Alere Inactive 10-K3 Mar 142013 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ALERE INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001145460	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	82,505,273	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,646,329,832

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net product sales	$2,072,463	$1,913,731	$1,683,132
Services revenue	929,750	876,518	679,922
Net product sales and services revenue	3,002,213	2,790,249	2,363,054
License and royalty revenue	27,229	28,576	23,473
Net revenue	3,029,442	2,818,825	2,386,527
Cost of net product sales	1,028,520	932,150	795,424
Cost of services revenue	491,420	450,999	338,232
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	1,519,940	1,383,149	1,133,656
Cost of license and royalty revenue	7,763	7,354	7,036
Cost of net revenue	1,527,703	1,390,503	1,140,692
Gross profit	1,501,739	1,428,322	1,245,835
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	160,802	183,001	150,165
Sales and marketing	639,834	643,423	565,583
General and administrative	561,227	492,766	399,330
Goodwill impairment charge	'	'	383,612
Loss on disposition	5,124	'	'
Operating income (loss)	134,752	109,132	-252,855
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-255,656	-240,560	-203,971
Other income (expense), net	-13,128	9,957	1,883
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	288,896
Loss before benefit for income taxes	-134,032	-121,471	-166,047
Benefit for income taxes	-46,311	-30,319	-24,214
Loss before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-87,721	-91,152	-141,833
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	17,443	13,245	8,524
Net income (loss)	-70,278	-77,907	-133,309
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	976	275	233
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-71,254	-78,182	-133,542
Preferred stock dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-22,049
Preferred stock repurchase	'	'	23,936
Net loss available to common stockholders	($92,547)	($99,475)	($131,655)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:	($1.13)	($1.23)	($1.58)
Weighted-average shares - basic and diluted	81,542	80,587	83,128

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net loss	($70,278)	($77,907)	($133,309)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-50,166	54,642	-35,830
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities	'	-216	-471
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	39	388	11,504
Minimum pension liability adjustment	-415	-1,042	-3,070
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-50,542	53,772	-27,867
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-106	-372	3,093
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-50,436	54,144	-30,960
Comprehensive loss	-120,714	-23,763	-164,269
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	976	275	233
Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($121,690)	($24,038)	($164,502)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$361,908	$328,346
Restricted cash	6,373	3,076
Marketable securities	858	904
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $76,643 and $36,396 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	548,729	524,332
Inventories, net	364,185	337,121
Deferred tax assets	60,689	67,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	129,672	145,236
Total current assets	1,472,414	1,406,737
Property, plant and equipment, net	545,164	534,469
Goodwill	3,093,691	3,048,405
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	56,702	36,451
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,684,611	1,834,225
Restricted cash	29,370	'
Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	84,073	108,857
Investments in unconsolidated entities	86,830	90,491
Deferred tax assets	7,959	8,293
Total assets	7,060,814	7,067,928
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	49,112	60,232
Current portion of capital lease obligations	6,855	6,684
Accounts payable	187,371	169,974
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	429,848	411,919
Total current liabilities	673,186	648,809
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,772,788	3,628,675
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	14,407	12,917
Deferred tax liabilities	329,249	428,188
Other long-term liabilities	188,336	166,635
Total long-term liabilities	4,304,780	4,236,415
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8, 9 and 11)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value (liquidation preference: $709,763 at December 31, 2013 and 2012); Authorized: 2,300 shares; Issued: 2,065 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012; Outstanding: 1,774 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012	606,468	606,468
Common stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized: 200,000 shares; Issued: 89,666 shares at December 31, 2013 and 88,576 shares at December 31, 2012; Outstanding: 81,987 shares at December 31, 2013 and 80,897 shares at December 31, 2012	90	89
Additional paid-in capital	3,319,168	3,299,935
Accumulated deficit	-1,636,227	-1,564,973
Treasury stock, at cost, 7,679 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012	-184,971	-184,971
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-26,562	23,874
Total stockholders' equity	2,077,966	2,180,422
Non-controlling interests	4,882	2,282
Total equity	2,082,848	2,182,704
Total liabilities and equity	$7,060,814	$7,067,928

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances	$76,643	$36,396
Series B preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Series B preferred stock, liquidation preference	$709,763	$709,763
Series B preferred stock, shares authorized	2,300	2,300
Series B preferred stock, shares issued	2,065	2,065
Series B preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,774	1,774
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	89,666	88,576
Common stock, shares outstanding	81,987	80,897
Treasury stock, shares	7,679	7,679

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]	Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Non-controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]	Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Non-controlling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$2,577,726	$718,554	$85	$3,232,997	($1,377,184)	$690	($104)	$2,575,038	$2,688	'
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	2,091,000	84,928,000	'	'	'	24,000	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock and warrants in connection with acquisitions	16,184	'	1	16,183	'	'	'	16,184	'	'
Issuance of common stock and warrants in connection with acquisitions, Shares	'	'	832,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of common stock options, warrants and shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	37,887	'	2	37,885	'	'	'	37,887	'	'
Exercise of common stock options, warrants and shares issued under employee stock purchase plan, Shares	'	'	1,887,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-184,867	'	'	'	'	'	-184,867	-184,867	'	'
Repurchase of common stock, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,655,000	'	'	'
Repurchase of preferred stock	-99,070	-123,005	'	'	23,935	'	'	-99,070	'	'
Repurchase of preferred stock, Shares	'	-358,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-10,713	10,919	'	-21,632	'	'	'	-10,713	'	'
Preferred stock dividends, Shares	'	41,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	21,215	'	'	21,215	'	'	'	21,215	'	'
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	3,423	'	'	3,423	'	'	'	3,423	'	'
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax	-1,618	'	'	'	'	-1,618	'	-1,618	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	-35,830	'	'	'	'	-35,830	'	-35,830	'	'
Unrealized gain on hedging instruments, net of tax	6,558	'	'	-297	'	6,855	'	6,558	'	'
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-367	'	'	'	'	-367	'	-367	'	'
Acquisition of non-controlling interests	34,936	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,936	'
Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interest	'	'	'	34,936	'	'	'	34,936	-34,936	2,500
Non-controlling interest dividend	-584	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-584	'
Redeemable non-controlling interest in subsidiaries' income	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	-3
Net income (loss)	-133,309	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	-233	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	233	'
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-133,542	'	'	'	-133,542	'	'	-133,542	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	2,231,574	606,468	88	3,324,710	-1,486,791	-30,270	-184,971	2,229,234	2,340	2,497
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	1,774,000	87,647,000	'	'	'	7,679,000	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock and warrants in connection with acquisitions	1,243	'	'	1,243	'	'	'	1,243	'	'
Issuance of common stock and warrants in connection with acquisitions, Shares	'	'	67,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of common stock options, warrants and shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	14,924	'	1	14,923	'	'	'	14,924	'	'
Exercise of common stock options, warrants and shares issued under employee stock purchase plan, Shares	'	'	862,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-21,293	'	'	-21,293	'	'	'	-21,293	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	15,665	'	'	15,665	'	'	'	15,665	'	'
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	-234	'	'	-234	'	'	'	-234	'	'
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax	-756	'	'	'	'	-756	'	-756	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	54,642	'	'	'	'	54,642	'	54,642	'	'
Unrealized gain on hedging instruments, net of tax	388	'	'	'	'	388	'	388	'	'
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-130	'	'	'	'	-130	'	-130	'	'
Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interest	35,079	'	'	35,079	'	'	'	35,079	'	2,433
Non-controlling interest dividend	-396	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-396	'
Net income (loss) before redeemable non-controlling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-64
Net income (loss)	-77,907	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest	-77,844	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	-275	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	338	'
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-78,182	'	'	'	-78,182	'	'	-78,182	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,182,704	606,468	89	3,299,935	-1,564,973	23,874	-184,971	2,180,422	2,282	'
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	1,774,000	88,576,000	'	'	'	7,679,000	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee compensation plans	20,715	'	1	20,714	'	'	'	20,715	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee compensation plans, Share	'	'	1,090,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-21,293	'	'	-21,293	'	'	'	-21,293	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	21,210	'	'	21,210	'	'	'	21,210	'	'
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	-1,398	'	'	-1,398	'	'	'	-1,398	'	'
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax	-309	'	'	'	'	-309	'	-309	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	-50,166	'	'	'	'	-50,166	'	-50,166	'	'
Unrealized gain on hedging instruments, net of tax	39	'	'	'	'	39	'	39	'	'
Acquisition of non-controlling interests	1,788	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,788	'
Non-controlling interest dividend	-164	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-164	'
Net income (loss)	-70,278	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	-976	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	976	'
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-71,254	'	'	'	-71,254	'	'	-71,254	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,082,848	$606,468	$90	$3,319,168	($1,636,227)	($26,562)	($184,971)	$2,077,966	$4,882	'
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	1,774,000	89,666,000	'	'	'	7,679,000	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($70,278)	($77,907)	($133,309)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	18,091	21,490	37,590
Depreciation and amortization	439,430	456,847	391,576
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition	2,504	4,681	6,010
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	21,210	15,665	21,215
Impairment of inventory	337	295	445
Impairment of long-lived assets	6,313	3,489	1,549
Impairment of goodwill	'	'	383,612
Impairment of intangible assets	3,282	2,988	2,938
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	-288,896
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	3,320	-2,151	1,577
Gain on sales of marketable securities	'	-751	-840
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-17,443	-13,245	-8,524
Deferred income taxes	-103,647	-84,568	-56,761
Loss on extinguishment of debt	35,603	23,235	'
Loss on disposition	5,124	'	'
Bargain purchase gain	-8,023	'	'
Other non-cash items	8,594	7,336	-12,247
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-36,449	-22,165	-39,408
Inventories, net	-78,303	-16,791	-20,399
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-12,268	-2,526	-53,115
Accounts payable	13,026	-10,127	6,985
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	52,348	60,416	14,282
Other non-current liabilities	-24,133	-35,543	16,973
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-13,861	-10,985	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	244,777	319,683	271,253
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-32,400	5,911	-6,406
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-122,166	-137,393	-132,532
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	3,620	22,390	947
Cash received from disposition	29,000	'	11,491
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-176,131	-424,586	-631,311
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	41	3,056	9,202
Cash received from (paid for) equity method investments	29,338	12,707	-121,903
(Increase) decrease in other assets	10,363	-56,276	-27,684
Net cash used in investing activities	-258,335	-574,191	-898,196
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Cash paid for financing costs	-9,845	-10,139	-74,680
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-42,377	-20,964	-28,305
Cash paid for dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-5,425
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	20,863	14,924	37,886
Repurchase of preferred stock	'	'	-99,070
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	459,951	648,535	2,096,277
Payments on short-term debt	'	-6,240	'
Payments on long-term debt	-471,546	-311,612	-1,207,454
Net proceeds under revolving credit facilities	138,963	14,272	10,715
Repurchase of common stock	'	'	-184,867
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	461	504	3,423
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-7,068	-7,003	-4,163
Purchase of non-controlling interest	'	-2,972	'
Other	-19,118	-12,267	-4,257
Net cash provided by financing activities	48,991	285,745	540,080
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-1,871	-2,064	-15,270
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	33,562	29,173	-102,133
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	328,346	299,173	401,306
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$361,908	$328,346	$299,173

Description_of_Business_and_Ba

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation of Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation of Financial Information	'

	(1) Description of Business and Basis of Presentation of Financial Information

	Alere Inc. empowers individuals to take greater control of their health at home, under the supervision of their healthcare providers, by connecting innovative near-patient diagnostic tools with health information solutions. A leading global provider of point-of-care diagnostics and services, we have developed a strong commercial presence in cardiology, infectious disease, toxicology, and diabetes.

	Our business is organized into three operating segments: (i) professional diagnostics, (ii) health information solutions and (iii) consumer diagnostics. The professional diagnostics segment includes an array of innovative rapid diagnostic test products and other in vitro diagnostic tests marketed to medical professionals and laboratories for detection of diseases and conditions within our areas of focus identified above. The health information solutions segment provides comprehensive, integrated programs and services focused on wellness, disease and condition management, productivity enhancement and informatics, all designed to reduce health-related costs and enhance the health and quality of life of the individuals we serve. The consumer diagnostics segment consists primarily of manufacturing operations related to our role as the exclusive manufacturer of products for SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics, or SPD, our 50/50 joint venture with The Procter & Gamble Company, or P&G. SPD has significant operations in the worldwide over-the-counter pregnancy and fertility/ovulation test market.

	Acquisitions have historically been an important part of our growth strategy. When we acquired businesses, we sought to complement existing products and services, enhance or expand our product lines and/or expand our customer base. We determined what we were willing to pay for each acquisition partially based upon our expectation that we could cost effectively integrate the products and services of the acquired companies into our existing infrastructure. In addition, we utilized existing infrastructure of the acquired companies to cost effectively introduce our products to new geographic areas. All of these factors contributed to the acquisition prices of acquired businesses that were in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired, resulting in goodwill (Note 4).

	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alere Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated and net earnings are reduced by the portion of the net earnings of subsidiaries applicable to non-controlling interests. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which we are not able to exercise significant influence over the investee and which do not have readily determinable fair values are accounted for under the cost method.

	Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or equity.

	Certain amounts presented may not recalculate directly, due to rounding.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a) Use of Estimates
	To prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, our management must make estimates, judgments and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from such estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

	(b) Foreign Currencies
	In general, the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are the local currencies. For the purpose of consolidating the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries, all assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date, while the stockholders’ equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Translation gains and losses that result from the conversion of the balance sheets of the foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars are recorded to cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 15) within stockholders’ equity. The revenue and expenses of our foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average of the rates of exchange in effect during each fiscal month.
	Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange transaction losses of $4.0 million, $7.9 million and $22.9 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are included as a component of other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consisted of money market funds at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	(d) Restricted Cash
	We had restricted cash of $35.7 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of the $35.7 million as of December 31, 2013, $29.4 million was classified as non-current on our consolidated balance sheet, as it secures a foreign bank loan arrangement that we entered into during the third quarter in 2013 and, under the terms of the loan agreement, is required to remain on deposit for two years.
	(e) Marketable Securities
	Securities classified as available-for-sale or trading are carried at fair value, as determined by quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in other income (expense), net, on a specific identification basis. Unrealized holding gains and losses (except for other than temporary impairments) on securities classified as available-for-sale, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects. Marketable securities that are held indefinitely are classified in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as long-term marketable securities.
	(f) Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and are made up of raw material, work-in-process and finished goods. The cost elements of work-in-process and finished goods inventory consist of raw material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Where finished goods inventory is purchased from third-party manufacturers, the costs of finished goods inventory recorded in the financial statements represent the costs to acquire such inventory.
	(g) Property, Plant and Equipment
	We record property, plant and equipment at historical cost or, in the case of a business combination, at fair value on the date of the business combination. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives of the related assets: machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling, 1-15 years; buildings, 7-61 years; leasehold improvements, lesser of the remaining term of the lease or estimated useful life of the asset; computer software and equipment, 1-10 years and furniture and fixtures, 2-16 years. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment amounted to $120.9 million, $109.7 million and $83.7 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fully-depreciated property, plant and equipment that are still in use remain on the books until disposal or retirement. When property, plant and equipment are retired or disposed of, the cost and respective accumulated depreciation are removed from the books. Any gain or loss on disposal is recorded in the income statement. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
	(h) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives
	Goodwill relates to amounts that arose in connection with our various business combinations and represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets when accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to periodic review for impairment.
	We test goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives at the reporting unit level for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests, if events and circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Events that would indicate impairment and trigger an interim impairment assessment include, but are not limited to, current economic and market conditions, including a decline in market capitalization, a significant adverse change in legal factors, business climate or operational performance of the business and an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.
	In performing the annual goodwill impairment test, we utilize the two-step approach. The first step, or Step 1, requires a comparison of the carrying value of each reporting unit to its estimated fair value. To estimate the fair value of our reporting units for Step 1, we use a combination of the income approach, the market comparable approach and the market transaction approach. The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis, or DCF approach, and calculates the fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to a reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Assumptions used in the DCF approach require the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates and terminal values, growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The forecasted cash flows are based on our most recent budget and for years beyond the budget, our estimates are based on assumed growth rates. We believe our assumptions are consistent with the plans and estimates used to manage the underlying businesses. The discount rates, which are intended to reflect the risks inherent in future cash flow projections, used in the DCF approach are based on estimates of the weighted-average cost of capital, or WACC, of market participants relative to each respective reporting unit. The market approaches consider comparable and transactional market data based on multiples of revenue or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA based on trading multiples of selected guidelines companies and deal multiples of selected target companies.
	If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we are required to perform the second step, or Step 2, of the annual goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the estimated fair value of its assets and liabilities. To the extent this amount is below the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded to write down the carrying value to its implied value.

