BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net revenues from the DIS business	90.00%	90.00%
Total net revenues	$ 1,746	$ 1,787
Total operating income	208	227
Non-operating expenses, net	(32)	(30)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	176	197
Income tax expense	65	73
Income from continuing operations	111	124
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	20
Net income	111	144
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	7	8
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	104	136
DIS business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	1,614	1,649
Total operating income	231	270
All other operating segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	132	138
Total operating income	18	14
General corporate expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating income	$ (41)	$ (57)