CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 226,027	$ 176,631	$ 240,327
Unrealized gain (losses) on marketable securities, net of income taxes of $2,016, $258 and ($37)	3,225	400	(60)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of ($751), ($4,392) and ($9,969)	358	(6,306)	(16,063)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of ($2,465), $2,964 and ($3,851)	(22,663)	(8,983)	(13,376)
Defined benefit plan adjustment, net of income taxes of ($131), ($1,444) and $27	2,278	(3,172)	(1,743)
Reclassification adjustments:
Losses on derivative instruments included in net income, net of income taxes of $4,991, $1,313 and $5,541	8,089	2,188	8,354
Amortization of prior service costs and losses included in net income, net of income taxes of $389, $446 and $553	655	723	762
Foreign currency translation on sale of equity method investment			(531)
Comprehensive income	217,969	161,481	217,670
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	551	889	1,396
Comprehensive income attributable to Quintiles Transnational Holdings Inc.	$ 218,520	$ 162,370	$ 219,066