BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of net revenues from the DIS business			90.00%	90.00%
Total net revenues	$ 1,902	$ 1,815	$ 3,648	$ 3,602
Total operating income	262	289	470	516
Non-operating expenses, net	(33)	(33)	(65)	(63)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	229	256	405	453
Income tax expense	87	95	152	168
Income from continuing operations	142	161	253	285
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	13	0	33
Net income	142	174	253	318
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9	9	16	17
Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	133	165	237	301
DIS business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	1,763	1,674	3,377	3,323
Total operating income	293	323	524	593
All other operating segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	139	141	271	279
Total operating income	22	17	40	31
General corporate expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating income	$ (53)	$ (51)	$ (94)	$ (108)