Loss Contingency, Damages Type [Axis] Loss Contingency, Damages Type [Axis] Loss Contingency, Damages Type Fortrea Term Loan A maturing 2028 Fortrea Term Loan A maturing 2028 [Member] Fortrea Term Loan A maturing 2028 Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contract Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contract Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contract Receivable Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Covance Drug Development [Member] Covance Drug Development [Member] Covance Drug Development [Member] Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Revolving Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures): Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Per Share Amount [Abstract] Per Share Amount [Abstract] Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Commons Stock Issued During Period Shares Employee Stock Plans Commons Stock Issued During Period Shares Employee Stock Plans Number of common shares issued during the period as a result of an employee stock purchase plan and/or stock option plan. Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Segment Reconciliation of Operating Income to Consolidated [Abstract] Segment Reconciliation of Operating Income to Consolidated [Abstract] Segment Reconciliation of Operating Income to Consolidated [Abstract] Net Benefit Plan Adjustments, Beginning balance Net Benefit Plan Adjustments, Ending balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Accounts Payable, Current Accounts Payable, Current Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Tax effect of adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Initial Damages Initial Damages [Member] Initial Damages Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Preferred Stock and Common Shareholders' Equity Equity [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Interest Interest Paid In Cash The amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Revenue Revenue [Policy Text Block] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Net cash used for discontinued investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Third party [Member] Third party [Member] Third party [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] LabCorp Diagnostics [Member] LabCorp Diagnostics [Member] LabCorp Diagnostics [Member] Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] 1.55% senior notes due 2026 1.55% senior notes due 2026 1.55% senior notes due 2026 Allowance for Credit Loss Allowance for Credit Loss Allowance for Credit Loss Diagnostics Diagnostics [Member] Diagnostics [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Long term debt issuance costs Long term debt issuance costs Long term debt issuance costs Investments in equity affiliates Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Noncompete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Fortrea Term Loan B maturing 2028 Fortrea Term Loan B maturing 2028 [Member] Fortrea Term Loan B maturing 2028 Tax effect of adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Net Income (Loss) Estimated amortization expense, Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, after Year Five Long-term debt, less current portion Liabilities, Current Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event, Description LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Deferred Compensation Liability Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Deferred Compensation Liability Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Deferred Compensation Liability Shareholders' equity: Shareholders' Equity: Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Use Rights [Member] Use Rights [Member] Contract with Customer, Liability Contract with Customer, Liability Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Reconciliation of Basic earnings per Share to Diluted Earnings per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Notes Payable, Noncurrent Notes Payable, Noncurrent Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Name Measure Name Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Goodwill, net Balance as of January 1 Balance at end of period Goodwill Goodwill Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Fortrea Credit Facilities [Axis] Fortrea Credit Facilities Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans Issuance of common stock under employee plans Aggregate change in value for stock issued in period under ESPP combined with the value of stock issued as a result of option exercises. Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Estimated amortization expense, 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Patents, Licenses And Technology [Member] Patents, Licenses And Technology [Member] Patents are the exclusive legal right granted by the government to the owner of the patent to exploit an invention or a process for a period of time specified by law. Licenses are rights, generally of limited duration, under a license arrangement (for example, to sell or otherwise utilize specified products or processes in a specified territory). Technology-based intangible assets are innovations or scientific advances that have not been patented. Credit Facility Option to Increase Credit Facility Option to Increase Credit Facility Option to Increase Fair market value of senior notes Senior Notes Fair Value Estimated fair value of the debt instrument (senior notes) at the balance-sheet date Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Note Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Note Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Note Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Net cash provided by discontinued financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Current Expected Credit Losses Opening Balance Sheet Impact on Retained Earnings Current Expected Credit Losses Opening Balance Sheet Impact on Retained Earnings Current Expected Credit Losses Opening Balance Sheet Impact on Retained Earnings Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Puts [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest Puts [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest Puts [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Operating lease right-of-use asset expense Depreciation And Amortization Of Leased Assets The amount of depreciation recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. Also, may include amortization charged against earnings for the periodic recognition of capitalized leases. Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Revenues Revenues Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Allowance for Credit Loss, Receivable, Other, Current Allowance for Credit Loss, Receivable, Other, Current Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Potential common shares not included in computation of diluted earnings per share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Client [Member] Client [Member] Client [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-Term Debt [Line Items] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Other Other Financing Cash Flows Other Financing Cash Flows CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Stock options (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Interest Expense Interest Expense Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Net restructuring and other special charges Net restructuring and other special charges Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs, excluding asset retirement obligations, associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program planned and controlled by management, and materially changes either the scope or manner of conduct of a business undertaken. Also, may include reversals and other adjustments to accrued liabilities and special charges, if any, for asset abandonment, uncollectible balances, etc. Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Unbilled Contracts Receivable [Member] Unbilled Contracts Receivable [Member] Unbilled Contracts Receivable [Member] PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Entity File Number Entity File Number Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense, Current Decrease in Capital Expenditures Incurred but not yet Paid Increase in Capital Expenditures Incurred but not yet Paid Increase in Capital Expenditures Incurred but not yet Paid Amortization of intangibles and other assets Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Rollforward of common shares issued Common Shares Issued Rollforward [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Enhanced Damages Enhanced Damages [Member] Enhanced Damages Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Fair Value Hedges, Net Fair Value Hedges, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Changes in common shares issued and held in treasury Changes In Common Shares Issued And Held In Treasury [Table Text Block] Schedule is used to show the changes in common shares issued and held in treasury by the entity. Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Common shares issued, beginning balance (in shares) Common shares issued, ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Gross Profit Gross Profit Gross Profit Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings, Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings, Ending balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Common stock, 92.8 and 93.5 shares outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively Noncontrolling Interest Mezzanine Equity Represents contractual value of a noncontrolling interest put (includes underlying noncontrolling interest). In February 2010, the Company completed a transaction to sell the partnership units acquired from the previous noncontrolling interest holder to a new Canadian partner. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a component of noncontrolling interest in liabilities and a component in mezzanine equity. This item represents the mezzanine equity component. Fortrea Credit Facilities [Domain] Fortrea Credit Facilities [Domain] Fortrea Credit Facilities [Domain] Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure 4.00% senior notes due 2023 4.00% senior notes due 2023 4.00% senior notes due 2023 Common Shares Outstanding Rollforward [Abstract] Common Shares Outstanding Rollforward [Abstract] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Comprehensive earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Document Type Document Type Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Earnings before income taxes Earnings before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interest Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Description Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Description Cash paid during period for: Cash Paid During Period For [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Self-Pay [Member] Self-Pay [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Supplies inventories Inventory, Net Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment and Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment and Tax Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Loss Contingency, Damages Type [Domain] Loss Contingency, Damages Type [Domain] Loss Contingency, Damages Type [Domain] Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Fortrea Revolver due 2028 Fortrea Revolver due 2028 [Member] Fortrea Revolver due 2028 Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Westpac Labs, Inc. Westpac Labs, Inc. [Member] Westpac Labs, Inc. Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure Tax effect of adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Measure: Measure [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Goodwill [Member] Goodwill [Member] Credit Facility, Maximum Swing Line Borrowings Credit Facility, Maximum Swing Line Borrowings Credit Facility, Maximum Swing Line Borrowings Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Current assets: Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] 2.95% senior notes due 2029 2.95% senior notes due 2029 2.95% senior notes due 2029 Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Estimated amortization expense, 2012 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Rollforward of common shares held in treasury Common Shares Held In Treasury Rollforward [Abstract] Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) Common shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Senior notes due 2027 [Member] Senior notes due 2027 [Member] Senior notes due 2027 [Member] Dividends Dividends PEO PEO [Member] Customer Lists Customer Lists [Member] Other Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Swap, Type [Axis] Swap, Type [Axis] Swap, Type Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Providence Medical Foundation Providence Medical Foundation [Member] Providence Medical Foundation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Senior Notes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Senior Notes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Senior Notes Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss) Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Other countries [Member] Other countries [Member] Other countries [Member] Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options and employees related to shares purchased under the employee stock purchase plan. Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Noncontrolling interest Liabilities Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Increase in prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Cash Acquired in Excess of Payments to Acquire Business Cash Acquired in Excess of Payments to Acquire Business Medicare and Medicaid [Member] Medicare and Medicaid [Member] Medicare and Medicaid [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] North America North America [Member] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Other acquirees Other acquirees [Member] Other acquirees [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Distribution Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Distribution Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Distribution Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Retained earnings Common Stock, Value, Issued Current debt excluding finance lease liability Current debt excluding finance lease liability Current debt excluding finance lease liability Other comprehensive earnings (loss) before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Total current assets Assets, Current Investment income Investment Income, Net Joint venture partnerships and equity method investments Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Company's population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date PEO Name PEO Name Senior notes due 2022 [Member] Senior notes due 2022 [Member] Senior notes due 2022 [Member] Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure Short term debt issuance costs Short term debt issuance costs Short term debt issuance costs Estimated amortization expense, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five 3.25% senior notes due 2024 3.25% senior notes due 2024 3.25% senior notes due 2024 Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Swap, Type [Domain] Swap, Type [Domain] Swap, Type [Domain] Adjustments to goodwill Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Contract with Customer, Asset, before Allowance for Credit Loss Contract with Customer, Asset, before Allowance for Credit Loss Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Line of Credit, Current Line of Credit, Current Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent BALANCE BALANCE Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Equity, Attributable to Parent Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Axis] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings [Roll Forward] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Restatement [Domain] Revision of Prior Period [Domain] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Unbilled Contracts Receivable Unbilled Contracts Receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Unbilled Services, Allowance for Credit Loss Unbilled Services, Allowance for Credit Loss Unbilled Services, Allowance for Credit Loss Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Decrease in accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities and Other Operating Liabilities Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Stock compensation Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Individual: Individual [Axis] Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share City Area Code City Area Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Lease Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Lease Obligation Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax, combined with the noncurrent portion of the amount recognized for uncertain tax positions as of the balance sheet date. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Noncontrolling interest puts Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Noncontrolling Interest Puts This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ownership percentage below which investments are generally accounted for on the cost method (in thousandths) Cost Method Investments Maximum Ownership Percentage This element represents the maximum ownership percentage of cost-method investments held by the Company. Generally, such investments do not have readily determinable fair values and are not required to be accounted for by the equity method. The carrying amount of such securities equates to cost, adjusted for other-than-temporary impairment. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] Net share settlement tax payments from issuance of stock to employees Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Allowance for Credit Loss, Write Off Allowance for Credit Loss, Write Off Allowance for Credit Loss, Write Off Net earnings Net earnings Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Credit Facilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Credit Facilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Credit Facilities Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Other Nonoperating income (expense) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Other Nonoperating income (expense) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Other Nonoperating income (expense) Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Income [Abstract] Income [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Shares [Abstract] Shares [Abstract] Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory Senior notes due 2024 Senior notes due 2024 [Member] Senior notes due 2024 Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Beginning balance Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Ending balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Payments on revolving credit facilities Repayments of Lines of Credit Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Notes Receivable [Member] Notes Receivable [Member] Notes Payable Notes Payable, Current All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Operating lease liability Operating lease liability [Member] Operating lease liability Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Escrow Deposit Escrow Deposit Net cash used for continuing financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Net cash used for continuing investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used for) continuing operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Baystate Medical Center Baystate Medical Center [Member] Baystate Medical Center Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Estimated amortization expense, 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three Drug Development Drug Development [Member] Covance Drug Development [Member] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] 2022 Swap Agreements 2022 Swap Agreements [Member] 2022 Swap Agreements Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restructuring and other charges Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restructuring and other charges Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restructuring and other charges Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards, (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Estimated amortization expense, 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Dividends Payable, Date of Record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Senior Notes Interest Rate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Senior Notes Interest Rate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Fortrea Senior Notes Interest Rate Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Net cash used for discontinued operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Canadian licenses [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Rollforward of Share Repurchase Program Outstanding Stock Repurchase Authorization [Abstract] Comprehensive earnings Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 2018 Swap Agreements 2018 Swap Agreements [Member] 2018 Swap Agreements Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net Restructuring Charges Net Restructuring Charges Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs, excluding asset retirement obligations, associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program that is planned and controlled by management, and changes either scope of business by an entity, or manner business is conducted. May include amount of reversals and other adjustments during the period to amounts of previously accrued liabilities for specified types of restructuring costs. Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Domain] Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Domain] Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Total assets Assets Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Equity method income, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Restatement [Axis] Revision of Prior Period [Axis] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Stock compensation APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition UNITED STATES UNITED STATES 3.60% senior notes due 2027 3.60% senior notes due 2027 3.60% senior notes due 2027 Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Commitments and contingent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 3.60% senior notes due 2025 3.60% senior notes due 2025 3.60% senior notes due 2025 Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] 2.70% senior notes due 2031 2.70% senior notes due 2031 2.70% senior notes due 2031 Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold 4.70% senior notes due 2045 4.70% senior notes due 2045 4.70% senior notes due 2045 Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Goodwill and other asset impairments Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Finance Lease, Liability, Current Finance Lease, Liability, Current Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Net earnings, basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments Related to Previous Period Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments Related to Previous Period Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-Term Debt [Table] Biopharmaceutical and medical device companies [Member] Biopharmaceutical and medical device companies [Member] Biopharmaceutical and medical device companies [Member] Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Cost of Revenue Cost of Revenue Percent of Revenue Contributed Percent of Revenue Contributed Percent of Revenue Contributed Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] In Process R&A and Media In Process R&A and Media [Member] In Process R&A and Media Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Other Acquisitions Other Acquisitions [Member] Other Acquisitions Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Proceeds from revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Long-Term Lines of Credit Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain]