CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,423.4	$ 1,403.3	$ 2,846.7	$ 2,771.7
Cost of sales	843.9	815.1	1,691.1	1,615.1
Gross profit	579.5	588.2	1,155.6	1,156.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses	279.5	322.7	550.7	605.5
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	20.6	21.5	42.0	43.4
Restructuring and other special charges	3.4	18.3	(0.2)	46.2
Operating income	276.0	225.7	563.1	461.5
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(21.3)	(21.0)	(42.8)	(45.0)
Equity method income, net	8.0	2.6	12.3	4.1
Investment income	0.2	0.2	0.4	0.5
Other, net	(6.7)	(0.2)	(7.2)	(0.1)
Earnings before income taxes	256.2	207.3	525.8	421.0
Provision for income taxes	102.4	80.6	210.0	163.7
Net earnings	153.8	126.7	315.8	257.3
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.5)	(3.8)	(0.9)	(7.3)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 153.3	$ 122.9	$ 314.9	$ 250.0
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.59	$ 1.22	$ 3.25	$ 2.49
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.56	$ 1.20	$ 3.19	$ 2.44