millions	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings	Total
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31 at Dec. 31, 2007	$13	$461	$2,028	($897)	$120	$1,725
Comprehensive earnings:
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings			234			234
Other comprehensive earnings:
Foreign currency translation adjustments					(20)	(20)
Interest rate swap adjustments					9	9
Tax effect of other comprehensive earnings adjustments					4	4
Comprehensive earnings					0	228
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	0	36				36
Surrender of restricted stock awards and performance shares				(33)		(33)
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt		0				0
Stock compensation		18				18
Value of noncontrolling interest put		(123)				(123)
Income tax benefit adjustments related to stock options exercised		16				16
Purchase of common stock	0	(66)				(66)
BALANCE AT JUNE 30 at Jun. 30, 2008	13	342	2,263	(930)	114	1,802
Other comprehensive earnings:
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31 at Dec. 31, 2008	13	237	2,385	(930)	(17)	1,688
Comprehensive earnings:
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings			269			269
Other comprehensive earnings:
Foreign currency translation adjustments					28	28
Interest rate swap adjustments					2	2
Tax effect of other comprehensive earnings adjustments					(12)	(12)
Comprehensive earnings					0	287
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans		8				8
Surrender of restricted stock awards and performance shares				(3)		(3)
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt	0	11				11
Stock compensation		17				17
Income tax benefit adjustments related to stock options exercised		0				0
BALANCE AT JUNE 30 at Jun. 30, 2009	$13	$274	$2,654	($932)	$2	$2,009

4000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED S

4000 - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)
In Millions	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2008
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings	$275	$242
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	96	88
Stock compensation	17	18
Loss on sale of assets	1	0
Accreted interest on zero-coupon subordinated notes	5	6
Cumulative earnings less than (in excess of) distribution from joint venture partnerships	0	(1)
Deferred income taxes	8	17
Change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions):
Increase in accounts receivable (net)	(22)	(11)
(Increase) decrease in inventories	12	(2)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other	17	12
Increase in accounts payable	6	11
Decrease in accrued expenses and other	(23)	(8)
Net cash provided by operating activities	391	371
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(54)	(79)
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Deferred payments on acquisitions	(1)	(2)
Purchases of short-term investments	0	(73)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	0	183
Acquisition of licensing technology	0	(1)
Investment in equity affiliate	(4)	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(8)	(266)
Net cash used for investing activities	(67)	(238)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	0	65
Payments on revolving credit facilities	0	(65)
Principal payments on term loan	(25)	(12)
Payments on zero-coupon subordinated notes	(289)	0
Payments on vendor-financed equipment	(2)	0
Decrease in bank overdraft	(5)	0
Noncontrolling interest distributions	(5)	(8)
Tax benefit adjustments related to stock based compensation	0	14
Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees	8	36
Purchase of common stock	0	(65)
Net cash used for financing activities	(318)	(35)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	7	99
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	220	56
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$227	$155

6000 - BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATE

6000 - BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION [Abstract]
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	1.BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (the Company) and its majority-owned subsidiaries over which it exercises control. Long-term investments in affiliated companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence (generally, when the Company has an investment of less than 20% and no representation on the investees board of directors) are accounted for using the cost method. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company does not have any variable interest entities or special purpose entities whose financial results are not included in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of the Companys foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of results of operations, cash flows and financial position have been made. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statements and notes are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not contain certain information included in the Companys 2008 annual report on Form 10-K. Therefore, the interim statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Companys annual report.

6010 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

6010 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	2.EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings including the impact of dilutive adjustments by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive shares, as if they had been issued at the beginning of the period presented. Potentially dilutive common shares result primarily from the Companys outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, performance share awards, and shares issuable upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes. The following represents a reconciliation of basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Per Per Per Per Share Share Share Share Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount Basic earnings per share: Net earnings $ 136.4 108.3 $ 1.26 $ 104.2 111.1 $ 0.94 $ 269.2 108.2 $ 2.49 $ 234.5 110.7 $ 2.12 Dilutive effect of employeestockplans and awards -- 0.5 -- 0.8 -- 0.5 -- 1.3 Effect of convertible debt, net of tax -- 0.7 -- 1.8 -- 0.7 -- 1.8 Diluted earnings per share: Net earnings including impact of dilutive adjustments $ 136.4 109.5 $ 1.24 $ 104.2 113.7 $ 0.92 $ 269.2 109.4 $ 2.46 $ 234.5 113.8 $ 2.06 The following table summarizes the potential common shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their impact would have been antidilutive: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Stock options 4.9 2.3 4.4 1.9

