XML 84 R55.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.3.a.u2

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Details) - USD ($) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Feb. 11, 2019 | Nov. 06, 2018 | Sep. 19, 2018 | Jun. 18, 2018 | Feb. 01, 2018 | Dec. 07, 2017 | Dec. 01, 2017 | Sep. 28, 2017 | Jul. 14, 2017 | May 01, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 63,000,000 | $ 440,000,000 | $ 587,000,000
Goodwill acquired during the year |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 43,000,000 | 228,000,000 | 335,000,000
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 36,000,000 | 205,000,000 | 273,000,000
Finite-lived intangibles |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 21,000,000 | 167,000,000 | 242,000,000
Goodwill related to 2018 acquisitions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 241,000,000 |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 84,000,000 |
Cash acquired from acquisition |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,000,000 | 12,000,000
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 58,000,000 | 427,000,000 | 593,000,000
Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 6,619,000,000 | 6,563,000,000 | $ 6,335,000,000
Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18 years |  |
Other Operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration arrangements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 6,000,000 |  |  |
Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7,000,000 |  |
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratories, P.C. (Boyce & Bynum) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total consideration | $ 61,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes | 35,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration | 55,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | 41,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratories, P.C. (Boyce & Bynum) | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles | $ 20,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratories, P.C. (Boyce & Bynum) | Other Operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration arrangements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,000,000 |  |
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratories, P.C. (Boyce & Bynum) | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration | $ 6,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |
Mobile Medical Examination Services, Inc. (MedXM) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total consideration |  |  |  |  | $ 142,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  |  |  |  | 45,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles |  |  |  |  | 77,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash acquired from acquisition |  |  |  |  | 5,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  | 130,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  |  |  | 57,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Working capital |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mobile Medical Examination Services, Inc. (MedXM) | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mobile Medical Examination Services, Inc. (MedXM) | Other Operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration arrangements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (12,000,000) |
Mobile Medical Examination Services, Inc. (MedXM) | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  |  |  |  | $ 12,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |
Cape Cod Healthcare, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  | $ 35,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ReproSource, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total consideration |  |  | $ 35,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  | 30,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ReproSource, Inc. | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  |  | $ 5,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |
Oxford Immunotec, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  | $ 112,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles |  | 43,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash acquired from acquisition |  | 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  | 170,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Working capital |  | 13,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | $ 6,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustment, goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 13,000,000 |  |  |  |
Adjustment, intangibles |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (11,000,000) |  |  |  |
Adjustment, other assets and liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |  |  |  |
Oxford Immunotec, Inc. | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Oxford Immunotec, Inc. | Contract Related |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
PeaceHealth (PHL) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 71,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 101,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
PeaceHealth (PHL) | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 30,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |
Med Fusion and Clear Point |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 62,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 150,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 64,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 31,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Med Fusion and Clear Point | Capital Lease Obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital lease obligation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 28,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Med Fusion and Clear Point | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 84,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |
The William W. Backus Hospital and The Hospital of Central Connecticut |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 30,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cleveland HeartLab, Inc. (CHL) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash acquired from acquisition |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  |  |  | 94,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  | 55,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Working capital |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred tax assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred tax liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cleveland HeartLab, Inc. (CHL) | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 32,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shiel Holdings LLC (Shiel) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total consideration |  |  |  |  |  | $ 176,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes |  |  |  |  |  | 100,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash consideration |  |  |  |  |  | 170,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  |  |  |  |  | 6,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  | 106,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shiel Holdings LLC (Shiel) | Customer Relationships |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangibles |  |  |  |  |  | $ 70,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount1 + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_BusinessAcquisitionGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Acquisition, Post-acquisition Revenue + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_BusinessAcquisitionPostacquisitionRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the amount of any measurement period adjustment (as defined) realized during the reporting period to goodwill acquired in connection with a business combination for which the initial accounting was incomplete. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the amount of any measurement period adjustment (as defined) realized during the reporting period to other assets and liabilities acquired in connection with a business combination for which the initial accounting was incomplete. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentOtherAssetsandLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles1 + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedFiniteLivedIntangibles1
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Working Capital + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedWorkingCapital
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Goodwill Related to Prior Period Acquisitions, Including Purchase Accounting Adjustments Recorded During Current Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dgx_GoodwillRelatedtoPriorPeriodAcquisitionsIncludingPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsRecordedDuringCurrentPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | dgx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of goodwill arising from a business combination that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6613-128477 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6578-128477 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the value of a contingent consideration liability, including, but not limited to, differences arising upon settlement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7008-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859824&loc=d3e6819-128478 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 25 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6408-128476 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the amount of any measurement period adjustment (as defined) realized during the reporting period to intangibles acquired in connection with a business combination for which the initial accounting was incomplete. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=SL65897772-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentIntangibles
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of lease obligation assumed in business combination. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116821951&loc=d3e31917-109318 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116821951&loc=d3e31917-109318 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of identifiable intangible assets recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868840&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868840&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period (for example, cash that was held by the acquired business). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77989000&loc=SL49117168-202975 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13770-109266 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase in asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized resulting from a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108376223&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_BoyceBynumPathologyLaboratoriesP.C.BoyceBynumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_MobileMedicalExaminationServicesInc.MedXMMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_CapeCodHealthcareInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_ReproSourceInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_OxfordImmunotecInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=dgx_ContractRelatedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_PeaceHealthPHLMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_MedFusionandClearPointMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_TheWilliamW.BackusHospitalandTheHospitalofCentralConnecticutMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_ClevelandHeartLabInc.CHLMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=dgx_ShielHoldingsLLCShielMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |