GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011 Parent [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Parent [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Parent [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Customer-related intangibles [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Customer-related intangibles [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Non-compete agreements [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Non-compete agreements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Technology [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Technology [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Total Amortizing Intangible Assets [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Total Amortizing Intangible Assets [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Athena [Member] Customer-related intangibles [Member] years	Apr. 30, 2011 Athena [Member] Non-compete agreements [Member] years	Apr. 30, 2011 Athena [Member] Technology [Member] years	Apr. 30, 2011 Athena [Member] Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization-Tradenames [Member] years	May 31, 2011 Celera [Member] Customer-related intangibles [Member] years	May 31, 2011 Celera [Member] Technology [Member] years	May 31, 2011 Celera [Member] Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization-Tradenames [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2011 Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization-Tradenames [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization-Tradenames [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization - In-process research and development [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Other Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Goodwill, Balance at beginning of period	$ 5,101,938	$ 5,083,944
Goodwill acquired during the year	701,087
Other purchase accounting adjustments		246
(Decrease) increase related to foreign currency translation	(7,260)	17,748
Goodwill, Balance at end of period	5,795,765	5,101,938	5,083,944
Portion of goodwill associated with the clinical testing business	90.00%	90.00%
Weighted Average Amortization Period							19		4		14		8		16		20	4	16	10	9	8	5
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	1,294,857	1,036,060					630,671	603,203	45,798	54,886	165,113	51,830	146,613	24,065	988,195	733,984								300,648	302,076	5,250	764
Accumulated Amortization, Amortizing intangible assets	(259,245)	(239,655)					(193,131)	(161,345)	(14,633)	(52,134)	(27,929)	(16,796)	(23,552)	(9,380)	(259,245)	(239,655)
Total intangible assets, net	1,035,612	796,405					437,540	441,858	31,165	2,752	137,184	35,034	123,061	14,685	728,950	494,329								300,648	302,076	5,250	764
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	67,032	39,221	37,062	1,036	967	72
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	77,454
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	75,165
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	73,424
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	62,963
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	56,253
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five	383,691
Estimated amortization expense, total	$ 728,950