6020 - RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

6020 - RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	3.RESTRUCTURING CHARGES During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $10.2 primarily related to the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities. The majority of these costs related to severance and other employee costs and contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. Of this amount, $6.6 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in the affected facilities, and $12.3 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. The Company also reduced its prior restructuring accruals by $8.7, comprised of $6.5 of previously recorded facility costs and $2.2 of employee severance benefits as a result of incurring less cost than planned on those restructuring initiatives primarily resulting from favorable settlements on lease buyouts and severance payments that were not required to achieve the planned reduction in work force. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $16.0 primarily related to the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities.The majority of these costs related to severance and other employee costs and contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and equipment.Of this amount, $6.5 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in branch operations, divisional billing and management functions, and $9.5 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and equipment.

6030 - RESTRUCTURING RESERVES

6030 - RESTRUCTURING RESERVES
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
RESTRUCTURING RESERVES [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING RESERVES	4.RESTRUCTURING RESERVES The following represents the Companys restructuring activities for the period indicated: Severance Lease and Other and Other Employee Facility Costs Costs Total Balance as of December 31, 2008 $ 11.3 $ 22.4 $ 33.7 Net restructuring charges 4.4 5.8 10.2 Cash payments and other adjustments (7.0 ) (3.8 ) (10.8 ) Balance as of June 30, 2009 $ 8.7 $ 24.4 $ 33.1 Current $ 20.2 Non-current 12.9 $ 33.1

6040 - BAD DEBT EXPENSE

6040 - BAD DEBT EXPENSE
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
BAD DEBT EXPENSE [Abstract]
BAD DEBT EXPENSE	5.BAD DEBT EXPENSE During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded a $45.0 increase in its provision for doubtful accounts.The Companys estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts was increased due to the impact of the economy, higher patient deductibles and co-payments, and acquisitions on the collectibility of accounts receivable balances.

6050 - NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

6050 - NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUT
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUT [Abstract]
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUT	6.NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUT Effective January 1, 2008 the Company acquired additional partnership units in its Ontario, Canada (Ontario) joint venture, bringing the Companys percentage interest owned to 85.6%. Concurrent with this acquisition, the terms of the joint ventures partnership agreement were amended. The amended joint ventures partnership agreement enables the holders of the noncontrolling interest to put the remaining partnership units to the Company in defined future periods, at an initial amount equal to the consideration paid by the Company in 2008, and subject to adjustment based on market value formulas contained in the agreement. The contractual value of the put, in excess of the current noncontrolling interest of $23.6, totals $105.5 at June 30, 2009. Net sales of the Ontario joint venture for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2009 were $117.1 and $61.5, respectively (CN$140.9 and CN$71.7, respectively), and $131.1 and $67.0 for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2008, respectively (CN$131.7 and CN$67.4, respectively).

6060 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE

6060 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	7.GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows: June 30, December 31, 2009 2008 Balance as of January 1 $ 1,772.2 $ 1,639.5 Goodwill acquired during the period 5.6 135.4 Adjustments to goodwill (0.5 ) (2.7 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,777.3 $ 1,772.2 The components of identifiable intangible assets are as follows: June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 Gross Gross Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Customer lists $ 794.6 $ (315.2 ) $ 793.2 $ (294.1 ) Patents, licenses and technology 95.5 (57.9 ) 94.7 (54.2 ) Non-compete agreements 37.4 (29.4 ) 37.0 (28.2 ) Trade name 115.3 (37.7 ) 115.3 (33.4 ) Canadian licenses 631.4 -- 592.3 -- $ 1,674.2 $ (440.2 ) $ 1,632.5 $ (409.9 ) Amortization of intangible assets for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2009 was $30.3 and $15.2, respectively, and $28.4 and $14.6 for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Amortization expense for the net carrying amount of intangible assets is estimated to be $30.3 for the remainder of fiscal 2009, $59.3 in fiscal 2010, $54.6 in fiscal 2011, $50.1 in fiscal 2012, $47.2 in fiscal 2013 and $361.1 thereafter. The Ontario operation had $631.4 and $592.3 of value assigned to the partnerships indefinite lived Canadian licenses to conduct diagnostic testing services in the province as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

6070 - DEBT

6070 - DEBT
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
DEBT [Abstract]
DEBT	8.DEBT Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following: June 30, December 31, 2009 2008 Term loan, current $ 50.0 $ 50.0 Revolving credit facility 70.8 70.8 Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt $ 120.8 $ 120.8 Long-term debt at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following: June 30, December 31, 2009 2008 Senior notes due 2013 $ 351.5 $ 351.7 Senior notes due 2015 250.0 250.0 Term loan, non-current 400.0 425.0 Zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes 289.3 573.5 Other long-term debt 0.3 0.3 Total long-term debt $ 1,291.1 $ 1,600.5 Zero-coupon Subordinated Notes During the three months ended June 30, 2009, the Company redeemed approximately $369.5 principal amount at maturity of its zero-coupon subordinated notes, equaling approximately fifty percent of the principal amount at maturity outstanding of the zero-coupon subordinated notes. The total cash used for these redemptions was $289.4. As a result of certain holders of the zero-coupon subordinated notes electing to convert their notes, the Company also issued 0.4 additional shares of common stock and reversed approximately $11.3 of deferred tax liability to reflect the tax benefit realized upon issuance of these shares. The Companys common stock trading price conversion feature of its zero-coupon subordinated notes was not triggered by second quarter 2009 trading prices. As a result, the zero-coupon subordinated notes may not be converted during the period of July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009 based on this conversion feature. The Companys common stock trading price contingent cash interest feature of its zero-coupon subordinated notes was not triggered by the average market price of the Companys common stock for the five trading days ended March 9, 2009. As a result, the zero-coupon subordinated notes will not accrue contingent cash interest for the period of March 12, 2009 to September 11, 2009. Credit Facilities The balances outstanding on the Companys Term Loan Facility at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $450.0 and $475.0, respectively. The balance outstanding on the Companys Revolving Facility at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $70.8. The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility bear interest at varying rates based upon LIBOR plus a percentage based on the Companys credit rating with Standard Poors Ratings Services. The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility contain certain debt covenants that require that the Company maintain certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2009. On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. (Lehman), whose subsidiaries have a $28.0 commitment in the Companys Revolving Facility, filed for bankruptcy. Accordingly, the Company does not expect Lehman will fulfill its pro rata share of any future borrowing requests under the Revolving Facility. The Company is current

6080 - PREFERRED STOCK AND COMM

6080 - PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	9. PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY The Company is authorized to issue up to 265.0 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share. The Companys treasury shares are recorded at aggregate cost. The Company is authorized to issue up to 30.0 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. There were no preferred shares outstanding as of June 30, 2009. The changes in common shares issued and held in treasury are summarized below: Held in Issued Treasury Outstanding Common shares at December 31, 2008 130.3 (22.1 ) 108.2 Common stock issued under employee stock plans 0.2 -- 0.2 Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes 0.4 -- 0.4 Common shares at June 30, 2009 130.9 (22.1 ) 108.8 Share Repurchase Program During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company did not purchase any shares of its common stock.As of June 30, 2009, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately $95.2 of Company common stock.

6090 - INCOME TAXES

6090 - INCOME TAXES
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	10. INCOME TAXES The Company does not recognize a tax benefit, unless the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the taxing authority based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the Company recognizes a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that the Company believes is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized. The gross unrecognized income tax benefits were $80.2 and $72.5 at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. It is anticipated that the amount of the unrecognized income tax benefits will change within the next twelve months; however, these changes are not expected to have a significant impact on the results of operations, cash flows or the financial position of the Company. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, $77.9 and $70.2, respectively, is the approximate amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions totaled $17.1 and $14.2 as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2004. Substantially all material state and local income tax matters have been concluded through 2002 and substantially all foreign income tax matters have been concluded through 2001. The Companys 2006 U.S. federal income tax return is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, the Company has various state income tax examinations ongoing throughout the year. Management believes adequate provisions have been recorded related to all open tax years.

6100 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCE

6100 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	11. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 requires all entities to report noncontrolling (minority) interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted this Statement as of January 1, 2009 and pursuant to the provisions of this standard, the presentation and disclosure requirements have been applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Due to the nature of the noncontrolling interest put, the Company has not included the noncontrolling interest in its Ontario joint venture in the equity section of the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), a revised version of SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The revision is intended to simplify existing guidance and converge rulemaking under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with international accounting rules. This statement applies prospectively to business combinations where the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.An entity may not apply it before that date.The Company adopted this Statement as of January 1, 2009, and the Company began recording acquisitions in accordance with SFAS 141(R). As a result, acquisition related costs, primarily legal related, of $1.5 were included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009. In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies. FSP FAS 141(R)-1 amends and clarifies SFAS 141(R), to address application issues regarding the initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. Due to the fact that SFAS 141(R) is applicable to acquisitions completed after January 1, 2009 and the Company did not have any material business combinations with assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in the first six months of 2009, the adoption of FSP FAS 141(R)-1 did not impact the Companys consolidated financial statements. In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS 161 requires additional disclosures about the objectives of using derivative instruments, the method by which the derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations, and the effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items on financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.SFAS 161 also requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format.SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is providing the additional disclosures in accordance with SFAS 161 (s

6110 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGE

6110 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company was an appellant in a patent case originally filed by Competitive Technologies, Inc. and Metabolite Laboratories, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. After a jury trial, the district court entered judgment against the Company for patent infringement, with total damages and attorneys fees payable by the Company of approximately $7.8. The underlying judgment has been paid. The Company vigorously contested the judgment and appealed the case ultimately to the United States Supreme Court. On June 22, 2006, the Supreme Court dismissed the Companys appeal and the case was remanded to the District Court for further proceedings including resolution of a related declaratory judgment action initiated by the Company addressing the plaintiffs claims for post trial damages. On August 15, 2008, the District Court entered judgment in favor of the Company on all of the plaintiffs remaining claims. Metabolite Laboratories, Inc. has filed a notice of appeal. The Company does not expect the resolution of these issues to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company is also involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. These matters include, but are not limited to, intellectual property disputes, professional liability, employee related matters, and inquiries, including subpoenas and other civil investigative demands, from governmental agencies and Medicare or Medicaid payers and managed care payers reviewing billing practices or requesting comment on allegations of billing irregularities that are brought to their attention through billing audits or third parties. The Company receives civil investigative demands or other inquiries from various governmental bodies in the ordinary course of its business. Such inquiries can relate to the Company or other healthcare providers. The Company works cooperatively to respond to appropriate requests for information. As previously reported, on May 22, 2006 the Company received a subpoena from the California Attorney General seeking documents related to billing to the states Medicaid program. The Company subsequently reported during the third quarter of 2008 that it received a request from the California Attorney General for additional information. On March 20, 2009, a qui tam lawsuit, California ex rel. Hunter Laboratories, LLC et al. v. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, et al., which was joined by the California Attorney General and to which the previous subpoena related, was unsealed. The lawsuit was brought against the Company and several other major laboratories operating in California and alleges that the defendants improperly billed the state Medicaid program. The Company is also named from time to time in suits brought under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act and comparable state laws. These suits typically allege that the Company has made false statements and/or certifications in connection with claims for payment from federal or state health care programs. They may remain under seal (hence, unknown to the Compa

6120 - PENSION AND POSTRETIREME

6120 - PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS	13. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS Substantially all employees of the Company are covered by a defined benefit retirement plan (the Company Plan). The benefits to be paid under the Company Plan are based on years of credited service and average final compensation. The Companys policy is to fund the Company Plan with at least the minimum amount required by applicable regulations. The Company has a second non-qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the PEP) that covers its senior management group that provides for the payment of the difference, if any, between the amount of any maximum limitation on annual benefit payments under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the annual benefit that would be payable under the Company Plan but for such limitation. This plan is an unfunded plan. The effect on operations for the Company Plan and the PEP is summarized as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Service cost for benefits earned $ 5.2 $ 5.1 $ 10.4 $ 10.2 Interest cost on benefit obligation 4.5 4.3 9.1 8.6 Expected return on plan assets (4.3 ) (5.6 ) (8.6 ) (11.1 ) Net amortization and deferral 2.9 0.8 6.0 1.4 Defined benefit plan costs $ 8.3 $ 4.6 $ 16.9 $ 9.1 For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company did not make any contributions to the Company Plan. However, based upon the underlying value of the Company Plans assets and the amount of the Company Plans benefit obligation as of December 31, 2008, the Company made contributions of $45.6 during the six months ended June 30, 2009. The Company plans to contribute an additional $9.2 to the Company Plan during 2009. Due to the stock markets performance in 2008, the fair value of assets in the Company Plan decreased significantly from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. As a result, the Companys projected pension expense for the Company Plan and the nonqualified supplemental retirement plan will increase from $19.5 in 2008 to $33.8 in 2009. The Company assumed obligations under a subsidiarys postretirement medical plan. Coverage under this plan is restricted to a limited number of existing employees of the subsidiary. This plan is unfunded and the Companys policy is to fund benefits as claims are incurred. The effect on operations of the postretirement medical plan is shown in the following table: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2009 2008 2009 2008 Service cost for benefits earned $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 Interest cost on benefit obligation 0.6 0.6 1.2 1.3 Net amortization and deferral (0.5 ) (0.4 ) (0.9 ) (0.8 ) Postretirement benefit expense $ 0.2 $ 0.3 $ 0.5 $ 0.7

6130 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW I

6130 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	14. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 2008 Supplemental schedule of cash flow information: Cash paid during period for: Interest $ 25.6 $ 28.6 Income taxes, net of refunds 134.9 80.6 Disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities: Accrued repurchases of common stock $ -- $ 1.5 Purchase of equipment in accrued expenses 2.8 --

6140 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

6140 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Companys population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows: Fair value Fair Value Measurements as of as of June 30, 2009 June 30, Using Fair Value Hierarchy 2009 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Noncontrolling interest put $ 129.1 $ -- $ 129.1 $ -- Derivatives Embedded derivatives related to the zero-coupon subordinated notes $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- Interest rate swap liability 11.7 -- 11.7 -- Total fair value of derivatives $ 11.7 $ -- $ 11.7 $ -- Fair value Fair Value Measurements as of as of December 31, 2008 December 31, Using Fair Value Hierarchy 2008 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Noncontrolling interest put $ 121.3 $ -- $ 121.3 $ -- Derivatives Embedded derivatives related to the zero-coupon subordinated notes $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- Interest rate swap liability 13.5 -- 13.5 -- Total fair value of derivatives $ 13.5 $ -- $ 13.5 $ -- The noncontrolling interest put is valued at its contractually determined value, which approximates fair value. The fair values for the embedded derivatives and interest rate swap are based on observable inputs or quoted market prices from various banks for similar instruments. During 2009, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, or SFAS 157, for the Companys nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The adoption of SFAS 157 for the Companys nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis did not impact the Companys financial position or results of operations; however, it could have an impact in future periods. In addition, the Company may have additional disclosure requirements in the event the Company completes an acquisition or incurs impairment of the Companys assets in future periods. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable, and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair market value of the zero-coupon subordinated notes, based on market pricing, was approximately $333.7 and $650.7 as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The fair market value of the senior notes, based on market pricing, was approximately $590.8 and $539.7 as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the estimated fair market value of the Companys variable rate debt of $468.1 and $491.1, respectively, was estimated by calculating the net present value of rela

6150 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS A

6150 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	16. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Effective January 1, 2009, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, or SFAS 161. As a result of adopting this standard the Company enhanced its disclosures for derivative instruments and hedging activities by providing additional information about the Companys objectives for using derivative instruments, the level of derivative activity the Company engages in, as well as how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Companys financial position and performance. Since SFAS 161 requires only additional disclosures concerning derivatives and hedging activities, the adoption of SFAS 161 did not affect the presentation of the Companys financial position or results of operations. The Company addresses its exposure to market risks, principally the market risk associated with changes in interest rates, through a controlled program of risk management that includes, from time to time, the use of derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements (see Interest Rate Swap section below). Although the Companys zero-coupon subordinated notes contain features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments (see Embedded Derivative section below), the Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not believe that its exposure to market risk is material to the Companys financial position or results of operations. Interest Rate Swap The Company has an interest rate swap agreement with a remaining term of approximately two years to hedge variable interest rate risk on the Companys variable interest rate term loan. On a quarterly basis under the swap, the Company pays a fixed rate of interest (2.92%) and receives a variable rate of interest based on the three-month LIBOR rate on an amortizing notional amount of indebtedness equivalent to the term loan balance outstanding. The swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the swap in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the swap agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the swap was a liability of $11.7 and $13.5 at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the swap agreement. Management does not expect the counterparty to fail to meet its obligation. Embedded Derivatives Related to the Zero-Coupon Subordinated Notes The Companys zero-coupon subordinated notes contain the following two features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments under SFAS No. 133 Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: 1)

6160 - PROPOSED ACQUISITION

6160 - PROPOSED ACQUISITION
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
PROPOSED ACQUISITION [Abstract]
PROPOSED ACQUISITION	17. PROPOSED ACQUISITION In June 2009, the Company and Monogram Biosciences, Inc. (Monogram) announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger under which the Company will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Monogram in a cash tender offer followed by a second-step merger for $4.55 per share for an implied total equity value of approximately $106.7, or a total enterprise value of approximately $155.0 at March 31, 2009, including net indebtedness. The tender offer and the merger are subject to customary closing conditions set forth in the agreement and plan of merger, including the acquisition in the tender offer of a majority of Monograms outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis (excluding out of the money options). The closing of the acquisition is expected in the third quarter of 2009.

Document Information

Document Information
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009 USD / shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	true
Amendment Description	To file interactive data
Document Period End Date	2009-06-30

Entity Information

Entity Information (USD $)
	6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
Entity Central Index Key	0000920148
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$7,700,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	108,300,000