CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 139	$ 414	$ 392	$ 732
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	(5)	4	(3)	(26)
Market valuation, net of tax	(2)	0	1	0
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	0	1	(5)	1
Other, net of tax	0	0	0	(3)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(7)	5	(7)	(22)
Comprehensive income	132	419	385	710
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	9	26	26
Comprehensive income attributable to Quest Diagnostics	$ 122	$ 410	$ 359	$ 684