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Document and Entity Information Document - shares shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 24, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	LABORATORY CORP OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
Entity Central Index Key	0000920148
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		94.6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 466.0	$ 159.3
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $207.6 and $197.6 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	768.9	699.8
Supplies inventories	118.9	110.8
Prepaid expenses and other	78.2	79.6
Deferred income taxes	23.8	35.3
Total current assets	1,455.8	1,084.8
Property, plant and equipment, net	612.2	578.3
Goodwill, net	2,877.4	2,681.8
Intangible assets, net	1,672.5	1,620.7
Joint venture partnerships and equity method investments	80.7	76.8
Other assets, net	115.7	94.2
Total assets	6,814.3	6,136.6
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	247.4	257.8
Accrued expenses and other	386.9	404.1
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	485.1	135.5
Total current liabilities	1,119.4	797.4
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,175.0	2,085.5
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities	558.9	502.7
Other liabilities	223.4	227.3
Total liabilities	4,076.7	3,612.9
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Noncontrolling interest	20.9	20.2
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, 94.9 and 97.8 shares outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	11.4	11.7
Additional paid-in capital	0.0	0.0
Retained earnings	3,587.5	3,387.2
Less common stock held in treasury	(951.8)	(940.9)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	69.6	45.5
Total shareholders' equity	2,716.7	2,503.5
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 6,814.3	$ 6,136.6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 207.6	$ 197.6
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	94.9	97.8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,419.4	$ 1,404.5	$ 4,266.1	$ 4,176.2
Cost of sales	863.3	836.0	2,554.4	2,451.1
Gross profit	556.1	568.5	1,711.7	1,725.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses	285.1	283.8	835.8	889.3
Amortization of intangibles and other assets	21.1	21.2	63.1	64.6
Restructuring and other special charges	4.8	24.1	4.6	70.3
Operating income	245.1	239.4	808.2	700.9
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(24.1)	(20.3)	(66.9)	(65.3)
Equity method income, net	5.1	2.5	17.4	6.6
Investment income	0.3	0.2	0.7	0.7
Other, net	0.5	(1.7)	(6.7)	(1.8)
Earnings before income taxes	226.9	220.1	752.7	641.1
Provision for income taxes	78.5	82.5	288.5	246.2
Net earnings	148.4	137.6	464.2	394.9
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(3.3)	(1.3)	(10.6)
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 148.0	$ 134.3	$ 462.9	$ 384.3
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.56	$ 1.34	$ 4.81	$ 3.82
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.53	$ 1.31	$ 4.72	$ 3.76

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 148.4	$ 137.6	$ 464.2	$ 394.9
Other Comprehensive Earnings, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	32.7	(63.3)	39.1	(32.6)
Interest rate swap adjustments	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.4
Other comprehensive earnings (loss) before tax	32.7	(63.3)	39.1	(30.2)
Provision for income tax related to items of comprehensive earnings	(12.5)	24.1	(15.0)	11.8
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax	20.2	(39.2)	24.1	(18.4)
Comprehensive earnings	168.6	98.4	488.3	376.5
Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(3.3)	(1.3)	(10.6)
Comprehensive earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	$ 168.2	$ 95.1	$ 487.0	$ 365.9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 2,466.3	$ 12.2	$ 53.9	$ 3,246.6	$ (934.9)	$ 88.5
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	384.3			384.3
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax	(18.4)					(18.4)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	111.3	0.1	111.2
Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards	(6.0)				(6.0)
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt	36.2	0.1	36.1
Stock compensation	37.2		37.2
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised	10.2		10.2
Purchase of common stock	(477.8)	(0.5)	(248.6)	(228.7)
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2011	2,543.3	11.9	0.0	3,402.2	(940.9)	70.1
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011	2,503.5	11.7	0.0	3,387.2	(940.9)	45.5
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	462.9			462.9
Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax	24.1					24.1
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	75.1	0.1	75.0
Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards	(10.9)				(10.9)
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt	0.0
Stock compensation	34.8		34.8
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised	7.7		7.7
Purchase of common stock	(380.5)	(0.4)	(117.5)	(262.6)
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 2,716.7	$ 11.4	$ 0.0	$ 3,587.5	$ (951.8)	$ 69.6

- Definition

This element represents the amount of recognized equity-based compensation during the period, that is, the amount recognized as expense in the income statement (or as asset if compensation is capitalized). Alternate captions include the words "stock-based compensation".

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- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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-Appendix A

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

+ Details

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings	$ 464.2	$ 394.9
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	170.4	173.6
Stock compensation	34.8	37.2
Loss on sale of assets	5.3	1.2
Accrued interest on zero-coupon subordinated notes	2.0	3.2
Cumulative earnings in excess of distributions from equity method investments	(2.7)	(0.3)
Deferred income taxes	44.9	(11.0)
Change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions):
Increase in accounts receivable (net)	(49.2)	(65.9)
Increase in inventories	(4.3)	(0.9)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other	3.5	10.5
Decrease in accounts payable	(19.4)	(40.8)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other	(62.3)	75.3
Net cash provided by operating activities	587.2	577.0
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(112.4)	(115.6)
Proceeds from sale of assets	2.9	3.6
Deferred payments on acquisitions	(2.7)	(0.7)
Acquisition of licensing technology	(2.1)	0.0
Investments in equity affiliates	(14.9)	0.0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(283.1)	(46.3)
Net cash used for investing activities	(412.3)	(159.0)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from senior note offerings	1,000.0	0.0
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	305.0	85.0
Payments on revolving credit facilities	(865.0)	(85.0)
Principal payments on term loan	0.0	(56.2)
Payments on zero-coupon subordinated notes	(2.5)	(150.6)
Payments on long-term debt	0.0	(0.8)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(8.9)	(0.5)
Noncontrolling interest distributions	(0.9)	(5.8)
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	7.6	9.8
Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees	75.1	111.3
Purchase of common stock	(380.5)	(468.8)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	129.9	(561.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1.9	(1.3)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	306.7	(144.9)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	159.3	230.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 466.0	$ 85.8

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (the “Company”) and its majority-owned subsidiaries for which it exercises control. Long-term investments in affiliated companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence (generally, when the Company has an investment of less than 20.0% and no representation on the investee’s board of directors) are accounted for using the cost method. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company does not have any variable interest entities or special purpose entities whose financial results are not included in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income.” The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of results of operations, cash flows and financial position have been made. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statements and notes are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Therefore, the interim statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

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+ Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings including the impact of dilutive adjustments by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive shares, as if they had been issued at the earlier of the date of issuance or the beginning of the period presented. Potentially dilutive common shares result primarily from the Company’s outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, performance share awards, and shares issuable upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes.

The following represents a reconciliation of basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012					2011					2012					2011
	Income		Shares	Per Share Amount		Income		Shares	Per Share Amount		Income		Shares	Per Share Amount		Income		Shares	Per Share Amount
Basic earnings per share:
Net earnings	$	148.0	95.1	$	1.56	$	134.3	100.6	$	1.34	$	462.9	96.3	$	4.81	$	384.3	100.5	$	3.82
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards	—		1.0			—		1.1			—		1.1			—		1.3
Effect of convertible debt, net of tax	—		0.7			—		0.5			—		0.7			—		0.5
Diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings including impact of dilutive adjustments	$	148.0	96.8	$	1.53	$	134.3	102.2	$	1.31	$	462.9	98.1	$	4.72	$	384.3	102.3	$	3.76

The following table summarizes the potential common shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their impact would have been antidilutive:



	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
Stock options	3.1	1.5	2.3	1.3

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUTS	9 Months Ended
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUTS	Sep. 30, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest Puts [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Puts	NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUTS On October 14, 2011, the Company issued notice to a noncontrolling interest holder in the Ontario partnership of its intent to purchase the holder's partnership units in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement. On November 28, 2011, this purchase was completed for a total purchase price of $147.9 (CN151.7) as outlined in the partnership agreement (CN$147.8 plus certain adjustments relating to cash distribution hold backs made to finance business acquisitions and capital expenditures). The purchase of these additional partnership units brings the Company's percentage interest owned to 98.2%. The contractual value of the remaining put, in excess of the current noncontrolling interest of $4.1, totals $16.8 at September 30, 2012 and has been classified as mezzanine equity in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. Net sales of the Ontario partnership were $81.7 (CN$81.2) and $75.8 (CN$74.2) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 respectively, and $248.2 (CN$248.7) and $230.7 (CN$225.4) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries, which could include the name of the subsidiary, the ownership percentage held by the parent, the ownership percentage held by the noncontrolling owners, the amount of the noncontrolling interest, the location of this amount on the balance sheet (when not reported separately), an explanation of the increase or decrease in the amount of the noncontrolling interest, the noncontrolling interest share of the net Income or Loss of the subsidiary, the location of this amount on the income statement (when not reported separately), the nature of the noncontrolling interest such as background information and terms, the amount of the noncontrolling interest represented by preferred stock, a description of the preferred stock, and the dividend requirements of the preferred stock.

+ References + Details

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES	9 Months Ended
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Special Charges	RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES During the first nine months of 2012, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $4.6. The charges were comprised of $11.4 in severance and other personnel costs and $2.5 in facility-related costs primarily associated with the ongoing integration activities of Orchid and the Integrated Genetics Division (formerly Genzyme Genetics) and costs associated with the previously announced termination of an executive vice president. These charges were offset by the reversal of previously established reserves of $5.7 in unused severance and $3.6 in unused facility-related costs. As part of the Clearstone integration, the Company also recorded a $6.9 loss on the disposal of one of its European subsidiaries in Other, net under Other income (expenses) during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the first nine months of 2011, the Company recorded net restructuring and other special charges of $39.1. The charges were comprised of $21.1 in severance and other personnel costs, and $21.3 in facility-related costs associated with the integration of certain acquisitions including Genzyme Genetics and Westcliff. These charges were offset by restructuring credits of $3.3 resulting from the reversal of unused severance and facility closure liabilities. In addition, the Company recorded fixed assets impairment charges of $16.4 primarily related to equipment and leasehold improvements in closed facilities. The Company also recorded a special charge of $14.8 related to a write-off of certain assets and liabilities related to an investment made in a prior year. * Genzyme Genetics and its logo are trademarks of Genzyme Corporation and used by Esoterix Genetic Laboratories, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of LabCorp, under license. Esoterix Genetic Laboratories and LabCorp are operated independently from Genzyme Corporation.

RESTRUCTURING RESERVES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]

Restructuring Reserves

RESTRUCTURING RESERVES

The following represents the Company’s restructuring activities for the period indicated:



	Severance and Other Employee Costs			Lease and Other Facility Costs			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	8.4		$	22.6		$	31.0
Restructuring charges	11.4			2.5			13.9
Reduction of prior restructuring accruals	(5.7		)	(3.6		)	(9.3		)
Cash payments and other adjustments	(11.9		)	(3.8		)	(15.7		)
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	2.2		$	17.7		$	19.9
Current							$	8.0
Non-current							11.9
							$	19.9

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 and for the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:



	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Balance as of January 1	$	2,681.8		$	2,601.3
Goodwill acquired during the period	196.8			86.2
Adjustments to goodwill	(1.2		)	(5.7		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,877.4		$	2,681.8

The components of identifiable intangible assets are as follows:



	September 30, 2012					December 31, 2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	1,269.7	$	(468.3	)	$	1,187.5	$	(426.8	)
Patents, licenses and technology	146.7		(97.2		)	144.9		(88.3		)
Non-compete agreements	29.5		(18.4		)	28.1		(14.8		)
Trade names	131.3		(70.4		)	129.2		(61.3		)
Canadian licenses	749.6		—			722.2		—
	$	2,326.8	$	(654.3	)	$	2,211.9	$	(591.2	)

Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $21.1 and $63.1, respectively, and $21.2 and $64.6 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. Amortization expense for the net carrying amount of intangible assets is estimated to be $23.1 for the remainder of fiscal 2012, $84.6 in fiscal 2013, $80.6 in fiscal 2014, $77.0 in fiscal 2015, $71.6 in fiscal 2016 and $586.0 thereafter.

The Ontario operation had $749.6 and $722.2 of value assigned to the partnership’s indefinite lived Canadian licenses to conduct diagnostic testing services in the province as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

DEBT

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

DEBT

Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes	$	135.0	$	135.5
Senior notes due 2013	$	350.1	$	—
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	485.1	$	135.5

Long-term debt at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	560.0
5 1/2% senior notes due 2013	—		350.5
5 5/8% senior notes due 2015	250.0		250.0
3 1/8% senior notes due 2016	325.0		325.0
2 1/5% senior notes due 2017	500.0		—
4 5/8% senior notes due 2020	600.0		600.0
3 3/4% senior notes due 2022	500.0		—
Total long-term debt	$	2,175.0	$	2,085.5

Senior Notes

On August 23, 2012, the Company issued $1,000.0 in new senior notes pursuant to the Company's effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3. The new senior notes consisted of $500.0 aggregate principal amount of 2.20% Senior Notes due 2017 and $500.0 aggregate principal amount of 3.75% Senior Notes due 2022. The net proceeds were used to repay $625.0 of the outstanding borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. The remaining proceeds are available for other general corporate purposes.

The Senior Notes due 2017 and Senior Notes due 2022 bear interest at the rate of 2.20% per annum and 3.75% per annum, respectively, payable semi-annually on February 23 and August 23 of each year, commencing February 23, 2013.

Zero-coupon Subordinated Notes

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company settled notices to convert $3.1 aggregate principal amount at maturity of its zero-coupon subordinated notes with a conversion value of $3.7. The total cash used for these settlements was $2.5 and the Company also issued twelve thousand nine hundred fifty-seven additional shares of common stock.

On September 12, 2012, the Company announced that for the period of September 12, 2012 to March 11, 2013, the zero-coupon subordinated notes will accrue contingent cash interest at a rate of no less than 0.125% of the average market price of a zero-coupon subordinated note for the five trading days ended September 7, 2012, in addition to the continued accrual of the original issue discount.

On October 1, 2012, the Company announced that its zero-coupon subordinated notes may be converted into cash and common stock at the conversion rate of 13.4108 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the notes, subject to the terms of the zero-coupon subordinated notes and the Indenture, dated as of October 24, 2006 between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee and conversion agent. In order to exercise the option to convert all or a portion of the zero-coupon subordinated notes, holders are required to validly surrender their zero-coupon subordinated notes at any time during the calendar quarter beginning October 1, 2012, through the close of business on the last business day of the calendar quarter, which is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, December 31, 2012. If notices of conversion are received, the Company plans to settle the cash portion of the conversion obligation with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Credit Facilities

On December 21, 2011, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") providing for a five-year $1,000.0 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., acting as Administrative Agent, Barclays Capital as Syndication Agent, and a group of financial institutions as lending parties. The balances outstanding on the Company's Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $0.0 and $560.0, respectively. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at varying rates based upon a base rate or LIBOR plus (in each case) a percentage based on the Company's debt rating with Standard & Poor's and Moody's Ratings Services.

The Revolving Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, funding of share repurchases and other restricted payments permitted under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also contains limitations on aggregate subsidiary indebtedness and a debt covenant that requires that the Company maintain on the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, in each case taken as one accounting period, a ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0. The Company was in compliance with all covenants in the Credit Agreement at September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, the ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA was 2.0 to 1.0.

As of September 30, 2012, the effective interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 1.19%.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Preferred Stock and Common Shareholders' Equity

PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company is authorized to issue up to 265.0 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share. The Company’s treasury shares are recorded at aggregate cost. The Company is authorized to issue up to 30.0 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. There were no preferred shares outstanding as of September 30, 2012.

The changes in common shares issued and held in treasury are summarized below:



	Issued		Held in Treasury		Outstanding
Common shares at December 31, 2011	120.0		(22.2	)	97.8
Common stock issued under employee stock plans	1.5		—		1.5
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes	—		—		—
Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards	—		(0.1	)	(0.1	)
Retirement of common stock	(4.3	)	—		(4.3	)
Common shares at September 30, 2012	117.2		(22.3	)	94.9

