Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Royalty Rights

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	dgx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition

Amount of gain (loss), after tax expense or benefit and not previously recognized, resulting from the sale of a business component.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

+ Details

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- Definition

Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of an organization or integrated set of activities (for example, but not limited to, a partnership or corporation) engaged in providing a product or service in a commercial, industrial, or professional environment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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- Definition

The cash inflow from disposal of asset without physical form usually arising from contractual or other legal rights, excluding goodwill.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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DISPOSITIONS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of royalty rights	$ (474)dgx_GainonSaleofRoyaltyRights	$ 0dgx_GainonSaleofRoyaltyRights	$ 474dgx_GainonSaleofRoyaltyRights	$ 0dgx_GainonSaleofRoyaltyRights
Enterix [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on sale of businesses, net					40	40
HemoCue [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
After tax gain on disposal of discontinued operations			14				14	14
Royalty Agreement Terms [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of royalty rights						474
Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] \| Ibrutinib [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets	$ 485