Share Repurchase Program

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately $84.4 of Company common stock. On February 10, 2012, the Company announced the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of $500.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased 4.3 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $380.5. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase $204.0 of Company common stock.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section 08
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The Company does not recognize a tax benefit, unless the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the taxing authority based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the Company recognizes a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that the Company believes is greater than 50.0% likely to be realized. The gross unrecognized income tax benefits were $40.4 and $52.7 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The decrease is primarily related to the expiration of statutes of limitations and the completion of a study related to domestic intercompany transfer pricing. It is anticipated that the amount of the unrecognized income tax benefits will change within the next twelve months; however, these changes are not expected to have a significant impact on the results of operations, cash flows or the financial position of the Company. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $41.1 and $53.3, respectively, are the approximate amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions totaled $10.7 and $10.8 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The valuation allowance provided as a reserve against certain deferred tax assets is $18.5 and $14.4 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The increase in the valuation allowance during 2012 is primarily due to current year-to-date foreign losses whereby a full valuation allowance has been provided. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2007. Substantially all material state and local, and foreign income tax matters have been concluded through 2006 and 2001, respectively. The Company has various state income tax examinations ongoing throughout the year. In October 2011, Canada Revenue Agency initiated an examination of the Company's Canadian income tax returns for 2010 and 2009. Management believes adequate provisions have been recorded related to all open tax years.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Sep. 30, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is involved from time to time in various claims and legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation (including those described in more detail below), arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these actions involve claims that are substantial in amount. These matters include, but are not limited to, intellectual property disputes, professional liability, employee related matters, and inquiries, including subpoenas and other civil investigative demands, from governmental agencies and Medicare or Medicaid payers and managed care payers reviewing billing practices or requesting comment on allegations of billing irregularities that are brought to their attention through billing audits or third parties. The Company receives civil investigative demands or other inquiries from various governmental bodies in the ordinary course of its business. Such inquiries can relate to the Company or other healthcare providers. The Company works cooperatively to respond to appropriate requests for information. The Company is also named from time to time in suits brought under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act and comparable state laws. These suits typically allege that the Company has made false statements and/or certifications in connection with claims for payment from federal or state health care programs. They may remain under seal (hence, unknown to the Company) for some time while the government decides whether to intervene on behalf of the qui tam plaintiff. Such claims are an inevitable part of doing business in the health care field today. The Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with all statutes, regulations and other requirements applicable to its clinical laboratory operations. The clinical laboratory testing industry is, however, subject to extensive regulation, and the courts have not interpreted many of these statutes and regulations. There can be no assurance therefore that those applicable statutes and regulations will not be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory or judicial authority in a manner that would adversely affect the Company. Potential sanctions for violation of these statutes and regulations include significant fines and the loss of various licenses, certificates and authorizations. Many of the claims and legal actions against the Company are at preliminary stages, and many of these cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages. The Company records an aggregate legal reserve, which is determined using actuarial calculations around historical loss rates and assessment of trends experienced in settlements and defense costs. In accordance with ASC 450 “Contingencies”, the Company establishes reserves for judicial, regulatory, and arbitration matters outside the aggregate legal reserve if and when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable and would exceed the aggregate legal reserve. When loss contingencies are not both probable and estimable, the Company does not establish separate reserves. The Company is unable to estimate a range of reasonably probable loss for cases described in more detail below in which damages either have not been specified or, in the Company's judgment, are unsupported and/or exaggerated and (i) the proceedings are in early stages; (ii) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (iii) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (iv) there are novel legal issues to be presented. For these cases, however, the Company does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, though the outcomes could be material to the Company's operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period. A subsidiary of the Company, DIANON Systems, Inc. (“DIANON”), was the appellant in a wrongful termination lawsuit originally filed by G. Berry Schumann in Superior Court in the State of Connecticut. After a jury trial, the state court entered judgment against DIANON, with total damages, attorney's fees, and pre-judgment interest payable by DIANON, of approximately $10.0 plus post-judgment interest. DIANON disputed liability and contested the case vigorously on appeal. In April 2012, the Connecticut Supreme Court unanimously reversed the jury verdict and remanded the case to the trial court with direction to render judgment for DIANON on the appealed statutory claim and for a new trial limited to the plaintiff's common-law wrongful termination claim, which was not reached by the jury. The parties resolved the remaining claim and the case was dismissed. As previously reported, the Company reached a settlement in the previously disclosed lawsuit, California ex rel. Hunter Laboratories, LLC et al. v. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, et al. ("Hunter Labs Settlement Agreement"), to avoid the uncertainty and costs associated with prolonged litigation. Pursuant to the executed settlement agreement, the Company recorded a litigation settlement expense of $34.5 in the second quarter of 2011 (net of a previously recorded reserve of $15.0). The Company also agreed to certain reporting obligations regarding its pricing for a limited time period and, at the option of the Company in lieu of such reporting obligations, to provide Medi-Cal with a discount from Medi-Cal's otherwise applicable maximum reimbursement rate from November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012. In June of 2012, the California legislature enacted Assembly Bill No. 1494, Section 9 of which directs the Department of Health Care Services ("DHCS") to establish new reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal clinical laboratory services that will be based on payments made to California clinical laboratories for similar services by other third-party payors. The details of the new reimbursement rate setting methodology will be determined by DHCS over the next year through a process that will include stakeholder input. The bill provides that until the new rates are set through this process, Medi-Cal payments for clinical laboratory services will be reduced (in addition to a 10% payment reduction imposed by statute in 2011) by “up to 10 percent” for tests with dates of service on or after July 1, 2012, with a cap on payments set at 80% of the lowest maximum allowance established under the federal Medicare program. Under the terms of the Hunter Labs Settlement Agreement, the enactment of this new California legislation terminates the Company's reporting obligations (or obligation to provide a discount in lieu of reporting) under that agreement. Taken together, these changes are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated revenues or results of operations. As previously reported, the Company responded to an October 2007 subpoena from the United States Office Department of Health & Human Services of Inspector General's regional office in New York. On August 17, 2011, the Southern District of New York unsealed a False Claims Act lawsuit, United States of America ex rel. NPT Associates v. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, which alleges that the Company offered UnitedHealthcare kickbacks in the form of discounts in return for Medicare business. The lawsuit seeks actual and treble damages and civil penalties for each alleged false claim, as well as recovery of costs, attorney's fees, and legal expenses. The United States government has not intervened in the lawsuit. The Company will vigorously defend the lawsuit. In addition, the Company has received three other subpoenas since 2007 related to Medicaid billing. In June 2010, the Company received a subpoena from the State of Florida Office of the Attorney General requesting documents related to its billing to Florida Medicaid. In February 2009, the Company received a subpoena from the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General seeking documents related to the Company's billing to state Medicaid. In October 2009, the Company received a subpoena from the State of Michigan Department of Attorney General seeking documents related to its billing to Michigan Medicaid. The Company is cooperating with these requests. On December 8, 2011, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) that allowed the Company to complete its acquisition of Orchid Cellmark Inc. ("Orchid"), which closed on December 15, 2011. Under the terms of the consent decree with the FTC, the Company was required to divest certain assets of Orchid's U.S. government paternity business. On December 16, 2011, the Company sold those assets to DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC), a privately held provider of DNA paternity testing. There is one pending petition for appraisal of shares of Orchid. Three shareholder class actions, Silverberg v. Bologna, et al., Nannetti v. Bologna, and Locke v. Orchid Cellmark, Inc., et al., were filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and subsequently consolidated into one action, In re Orchid Cellmark Shareholder Litig. The consolidated action challenged the Orchid acquisition on grounds of alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and/or other violations of state law. On May 4, 2011, the plaintiffs in the consolidated action filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the transaction. On May 12, 2011, the Court of Chancery denied the motion for preliminary injunction, and plaintiffs' motion for an expedited appeal was subsequently denied on May 16, 2011. On October 2, 2012, the case was dismissed. Three similar putative class action lawsuits filed against Orchid in the Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division, Mercer County and another similar case filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey were also dismissed. In October 2011, a putative stockholder of the Company made a letter demand through his counsel for inspection of documents related to policies and procedures concerning the Company's Board of Directors' oversight and monitoring of the Company's billing and claim submission process. The letter also seeks documents prepared for or by the Board regarding allegations from the California ex rel. Hunter Laboratories, LLC et al. v. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, et al., lawsuit and documents reviewed and relied upon by the Board in connection with the settlement of that lawsuit. The Company is responding to the request pursuant to Delaware law. On November 18, 2011, the Company received a letter from United States Senators Baucus and Grassley requesting information regarding the Company's relationships with its largest managed care customers. The letter requests information about the Company's contracts and financial data regarding its managed care customers. Company representatives met with Senate Finance Committee staff after receiving the request and subsequently produced documents in response. The Company continues to cooperate with the request for information. The Company was a defendant in two putative class actions related to overtime pay. In September 2011, a putative class action, Peggy Bryant v. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, was filed against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, alleging on behalf of employees similarly situated that the Company violated the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable state wage laws by failing to pay overtime. The complaint sought monetary damages, liquidated damages equal to the alleged amount owed, costs, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. The case was dismissed with prejudice in August 2012. In April 2012, a putative class action, Beverly C. Plaza v. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, was filed against the Company in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, alleging on behalf of employees similarly situated that the Company violated the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable state wage laws by failing to pay overtime. The complaint sought monetary damages, liquidated damages equal to the alleged amount owed, costs, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. The case was dismissed without prejudice in August 2012. On February 27, 2012, the Company was served with a False Claims Act lawsuit, United States ex rel. Margaret Brown v. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings and Tri-State Clinical Laboratory Services, LLC, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants submitted false claims for payment for laboratory testing services performed as a result of financial relationships that violated the federal Stark and anti-kickback laws. The Company owned 50% of Tri-State Clinical Laboratory Services, LLC, which was dissolved in June of 2011. The lawsuit seeks actual and treble damages and civil penalties for each alleged false claim, as well as recovery of costs, attorney's fees, and legal expenses. The United States government has not intervened in the lawsuit. The Company will vigorously defend the lawsuit. In June 2012, the Company and MEDTOX Scientific, Inc. ("MEDTOX") announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger under which the Company would acquire all the outstanding shares of MEDTOX in a cash tender offer. The review period under the Hart Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR") applicable to the acquisition of MEDTOX expired on July 12, 2012, and the transaction closed on July 31, 2012. Three shareholder class actions, Carol A. Kiel v. Braun, et al, Louise Perlman v. MEDTOX Scientific, et al., and John Siciliano v. MEDTOX Scientific, Inc., et al., were filed in connection with the acquisition of MEDTOX in the County of Ramsey, Second Judicial District for the State of Minnesota. The lawsuits challenged the MEDTOX acquisition on grounds of alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and/or other violations of state law. The Company and its merger subsidiary were named only in the Kiel and Perlman cases. On July 20, 2012, the parties, through their counsel, executed a Memorandum of Understanding setting forth their agreement in principle to settle all three of the putative shareholder class actions. The Memorandum of Understanding was subsequently superseded by a Stipulation of Settlement dated October 12, 2012. Under the terms of the Stipulation of Settlement, all claims will be dismissed with prejudice. The proposed settlement is subject to court approval. The Company also anticipates that counsel for the plaintiffs will seek an award of attorney's fees and expenses in an amount to be determined by the court. On June 7, 2012, the Company was served with a putative class action lawsuit, Yvonne Jansky v. Laboratory Corporation of America, et al., filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants committed unlawful and unfair business practices, and violated various other state laws by changing screening codes to diagnostic codes on laboratory test orders, thereby resulting in customers being responsible for co-payments and other debts. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, actual and punitive damages, as well as recovery of attorney's fees, and legal expenses. The Company will vigorously defend the lawsuit. On June 7, 2012, the Company was served with a putative class action lawsuit, Ann Baker Pepe v. Genzyme Corporation and Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed to preserve DNA samples allegedly entrusted to the defendants and thereby breached a written agreement with plaintiff and violated state laws. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, actual, double and treble damages, as well as recovery of attorney's fees and legal expenses. The Company will vigorously defend the lawsuit. On August 24, 2012, the Company was served with a putative class action lawsuit, Sandusky Wellness Center, LLC, et al. v. MEDTOX Scientific, Inc., et al., filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. The lawsuit alleges that on or about February 21, 2012, the defendants violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act by sending unsolicited facsimiles to Plaintiff and more than 39 other recipients without the recipients' prior express invitation or permission. The lawsuit seeks actual damages or the sum of $0.0005 for each violation, whichever is greater, and injunctive relief. The Company will vigorously defend the lawsuit. Under the Company's present insurance programs, coverage is obtained for catastrophic exposure as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. The Company is responsible for the uninsured portion of losses related primarily to general, professional and vehicle liability, certain medical costs and workers' compensation. The self-insured retentions are on a per occurrence basis without any aggregate annual limit. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregated liability of claims incurred. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had provided letters of credit aggregating approximately $37.4, primarily in connection with certain insurance programs. The Company's availability under its Revolving Credit Facility is reduced by the amount of these letters of credit.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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+ Details

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Pension And Postretirement Plans

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Company’s defined contribution retirement plan (the “401K Plan”) covers substantially all employees. All employees eligible for the 401K Plan receive a minimum 3% non-elective contribution concurrent with each payroll period. The 401K Plan also permits discretionary contributions by the Company of 1% to 3% of pay for eligible employees based on years of service with the Company. The cost of this plan was $12.0 and $11.1 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $36.3 and $33.5 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company also maintains a frozen defined benefit retirement plan (the “Company Plan”), that as of December 31, 2009, covered substantially all employees. The benefits to be paid under the Company Plan are based on years of credited service through December 31, 2009 and ongoing interest credits. Effective January 1, 2010, the Company Plan was closed to new participants. The Company’s policy is to fund the Company Plan with at least the minimum amount required by applicable regulations.

The Company maintains a second unfunded, non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the “PEP”), that as of December 31, 2009, covered substantially all of its senior management group. The PEP supplements the Company Plan and was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2010.

The effect on operations for the Company Plan and the PEP is summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost for benefits earned	$	0.6		$	0.7		$	1.8		$	2.0
Interest cost on benefit obligation	3.8			4.2			11.2			12.8
Expected return on plan assets	(4.4		)	(4.8		)	(13.0		)	(14.1		)
Net amortization and deferral	3.1			2.0			9.1			5.7
Defined benefit plan costs	$	3.1		$	2.1		$	9.1		$	6.4

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company contributed $11.3 to its defined benefit retirement plan.

The Company assumed obligations under a subsidiary’s post-retirement medical plan. Coverage under this plan is restricted to a limited number of existing employees of the subsidiary. This plan is unfunded and the Company’s policy is to fund benefits as claims are incurred. The effect on operations of the post-retirement medical plan is shown in the following table:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Service cost for benefits earned	$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.3	$	0.3
Interest cost on benefit obligation	0.6		0.5		1.8		1.6
Net amortization and deferral	0.1		—		0.1		—
Postretirement medical plan costs	$	0.8	$	0.6	$	2.2	$	1.9

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company’s population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:



			Fair Value Measurements as of
	Fair Value as of		September 30, 2012
	Fair Value as of		Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	September 30, 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Noncontrolling interest put	$	20.9	$	—	$	20.9	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements as of
	Fair Value as of		December 31, 2011
	Fair Value as of		Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	December 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Noncontrolling interest put	$	20.2	$	—	$	20.2	$	—

The noncontrolling interest put is valued at its contractually determined value, which approximates fair value.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable, and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair market value of the zero-coupon subordinated notes, based on market pricing, was approximately $198.0 and $190.2 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The fair market value of the senior notes, based on market pricing, was approximately $2,683.1 and $1,624.4 as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the estimated fair market value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximated its book value of $0.0 and $560.0, respectively. The Company's note and debt instruments are considered level 2 instruments, as the fair market values of these instruments are determined using other observable inputs.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company addresses its exposure to market risks, principally the market risk associated with changes in interest rates, through a controlled program of risk management that includes, from time to time, the use of derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements (see Interest Rate Swap section below). Although the Company’s zero-coupon subordinated notes contain features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments (see Embedded Derivative section below), the Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not believe that its exposure to market risk is material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Interest Rate Swap

The interest rate swap agreement to hedge variable interest rate risk on the Company’s variable interest rate term loan expired on March 31, 2011. On a quarterly basis under the swap, the Company paid a fixed rate of interest (2.92%) and received a variable rate of interest based on the three-month LIBOR rate on an amortizing notional amount of indebtedness equivalent to the term loan balance outstanding. The swap was designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Company recognized the fair value of the swap in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value were recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement was the estimated amount that the Company would have paid or received to terminate the swap agreement at the reporting date.

Embedded Derivatives Related to the Zero-Coupon Subordinated Notes

The Company’s zero-coupon subordinated notes contain the following two features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments under authoritative guidance in connection with accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities:


1)	The Company will pay contingent cash interest on the zero-coupon subordinated notes after September 11, 2006, if the average market price of the notes equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accrued original issue discount and contingent additional principal, if any, for a specified measurement period.


2)	Holders may surrender zero-coupon subordinated notes for conversion during any period in which the rating assigned to the zero-coupon subordinated notes by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services is BB- or lower.

The Company believes these embedded derivatives had no fair value at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. These embedded derivatives also had no impact on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

The following table summarizes the effect of the interest rate swap on other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:



	2012		2011
Effective portion of derivative gain	$	—	$	2.4

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80784-113994

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+ Details

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash paid during period for:
Interest	$	51.0	$	49.8
Income taxes, net of refunds	232.6		225.4
Disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt	$	—	$	36.2
Accrued repurchases of common stock	—		9.0

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS On July 31, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of MEDTOX, a provider of high quality specialized laboratory testing services and on-site/point-of-collection testing (POCT) devices, for $236.4 in cash, excluding transaction fees. The MEDTOX acquisition was made to extend the Company's specialty toxicology testing group and enhance the Company's scientific differentiation and esoteric testing capabilities. The MEDTOX purchase consideration has been allocated to the estimated fair market value of the net assets acquired, including approximately $78.0 in identifiable intangible assets (primarily non-tax deductible customer relationships, trade names and trademarks) with weighted-average useful lives of approximately 18.0 years; $33.2 in deferred tax liabilities (relating to identifiable intangible assets); and a residual amount of non-tax deductible goodwill of approximately $154.2. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company also acquired various other laboratories and related assets for approximately $53.9 in cash (net of cash acquired). These acquisitions were made primarily to extend the Company's geographic reach in important market areas and/or enhance the Company's scientific differentiation and esoteric testing capabilities. The purchase price allocations for certain of these acquisitions are preliminary and subject to adjustment based on changes in the fair value of working capital and other assets and liabilities on the effective acquisition dates and final valuation of intangible assets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Basic earnings per Share to Diluted Earnings per Share

The following represents a reconciliation of basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012					2011					2012					2011
	Income		Shares	Per Share Amount		Income		Shares	Per Share Amount		Income		Shares	Per Share Amount		Income		Shares	Per Share Amount
Basic earnings per share:
Net earnings	$	148.0	95.1	$	1.56	$	134.3	100.6	$	1.34	$	462.9	96.3	$	4.81	$	384.3	100.5	$	3.82
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards	—		1.0			—		1.1			—		1.1			—		1.3
Effect of convertible debt, net of tax	—		0.7			—		0.5			—		0.7			—		0.5
Diluted earnings per share:
Net earnings including impact of dilutive adjustments	$	148.0	96.8	$	1.53	$	134.3	102.2	$	1.31	$	462.9	98.1	$	4.72	$	384.3	102.3	$	3.76

Potential common shares not included in computation of diluted earnings per share

The following table summarizes the potential common shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their impact would have been antidilutive:



	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2012	2011
Stock options	3.1	1.5	2.3	1.3

RESTRUCTURING RESERVES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]

Company's Restructuring Activities

The following represents the Company’s restructuring activities for the period indicated:



	Severance and Other Employee Costs			Lease and Other Facility Costs			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	8.4		$	22.6		$	31.0
Restructuring charges	11.4			2.5			13.9
Reduction of prior restructuring accruals	(5.7		)	(3.6		)	(9.3		)
Cash payments and other adjustments	(11.9		)	(3.8		)	(15.7		)
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	2.2		$	17.7		$	19.9
Current							$	8.0
Non-current							11.9
							$	19.9

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 and for the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:



	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Balance as of January 1	$	2,681.8		$	2,601.3
Goodwill acquired during the period	196.8			86.2
Adjustments to goodwill	(1.2		)	(5.7		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,877.4		$	2,681.8

Components of identifiable intangible assets

The components of identifiable intangible assets are as follows:



	September 30, 2012					December 31, 2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	1,269.7	$	(468.3	)	$	1,187.5	$	(426.8	)
Patents, licenses and technology	146.7		(97.2		)	144.9		(88.3		)
Non-compete agreements	29.5		(18.4		)	28.1		(14.8		)
Trade names	131.3		(70.4		)	129.2		(61.3		)
Canadian licenses	749.6		—			722.2		—
	$	2,326.8	$	(654.3	)	$	2,211.9	$	(591.2	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

DEBT (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt

Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes	$	135.0	$	135.5
Senior notes due 2013	$	350.1	$	—
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	485.1	$	135.5

Long-term debt

Long-term debt at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Revolving credit facility	$	—	$	560.0
5 1/2% senior notes due 2013	—		350.5
5 5/8% senior notes due 2015	250.0		250.0
3 1/8% senior notes due 2016	325.0		325.0
2 1/5% senior notes due 2017	500.0		—
4 5/8% senior notes due 2020	600.0		600.0
3 3/4% senior notes due 2022	500.0		—
Total long-term debt	$	2,175.0	$	2,085.5

PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Changes in common shares issued and held in treasury

The changes in common shares issued and held in treasury are summarized below:



	Issued		Held in Treasury		Outstanding
Common shares at December 31, 2011	120.0		(22.2	)	97.8
Common stock issued under employee stock plans	1.5		—		1.5
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes	—		—		—
Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards	—		(0.1	)	(0.1	)
Retirement of common stock	(4.3	)	—		(4.3	)
Common shares at September 30, 2012	117.2		(22.3	)	94.9

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Pensions and Postretirement Plans

The effect on operations for the Company Plan and the PEP is summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost for benefits earned	$	0.6		$	0.7		$	1.8		$	2.0
Interest cost on benefit obligation	3.8			4.2			11.2			12.8
Expected return on plan assets	(4.4		)	(4.8		)	(13.0		)	(14.1		)
Net amortization and deferral	3.1			2.0			9.1			5.7
Defined benefit plan costs	$	3.1		$	2.1		$	9.1		$	6.4

The effect on operations of the post-retirement medical plan is shown in the following table:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Service cost for benefits earned	$	0.1	$	0.1	$	0.3	$	0.3
Interest cost on benefit obligation	0.6		0.5		1.8		1.6
Net amortization and deferral	0.1		—		0.1		—
Postretirement medical plan costs	$	0.8	$	0.6	$	2.2	$	1.9

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6930749&loc=d3e4179-114921

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2439-114920

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Company's population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements

The Company’s population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:



			Fair Value Measurements as of
	Fair Value as of		September 30, 2012
	Fair Value as of		Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	September 30, 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Noncontrolling interest put	$	20.9	$	—	$	20.9	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements as of
	Fair Value as of		December 31, 2011
	Fair Value as of		Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	December 31, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Noncontrolling interest put	$	20.2	$	—	$	20.2	$	—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of liabilities, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, by class that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset.

+ References + Details

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Effects of Interest Rate Swap on Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the effect of the interest rate swap on other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:



	2012		2011
Effective portion of derivative gain	$	—	$	2.4

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash paid during period for:
Interest	$	51.0	$	49.8
Income taxes, net of refunds	232.6		225.4
Disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt	$	—	$	36.2
Accrued repurchases of common stock	—		9.0

BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details)	9 Months Ended
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details)	Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Ownership percentage below which investments are generally accounted for on the cost method (in thousandths)	20.00%

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Reconciliation of Basic Earnings Per Share to Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income [Abstract]
Net earnings, basic	$ 148.0	$ 134.3	$ 462.9	$ 384.3
Net earnings including impact of dilutive adjustments	$ 148.0	$ 134.3	$ 462.9	$ 384.3
Shares [Abstract]
Net earnings, basic (in shares)	95.1	100.6	96.3	100.5
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards, (in shares)	1.0	1.1	1.1	1.3
Effect of convertible debt, net of tax, (in shares)	0.7	0.5	0.7	0.5
Net earnings including impact of dilutive adjustments, (in shares)	96.8	102.2	98.1	102.3
Per Share Amount [Abstract]
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.56	$ 1.34	$ 4.81	$ 3.82
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.53	$ 1.31	$ 4.72	$ 3.76

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Potential common shares not included in computation of diluted earnings per share) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock options (in shares)	3.1	1.5	2.3	1.3

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUTS (Details) - Ontario Joint Venture Business Acquisition [Member] $ in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 CAD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 CAD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 CAD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 CAD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Nov. 28, 2011 CAD ($)	Nov. 28, 2011 USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Purchase price of additional partnership units In Ontario, Canada joint venture as outlined in the partnership agreement									$ 151.7	$ 147.9
Purchase price of additional partnership units in Ontario, Canada joint venture, excluding adjustments									$ 147.8
Ownership interest percentage in Ontario, Canada joint venture		98.20%				98.20%
Value of noncontrolling interest put						$ 4.1
Combined contractual value of noncontrolling interest puts		$ 16.8				16.8
Net sales of Ontario, Canada joint venture	$ 81.2	$ 81.7	$ 74.2	$ 75.8	$ 248.7	$ 248.2	$ 225.4	$ 230.7

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	$ 4.6	$ 39.1
Reduction in prior employee severance benefits related restructuring accruals	5.7
Reduction in prior facility related restructuring accruals	3.6
Restructuring charges related to severance and other employee costs	11.4	21.1
Restructuring charges related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs	2.5	21.3
Loss on disposal of European subsidiary	6.9
Reduction in total prior restructuring accruals	$ (9.3)	(3.3)
Impairment charges on equipment and leasehold improvements in closed facilities		16.4
Special charge related to write-off of certain assets and liabilities related to an investment		$ 14.8

RESTRUCTURING RESERVES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
RESTRUCTURING RESERVES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 31.0
Restructuring charges	13.9
Reduction of prior restructuring accruals	(9.3)	$ (3.3)
Cash payments and other adjustments	(15.7)
Balance, end of period	19.9
Current			$ 8.0
Non-current			11.9
Total Restructuring Reserve	31.0		19.9
Severance and Other Employee Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	8.4
Restructuring charges	11.4
Reduction of prior restructuring accruals	(5.7)
Cash payments and other adjustments	(11.9)
Balance, end of period	2.2
Total Restructuring Reserve	8.4		2.2
Lease and Other Facility Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	22.6
Restructuring charges	2.5
Reduction of prior restructuring accruals	(3.6)
Cash payments and other adjustments	(3.8)
Balance, end of period	17.7
Total Restructuring Reserve	$ 22.6		$ 17.7

- Definition

Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period, costs settled during the period, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and estimated obligations associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, which are expected to be paid in the next twelve months or in the normal operating cycle if longer. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, relocating employees, and costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, which are expected to be paid after one year or beyond the next operating cycle, if longer. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, and relocating employees, and costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset.

+ References + Details

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1	$ 2,681.8	$ 2,601.3
Goodwill acquired during the period	196.8	86.2
Adjustments to goodwill	(1.2)	(5.7)
Balance at end of period	$ 2,877.4	$ 2,681.8

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Subparagraph e
-Paragraph 45
-Clause 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Subparagraph e
-Paragraph 45
-Clause 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Subparagraph e
-Paragraph 45
-Clause 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Components of identifiable intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,326.8	$ 2,211.9
Accumulated Amortization	(654.3)	(591.2)
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,269.7	1,187.5
Accumulated Amortization	(468.3)	(426.8)
Patents, licenses and technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	146.7	144.9
Accumulated Amortization	(97.2)	(88.3)
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	29.5	28.1
Accumulated Amortization	(18.4)	(14.8)
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	131.3	129.2
Accumulated Amortization	(70.4)	(61.3)
Canadian licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	749.6	722.2
Accumulated Amortization	$ 0.0	$ 0.0

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 21.1	$ 21.2	$ 63.1	$ 64.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
Estimated amortization expense, 2012			23.1
Estimated amortization expense, 2013			84.6
Estimated amortization expense, 2014			80.6
Estimated amortization expense, 2015			77.0
Estimated amortization expense, 2016			71.6
Estimated amortization expense, Thereafter			586.0
Canadian licenses, value	$ 749.6		$ 749.6		$ 722.2

DEBT (Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt) (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$ 485.1	$ 135.5
Zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	135.0	135.5
Senior Notes [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$ 350.1	$ 0.0

DEBT (Long-term debt) (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Aug. 23, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 2,175.0		$ 2,085.5
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	0.0		560.0
Senior notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 0.0		350.5
Stated interest rate percentage	5.50%
Senior notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 250.0		250.0
Stated interest rate percentage	5.625%
Senior notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 325.0		325.0
Stated interest rate percentage	3.125%
Senior notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 500.0		0.0
Stated interest rate percentage	2.20%	2.20%
Senior notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 600.0		600.0
Stated interest rate percentage	4.625%
Senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 500.0		$ 0.0
Stated interest rate percentage	3.75%	3.75%

DEBT (Senior Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Aug. 23, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, noncurrent		$ 1,000.0
Senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, noncurrent		$ 500.0
Stated interest rate percentage	3.75%	3.75%
Senior notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, noncurrent		$ 500.0
Stated interest rate percentage	2.20%	2.20%
Proceeds used to repay revolving credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, noncurrent		$ 625.0

DEBT (Convertible Subordinated Notes) (Details)	9 Months Ended
DEBT (Convertible Subordinated Notes) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes [Line Items]
Payments on zero-coupon subordinated notes	$ (2,500,000)	$ (150,600,000)
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes (in shares) \| shares	0
Zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes [Member]
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes [Line Items]
Principal amount at maturity of zero coupon subordinated notes converted	$ 3,100,000
Value of cash and common stock in connection with conversions of zero coupon subordinated notes settled in current period	3,700,000
Payments on zero-coupon subordinated notes	$ (2,500,000)
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes (in shares) \| shares	12,957
Minimum contingent cash interest rate on zero-coupon subordinated notes (in hundredths)	0.125%
Number of trading days used to establish contingent cash interest rate on zero-coupon subordinated notes (in days)	5
Stock conversion rate for zero-coupon subordinated notes (per thousand) \| shares	13.4108
Principal amount of zero-coupon subordinated notes	$ 1,000
Date of the terms for the zero-coupon subordinated notes and indenture	Oct. 24, 2006

DEBT (Credit Facilities) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
DEBT (Credit Facilities) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Quarters	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2011 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt covenant, requirement for number of consecutive fiscal quarters \| Quarters	4
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, covenant terms	The Credit Agreement also contains limitations on aggregate subsidiary indebtedness and a debt covenant that requires that the Company maintain on the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, in each case taken as one accounting period, a ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0.
Revolving Credit Facility, covenant compliance	The Company was in compliance with all covenants in the Credit Agreement at September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, the ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA was 2.0 to 1.0.
Revolving Credit Facility, interest rate at period end	1.19%
Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term for Revolving Credit Facility	5 years
Revolving Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, outstanding balance	$ 0.0	$ 560.0
Debt Covenant, Requirement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to EBITDA (leverage) ratio	3
Debt Covenant, Actual [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt to EBITDA (leverage) ratio	2

PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Feb. 10, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized	265.0
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30.0
Preferred stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0.0
Rollforward of common shares issued
Common shares issued, beginning balance (in shares)	120.0
Common stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares)	1.5
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes (in shares)	0.0
Retirement of common stock (in shares)	(4.3)
Common shares issued, ending balance (in shares)	117.2
Rollforward of common shares held in treasury
Common shares held in Treasury, beginning balance (in shares)	(22.2)
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes (in shares)	0.0
Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards (in shares)	(0.1)
Common shares held in Treasury, ending balance (in shares)	(22.3)
Rollforward of common shares outstanding
Common shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	97.8
Common stock issued under employee stock plans (in shares)	1.5
Common stock issued upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes (in shares)	0.0
Surrender of restricted stock and performance share awards (in shares)	(0.1)
Retirement of common stock (in shares)	(4.3)
Common shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	94.9
Rollforward of Share Repurchase Program
Outstanding common stock repurchase authorization, beginning balance	$ 84.4
Common stock repurchase authorization			$ 500.0
Common stock repurchased (in shares)	(4.3)
Purchase of common stock	$ (380.5)	$ (477.8)
Outstanding common stock repurchase authorization, ending balance	$ 204.0

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum threshold percentage required to recognize income tax benefit (in hundredths)	50.00%
Gross unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 40.4	$ 52.7
Unrecognized income tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	41.1	53.3
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits	10.7	10.8
Valuation allowance provided for deferred tax assets	$ 18.5	$ 14.4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	13 Months Ended	17 Months Ended	18 Months Ended	57 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2012 Class_Action_Lawsuits	May 03, 2011 Class_Action_Lawsuits	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Class_Action_Lawsuits	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Pending_Petitions	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Class_Action_Lawsuits	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Class_Action_Lawsuits	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Class_Action_Lawsuits	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Subpoenas	Aug. 24, 2012 Recipients $ / Violation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Judgment amount in connection with a wrongful termination lawsuit \| $				$ 10.0
Litigation settlement expense in connection with the California False Claims Act lawsuit \| $			$ 34.5
Previously recorded litigation reserve in connection with the California False Claims Act lawsuit \| $			$ 15.0
Number of Recipients \| Recipients										39
Proposed damages per violation \| $ / Violation										0.0005
Letters of credit, amount \| $				$ 37.4	$ 37.4	$ 37.4	$ 37.4	$ 37.4	$ 37.4
Tri-State Clinical Laboratory Services, LLC [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage, parent			50.00%
Class Action Settlement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of putative shareholder class actions				3
Medicaid Billing [Member] \| Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of subpoenas received \| Subpoenas									3
Orchid Cellmark Inc Business Acquisition [Member] \| Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of pending petitions for appraisal of stock \| Pending_Petitions					1
Number of shareholder class actions		3
Consolidation of multiple shareholder class actions							1
Number of claims settled and dismissed								3
Overtime Pay [Member] \| Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of putative shareholder class actions						2
MEDTOX Acquisition [Member] \| Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of shareholder class actions	3

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Minimum non-elective contribution (NEC) % for the 401(K) plan (in hundredths)			3.00%
Discretionary contribution % for the 401(K) plan, range mininum			1.00%
Discretionary contribution % for the 401(K) plan, range maximum			3.00%
Defined contribution retirement plan cost	$ 12.0	$ 11.1	$ 36.3	$ 33.5
Defined Benefit Plan and Postretirement Plan Disclosure
Pension Contributions			11.3
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan and Postretirement Plan Disclosure
Service cost for benefits earned	0.6	0.7	1.8	2.0
Interest cost on benefit obligation	3.8	4.2	11.2	12.8
Expected return on plan assets	(4.4)	(4.8)	(13.0)	(14.1)
Net amortization and deferral	3.1	2.0	9.1	5.7
Defined benefit/postretirement plan costs	3.1	2.1	9.1	6.4
Post-Retirement Medical Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan and Postretirement Plan Disclosure
Service cost for benefits earned	0.1	0.1	0.3	0.3
Interest cost on benefit obligation	0.6	0.5	1.8	1.6
Net amortization and deferral	0.1	0.0	0.1	0.0
Defined benefit/postretirement plan costs	$ 0.8	$ 0.6	$ 2.2	$ 1.9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest puts	$ 20.9	$ 20.2
Fair market value of zero-coupon subordinated notes	198.0	190.2
Fair market value of senior notes	2,683.1	1,624.4
Fair market value of variable rate debt	0.0	560.0
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest puts	0.0	0.0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest puts	20.9	20.2
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest puts	$ 0.0	$ 0.0

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) Embedded_Derivative_Instruments	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate	2.92%
Variable interest rate related to interest rate swap agreement	three-month LIBOR
Number of features considered to be embedded derivative instruments \| Embedded_Derivative_Instruments	2
Minimum percentage of market price to calculated value of zero-coupon subordinated debt at which the entity is subject to contingent cash interest	120.00%
Interest rate contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective portion of derivative gain \| $	$ 0.0	$ 2.4

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash paid during period for:
Interest	$ 51.0	$ 49.8
Income taxes, net of refunds	232.6	225.4
Disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt	0.0	36.2
Accrued repurchases of common stock	$ 0.0	$ 9.0

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) yr	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,877.4			$ 2,681.8	$ 2,601.3
Cash payments for laboratory-related assets	112.4	$ 115.6
Laboratories and Related Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payments for laboratory-related assets	$ 53.9
MEDTOX [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price			$ 236.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangibles			78.0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life \| yr	18.0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities			33.2
Goodwill			$ 154.2

- Definition

The amount of financial liabilities assumed (as defined) which have been recognized as of the acquisition date.

+ References + Details

- Definition

+ References

+ Details