	Impairment charges related to goodwill have no impact on our cash balances or on compliance with financial covenants under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
	2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
	We conducted our 2013 annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2013. Key assumptions (which vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the DCF approach included discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 14.0%, projected compound average revenue growth rates of 4.0% to 11.4% and terminal value growth rates of 3.0% to 4.0%. In determining the appropriate discount rate, we considered the WACC for each reporting unit, which among other factors considers the cost of common equity capital and the marginal cost of debt of market participants. Key assumptions (which again vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the market approaches were based on observed market multiples of enterprise value to revenue and EBITDA for both comparable publicly-traded companies and recent merger and acquisition transactions involving similar companies to estimate appropriate controlling basis multiples to apply to each of the reporting units. Based on the multiples implied by this market data, we selected multiples of revenue of 0.8 to 2.9 times and multiples of EBITDA of 6.4 to 10.6 times. In assessing the reasonableness of our estimated fair values of the reporting units, management compared the results of the valuation analyses against our then-current market capitalization to imply a control premium. Based on this analysis, the implied control premium was within the range of comparable industry transactions.
	The Step 1 impairment test indicated the estimated fair value of the professional diagnostics, health information solutions and consumer diagnostics reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their reporting unit’s net assets as follows: by $1.6 billion, $31.5 million and $92.7 million, respectively, or 30.2%, 7.7% and 45.5%, respectively.
	The estimate of fair value requires significant judgment. We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain, including estimates of future growth rates and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business units. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our goodwill and identifiable intangible asset testing as of the time of testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environment or anticipated growth rates are not correct, we may be required to record goodwill and/or intangible asset impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing or earlier, if an indicator of an impairment is present before our next annual evaluation.
	2012 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
	We conducted our 2012 annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2012. Key assumptions (which vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the DCF approach included discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 15.0%, projected compound average revenue growth rates of 3.0% to 8.1% and terminal value growth rates of 3.0% to 4.0%. The determination of the appropriate discount rate and key assumptions were the same as those in the 2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test above. Based on the multiples implied by this market data, we selected multiples of revenue of 0.9 to 2.4 times and multiples of EBITDA of 6.1 to 8.9 times. In assessing the reasonableness of our estimated fair values of the reporting units, management compared the results of the valuation analyses against our then-current market capitalization to imply a control premium. Based on this analysis, the implied control premium was within the range of comparable industry transactions.

	The Step 1 impairment test indicated the estimated fair value of the professional diagnostics, health information solutions and consumer diagnostics reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their reporting unit’s net assets as follows: by $400.0 million, $41.2 million and $54.0 million, respectively, or 7.9%, 9.4% and 27.2%, respectively.
	2011 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
	We conducted our 2011 annual impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2011. Key assumptions (which vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the DCF Approach included discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 14.5%, projected compound average revenue growth rates of 4.9% to 10.0% and terminal value growth rates of 4.0%. The determination of the appropriate discount rate and key assumptions were the same as those in the 2013 Annual Goodwill Impair Test above. Based on the multiples implied by this market data, we selected multiples of revenue of 0.8 to 2.6 times and multiples of EBITDA of 5.6 to 9.3 times. In assessing the reasonableness of our estimated fair values of the reporting units, management compared the results of the valuation analyses against our then-current market capitalization to imply a control premium. Based on this analysis, the implied control premium was within the range of comparable industry transactions.
	The Step 1 impairment test indicated the estimated fair value of the professional diagnostics and consumer diagnostics reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their reporting unit’s net assets as follows: by $567.2 million and $101.9 million, or 13.5% and 53.5%, respectively.
	The Step 1 impairment test also indicated that the carrying value of the net assets of our health information solutions reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. As a result, we were required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment charges for the health information solutions reporting unit. We completed Step 2, consistent with the procedures described above, and determined that a goodwill impairment charge in the amount of approximately $383.6 million was required. The resulting goodwill impairment charge is reflected in operating income (loss) in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	This impairment was primarily driven by reduced future cash flow expectations from the reporting unit principally as a result of an increasingly competitive business environment for services provided by the reporting unit, including the insourcing of certain services by key customers and a reduction in spending by other customers as a result in part of the continuing difficult economic climate. Also contributing to the impairment charge was the lower valuations ascribed to similar comparable businesses in the public markets.
	(i) Impairment of Other Long-lived Tangible and Intangible Assets
	Our intangible assets consist primarily of core technology, in-process research and development, patents, trademarks, trade names, customer relationships, distribution rights and non-competition agreements. The majority of our intangible assets were recorded in connection with our various business combinations. Our intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the time of their acquisition. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.
	The estimated useful lives of the individual categories of intangible assets were based on the nature of the applicable intangible asset and the expected future cash flows to be derived from the intangible asset. Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives is recognized over the shorter of the respective lives of the agreement or the period of time the intangible assets are expected to contribute to future cash flows. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets based on patterns on which the respective economic benefits are expected to be realized.
	We evaluate long-lived tangible and intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present with respect to long-lived tangible and intangible assets used in operations and undiscounted future cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount, additional analysis is performed as appropriate and the carrying value of the long-lived assets is reduced to the estimated fair value, if this is lower, and an impairment loss is charged to expense in the period the impairment is identified.
	We conduct our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of each year. The impairment test conducted during 2011 indicated there was an impairment of goodwill associated with our health information solutions reporting unit, and thus, a potential impairment of our long-lived tangible and intangible assets associated with the same reporting unit. We conducted an analysis, utilizing an undiscounted cash flow model. The analysis indicated there was no impairment of the long-lived tangible or intangible assets associated with our health information solutions reporting unit.
	(j) Acquired In-process Research and Development (IPR&D)
	Acquired IPR&D represents the fair value assigned to research and development assets that we acquire as part of business combinations, and which have not been completed at the date of acquisition. The acquired IPR&D is capitalized as an intangible asset and tested for impairment at least annually until commercialization, after which time the IPR&D is amortized over its estimated useful life. We utilize a discounted probable future cash flow model on a project-by-project basis to value acquired IPR&D. Significant assumptions used in the model include the period in which material net cash inflows from significant projects are expected to commence, anticipated material changes from historical pricing, margins and expense levels and an appropriate risk adjusted discount rate applied to the project’s cash flows.
	(k) Business Acquisitions
	Our business acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill, based on our expectations of synergies and other benefits of combining the businesses. These synergies and benefits include elimination of redundant facilities, functions and staffing; use of our existing commercial infrastructure to expand sales of the products of the acquired businesses; and use of the commercial infrastructure of the acquired businesses to expand product sales in a cost-efficient manner.
	Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of intangible assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.
	We generally employ the income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates and profitability), the underlying product life cycles, economic barriers to entry, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
	Net assets acquired are recorded at their fair value and are subject to adjustment upon finalization of the fair value analysis. We are not aware of any information that indicates the final fair value analysis will differ materially from the preliminary estimates.
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we expensed acquisition-related costs of $3.1 million, $9.7 million and $11.5 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense.
	(l) Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized in the future (Note 16).
	We account for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. We evaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and consider various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position.
	(m) Revenue Recognition
	We primarily recognize revenue when the following four basic criteria have been met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services rendered, (3) the fee is fixed or determinable and (4) collection is reasonably assured.
	The majority of our revenue is derived from product sales. We recognize revenue upon transfer of the title of the products to third-party customers, less a reserve for estimated product returns and allowances. Determination of the reserve for estimated product returns and allowances is based on our management’s analyses and judgments regarding certain conditions. Should future changes in conditions prove management’s conclusions and judgments on previous analyses to be incorrect, revenue recognized for any reporting period could be adversely affected.
	For products that include installation, and if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element, product revenue is recognized upon delivery, and installation revenue is recognized when the installation is complete. For sales that include customer-specified acceptance criteria, revenue is recognized after the acceptance criteria have been met. Certain of our products require specialized installation. Revenue for these products is deferred until installation is completed. Revenue from services is deferred and recognized over the contractual period, or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. When arrangements include multiple elements, we use objective evidence of fair value to allocate revenue to the elements, and recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element, in accordance with authoritative guidance on multiple-element arrangements.
	Additionally, we generate services revenue in connection with contracts with health plans (both commercial and governmental) and self-insured employers, whereby we provide clinical expertise through fee-based arrangements. Revenue for fee-based arrangements is recognized over the period in which the services are provided. Some contracts provide that a portion of our fees are at risk if our customers do not achieve certain financial cost savings or we do not achieve certain other clinical and operational metrics, over a period of time, typically one year. Revenue subject to refund is not recognized if (i) sufficient information is not available to calculate performance measurements or (ii) interim performance measurements indicate that we are not meeting performance targets. If either of these two conditions exists, we record the amounts as other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, deferring recognition of the revenue until we establish that we have met the performance criteria. If we do not meet the performance targets at the end of the contractual period, we are obligated under the contract to refund some or all of the at-risk fees.
	We also receive license and royalty revenue from agreements with third-party licensees. Revenue from license and royalty agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the obligation period of the related license agreements, or at the time when we have no further obligations. License and royalty fees that the licensees calculate based on their sales, which we have the right to audit under most of our agreements, are generally recognized upon receipt of the license or royalty payments unless we are able to reasonably estimate the fees as they are earned. License and royalty fees that are determinable prior to the receipt thereof are recognized in the period they are earned.
	(n) Employee Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements
	We account for share-based payments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Compensation expense associated with stock options includes amortization based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. In addition, we record expense over the offering period in connection with shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan. Compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards includes an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized over the vesting period of the options using the straight-line method. It is our policy to recognize, through additional paid in capital, the excess or windfall tax benefits on stock option deductions, as those deductions are recognized on tax returns.
	Our stock option plans provide for grants of options to employees to purchase common stock at or above the fair market value of such shares on the grant date of the award. The options generally vest over a four-year period, beginning on the date of grant, with a graded vesting schedule of 25% at the end of each of the four years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant primarily using a Black-Scholes option-pricing method. We use historical data to estimate the expected price volatility and the expected forfeiture rate. The contractual term of our stock option awards is ten years. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. We have not made any dividend payments to common shareholders nor do we have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

(o) Net Loss per Common Share
Net loss per common share is based upon the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares and the dilutive effect of common share equivalents, such as options and warrants to purchase common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes, if applicable, that are outstanding each year (Note 12).
(p) Other Operating Expenses
We expense advertising costs as incurred. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, advertising costs amounted to $11.8 million, $22.6 million and $9.9 million, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of net revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. When we charge our customers for shipping and handling costs, these costs are recorded along with product revenues.
(q) Concentration of Credit Risk, Off-Balance Sheet Risks and Other Risks and Uncertainties
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We invest our excess cash primarily in high quality securities and limit the amount of our credit exposure to any one financial institution. We do not require collateral or other securities to support customer receivables; however, we perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers and maintain allowances for potential credit losses.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, no individual customer’s accounts receivable balance was more than 10% of our aggregate accounts receivable. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, no one customer represented more than 10% of our net revenue.
We rely on a number of third parties to manufacture certain of our products. If any of our third-party manufacturers cannot, or will not, manufacture our products in the required volumes, on a cost-effective basis, in a timely manner, or at all, we will have to secure additional manufacturing capacity. Any interruption or delay in manufacturing could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
(r) Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our primary financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of cash equivalents, restricted cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt. We apply fair value measurement accounting to value our financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Described below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
(s) Software for Internal Use and for Resale
We may capitalize certain costs associated with the development of internal-use software, including direct materials and services. Capitalized software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life and is included in computer software and equipment within property, plant and equipment.
We also develop software for resale or lease to external parties and expense the costs of developing software for resale or lease incurred before establishment of technological feasibility of the underlying software. The costs incurred from establishment of technological feasibility until general release of the software are capitalized, and the capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life. Capitalized software for resale or lease is included in computer software and equipment within property, plant and equipment.
(t) Research and Development
Our research and development programs focus on the development of cardiology, infectious disease, toxicology, diabetes, oncology and women’s health products together with health information technologies that will facilitate connectivity and information and data management solutions. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Payments received from external parties to fund our research and development activities reduce the recorded research and development expenses.
(u) Leases
We lease certain facilities and equipment from external parties under operating leases. Rent expense related to operating leases is recorded in the income statement as incurred. We also lease machinery, laboratory equipment, tooling and other equipment under capital leases. In determining whether a lease is a capital or an operating lease, we estimate the expected term of the lease, which includes certain renewable options as required by lease accounting guidance. Rent deferrals, landlord incentives and rent escalations are included in calculation of minimum lease payments when performing the capital lease tests and when calculating the rent expense for operating leases.
Leased property, plant and equipment that meet the capital lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the underlying asset at the inception date of the lease. Assets under capital leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remainder of the expected term of the lease.

(v) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, or ASU 2013-11. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Standards
Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, or ASU 2012-02. ASU 2012-02 allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows.

Other_Balance_Sheet_Informatio

Other Balance Sheet Information	12 Months Ended
Other Balance Sheet Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Other Balance Sheet Information	'

	(3) Other Balance Sheet Information

	Components of selected captions in the consolidated balance sheets consist of (in thousands):



		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories, net:
	Raw materials	$	118,571		$	99,498
	Work-in-process		79,559			89,895
	Finished goods		166,055			147,728

		$	364,185		$	337,121

	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling	$	436,231		$	416,311
	Land and buildings		182,547			176,214
	Leasehold improvements		56,193			45,654
	Computer software and equipment		254,528			217,940
	Furniture and fixtures		35,682			33,022

			965,181			889,141
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(420,017	)		(354,672	)

		$	545,164		$	534,469

	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Compensation and compensation-related	$	103,225		$	93,467
	Royalty obligations		25,325			26,171
	Deferred revenue		40,714			38,188
	Income taxes payable		20,690			29,733
	Other taxes payable		18,934			23,038
	Acquisition-related obligations		97,484			79,286
	Other		123,476			122,036

		$	429,848		$	411,919

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations	'
	(4) Business Combinations
	Acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method and the acquired companies’ results have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recorded acquisition-related costs of $3.1 million, $9.7 million and $11.5 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense.
	Our business acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill, based on our expectations of synergies and other benefits of combining the businesses. These synergies and benefits include elimination of redundant facilities, functions and staffing; use of our existing commercial infrastructure to expand sales of the products of the acquired businesses; and use of the commercial infrastructure of the acquired businesses to expand product sales in a cost-efficient manner.
	Net assets acquired are recorded at their fair value and are subject to adjustment upon finalization of the fair value analysis. We are not aware of any information that indicates the final fair value analysis will differ materially from the preliminary estimates. The estimated useful lives of the individual categories of intangible assets were based on the nature of the applicable intangible asset and the expected future cash flows to be derived from the intangible asset. Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives is recognized over the shorter of the respective lives of the agreement or the period of time the intangible assets are expected to contribute to future cash flows. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets based on patterns on which the respective economic benefits are expected to be realized.
	(a) Acquisitions in 2013
	(i) Epocal
	On February 1, 2013, we acquired Epocal, Inc., or Epocal, located in Ottawa, Canada, a provider of technologies that support blood gas and electrolyte testing at the point of care. The preliminary aggregate purchase price was approximately $248.5 million, which consisted of $151.4 million in cash, a $22.1 million settlement of a pre-existing arrangement and a contingent consideration obligation with an aggregate acquisition date fair value of $75.0 million. The operating results of Epocal are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. The amount allocated to goodwill from this acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.
	(ii) Other acquisitions in 2013
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired the following businesses for a preliminary aggregate purchase price of $57.6 million, which included cash payments totaling $28.2 million, a $17.5 million settlement of a pre-existing arrangement, contingent consideration obligations with an aggregate acquisition date fair value of $1.3 million, deferred purchase price consideration with an acquisition date fair value of $0.8 million and an $8.0 million bargain purchase gain.

		•		certain assets of PT Mega Medika Mandiri, or Mega Medika, located in South Jakarta, Indonesia, a distributor of infectious disease products to the Indonesian marketplace as well as materials for vaccines to a pharmaceutical customer (Acquired January 2013)

		•		Discount Diabetic, LLC, or Discount Diabetic, located in Phoenix, Arizona, a provider of blood glucose monitoring products, including diabetes testing systems and test strips and other products (Acquired April 2013)

		•		the Medicare fee-for-service assets of Liberty Medical, or the Liberty business, located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a leading mail order provider of diabetes testing supplies serving the needs of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients (Acquired April 2013)

		•		51% share in Cardio Selfcare B.V., subsequently renamed Alere Health Services B.V., or Alere Health Services, located in Ede, the Netherlands, a developer of innovative software for the healthcare industry that develops and licenses software and sells medical devices to enable patients to perform medical self-care, including thrombosis self-care (Acquired May 2013)

		•		74.9% interest in Pantech Proprietary Limited, or Pantech, located in Durban, South Africa, a supplier of rapid diagnostic test kits, including HIV, malaria, syphilis, drugs of abuse, 10 parameter urine sticks, glucometers and glucose sticks (Acquired July 2013)

		•		Certain assets of Simplex Healthcare, Inc. and its subsidiaries, or Simplex, located in Tennessee, a provider of home delivery of diabetes-related medical supplies and products (Acquired November 2013)
	The operating results of Mega Medika, Discount Diabetic, the Liberty business, Alere Health Services, Pantech, and Simplex are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment.

	Our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included revenue totaling approximately $83.0 million related to these businesses. Goodwill has been recognized in the Mega Medika, Alere Health Services, Pantech, and Simplex acquisitions and amounted to approximately $2.8 million. The goodwill related to the Mega Medika and Simplex acquisitions is deductible for tax purposes, but the goodwill related to the Pantech acquisition is not.
	With respect to our acquisition of the Liberty business, the purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, with the excess of the fair value of assets acquired over the purchase price recorded as a bargain purchase gain. The $8.0 million bargain purchase gain has been recorded in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statement of operations and is not recognized for tax purposes. The bargain purchase gain resulted from our operating cost structure which we believe will allow us to operate this business more cost effectively than the sellers.
	A summary of the preliminary fair values of the net assets acquired for the acquisitions consummated in 2013 is as follows (in thousands):


			Epocal			Other			Total
	Current assets(1)		$	12,089		$	13,488		$	25,577
	Property, plant and equipment			1,267			1,669			2,936
	Goodwill			99,836			2,757			102,593
	Intangible assets			164,400			51,180			215,580
	Other non-current assets			17,223			29			17,252

	Total assets acquired			294,815			69,123			363,938

	Current liabilities			2,627			5,398			8,025
	Non-current liabilities			43,727			6,175			49,902

	Total liabilities assumed			46,354			11,573			57,927

	Net assets acquired			248,461			57,550			306,011
	Less:
	Contingent consideration			75,000			1,264			76,264
	Settlement of pre-existing arrangements			22,088			17,500			39,588
	Non-controlling interest			—			1,774			1,774
	Bargain purchase gain			—			8,023			8,023
	Deferred purchase price consideration			—			768			768

	Cash paid		$	151,373		$	28,221		$	179,594


	-1	Includes approximately $3.3 million of acquired cash.

	The following are the intangible assets acquired and their respective fair values and weighted-average useful lives (dollars in thousands):


			Epocal			Other			Total			Weighted-
												average
												Useful Life
	Core technology and patents		$	119,700		$	—		$	119,700			20.0 years
	Software			—			2,154			2,154			5.7 years
Trademarks and trade names			20,500			80			20,580			19.1 years
License agreements			—			620			620			1.5 years
Customer relationships			—			42,510			42,510			11.5 years
Other			—			5,816			5,816			3.0 years
In-process research and development			24,200			—			24,200			N/A

Total intangible assets		$	164,400		$	51,180		$	215,580

(b) Acquisitions in 2012
(i) eScreen
On April 2, 2012, we acquired eScreen, Inc., or eScreen, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, a technology-enabled provider of employment drug screening solutions for hiring and maintaining healthier and more efficient workforces. The preliminary aggregate purchase price was approximately $295.0 million, which consisted of $271.4 million in cash and a contingent consideration obligation with an aggregate acquisition date fair value of $23.6 million. Included in our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 is revenue totaling approximately $116.7 million related to eScreen. The operating results of eScreen are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. The amount allocated to goodwill from this acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.
(ii) Other acquisitions in 2012
During 2012, we acquired the following businesses for a preliminary aggregate purchase price of $199.5 million, which included cash payments totaling $147.5 million and contingent consideration obligations with aggregate acquisition date fair values of $52.0 million.

	•		Reatrol Comercializacao De Produtos De Saude, LDA, subsequently renamed Alere Lda, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, a distributor of products for drugs of abuse testing (Acquired January 2012)

	•		Kullgren Holding AB, or Kullgren, located in Gensta, Sweden, a company that manufactures and distributes high-quality intimacy and pharmaceutical products (Acquired February 2012)

	•		Wellogic ME FZ-LLC, or Wellogic UAE, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a company that provides development services to Alere Wellogic, LLC, which acquired the assets of Method Factory, Inc. (d/b/a Wellogic), or Wellogic, in December 2011 (Acquired February 2012)

	•		certain assets, primarily including customer and patient lists, of AmMed Direct LLC, or AmMed, located near Nashville, Tennessee, a privately-owned mail-order provider of home-diabetes testing products and supplies (Acquired March 2012)

	•		MedApps Holding Company, Inc., or MedApps, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, a developer of innovative remote health monitoring solutions that deliver efficient cost-effective connectivity between patient, care provider and electronic medical records (Acquired July 2012)

	•		Amedica Biotech, Inc., or Amedica, located in Hayward, California, a company focused on the development and manufacture of in vitro diagnostic tests (Acquired July 2012)

	•		DiagnosisOne, Inc., or DiagnosisOne, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, a software company that provides clinical analytics technology and data-driven content to hospitals, physician groups, insurers and governments (Acquired July 2012)

	•		Seelen Care Laege-og & Hospitalsartikler ApS, or Seelen, located in Holstebro, Denmark, a distributor of consumables, instruments and equipment to doctors, specialists and physiotherapists (Acquired August 2012)

	•		certain assets of Diagnostik Nord, or Diagnostik, located in Schwerin, Germany, a company focused on the sale of drug screening and in vitro diagnostic medical devices and a provider of diagnostic solutions (Acquired September 2012)

	•		Healthcare Connections Limited, or HCC, located in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, an occupational health provider specializing in employment medical programs, preventative health schemes and drug and alcohol sample collection services (Acquired November 2012)

	•		the diagnostic division of Medial spol. s.r.o., subsequently renamed Alere s.r.o., located in Prague, Czech Republic, a distributor of laboratory diagnostic devices, devices operating in the point-of-care testing regime, diagnostic kits and tests for biochemistry, hematology, and microbiology (Acquired November 2012)

	•		certain assets of Quantum Diagnostics, or Quantum Australia, located in Australia, an on-line medical supply company that provides a range of affordable drug and alcohol tests for personal, business and professional medical use. (Acquired November 2012)

	•		certain assets of NationsHealth, Inc., or NationsHealth, headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, a privately-owned mail-order provider of diabetes home-testing products and supplies, and a share acquisition of NationsHealth’s subsidiary in the Philippines, or NationsHealth Philippines (Acquired December 2012)

	•		Branan Medical Corporation, or Branan, headquartered in Irvine, California, a manufacturer of drugs of abuse testing products (Acquired December 2012)
The operating results of Alere Lda, AmMed, MedApps, Amedica, Seelen, Diagnostik, HCC, Alere s.r.o., Quantum Australia, NationsHealth and Branan are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. The operating results of Wellogic UAE and DiagnosisOne are included in our health information solutions reporting unit and business segment. The operating results of Kullgren are included in our consumer diagnostics reporting unit and business segment.
Our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 included revenue totaling approximately $44.6 million related to these businesses. Goodwill has been recognized in all of these acquisitions and amounted to approximately $94.2 million. Goodwill related to the acquisitions of AmMed, Diagnostik and the US-based assets of NationsHealth, which totaled $8.8 million, is deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill related to the remaining 2012 acquisitions is not deductible for tax purposes.

A summary of the preliminary fair values of the net assets acquired for the acquisitions consummated in 2012 is as follows (in thousands):


		eScreen			Other			Total
Current assets(1)		$	33,690		$	13,615		$	47,305
Property, plant and equipment			5,806			3,223			9,029
Goodwill			144,522			94,219			238,741
Intangible assets			204,000			121,223			325,223
Other non-current assets			9,783			9,363			19,146

Total assets acquired			397,801			241,643			639,444

Current liabilities			22,865			5,452			28,317
Non-current liabilities			79,945			36,659			116,604

Total liabilities assumed			102,810			42,111			144,921

Net assets acquired			294,991			199,532			494,523
Less:
Contingent consideration			23,600			52,020			75,620

Cash paid		$	271,391		$	147,512		$	418,903


-1	Includes approximately $3.8 million of acquired cash.
The following are the intangible assets acquired and their respective fair values and weighted-average useful lives (dollars in thousands):


		eScreen			Other			Total			Weighted-
											average
											Useful Life
Core technology and patents		$	93,200		$	54,903		$	148,103			18.7 years
Trademarks and trade names			17,300			2,090			19,390			18.3 years
Customer relationships			79,600			56,885			136,485			18.1 years
Non-competition agreements			—			1,118			1,118			5.1 years
Other			13,900			1,327			15,227			9.2 years
In-process research and development			—			4,900			4,900			N/A

Total intangible assets		$	204,000		$	121,223		$	325,223

(c) Acquisitions in 2011
(i) Arriva
On November 23, 2011, we acquired Arriva Medical LLC, or Arriva, located in Coral Springs, Florida, a privately-owned mail-order provider of diabetes home-testing products and supplies. The aggregate purchase price was $79.5 million, which consisted of a cash payment totaling $64.4 million and 806,452 shares of our common stock with an aggregate fair value of $15.2 million. Included in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 is revenue totaling approximately $5.3 million related to this acquired business. The operating results of Arriva are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. The amount allocated to goodwill from this acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

(ii) Axis-Shield
On November 1, 2011, we acquired Axis-Shield, located in Dundee, Scotland, a U.K. publicly traded company focused on the development and manufacture of in vitro diagnostic tests for use in clinical laboratories and at the point of care. The aggregate purchase price was $388.8 million, which consisted of cash payments totaling $279.6 million and the fair value of previously-held investment totaling $109.2 million. Included in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 is revenue totaling approximately $36.7 million, including $1.8 million of license and royalty revenue, related to this acquired business. The operating results of Axis-Shield are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. We do not expect the amount allocated to goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes.
(iii) Avee
On October 3, 2011, we acquired Avee Laboratories Inc. and related companies, which we refer to collectively as Avee, located in Tampa, Florida, a privately-owned provider of drug testing services in the field of pain management. The aggregate purchase price was $120.5 million, which was paid in cash. Included in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 is revenue totaling approximately $27.2 million related to this acquired business. The operating results of Avee are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. The amount allocated to goodwill from this acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.
(iv) Other acquisitions in 2011
During 2011, we acquired the following businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $198.5 million, which included cash payments totaling $139.3 million, a previously-held investment with a fair value totaling $3.9 million, 25,463 shares of our common stock with an acquisition date fair value of $1.0 million, contingent consideration obligations with an aggregate acquisition date fair value of $48.7 million, deferred purchase price consideration with an acquisition date fair value of $4.2 million and debt forgiveness with a fair value of $1.5 million.

	•		90% interest in BioNote, Inc., or BioNote, headquartered in South Korea, a manufacturer of diagnostic products for the veterinary industry (Acquired January 2011). We previously owned a 10% interest in BioNote.

	•		assets, including domain name, of Pregnancy.org, LLC, or Pregnancy.org, a U.S.-based company providing a website for preconception, pregnancy and newborn care content, tools and sharing (Acquired January 2011)

	•		Home Telehealth Limited, subsequently renamed Alere Connected Health Limited, or Alere Connected Health, located in Cardiff, Wales, a company that focuses on delivering integrated, comprehensive services and programs to health and social care providers and insurers (Acquired February 2011)

	•		Bioeasy Diagnostica Ltda., or Bioeasy, located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a company that markets and sells rapid diagnostic tests and systems for laboratory diagnosis, prevention and monitoring of immunological diseases and fertility (Acquired March 2011)

	•		80.92% interest in Standing Stone, Inc., or Standing Stone, located in Westport, Connecticut, a company that focuses on disease state management by enhancing the quality of care provided to patients who require long-term therapy for chronic disease management (Acquired May 2011)

	•		certain assets, rights, liabilities and properties of Drug Detection Devices, Inc., or 3DL, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, a distributor that promotes, markets, distributes and sells drugs of abuse diagnostic products, including consumables, point-of-care diagnostic kits and related products and services (Acquired July 2011)

	•		Colibri Medical AB, or Colibri, located in Helsingborg, Sweden, a distributor of point-of-care drugs of abuse diagnostic products primarily to the Scandinavian marketplace (Acquired July 2011)

	•		Laboratory Data Systems, Inc., or LDS, located in Tampa, Florida, a provider of healthcare software products, services, consulting and solutions (Acquired August 2011)

	•		certain assets, liabilities and properties of Abatek Medical LLC, or Abatek, located in Dover, New Hampshire, a distributor that promotes, markets, distributes and sells drugs of abuse diagnostic products, including consumables, point-of-care diagnostic kits and related products and services (Acquired September 2011)

	•		Forensics Limited, or ROAR, located in Worcestershire, England, a company that provides forensic quality toxicology services across the United Kingdom (Acquired September 2011)

	•		Mahsan Diagnostika Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, or Mahsan, located in Reinbek, Germany, a distributor of in vitro diagnostic drugs of abuse products primarily to the German marketplace (Acquired October 2011)

	•		Medical Automation Systems Inc., or MAS, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, a provider of network-based software solutions for point-of-care testing (Acquired October 2011)

	•		certain assets and properties of 1 Medical Distribution, Inc., or 1 Medical, located in Worthington, Ohio, a distributor that promotes, markets, distributes and sells drugs of abuse diagnostic products, including consumables, point-of-care diagnostic kits and related products and services (Acquired November 2011)

	•		Method Factory, Inc. (d/b/a Wellogic), or Wellogic, headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, a provider of software solutions designed to connect the healthcare community (Acquired December 2011)
The operating results of BioNote, Bioeasy, 3DL, Colibri, LDS, Abatek, ROAR, Mahsan, MAS and 1 Medical are included in our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment. The operating results of Pregnancy.org, Alere Connected Health, Standing Stone and Wellogic are included in our health information solutions reporting unit and business segment.
Our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 included revenue totaling approximately $21.1 million related to these businesses. Goodwill has been recognized in all of the acquisitions, with the exception of 1 Medical, and amounted to approximately $131.3 million. Goodwill related to the acquisitions of Pregnancy.org, 3DL, Abatek, LDS and Wellogic, which totaled $32.8 million, is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill related to the remaining 2011 acquisitions is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

A summary of the aggregate purchase price allocation for the acquisitions consummated in 2011 is as follows (in thousands):


		Avee			Arriva			Axis-Shield			Other			Total
Current assets(1)		$	10,197		$	4,874		$	92,666		$	23,542		$	131,279
Property, plant and equipment			5,411			524			50,719			11,820			68,474
Goodwill			30,409			58,174			136,182			131,348			356,113
Intangible assets			76,400			27,400			233,370			79,454			416,624
Other non-current assets			—			1,196			18,512			13,009			32,717

Total assets acquired			122,417			92,168			531,449			259,173			1,005,207

Current liabilities			1,927			12,629			44,758			27,623			86,937
Non-current liabilities			—			—			97,842			30,512			128,354

Total liabilities assumed			1,927			12,629			142,600			58,135			215,291

Less:
Fair value of non-controlling interest			—			—			—			2,500			2,500

Net assets acquired			120,490			79,539			388,849			198,538			787,416
Less:
Contingent consideration			—			—			—			48,685			48,685
Fair value of previously-held equity investment			—			—			109,231			3,937			113,168
Fair value of common stock issued			—			15,183			—			1,000			16,183
Loan forgiveness			—			—			—			1,488			1,488
Deferred purchase price consideration			—			—			—			4,170			4,170

Cash paid		$	120,490		$	64,356		$	279,618		$	139,258		$	603,722


-1	Includes cash acquired of approximately $23.2 million.
The following are the intangible assets acquired and their respective amortizable lives (dollars in thousands):



		Avee			Arriva			Axis-Shield			Other			Total		Weighted-
																average
																Useful Life
Core technology and patents		$	—		$	—		$	56,919		$	19,740		$	76,659		10.1 years
Database			—			—			—			64			64		3.0 years
Trademarks and trade names			1,700			1,000			4,145			7,352			14,197		10.1 years
Customer relationships			71,500			23,000			114,174			35,051			243,725		12.3 years
Non-compete agreements			3,200			3,400			—			1,706			8,306		5.3 years
Software			—			—			—			7,400			7,400		10.9 years
Other			—			—			—			7,767			7,767		15.6 years
In-process research and development			—			—			58,132			374			58,506		N/A

Total intangible assets		$	76,400		$	27,400		$	233,370		$	79,454		$	416,624

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'

	(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

	The following is a summary of goodwill and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):



			Gross			Accumulated			Net			Weighted-
			Carrying			Amortization and			Carrying			average
			Amount			Impairment Losses			Value			Useful Life
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Core technology and patents		$	1,046,970		$	397,306		$	649,664			14.8 years

	Other intangible assets:
	Supplier relationships			18,388			16,087			2,301			9.3 years
	Trademarks and trade names			266,556			142,993			123,563			10.9 years
	License agreements			17,584			13,088			4,496			6.9 years
	Customer relationships			1,946,481			1,128,421			818,060			15.7 years
	Manufacturing know-how			17,349			10,684			6,665			10.8 years
	Other			186,255			106,393			79,862			7.7 years

	Total other intangible assets			2,452,613			1,417,666			1,034,947

	Total intangible assets with finite lives		$	3,499,583		$	1,814,972		$	1,684,611

	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Goodwill		$	3,093,691		$	—		$	3,093,691
	Other intangible assets(1)			56,702			—			56,702

	Total intangible assets with indefinite lives		$	3,150,393		$	—		$	3,150,393



	-1	Primarily includes in-process research and development assets recorded in connection with certain acquisitions.



	The following is a summary of goodwill and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):



			Gross			Accumulated			Net			Weighted-
			Carrying			Amortization and			Carrying			average
			Amount			Impairment Losses			Value			Useful Life
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Core technology and patents		$	941,940		$	326,044		$	615,896			14.1 years

	Other intangible assets:
	Supplier relationships			18,629			15,862			2,767			9.3 years
	Trademarks and trade names			252,028			116,571			135,457			10.3 years
	License agreements			17,507			11,126			6,381			4.5 years
	Customer relationships			1,910,752			930,542			980,210			15.8 years
	Manufacturing know-how			15,332			9,607			5,725			12.2 years
	Other			199,880			112,091			87,789			7.4 years

	Total other intangible assets			2,414,128			1,195,799			1,218,329

	Total intangible assets with finite lives		$	3,356,068		$	1,521,843		$	1,834,225

	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Goodwill		$	3,048,405		$	—		$	3,048,405
	Other intangible assets(1)			55,795			19,344			36,451

Total intangible assets with indefinite lives		$	3,104,200		$	19,344		$	3,084,856



-1	Primarily includes in-process research and development assets recorded in connection with certain acquisitions.

The estimated useful lives of the individual categories of intangible assets were based on the nature of the applicable intangible assets and the expected future cash flows to be derived from those intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives is recognized over the shorter of the respective lives of the underlying license agreements, if applicable, or the period of time the assets are expected to contribute to future cash flows. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets on patterns in which the economic benefits are expected to be realized. Amortization expense of intangible assets, which in the aggregate amounted to $318.4 million, $346.9 million and $307.7 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is included in cost of net revenue, research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The allocation of amortization expense to the expense categories is based on the intended usage and the expected benefits of the intangible assets in relation to the expense categories.

The following is a summary of estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



2014		$	272,516
2015		$	230,224
2016		$	200,310
2017		$	174,540
2018		$	162,468



During the fourth quarter, we perform our annual impairment tests of the carrying value of our goodwill by reporting unit. Our annual impairment review conducted during the fourth quarter of 2011 indicated that a goodwill impairment charge was required in our health information solutions business segment and reporting unit. For further discussion see Note 2(h).

Goodwill amounts for our professional diagnostics, health information solutions and consumer diagnostics reporting units are summarized as follows (in thousands):



		Professional			Health			Consumer			Total
		Diagnostics			Information			Diagnostics
					Solutions
Goodwill at December 31, 2011		$	2,669,601		$	99,759		$	51,911		$	2,821,271
Acquisitions(1)			222,306			24,604			—			246,910
Fair value of non-controlling interest(2)			(36,040	)		—			—			(36,040	)
Other(3)			10,370			680			5,214			16,264

Goodwill at December 31, 2012		$	2,866,237		$	125,043		$	57,125		$	3,048,405
Acquisitions(1)			87,677			(3,551	)		—			84,126
Dispositions(4)			(14,786	)		—			—			(14,786	)
Other(3)			(25,832	)		868			910			(24,054	)

Goodwill at December 31, 2013		$	2,913,296		$	122,360		$	58,035		$	3,093,691



-1	Includes initial purchase price allocation, purchase accounting adjustments recorded to the acquired entities’ opening balance sheet and additional payments made for earn-outs and milestones achieved.


-2	This is the correction of a prior period balance sheet classification error which we do not believe is material to our 2011 or 2012 annual financial statements, or any previously reported quarterly financial statements, and represents the fair value of the non-controlling interest as of December 31, 2011 related to our acquisition of Axis-Shield.


-3	These amounts relate primarily to adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.


-4	Reflects write-off related to disposition of our Spinreact operations.

We generally expense costs incurred for the internal development of intangible assets, except for costs that are incurred to establish patents and trademarks, such as legal fees for initiating, filing and obtaining the patents and trademarks. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $9.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively, of costs capitalized, net of amortization, in connection with establishing patents and trademarks which are included in other intangible assets, net, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon the initial filing of the patents and trademarks, we commence amortization of such intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Costs incurred to maintain the patents and trademarks are expensed as incurred.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	(6) Long-term Debt
	We had the following long-term debt balances outstanding (in thousands):


			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	A term loans(1)(2)		$	832,188		$	878,438
	B term loans(1)			904,188			913,438
	Incremental B-1 term loans(1)			245,000			247,500
	Incremental B-2 term loans(1)			195,050			196,739
	Revolving line of credit(1)			170,000			22,500
	7.25% Senior notes			450,000			450,000
	7.875% Senior notes			—			1,809
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			425,000			—
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			400,000			400,000
	9% Senior subordinated notes			—			392,933
	3% Convertible senior subordinated notes			150,000			150,000
	Other lines of credit			355			31,957
	Other			50,119			3,593

				3,821,900			3,688,907
	Less: Current portion			(49,112	)		(60,232	)

			$	3,772,788		$	3,628,675


	-1	Incurred under our secured credit facility.

	-2	Includes “A” term loans and “Delayed Draw” term loans under our secured credit facility.
	In connection with our significant long-term debt issuances, we recorded interest expense, including amortization and write-offs of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as follows (in thousands):


			2013			2012			2011
	Secured credit facility(1)		$	104,159		$	104,916		$	41,478
	Former secured credit facility(2)			—			—			53,841	(3)
	7.25% Senior notes			33,906			1,994			—
	7.875% Senior notes			137	-4		44,994	(5)		22,291
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			17,384			—			—
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			37,093			37,096			36,437
	9% Senior subordinated notes			54,043	(6)		41,474			40,248
	3% Senior subordinated convertible notes			4,984			4,984			4,988

			$	251,706		$	235,458		$	199,283


	-1	Includes “A” term loans, including the “Delayed-Draw” term loans; “B” term loans; “Incremental B-1” term loans; “Incremental B-2” term loans; and revolving line of credit loans. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amounts include $2.6 million, $5.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications.

	-2	Consists of loans under our former First Lien Credit Agreement and former Second Lien Credit Agreement.

	-3	Amount includes an approximate $29.7 million loss recorded in connection with the termination of our former secured credit facility and related interest rate swap agreement, coupled with the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications.
	-4	Amount includes an approximate $0.2 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of our 7.875% senior notes.

	-5	Amount includes an approximate $23.2 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of substantially all of our 7.875% senior notes. Included in the $23.2 million is a $12.3 million make-whole payment which has been classified within cash flow from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.

	-6	Amount includes an approximate $35.6 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of our 9% senior subordinated notes. Included in the $35.6 million is $19.0 million related to tender offer consideration and call premium which has been classified within cash flow from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
	The following describes each of the debt instruments listed above:
	(a) Secured Credit Facility
	On June 30, 2011, we entered into a Credit Agreement, or secured credit facility, with certain lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation as administrative agent and collateral agent, and certain other agents and arrangers, and, along with certain of our subsidiaries, a related guaranty and security agreement. On December 7, 2011, we entered into an amendment to our secured credit facility to provide an additional term loan facility for the “Incremental B-1” term loans described below (all of which we borrowed on that date). On March 28, 2012, we entered into a further amendment to our secured credit facility to provide an additional term loan facility for the “Incremental B-2” term loans described below (all of which we borrowed on that date). The secured credit facility, as amended, provides for credit facilities totaling $2.55 billion in the aggregate, consisting of term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $2.3 billion (consisting of “A” term loans (including “Delayed Draw” term loans) in the aggregate principal amount of $925.0 million, “B” term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $925.0 million, “Incremental B-1” term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million and “Incremental B-2” term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million), all of which we have fully drawn, and, subject to our continued compliance with the secured credit facility, a $250.0 million revolving line of credit (which includes a $50.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit).
	We must repay the “A” term loans (excluding the “Delayed Draw” term loans) in eighteen consecutive quarterly installments, which began on December 31, 2011 and continue through March 31, 2016, in the amount of $7,812,500 each, and a final installment on June 30, 2016, in the amount of $484,375,000; we must repay the “Delayed-Draw” term loans included within the “A” term loans in fifteen consecutive quarterly installments, which began on September 30, 2012 and continue through March 31, 2016, in the amount of $3,750,000 each, and a final installment on June 30, 2016, in the amount of $243,750,000. We must repay the “B” term loans in twenty-two consecutive quarterly installments, which began on December 31, 2011 and continue through March 31, 2017, in the amount of $2,312,500 each, and a final installment on June 30, 2017, in the amount of $874,125,000. We must repay the “Incremental B-1” term loans in twenty-one consecutive quarterly installments, which began on March 31, 2012 and continue through March 31, 2017, in the amount of $625,000 each, and a final installment on June 30, 2017, in the amount of $236,875,000. We must repay the “Incremental B-2” term loans in twenty consecutive quarterly installments, which began on June 30, 2012 and continue through March 31, 2017, in the amount of $500,000 each, and a final installment on June 30, 2017, in the amount of $190,000,000. We have paid in full all installments of all term loans due on or before December 31, 2013. We may repay any borrowings under the revolving line of credit at any time without premium or penalty, but we must repay all such borrowings in no event later than June 30, 2016. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to certain exceptions provided for in the Credit Agreement, in the event that any of our existing 3% convertible senior subordinated notes remain outstanding on the date that is six months prior to the maturity date thereof, then all of the term loans and revolving credit loans under the secured credit facility shall instead mature in full on such prior date.
	The “A” term loans (including the “Delayed Draw” term loans) and our borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum of, at our option, either (i) the Base Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus an applicable margin, which varies within a range from 1.75% to 2.50% depending on our consolidated secured leverage ratio, or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus an applicable margin, which varies within a range from 2.75% to 3.50% depending on our consolidated secured leverage ratio. On March 22, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the secured credit facility that provided for (among other changes) 50 basis point reductions in the interest rate margins applicable to the “B” term loans, the “Incremental B-1” term loans and the “Incremental B-2” term loans. Under the secured credit facility as so amended, the “B” term loans, the “Incremental B-1” term loans and the “Incremental B-2” term loans bear interest at a rate per annum of, at our option, either (i) the Base Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus an applicable margin, which varies within a range from 2.00% to 2.75% depending on our consolidated secured leverage ratio, or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus an applicable margin, which varies within a range from 3.00% to 3.75% depending on our consolidated secured leverage ratio. Interest on “B” term loans, “Incremental B-1” term loans and “Incremental B-2” term loans based on the Eurodollar Rate is subject to a 1.00% floor with respect to the base Eurodollar Rate. We are required to pay a fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate per annum of 0.50%. As of December 31, 2013, the “A” term loans (including the “Delayed-Draw” term loans), the “B” term loans, the “Incremental B-1” term loans, the “Incremental B-2” term loans and the revolving line of credit loans bore interest at the rates of 3.17%, 4.25%, 4.25%, 4.25%, and 3.17%, respectively, per annum.
	We must comply with various customary financial and non-financial covenants under the Credit Agreement. The primary financial covenants consist of a maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio, a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio and a limit on capital expenditures; we were in compliance with all such financial covenants as December 31, 2013. The primary non-financial covenants limit our ability to pay dividends or other distributions on our capital stock, to repurchase our capital stock, to conduct mergers or acquisitions, to make investments and loans, to incur future indebtedness, to place liens on assets, to prepay certain other indebtedness, to alter our capital structure and to sell assets. The covenants are subject to certain important exceptions and qualifications, which are set forth in the Credit Agreement.
	The lenders under the Credit Agreement are entitled to terminated the revolving line of credit and accelerate repayment of the loans under the Credit Agreement upon the occurrence of any of various customary events of default.
	As of December 31, 2013, accrued interest related to the secured credit facility amounted to $0.5 million.
(b) Former Secured Credit Facility
In connection with our entering into the secured credit facility on June 30, 2011, we repaid in full all outstanding indebtedness under and terminated our former First Lien Credit Agreement, or former senior secured credit facility, and our former Second Lien Credit Agreement, or former junior secured credit facility (and, collectively with the former senior secured credit facility, our former secured credit facility), each dated as of June 26, 2007, with certain lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and certain other agents and arrangers, and certain related guaranty and security agreements. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans repaid under our former secured credit facility in connection with the termination thereof was approximately $1.2 billion.
In August 2007, we entered into interest rate swap contracts, with an effective date of September 28, 2007, that had a total notional value of $350.0 million and an original maturity date of September 28, 2010. These interest rate swap contracts paid us variable interest at the three-month LIBOR rate, and we paid the counterparties a fixed rate of 4.85%. In March 2009, we extended our August 2007 interest rate hedge for an additional two-year period commencing in September 2010 at a one-month LIBOR rate of 2.54%. These interest rate swap contracts were entered into to convert $350.0 million of the $1.2 billion variable rate term loans under our former secured credit facility into fixed rate debt. In connection with entering into the secured credit facility on June 30, 2011, we paid $10.1 million to terminate these interest rate swap contracts which was recorded in interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs, in our consolidated statements of operations. In January 2009, we entered into interest rate swap contracts, with an effective date of January 14, 2009, that had a total notional value of $500.0 million and a maturity date of January 5, 2011. These interest rate swap contracts paid us variable interest at the one-month LIBOR rate, and we paid the counterparties a fixed rate of 1.195%. These interest rate swap contracts were entered into to convert $500.0 million of the $1.2 billion variable rate term loan under our former secured credit facility into fixed rate debt. We did not extend the terms of these interest rate swap contracts after January 5, 2011.
(c) 7.25% Senior Notes
On December 11, 2012, we sold a total of $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due 2018, or the 7.25% senior notes, in a private placement to initial purchasers, who agreed to resell the notes only to qualified institutional buyers and to persons outside the United States; we sold the 7.25% senior notes at an initial offering price of 100%. Net proceeds from this offering amounted to $443.2 million, which was net of the underwriters’ commissions and offering expenses totaling $6.8 million. These notes were subsequently exchanged for new notes having substantially the same terms in an exchange offer registered under the Securities Act. We used $267.4 million of the net proceeds to purchase $248.2 million outstanding principal amount of the 7.875% senior notes as described below and $170.0 million to pay down a portion of the outstanding balance under our revolving line of credit.
The 7.25% senior notes were issued under a supplemental indenture dated as of August 11, 2009, as amended or supplemented, or the 7.25% Indenture. The 7.25% senior notes accrue interest at the rate of 7.25% per annum. Interest on the 7.25% senior notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, beginning on June 15, 2013. The 7.25% senior notes mature on July 1, 2018, unless earlier redeemed.
We may redeem the 7.25% senior notes, in whole or part, at any time on or after December 15, 2015, by paying the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus a declining premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The premium declines from 3.625% during the twelve months on and after December 15, 2015 to 1.813% during the six months on and after December 15, 2016 to zero on and after June 15, 2017. At any time prior to December 15, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.25% senior notes with money that we raise in certain equity offerings, so long as (i) we pay 107.25% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date; (ii) we redeem the notes within 90 days of completing such equity offering; and (iii) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.25% senior notes remains outstanding afterwards. In addition, at any time prior to December 15, 2015, we may redeem some or all of the 7.25% senior notes by paying the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
If a change of control occurs, subject to specified conditions, we must give holders of the 7.25% senior notes an opportunity to sell their notes to us at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of the purchase.
If we, or our subsidiaries, engage in asset sales, we, or they, generally must either invest the net cash proceeds from such sales in our or their businesses within a specified period of time, prepay certain indebtedness or make an offer to purchase a principal amount of the 7.25% senior notes equal to the excess net cash proceeds, subject to certain exceptions. The purchase price of the notes would be 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The 7.25% Indenture provides that we and our subsidiaries must comply with various customary covenants. These covenants limit our ability, and the ability of our subsidiaries, to, among other things, incur additional debt; pay dividends on capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; make certain investments; create liens on assets; transfer or sell assets; engage in transactions with affiliates; create restrictions on the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or make loans, asset transfers or other payments to us and our subsidiaries; issue capital stock of subsidiaries; engage in any business, other than our or their existing businesses and related businesses; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; incur layered indebtedness; and consolidate or merge with any person (other than certain affiliates) or transfer all or substantially all of our assets or the aggregate assets of us and our subsidiaries. These covenants are subject to certain important exceptions and qualifications, which are set forth in the 7.25% Indenture. At any time the 7.25% senior notes are rated investment grade, certain covenants will be suspended with respect to them.
The 7.25% Indenture contains customary events of default entitling the trustee or the holders of the 7.25% senior notes to declare all amounts owed pursuant to the 7.25% senior notes immediately payable if any such event of default occurs.
The 7.25% senior notes are our senior unsecured obligations and are equal in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior debt, including our borrowings under our secured credit facility. Our obligations under the 7.25% senior notes and the 7.25% Indenture are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior basis by certain of our domestic subsidiaries, and the obligations of such domestic subsidiaries under their guarantees are equal in right of payment to all of their existing and future senior debt. See Note 25 for guarantor financial information.

As of December 31, 2013, accrued interest related to the 7.25% senior notes amounted to $1.4 million.
(d) 7.875% Senior Notes
During the third quarter of 2009, we sold a total of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% senior notes due 2016, or the 7.875% senior notes, in two separate transactions on August 11, 2009 and September 28, 2009. Net proceeds from these offerings amounted to approximately $240.0 million, which was net of underwriters’ commissions totaling $3.7 million and original issue discount totaling $6.3 million. The 7.875% senior notes were issued under a supplemental indenture dated as of August 11, 2009, as amended or supplemented, or the 7.875% Indenture. The 7.875% senior notes accrued interest from the dates of their respective issuances at the rate of 7.875% per annum. Interest on the notes was payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1, commencing on February 1, 2010. The terms of the notes provided that they matured on February 1, 2016, unless earlier redeemed.
In December 2012, we used $267.4 million of the net proceeds of our sale of the 7.25% senior notes to purchase $248.2 million outstanding principal amount of the 7.875% senior notes. The purchased 7.875% senior notes represented 99.3% of the total then-outstanding principal amount of the 7.875% senior notes. In February 2013, we redeemed the remaining $1.8 million outstanding principal amount of the 7.875% senior notes pursuant to our optional redemption right under the 7.875% Indenture, and we subsequently terminated the 7.875% Indenture.
(e) 6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes
In May 2013, we sold a total of $425.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.5% senior subordinated notes due 2020, or the 6.5% senior subordinated notes, in a private placement to initial purchasers, who agreed to resell the notes only to qualified institutional buyers and to persons outside the United States. We sold the 6.5% senior subordinated notes at an initial offering price of 100%. Net proceeds from this offering amounted to $417.7 million, which were net of the underwriters’ commissions and offering expenses totaling approximately $7.3 million. These notes were subsequently exchanged for new notes having substantially the same terms in an exchange offer registered under the Securities Act. In May 2013, we used $200.6 million of the net proceeds of our sale of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes to purchase $190.6 million outstanding principal amount of our 9% senior subordinated notes pursuant to our tender offer for these notes. In June 2013, we redeemed the remaining $209.4 million outstanding principal amount of the 9% senior subordinated notes pursuant to our optional redemption right under the indenture for those notes, and we subsequently terminated that indenture.
The 6.5% senior subordinated notes were issued under a supplemental indenture dated as of May 24, 2013, or the 6.5% Indenture. The 6.5% senior subordinated notes accrue interest at the rate of 6.5% per annum. Interest on the 6.5% senior subordinated notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, beginning on December 15, 2013. The 6.5% senior subordinated notes mature on June 15, 2020, unless earlier redeemed.
We may, at our option, redeem the 6.5% senior subordinated notes, in whole or part, at any time (which may be more than once) on or after June 15, 2016, by paying the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus a declining premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the redemption date. The premium declines from 3.250% during the twelve months on and after June 15, 2016 to 1.625% during the twelve months on and after June 15, 2017 to zero on and after June 15, 2018. In addition, we may, at our option, at any time (which may be more than once) before May 24, 2015, redeem up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes in each of the two twelve-month periods preceding May 24, 2015 at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the redemption date. In addition, at any time (which may be more than once) prior to June 15, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes with money that we raise in certain equity offerings, so long as (i) we pay 106.5% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the redemption date; (ii) we redeem the 6.5% senior subordinated notes within 90 days of completing such equity offering; and (iii) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes remains outstanding afterwards. In addition, at any time (which may be more than once) prior to June 15, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem some or all of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes by paying the principal amount of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes being redeemed plus a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the redemption date.
If a change of control occurs, subject to specified conditions, we must give holders of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes an opportunity to sell their notes to us at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the date of the purchase.
If we or our subsidiaries engage in asset sales, we or they generally must either invest the net cash proceeds from such sales in our or their businesses within a specified period of time, repay senior indebtedness or make an offer to purchase a principal amount of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes (on a pro rata basis with respect to the 6.5% senior subordinated notes and our 8.625% senior subordinated notes) equal to the excess net cash proceeds, subject to certain exceptions. The purchase price of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes would be 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The 6.5% Indenture provides that we and our subsidiaries must comply with various customary covenants. These covenants limit our ability, and the ability of our subsidiaries, to, among other things, incur additional debt; pay dividends on capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; make certain investments; create liens on assets; transfer or sell assets; engage in transactions with affiliates; create restrictions on the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or make loans, asset transfers or other payments to us and our subsidiaries; issue capital stock of subsidiaries; engage in any business, other than our or their existing businesses and related businesses; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; incur layered indebtedness; and consolidate or merge with any person (other than certain affiliates) or transfer all or substantially all of our assets or the aggregate assets of us and our subsidiaries. These covenants are subject to certain important exceptions and qualifications, which are set forth in the 6.5% Indenture. At any time the 6.5% senior subordinated notes are rated investment grade, certain covenants will be suspended with respect to them.
The 6.5% Indenture contains customary events of default entitling the trustee or the holders of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes to declare all amounts owed pursuant to the 6.5% senior subordinated notes immediately payable if any such event of default occurs.
The 6.5% senior subordinated notes are our senior subordinated unsecured obligations, are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior debt, including our borrowings under our secured credit facility and our 7.25% senior notes, and are equal in right of payment with our 8.625% senior subordinated notes and our 3% convertible senior subordinated notes. Our obligations under the 6.5% senior subordinated notes and the 6.5% Indenture are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior subordinated unsecured basis by certain of our domestic subsidiaries, and the obligations of such domestic subsidiaries under their guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to all of their existing and future senior debt. See Note 25 for guarantor financial information.
(f) 8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes
In September 2010, we sold $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior subordinated notes due 2018, or the 8.625% senior subordinated notes, in a private placement to initial purchasers, who agreed to resell the notes only to qualified institutional buyers and to persons outside the United States; we sold the 8.625% subordinated notes at an initial offering price of 100%. Net proceeds from this offering amounted to $393.0 million, which was net of underwriters’ commissions totaling $7.0 million. These notes were subsequently exchanged for new notes having substantially the same terms in an exchange offer registered under the Securities Act.
The 8.625% senior subordinated notes were issued under a supplemental indenture dated as of September 21, 2010, as amended or supplemented, or the 8.625% Indenture. The 8.625% senior subordinated notes accrue interest at the rate of 8.625% per annum. Interest on the 8.625% notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, beginning on April 1, 2011. The 8.625% subordinated notes mature on October 1, 2018, unless earlier redeemed.
We may redeem the 8.625% senior subordinated notes, in whole or part, at any time (which may be more than once) on or after October 1, 2014, by paying the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus a declining premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The premium declines from 4.313% during the twelve months on and after October 1, 2014 to 2.156% during the twelve months on and after October 1, 2015 to zero on and after October 1, 2016. Prior to October 1, 2013, we may redeem, in whole or part, at any time (which may be more than once), up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8.625% senior subordinated notes with money that we raise in certain equity offerings so long as (i) we pay 108.625% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date; (ii) we redeem the notes within 90 days of completing such equity offering; and (iii) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8.625% senior subordinated notes, including any 8.625% subordinated notes issued after September 21, 2010, remains outstanding afterwards. In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2014, we may redeem some or all of the 8.625% senior subordinated notes by paying the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
If a change of control occurs, subject to specified conditions, we must give holders of the 8.625% senior subordinated notes an opportunity to sell their notes to us at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of the purchase.
If we, or our subsidiaries, engage in asset sales, we, or they, generally must either invest the net cash proceeds from such sales in our or their businesses within a specified period of time, prepay senior debt or make an offer to purchase a principal amount of the 8.625% senior subordinated notes (on a pro rata basis with respect to the 8.625% senior subordinated notes and the 6.5% senior subordinated notes) equal to the excess net cash proceeds, subject to certain exceptions. The purchase price of the senior subordinated notes would be 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The 8.625% Indenture provides that we and our subsidiaries must comply with various customary covenants. These covenants limit our ability, and the ability of our subsidiaries, to, among other things, incur additional debt; pay dividends on capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; make certain investments; create liens on assets; transfer or sell assets; engage in transactions with affiliates; create restrictions on the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or make loans, asset transfers or other payments to us or our subsidiaries; issue capital stock of subsidiaries; engage in any business, other than our or their existing businesses and related businesses; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; incur layered indebtedness; and consolidate or merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets or the aggregate assets of us and our subsidiaries. These covenants are subject to certain important exceptions and qualifications, which are set forth in the 8.625% Indenture. At any time the 8.625% senior subordinated notes are rated investment grade, certain covenants will be suspended with respect to them.
The 8.625% Indenture contains customary events of default entitling the trustee or the holders of the 8.625% senior subordinated notes to declare all amounts owed pursuant the 8.625% senior subordinated notes immediately payable if any such event of default occurs.
The 8.625% senior subordinated notes are our senior subordinated unsecured obligations, are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior debt, including our borrowings under our secured credit facility and our 7.25% senior notes, and equal in right of payment with our 6.5% senior subordinated notes and our 3% convertible senior subordinated notes. Our obligations under the 8.625% senior subordinated notes and the 8.625% Indenture are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior subordinated unsecured basis by certain of our domestic subsidiaries, and the obligations of such domestic subsidiaries under their guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to all of their existing and future senior debt. See Note 25 for guarantor financial information.
As of December 31, 2013, accrued interest related to the 8.625% senior subordinated notes amounted to $8.6 million.
(g) 9% Senior Subordinated Notes
On May 12, 2009, we sold $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9% senior subordinated notes due 2016, or the 9% senior subordinated notes, in a public offering at an initial offering price of 96.865%. Net proceeds from this offering amounted to $379.5 million, which was net of underwriters’ commissions totaling $8.0 million and original issue discount totaling $12.5 million. The 9% senior subordinated notes were issued under a supplemental indenture dated as of May 12, 2009, as amended or supplemented, or the 9% Indenture. The 9% senior subordinated notes accrued interest from the date of their issuance at the rate of 9% per annum. Interest on the 9% senior subordinated notes was payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, commencing on November 15, 2009. The terms of the 9% senior subordinated notes provided that they matured on May 15, 2016, unless earlier redeemed.

On May 24, 2013, we used $200.6 million of the net proceeds of our sale of the 6.5% senior subordinated notes to purchase $190.6 million outstanding principal amount of our 9% senior subordinated notes pursuant to our tender offer for these notes. The purchased 9% senior subordinated notes represented approximately 47.7% of the total then-outstanding principal amount of the 9% senior subordinated notes. On June 24, 2013, we redeemed the remaining $209.4 million outstanding principal amount of the 9% senior subordinated notes pursuant to our optional redemption right under the 9% Indenture, and we subsequently terminated the 9% Indenture.
(h) 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
On May 14, 2007, we sold $150.0 million principal amount of 3% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2016, or the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes, in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers, at an initial offering price of 100%. At the initial conversion price of $52.30, the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes were convertible into an aggregate of 2.9 million shares of our common stock. The conversion price was subject to adjustment one year from the date of sale. Based upon the daily volume-weighted price per share of our common stock for the thirty consecutive trading days ending May 9, 2008, the conversion price decreased from $52.30 to $43.98 in May 2008. The decrease in conversion price resulted in additional shares of our common stock becoming issuable upon conversion of the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes. The 3% convertible senior subordinated notes are now convertible into 3.4 million shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $43.98. Interest accrues at 3% per annum , compounded daily, on the outstanding principal amount of the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes and is payable in arrears on May 15th and November 15th of each year, beginning on November 15, 2007. We have paid in full all installments of interest on the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes due on or before December 31, 2013.
We may not redeem the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes prior to their stated maturity. In the event of certain fundamental changes (as defined in the indenture governing the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes) or a termination of trading of our common stock (as described in such indenture), we may be required to repurchase the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the unconverted principal amount thereof plus any accrued but unpaid interest. The 3% convertible senior subordinated notes are unsecured and are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior debt, including borrowings under our secured credit facility and our senior notes, and equal in right of payment to our senior subordinated notes. The indenture governing the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes contains customary events of default entitling the trustee or the holders thereof to declare all amounts owed pursuant to the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes immediately payable if any such event of default occurs.
As of December 31, 2013, accrued interest related to the 3% convertible senior subordinated notes amounted to $0.6 million.
(i) Lines of Credit
Some of our subsidiaries maintain local lines of credit for short-term advances. Total available credit under the local lines of credit is approximately $6.1 million, of which $0.4 million was borrowed and outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

(j) Other Debt
Included in other debt for the year ended December 31, 2013 are borrowings by certain of our subsidiaries from various financial institutions. The borrowed funds are primarily used to fund capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Interest expense on these borrowings was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(k) Maturities of Long-Term Debt
The following is a summary of the maturities of long-term debt outstanding on December 31, 2013 (in thousands):


2014		$	49,112
2015			75,211
2016			1,111,700
2017			1,305,717
2018			851,238
Thereafter			430,372

			3,823,350
Less: Original issue discounts			(1,450	)

		$	3,821,900

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'

	(7) Fair Value Measurements

	We apply fair value measurement accounting to value our financial assets and liabilities. Fair value measurement accounting provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.



	Described below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

	Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

	The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):



	Description		December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable
			2013			Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—

	Total assets		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations(1)		$	213,969		$	—	$	—	$	213,969

	Total liabilities		$	213,969		$	—	$	—	$	213,969




	Description		December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable
			2012			Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	904		$	904	$	—	$	—

	Total assets		$	904		$	904	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations(1)		$	176,172		$	—	$	—	$	176,172

	Total liabilities		$	176,172		$	—	$	—	$	176,172



	-1	We determine the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations based on a probability-weighted approach derived from earn-out criteria estimates and a probability assessment with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria. The measurement is based upon significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of these contingent consideration obligations are recorded as income or expense within operating income in our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 11 for additional information on the valuation of our contingent consideration obligations.



	Changes in the fair value of our Level 3 contingent consideration obligations during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):



	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, January 1, 2013		$	176,172
	Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration obligations recorded			76,268
	Net reclassifications			(12	)
	Foreign currency adjustments			(51	)
	Payments			(56,432	)
Present value accretion			14,591
Adjustments, net (income) expense			3,433

Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, December 31, 2013		$	213,969


At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximated their estimated fair values.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of our long-term debt were $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2013. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of our long-term debt were $3.7 billion at December 31, 2012. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt was determined using information derived from available market sources (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) and may not be representative of actual values that could have been or will be realized in the future.

Capital_Leases

Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
Capital Leases	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Capital Leases	'

	(8) Capital Leases

	The following is a schedule of the future minimum lease payments under capital leases, together with the present value of such payments as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



	2014	$	6,855
	2015		6,551
	2016		3,485
	2017		1,883
	2018		1,273
	Thereafter		1,215

	Total future minimum lease payments		21,262
	Less: Imputed interest		—

	Present value of future minimum lease payments		21,262
	Less: Current portion		(6,855	)

		$	14,407




	At December 31, 2013, the capitalized amounts of the building, machinery and equipment and computer equipment under capital leases were as follows (in thousands):



	Machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling	$	32,256
	Computer equipment		3,506
	Furniture and fixtures		890
	Vehicles		73
	Leasehold improvements		—

			36,725
	Less: Accumulated amortization		(9,785	)

		$	26,940


	The amortization expense of assets recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense of property, plant and equipment.

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans

Postretirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Postretirement Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	(9) Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(a) Employee Savings Plans
	Our company and several of our U.S.-based subsidiaries sponsor various 401(k) savings plans, to which eligible domestic employees may voluntarily contribute a portion of their income, subject to statutory limitations. In addition to the participants’ own contributions to these 401(k) savings plans, we match such contributions up to a designated level. Total matching contributions related to employee savings plans were $9.4 million, $8.8 million and $7.6 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(b) U.K. Pension Plans
	Our subsidiary in England, Unipath Ltd., or Unipath, has a defined benefit pension plan established for certain of its employees.
	Changes in benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized on the accompanying balance sheet as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, for our Defined Benefit Plan were as follows (in thousands):


			2013				2012
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	18,340			$	14,966
	Interest cost			754				742
	Actuarial loss			2,202				2,211
	Benefits paid			(232	)			(417	)
	Foreign exchange impact			508				838

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	21,572			$	18,340
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	14,043			$	11,272
	Actual return on plan assets			2,084				1,634
	Employer contribution			904				916
	Benefits paid			(232	)			(417	)
	Foreign exchange impact			427				638

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	17,226			$	14,043

	Funded status		$	(4,346	)		$	(4,297	)

	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	21,572			$	18,340

	The net amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown in current liabilities and were $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The following represents the amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2013:


	Amortization of net loss			(199	)
	Amortization of prior service cost			(416	)
	New actuarial gains			832
	Foreign exchange impact			181

	Total		$	398

	The amortization of prior service cost is expected to be approximately $0.4 million in 2014.

	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:


			2013				2012
	Net actuarial loss		$	4,846			$	4,098
	Prior service costs			4,404				4,754

	Net amount recognized		$	9,250			$	8,852

	The measurement dates used to determine plan assets and benefit obligations for the Defined Benefit Plan were December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The following table provides the weighted-average actuarial assumptions:


			2013				2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations(1):
	Discount rate			4.4	%			4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.15	%			3.65	%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost(2):
	Discount rate			4.3	%			4.9	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets			5.15	%			5.4	%
Rate of compensation increase			3.65	%			3.75	%

-1	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the unfunded status for the plan are based upon information available as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

-2	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic pension benefit cost are based upon the information available as of the beginning of the presented year.
The actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption was determined based on historical investment return rates on portfolios with a high proportion of equity securities, and was calculated using a weighted-average of the expected returns for each asset class held by the Plan. The long-term expected return on assets is net of investment expenses.
The annual net periodic benefit costs of the Defined Benefit Plan are as follows (in thousands):


		2013				2012				2011
Service cost		$	—			$	—			$	—
Interest cost			754				742				773
Expected return on plan assets			(713	)			(636	)			(731	)
Amortization of net loss			199				114				32
Amortization of prior service cost			416				422				427
Curtailment loss (gain)			—				—				—

Net periodic benefit cost		$	656			$	642			$	501

The plan assets of the Defined Benefit Plan comprise a mix of stocks and fixed income securities and other investments. At December 31, 2013, these stocks and fixed income securities represented 74% and 26%, respectively, of the market value of the pension assets. We expect to contribute approximately £0.6 million (or $1.0 million at December 31, 2013) to the Defined Benefit Plan in 2014. We expect that the benefits to be paid to plan participants will range between approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million per year for each of the next five years and that benefits totaling $0.5 million will be paid annually for the five years thereafter.
Our overall investment strategy is to ensure the investments are spread across a range of investments varying by both investment class and geographical location which is achieved by investing largely in equity and fixed income funds. Spreading the investments in this manner reduces the risk of a decline in a particular market having a substantial impact on the whole fund. The target allocation for the plan assets is a 70% holding in equities (both in the U.K. and overseas), with the remaining assets invested in investment grade corporate bonds.
The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 by asset category are presented in the following table (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy).


		Plan Assets at
		December 31,
Asset Category		2013				2012
Equity securities:
U.K. equities		$	6,000			$	4,808
Overseas equities			2,995				2,532
U.S. equities			3,003				2,219
Debt securities — corporate bonds			4,402				4,286
Other — cash			826				198

Total plan assets		$	17,226			$	14,043

The table above presents the fair value of our plan’s assets in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. The pension plan assets are measured using net asset value per share (or its equivalent) and are reported as a Level 2 investment above due to our ability to redeem the investment either at the balance sheet date or within limited time restrictions.
Unipath contributed $0.3 million in 2013, $0.4 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011 to the Defined Contribution Plan, which was recognized as an expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

(10) Derivative Financial Instruments

We may manage our economic and transaction exposure to certain market-based risks through the use of derivative instruments. Our objective for holding derivative instruments has been to reduce volatility of net earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Risk

In connection with our acquisition of Axis-Shield, we acquired a number of foreign currency forward contracts. The specific risk hedged in these contracts was the undiscounted foreign currency spot rate risk on forecasted foreign currency revenue. As of December 31, 2012, all of the acquired foreign currency forward contracts were settled. We report the effective portion of the gain or loss on a cash flow hedge as a component of other comprehensive income, and it was subsequently reclassified into net earnings in the period in which the hedged transaction affected net earnings or the forecasted transaction was no longer probable of occurring.

The following table summarizes the effect of the derivative instruments in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

Derivative Instruments

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Amount of Loss

Recognized in Income

(Loss) Recognized

Recognized

During the Year

Ended

December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Foreign currency forward contracts

Other comprehensive income

—

(1,187

)

(loss)

Total loss

Other comprehensive income

—

(1,187

)

(loss)

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(11) Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) Operating Leases
	We have operating lease commitments for certain of our facilities and equipment that expire on various dates through 2019. The following schedule outlines future minimum annual rental payments under these leases at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):


	2014		$	47,611
	2015			40,774
	2016			36,386
	2017			32,654
	2018			28,045
	Thereafter			45,743

			$	231,213

	Rent expense relating to operating leases was approximately $54.0 million, $51.2 million and $42.3 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(b) Contingent Consideration Obligations
	We determine the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration obligations based on a probability-weighted approach derived from the overall likelihood of achieving certain performance targets, including product development milestones or financial metrics. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement, as defined in fair value measurement accounting. The resultant probability-weighted earn-out payments are discounted using a discount rate based upon the weighted-average cost of capital. At each reporting date, we revalue the contingent consideration obligations to the reporting date fair values and record increases and decreases in the fair values as income or expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

	Increases or decreases in the fair values of the contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates, changes in the timing and amount of earn-out criteria and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria.
	We have contractual contingent purchase price consideration obligations related to certain of our acquisitions, as follows (in thousands):


	Acquisition		Acquisition Date		Acquisition		Maximum		Remaining			Estimated			Estimated		Payments
					Date Fair		Remaining		Earn-out			Fair Value as			Fair Value as		made
					Value		Earn-out		Period as			of			of		during
							Potential		of			December 31,			December 31,		2013
							as of		December 31,			2013			2012
							December 31,		2013
							2013
	TwistDx, Inc.			11-Mar-10	$	35,600	$	124,027		2014 – 2025	(1)	$	45,502		$	25,100	$	680
	Ionian Technologies, Inc.			12-Jul-10	$	24,500		57,500		2014 – 2015			29,000			23,800		—
	LDS			29-Aug-11	$	13,000		7,500		2013			7,400	(2)		6,600		—
	ROAR			September 22, 2011	$	5,463		12,600		2014			2,484			6,827		4,606
	Wellogic			December 9, 2011	$	18,900		50,000		2014 – 2019			26,900			23,600		—
	eScreen			2-Apr-12	$	44,500		—		—			—			19,300		—
	MedApps			2-Jul-12	$	13,100		13,600		2014			8,200			15,900		7,600
	Amedica			3-Jul-12	$	8,900		8,100		2013			7,500	(2)		8,700		6,945
	DiagnosisOne			31-Jul-12	$	22,300		33,000		2014 – 2017			26,600			24,300		—
	Epocal			1-Feb-13	$	75,000		65,500		2014 – 2018			47,200			—		25,000
	Other			Various	$	58,877		23,029		2014 – 2016			13,183			22,045		11,601

							$	394,856				$	213,969		$	176,172	$	56,432


	-1	The maximum earn-out period ends on the fifteenth anniversary of the acquisition date.
	-2	The fair value of the maximum remaining earn-out has been accrued at December 31, 2013. We expect to pay the maximum remaining earn-out during the first half of 2014.
	(c) Legal Proceedings

		•		Matters Relating to our San Diego Facility
	On October 9, 2012, we received a warning letter from the FDA referencing inspectional observations set forth in an FDA Form 483 received in June, 2012. The observations were the result of an inspection of our San Diego facility conducted earlier during 2012 relating to our Alere Triage products, which resulted in two recalls of certain Alere Triage products and revised release specifications for our Alere Triage meter-based products. We have submitted evidence of our completion of most of the actions we committed to in response to the FDA Form 483 and warning letter. We intend to continue to work cooperatively with the FDA in an effort to fully address each inspectional observation.
	In May 2012, we also received a subpoena from the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, or the OIG, seeking documents relating primarily to the quality control testing and performance characteristics of Alere Triage products. We are cooperating with the OIG and have provided documents in response to the OIG under the subpoena.
	We are unable to predict when these matters will be resolved or what further action, if any, the government will take in connection with them. Except for increases in manufacturing costs and decreased profitability for our Alere Triage products, we are unable to predict what impact, if any, these matters or ensuing proceedings, if any, will have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

		•		Matters Related to Theft of Laptop
	On January 24, 2013, a class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Alere Home Monitoring, or AHM, asserting claims for damages and other relief under California state law, including under California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, relating to an inadvertent disclosure of personally identifiable information of approximately 116,000 patients resulting from the theft of a laptop computer from an employee of AHM. The class action has been stayed pending resolution of other class actions involving third parties based on similar circumstances. The Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the OCR, was notified of the inadvertent disclosure in accordance with the Breach Notification Rule under the HITECH Act, as were certain state agencies. AHM has responded to the OCR’s inquiries and continues to cooperate.

		•		Claims in the Ordinary Course and Other Matters
	Because of the nature of our business, we may be subject at any particular time to lawsuits or other claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, and we expect that this will continue to be the case in the future. Such lawsuits often seek damages, sometimes in substantial amounts.

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Net Loss Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
Net Loss Per Common Share	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Loss Per Common Share	'
	(12) Net Loss Per Common Share
	The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share (in thousands, except per share amounts):


		2013			2012			2011
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(70,278	)	$	(77,907	)	$	(133,309	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(21,293	)		(21,293	)		(22,049	)
	Preferred stock repurchase		—			—			23,936
	Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		976			275			233

	Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(92,547	)	$	(99,475	)	$	(131,655	)

	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic and diluted		81,542			80,587			83,128

	Basic and Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(1.13	)	$	(1.23	)	$	(1.58	)


	The following potential dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because the inclusion thereof would be antidilutive (in thousands):


		2013			2012			2011
	Denominator:
	Options to purchase shares of common stock		10,879			10,234			9,446
	Warrants		4			4			162
	Conversion shares related to 3% convertible senior subordinated notes		3,411			3,411			3,411
	Conversion shares related to subordinated convertible promissory notes		27			27			27
	Conversion shares related to Series B convertible preferred stock		10,239			10,239			10,239
	Common stock equivalents related to the settlement of deferred purchase price consideration		—			—			142
	Common stock equivalents related to the settlement of a contingent consideration obligation		451			—			—

	Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding		25,011			23,915			23,427

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'

	(13) Stockholders’ Equity

	(a) Common Stock

	As of December 31, 2013, we had 200.0 million shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized, of which 7.7 million shares were held in treasury and 82.0 million shares were outstanding, 12.6 million shares were reserved for issuance upon grant and exercise of equity awards under current equity compensation plans, 1.5 million shares were reserved for issuance under our employee stock purchase plan and 4,000 shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants. We also had shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of the following securities outstanding on December 31, 2013: $150.0 million in the aggregate principal amount of 3% convertible senior subordinated notes, convertible at $43.98 per share into 3.4 million shares of our common stock; $1.7 million of subordinated convertible promissory notes, convertible at $61.49 per share into 27,647 shares of our common stock; and 1.8 million shares of our Series B convertible preferred stock, with an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $709.8 million, convertible under certain circumstances at $69.32 per share into 10.2 million shares of our common stock.

	(b) Preferred Stock

	As of December 31, 2013, we had 5.0 million shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized, of which 2.3 million shares were designated as Series B Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, or Series B preferred stock. In connection with our acquisition of Matria, we issued shares of the Series B preferred stock and through June 30, 2011 paid all dividends on outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock in additional shares of Series B preferred stock. Subsequent to June 30, 2011 all dividends on outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock were paid in cash. At December 31, 2013, there were 1.8 million shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding with a fair value of approximately $508.0 million.



	Each share of Series B preferred stock, which has a liquidation preference of $400.00 per share, is convertible, at the option of the holder and only upon certain circumstances, into 5.7703 shares of our common stock, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. The initial conversion price is $69.32 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, but will not be adjusted for accumulated and unpaid dividends. Upon a conversion of shares of the Series B preferred stock, we may, at our option, satisfy the entire conversion obligation in cash or through a combination of cash and common stock. Series B preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2013 would convert into 10.2 million shares of our common stock, which are reserved. There were no conversions as of December 31, 2013.

	Generally, the shares of Series B preferred stock are convertible, at the option of the holder, if during any calendar quarter beginning with the second calendar quarter after the issuance date of the Series B preferred stock, if the closing sale price of our common stock for each of 20 or more trading days within any period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the conversion price per share of common stock in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter. In addition, the shares of Series B preferred stock are convertible, at the option of the holder, in certain other circumstances, including those relating to the trading price of the Series B preferred stock and upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes or major corporate transactions. We also have the right, under certain circumstances relating to the trading price of our common stock, to force conversion of the Series B preferred stock. Depending on the timing of any such forced conversion, we may have to make certain payments relating to foregone dividends, which payments we can make, at our option, in the form of cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock.

	Each share of Series B preferred stock accrues dividends at $12.00, or 3%, per annum, payable quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing following the first full calendar quarter after the issuance date. Dividends on the Series B preferred stock are cumulative from the date of issuance. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Series B preferred stock dividends amounted to $21.3 million, $21.3 million and $22.0 million respectively, which reduced earnings available to common stockholders for purposes of calculating net loss per common share in each of 2013, 2012 and 2011 (Note 12). Accrued dividends are payable only if declared by our board of directors and, upon conversion by the Series B preferred stockholder, holders will not receive any cash payment representing accumulated dividends. If our board of directors declares a dividend payable, we have the right to pay the dividends in cash, shares of common stock, additional shares of Series B preferred stock or a similar convertible preferred stock or any combination thereof. The Series B preferred stock dividends for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were paid in cash.

	The holders of Series B preferred stock have liquidation preferences over the holders of our common stock and other classes of stock, if any, outstanding at the time of liquidation. Upon liquidation, the holders of outstanding Series B preferred stock would receive an amount equal to $400.00 per share of Series B preferred stock, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. As of December 31, 2013, the liquidation preference of the outstanding Series B preferred stock was $709.8 million. The holders of the Series B preferred stock have no voting rights, except with respect to matters affecting the Series B preferred stock (including the creation of a senior preferred stock).

	We evaluated the terms and provisions of our Series B preferred stock to determine if it qualified for derivative accounting treatment. Based on our evaluation, these securities do not qualify for derivative accounting.



	(c) Share Repurchases

	During the first quarter of 2011, we repurchased in the open market and privately-negotiated transactions 183,000 shares of our Series B preferred stock, which were convertible into approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock, at a cost of approximately $49.4 million, which we paid in cash. The repurchase of the preferred stock at an average cost of $269.84 per preferred share, an amount less than the weighted-average fair value of the preferred shares at issuance, resulted in the allocation of $13.7 million of income attributable to common stockholders. Also during the first quarter of 2011, and pursuant to the same repurchase program, we repurchased 16,700 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $0.6 million, which we paid in cash.

	During the second quarter of 2011, we repurchased in the open market and privately-negotiated transactions, 174,788 shares of our Series B preferred stock, which were convertible into approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock, at a cost of approximately $49.7 million, which we paid in cash. The repurchase of the preferred stock at an average cost of $284.28 per preferred share, an amount less than the weighted-average fair value of the preferred shares at issuance, resulted in the allocation of $10.2 million of income attributable to common stockholders. Also during the second quarter of 2011, and pursuant to the same repurchase program, we repurchased 8,300 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $0.3 million, which we paid in cash.

	During the third quarter of 2011, we repurchased approximately 7.6 million shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $183.9 million, which we paid in cash.

	(d) Stock Options and Awards

	In 2010, we adopted the Alere Inc. 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the 2010 Plan, which replaced our 2001 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the 2001 Plan. The 2010 Plan currently allows for the issuance of up to 7.2 million shares of common stock and other awards. The 2010 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which selects the individuals eligible to receive awards, determines or modifies the terms and conditions of the awards granted, accelerates the vesting schedule of any award and generally administers and interprets the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan permits the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options with terms of up to ten years and the granting of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, performance share awards and dividend equivalent rights. The 2010 Plan also provides for option grants to non-employee directors and automatic vesting acceleration of all options and stock appreciation rights upon a change in control, as defined by the 2010 Plan. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 1.1 million and 1.0 million shares, respectively, available for future grant under the 2010 Plan.

	The following summarizes all stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except exercise price):




			Options				Weighted-
							average
							Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1,2013			10,650			$	36.51
	Granted			2,749			$	35.64
	Exercised			(576	)		$	22.4
	Canceled/expired/forfeited.			(1,382	)		$	31.2

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			11,441			$	37.66

	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			6,799			$	39.35




	The aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding at December 31, 2013 was $50.8 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options exercisable at December 31, 2013 was $23.6 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.5 million, $1.3 million and $17.1 million, respectively.

	In addition, on December 30, 2012, we granted a restricted stock unit, or RSU, award to one of our executive employees in the amount of 110,000 units. The RSU award vests over a three-year period, however, if the executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated, without cause, within three years, the RSU award will accelerate and fully vest. The RSU award will also accelerate and fully vest if the executive terminates his employment voluntarily after one year, other than in the presence of facts or circumstances which would constitute cause for termination by us. The fair value of the RSU award is $18.37 per unit, calculated based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. The aggregate fair value of the RSU award is expensed on a straight-line basis over the recipient’s service requirement completion period of one year. All of the units underlying the RSU award have vested and 5,000 have been released as of December 31, 2013.

	Based on equity awards outstanding as of December 31, 2013, there was $49.4 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that are expected to vest. Such costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.48 years.

(e) Warrants

The following is a summary of all warrant activity during the three years ended December 31, 2013:




		Number of				Exercise Price			Weighted-
		Shares							average
									Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2010			243			$	13.54 - $50.00		$	16
Exercised			(81	)		$	13.54 - $24.00		$	19.15

Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2011			162			$	13.54 - $50.00		$	14.44
Exercised			(158	)		$	13.54		$	13.54

Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2012			4			$	50		$	50
Exercised			—

Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2013			4			$	50		$	50


The following table presents additional information related to warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013:




		Outstanding and Exercisable
Exercise Price		Number of				Weighted-			Weighted-
		Shares				average			average
						Remaining			Exercise Price
						Contract Life
		(in thousands)
$50.00			4				2.5		$	50



The warrants included in the table above were issued in connection with the acquisition of GeneCare. There were no warrants to purchase shares of our common stock outstanding that were issued to officers and directors of our company or entities controlled by these officers and directors at December 31, 2013. All outstanding warrants have been classified in equity.

(f) Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2001, we adopted the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, under which eligible employees are allowed to purchase shares of our common stock at a discount through periodic payroll deductions. Purchases may occur at the end of every six-month offering period at a purchase price equal to 85% of the market value of our common stock at either the beginning or end of the offering period, whichever is lower. We may issue up to 4.0 million shares of common stock under this plan. At December 31, 2013, 2.5 million shares had been issued under this plan.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'

	(14) Stock-based Compensation

	We recorded stock-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as follows (in thousands):



		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of net revenue	$	1,126		$	1,063		$	1,508
	Research and development		4,053			3,150			3,862
	Sales and marketing		3,698			3,464			4,267
	General and administrative		12,333			7,988			11,578

			21,210			15,665			21,215
	Benefit for income taxes		(4,190	)		(2,660	)		(4,560	)

	Stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	17,020		$	13,005		$	16,655


	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the presentation of our cash flows reports the excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options as financing cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, excess tax benefits generated from option exercises amounted to $1.4 million, $0.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model:



		2013			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.47	%		0.83	%		1.31	%
	Expected dividend yield		—			—			—
	Expected life		5.74 years			5.60 years			5.46 years
	Expected volatility		42	%		42	%		43	%

	The weighted-average fair value under a Black-Scholes option pricing model of options granted to employees during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $15.22, $7.37 and $10.95 per share, respectively. All options granted during these periods were granted at or above the fair market value on the date of grant.

	For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded compensation expense of $2.6 million related to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The fair value of the option component of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and assumed an expected volatility of 41% and 40%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.12% and 0.09% and an expected life of 181 days and 184 days, for each of the two respective offering periods. The 2013 charge is included in the employee’s respective cost classification in the table above.



	For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded compensation expense of $2.7 million related to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The fair value of the option component of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and assumed an expected volatility of 44% and 47%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.06% and 0.15% and an expected life of 182 days and 184 days, for each of the two respective offering periods. In the first half of 2012 we had a second offering period to accommodate employees of a recent acquisition. The fair value of the option component of the Employee Stock Purchase Plans shares for this offering was estimated at the grant date of March 1, 2012 using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and assumed an expected volatility of 40%, a risk-free rate of 0.10%, and an expected life of 122 days. The 2012 charge is included in the employee’s respective cost classification in the table above.

	For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded compensation expense of $2.5 million related to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The fair value of the option component of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and assumed an expected volatility of 35% and 34%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.19% and 0.10% and an expected life of 181 days and 184 days, for each of the two respective offering periods. The 2011 charge is included in the employee’s respective cost classification in the table above.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	(15) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following (in thousands):


			Cumulative			Pension			Other(1)			Accumulated
			Translation			Liability						Other
			Adjustment			Adjustment						Comprehensive
			(Note 2(b))			(Note 9(b))						Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2010		$	12,705		$	(5,209	)	$	(6,806	)	$	690
	Period change			(35,830	)		(1,618	)		6,488			(30,960	)

	Balance at December 31, 2011			(23,125	)		(6,827	)		(318	)		(30,270	)
	Period change			54,642			(756	)		258			54,144

	Balance at December 31, 2012			31,517			(7,583	)		(60	)		23,874
	Period change			(50,166	)		(309	)		39			(50,436	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(18,649	)	$	(7,892	)	$	(21	)	$	(26,562	)


	-1	Other represents unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and hedging instruments.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	(16) Income Taxes
	Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):


			2013				2012				2011
	United States		$	(214,332	)		$	(158,635	)		$	(493,073	)
	Foreign			80,300				37,164				327,026

			$	(134,032	)		$	(121,471	)		$	(166,047	)

	Our primary temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax asset and liability are net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards, nondeductible reserves, and accruals and differences in basis of the tangible and intangible assets. The income tax effects of these temporary differences are as follows (in thousands):


			2013				2012
	NOL and capital loss carryforwards		$	137,178			$	117,091
	Tax credit carryforwards			70,357				54,212
	Nondeductible reserves			33,846				17,036
	Nondeductible accruals			44,023				34,406
	Difference between book and tax bases of tangible assets			989				1,059
	Difference between book and tax bases of intangible assets			25,484				23,017
	Deferred revenue			8,399				5,686
	All other			32,669				30,071

	Gross deferred tax asset			352,945				282,578
	Less: Valuation allowance			(83,591	)			(68,555	)

	Total deferred tax assets			269,354				214,023

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Difference between book and tax bases of tangible assets			54,436				42,835
	Difference between book and tax bases of intangible assets			442,729				482,955
	Debt			18,041				25,541
	Other			15,365				15,525

	Total deferred tax liability			530,571				566,856

	Net deferred tax liability		$	261,217			$	352,833

	Reported as:
	Deferred tax assets, current portion		$	60,689			$	67,722
	Deferred tax assets, long-term			7,959				8,293
	Deferred tax liabilities, current portion			(616	)			(660	)
	Deferred tax liabilities, long-term			(329,249	)			(428,188	)

	Net deferred tax liability		$	(261,217	)		$	(352,833	)

	As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $87.4 million of domestic NOL and domestic capital loss carryforwards, approximately $998.8 million of state NOL carryforwards and $254.7 million of foreign NOL and foreign capital loss carryforwards, which either expire on various dates through 2033 or can be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $70.4 million of domestic research and development, foreign tax and alternative minimum tax credits which either expire on various dates through 2033 or can be carried forward indefinitely. These loss carryforwards and tax credits may be available to reduce future federal, state and foreign taxable income, if any, and are subject to review and possible adjustment by the appropriate tax authorities. Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the use of these losses to an amount equal to the value of the company at the time of the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax exempt rate. Our domestic NOLs are subject to various Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, Code Section 382 limitations, however we forecast we will fully utilize the NOLs before their expiration. Section 383 imposes an annual limitation on the use of credits to an amount equal to the value of the company at the time of the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax exempt rate. Our domestic credits are subject to various IRS Code Section 383 limitations. We forecast that some portion of these credits will expire before they are utilized and therefore have recorded a valuation allowance on these assets of $0.9 million. The state NOL carryforwards are subject to various statutory limitations or require certain companies to realize taxable income in order to fully utilize the NOLs.
	We have recorded a valuation allowance of $83.6 million as of December 31, 2013 due to uncertainties related to the future benefits, if any, from our deferred tax assets related primarily to our foreign businesses and certain U.S. net operating losses and tax credits. This is an increase of $15.0 million from the valuation allowance of $68.6 million as of December 31, 2012. The increase is primarily related to foreign and state NOLs. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by the jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance or reduce our current valuation allowance, which could materially impact our tax provision.
	Our two China-based manufacturing subsidiaries qualify for a reduced income tax rate in 2013, 2012 and 2011. Both Chinese entities qualify as high technology status companies and the status is due to expire for 2014. It is anticipated that neither Chinese entity will qualify for high technology status in 2014 and the deferred tax rate has been increased to 25%. The prescribed statutory rate for 2013 and 2012 is 25% and the reduced rate under the high technology status is 15%. In 2010, the companies qualified under the China Tax Reform Act and the income tax rate for one of the subsidiaries was 12.5% and 11% for the other. The reduced tax rate produced a current tax expense of approximately $1.4 million in 2013. In the absence of the reduced tax rate for 2013, a tax rate of 25% would have applied and would have resulted in a current tax expense of approximately $2.4 million in 2013. The tax benefit of this rate change was approximately $1.0 million. The earnings per common share effect of the reduced tax rate is $0.01 for 2013. The reduced tax rate produced a tax expense of approximately $1.0 million in 2012. In the absence of the reduced tax rate for 2012 a tax rate of 25% would have applied and would have resulted in a tax expense of approximately $1.7 million in 2012. The earnings per common share effect of the reduced tax rate was $0.01 for 2012. The reduced tax rate produced a tax expense of approximately $0.5 million in 2011. In the absence of the reduced tax rate for 2011 a tax rate of 25% would have applied and would have resulted in a tax expense of approximately $0.8 million in 2011. The earnings per common share effect of the reduced tax rate is $0.01 for 2011.
	In December 2013, our Swiss subsidiary declared a dividend to its U.S. parent against which we recorded estimated tax liabilities. The U.S. taxation of the dividend depends on the amount of available earnings and profits at the Swiss subsidiary, the calculation of which involves reviewing numerous tax computations and intercompany transactions from prior years, and estimates for certain portions of the calculation. Actual results could differ significantly from such estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	The estimated amount of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries is $244.7 million at December 31, 2013. No amount for U.S. income tax has been provided on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries because we consider such earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. In the event of distribution of those earnings we would be subject to both U.S. income tax and foreign withholding taxes, subject to possible offset by U.S. foreign tax credits. Determination of the amount of U.S. income tax liability that would be incurred is not practicable because of the complexities associated with this hypothetical calculation.
	The following table presents the components of our benefit for income taxes (in thousands):


			2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal		$	5,523			$	11,794			$	(1,229	)
	State			(546	)			9,500				4,193
	Foreign			52,359				32,955				29,583

				57,336				54,249				32,547

	Deferred:
Federal			(75,021	)			(58,292	)			(27,109	)
State			1,102				(15,087	)			(23,720	)
Foreign			(29,728	)			(11,189	)			(5,932	)

			(103,647	)			(84,568	)			(56,761	)

Total benefit for income taxes		$	(46,311	)		$	(30,319	)		$	(24,214	)

Benefit for income taxes in 2011 includes a benefit of $7.0 million to correct items related to periods between 2007 and 2010. We do not believe that the corrected items are material to 2011 or any previously reported quarterly or annual financial statements. As a result, we have not restated our previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements.
The following table presents a reconciliation from the U.S. statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate:


		2013				2012				2011
Statutory rate			35	%			35	%			35	%
Effect of goodwill impairment charge			—				—				(75	)
Stock-based compensation			(2	)			(2	)			(2	)
Rate differential on foreign earnings			—				(2	)			42
Research and development			2				—				1
State income taxes, net of federal benefit			—				3				8
Acquisition costs			—				(2	)			(2	)
Contingent consideration			(3	)			6				4
Rate changes			5				(2	)			3
Other permanent items			4				1				3
Section 199 deduction			2				—				—
Bargain purchase			2				—				—
Change in valuation allowance			(6	)			(9	)			(2	)
Foreign dividends, net			(2	)			—				—
Uncertain tax positions			(2	)			(3	)			—

Effective tax rate			35	%			25	%			15	%


The 2011 goodwill impairment charge created a deferred tax impact due to the existence of goodwill deductible for tax purposes. The deferred tax is calculated based on a methodology which allocates the goodwill impairment loss proportionally to the goodwill deductible for tax purposes compared to total goodwill. The goodwill impairment allocated to goodwill deductible for tax purposes created a deferred tax asset of $35.3 million as of December 31, 2011. There has been no change to the goodwill impairment charge or the deferred tax asset in 2012 or 2013.
The rate differential on foreign earnings is 0%, (2%) and 42% for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 2011 rate differential on foreign earnings of 42% tax benefit arose primarily because a foreign subsidiary, which is a tax resident in a low tax jurisdiction, recognized a deferred gain on the sale of a joint venture interest. The 2012 rate differential on foreign earnings of 2% tax expense resulted primarily from the tax benefit associated with lower jurisdictional tax rates offset by tax expense associated with foreign earnings taxed at the U.S. statutory rate.
State income tax benefit is 0%, 3% and 8% for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 8% benefit in 2011, versus the 3% benefit in 2012, is primarily related to the net favorable out-of-period adjustments recorded in 2011 related to previous years. The reduction in benefit to zero in 2013 primarily relates to the reversal of deferred tax benefits in 2013 associated with state net operating loss carryforwards.
The impact on the rate in 2011 through 2013 relating to contingent consideration is due to fair value accounting used for contingent consideration not considered for tax purposes. The impact of rate changes over the same three-year period is primarily due to foreign jurisdictional rate changes as a result of newly-enacted legislation, with the 2013 impact primarily relating to legislation enacted in 2013, which reduced the U.K. tax rate. Increases in valuation allowances primarily relate to losses in foreign jurisdictions where it is not more likely than not that these losses will be utilized in future periods.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we increased the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions by $6.9 million to a total of $25.9 million at December 31, 2013. The primary reasons for the increase are foreign tax exposures associated with certain restructurings of $2.6 million, increases for certain foreign permanent establishment exposures of $2.4 million, an increase of $0.8 million for audit exposure in certain foreign jurisdictions, an increase of $0.6 million due to reclassification of unrecognized tax benefits from other deferred tax accounts and an increase of $1.3 million for certain tax credit carry forwards. The primary decrease relates to prior periods for research expenses and credits in foreign jurisdictions of $0.9 million.
We classify $22.8 million of income tax liabilities as non-current income tax liabilities and $3.1 million as long-term deferred tax liabilities. These non-current income tax liabilities are recorded in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013. We do not anticipate material reductions to the tax reserve over the next twelve-month period.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities for uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands):


		Amount
Balances as of January 1, 2011		$	6,160
Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions			189
Additions for tax positions taken during current year			5,814
Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years			(26	)
Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions			(1,922	)
Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits			(684	)

Balance as of December 31, 2011			9,531
Previously recorded tax reserves not included in disclosure			6,236
Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions			1,852
Additions for tax positions taken during current year			2,922
Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years			(208	)
Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions			—
Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits			(1,328	)

Balance as of December 31, 2012			19,005
Previously recorded tax reserves not included in disclosure			600
Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions			—
Additions for tax positions taken during current year			7,211
Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years			(900	)
Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions			—
Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits			—

Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	25,916

Interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities are included in income tax expense. The gross interest and penalties recorded in 2013 amounted to $1.3 million. The gross balance of accrued interest and penalties recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 was $1.9 million.
With limited exceptions, we are subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax audits by tax authorities for 2006 through 2012. We are currently under income tax examination by the IRS and a number of state and foreign tax authorities. We cannot currently estimate the impact of remaining audits due to the uncertainties associated with tax examinations. Management does not expect material changes in tax position as a result of these ongoing audits.

Financial_Information_by_Segme

Financial Information by Segment	12 Months Ended
Financial Information by Segment	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Financial Information by Segment	'

	(17) Financial Information by Segment

	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision-making group is composed of the chief executive officer and members of senior management. Our reportable operating segments are professional diagnostics, health information solutions, consumer diagnostics and corporate and other. Our operating results include license and royalty revenue which are allocated to Professional Diagnostics and Consumer Diagnostics on the basis of the original license or royalty agreement.



	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance of our operating segments based on revenue and operating income (loss). Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on where the customer is located. Segment information for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):




	2013		Professional			Health				Consumer			Corporate			Total
			Diagnostics			Information				Diagnostics			and
						Solutions							Other
	Net revenue		$	2,391,137		$	533,227			$	105,078		$	—		$	3,029,442
	Operating income (loss)		$	256,087		$	(43,001	)		$	12,122		$	(90,456	)	$	134,752
	Depreciation and amortization		$	348,635		$	85,330			$	4,330		$	1,135		$	439,430
	Restructuring charge		$	12,606		$	14,760			$	—		$	—		$	27,366
	Stock-based compensation		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	21,210		$	21,210
	Assets		$	5,744,734		$	504,645			$	197,458		$	613,977		$	7,060,814
	Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		$	86,415		$	23,312			$	1,645		$	10,794		$	122,166




	2012		Professional			Health				Consumer			Corporate			Total
			Diagnostics			Information				Diagnostics			and
						Solutions							Other
	Net revenue		$	2,189,892		$	535,422			$	93,511		$	—		$	2,818,825
	Operating income (loss)		$	243,080		$	(73,432	)		$	12,707		$	(73,223	)	$	109,132
	Depreciation and amortization		$	355,957		$	96,427			$	3,455		$	1,008		$	456,847
	Restructuring charge		$	11,124		$	9,203			$	—		$	(2	)	$	20,325
	Stock-based compensation		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	15,665		$	15,665
	Assets		$	6,214,847		$	593,172			$	192,748		$	67,161		$	7,067,928
	Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		$	90,568		$	41,960			$	2,823		$	2,042		$	137,393




	2011		Professional			Health				Consumer			Corporate			Total
			Diagnostics			Information				Diagnostics			and
						Solutions							Other
	Net revenue		$	1,756,509		$	534,514			$	95,504		$	—		$	2,386,527
	Operating income (loss)		$	248,097		$	(439,872	)		$	10,442		$	(71,522	)	$	(252,855	)
	Goodwill impairment charge		$	—		$	383,612			$	—		$	—		$	383,612
	Depreciation and amortization		$	277,102		$	108,383			$	5,375		$	716		$	391,576
	Restructuring charge		$	13,949		$	13,194			$	(57	)	$	1,196		$	28,282
	Stock-based compensation		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	21,215		$	21,215
	Assets		$	5,826,756		$	624,305			$	199,422		$	22,218		$	6,672,701
	Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		$	81,774		$	46,850			$	2,676		$	1,232		$	132,532



	The following tables summarize our net revenue from the professional diagnostics and health information solutions reporting segments by groups of similar products and services for 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

	Professional Diagnostics Segment




			2013			2012				2011
	Infectious disease		$	723,213		$	615,950			$	564,983
Toxicology			632,727			587,261				387,209
Cardiology			463,281			503,534				518,746
Diabetes			225,488			144,441				14,960
Other			321,495			314,030				250,274

Net product sales and services revenue			2,366,204			2,165,216				1,736,172
License and royalty revenue			24,933			24,676				20,337

Professional diagnostics net revenue		$	2,391,137		$	2,189,892			$	1,756,509


Health Information Solutions Segment




		2013			2012				2011
Condition and case management		$	215,160		$	218,378			$	237,938
Wellness			101,642			104,634				104,868
Women’s & children’s health			113,506			120,259				114,287
Patient self-testing services			102,919			92,151				77,421

Health information solutions net revenue		$	533,227		$	535,422			$	534,514


The following tables summarize our net revenue by geographic area for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and our long-lived tangible assets by geographic area as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):




		2013			2012				2011
Revenue by Geographic Area:
United States		$	1,858,775		$	1,724,704			$	1,453,160
Europe			509,644			483,857				396,480
Elsewhere(1)			661,023			610,264				536,887

		$	3,029,442		$	2,818,825			$	2,386,527




-1	Includes, among many others, the following countries: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and Brazil.




		December 31,
		2013			2012
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area:
United States		$	306,300		$	295,786
United Kingdom			39,599			37,928
China			30,285			31,277
Elsewhere(1)			168,980			169,478

		$	545,164		$	534,469




-1	Includes, among many others, the following countries: Germany, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and Brazil.

Other_Arrangements

Other Arrangements	12 Months Ended
Other Arrangements	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Other Arrangements	'

	(18) Other Arrangements

	In February 2013, we entered into an agreement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, or the Gates Foundation, whereby we were awarded a grant by the Gates Foundation in the amount of $21.6 million to support the development and commercialization of a validated, low-cost, nucleic-acid assay for clinical Tuberculosis, or TB, detection and drug-resistance test cartridges and adaptation of an analyzer platform capable of operation in rudimentary laboratories in low-resource settings. In connection with this agreement, we also entered into a loan agreement with the Gates Foundation, or the Gates Loan Agreement, which provides for the making of subordinated term loans by the Gates Foundation to us from time to time, subject to the achievement of certain milestones, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $20.6 million. Funding under the Gates Loan Agreement will be used in connection with the purchase of equipment for an automated high-throughput manufacturing line and other uses as necessary for the manufacture of the TB and HIV-related products. All loans under the Gates Loan Agreement are evidenced by promissory notes that we have executed and delivered to the Gates Foundation, bear interest at the rate of 3% per annum and, except to the extent earlier repaid by us, mature and are required to be repaid in full on December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2013, we had borrowed no amounts under the Gates Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2013, we had received approximately $7.9 million in grant-related funding from the Gates Foundation, which was recorded as restricted cash and deferred grant funding. The deferred grant funding is classified within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As qualified expenditures are incurred under the terms of the grant, we use the deferred funding to recognize a reduction of our related qualified research and development expenditures. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred approximately $6.6 million of qualified expenditures, for which we reduced our deferred grant funding balance and recorded an offset to our research and development expenses.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'

	(19) Related Party Transactions

	In November 2008, the Zwanziger Family Trust, a trust established for the benefit of the children of Ron Zwanziger, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and the trustee of which is Mr. Zwanziger’s sister, purchased certain of our securities from third parties in market transactions. The purchase consisted of approximately $1.0 million of each of the following of our outstanding securities: our common stock, our Series B Preferred Stock and our convertible notes. To the extent we make principal and interest payments under the convertible notes in accordance with their terms, the Zwanziger Family Trust, as a holder of convertible notes, will receive its proportionate share.

	In May 2007, we completed the formation of SPD, our 50/50 joint venture with P&G, for the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of existing and to-be-developed consumer diagnostic products, outside the cardiology, diabetes and oral care fields. Upon completion of the arrangement to form the joint venture, we ceased to consolidate the operating results of our consumer diagnostic products business related to the joint venture and instead account for our 50% interest in the results of the joint venture under the equity method of accounting.

	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had a net receivable from the joint venture of $2.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Included in the $2.1 million receivable balance as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $1.8 million of costs incurred in connection with our 2008 SPD-related restructuring plans. Included in the $2.3 million receivable balance as of December 31, 2012 is approximately $1.6 million of costs incurred in connection with our 2008 SPD-related restructuring plans. We have also recorded a long-term receivable totaling approximately $13.2 million and $14.6 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, related to the 2008 SPD-related restructuring plans. Additionally, customer receivables associated with revenue earned after the formation of the joint venture was completed have been classified as other receivables within prepaid expenses and other current assets on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the amount of $12.4 million and $6.9 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In connection with the joint venture arrangement, the joint venture bears the collection risk associated with these receivables. Sales to the joint venture under our manufacturing agreement totaled $78.0 million, $63.6 million and $71.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, services revenue generated pursuant to the long-term services agreement with the joint venture totaled $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Sales under our manufacturing agreement and long-term services agreement are included in net product sales and services revenue, respectively, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

	Under the terms of our product supply agreement, the joint venture purchases products from our manufacturing facilities in the U.K. and China. SPD in turn sells a portion of those tests back to us for final assembly and packaging. Once packaged, the tests are sold to P&G for distribution to third-party customers in North America. As a result of these related transactions, we have recorded $9.4 million and $7.3 million of trade receivables which are included in accounts receivable on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $18.8 million and $21.3 million of trade accounts payable which are included in accounts payable on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During 2013 and 2012, we received $28.0 million and $11.2 million, respectively, in cash from SPD as a return of capital.

	The following table summarizes our related party balances with SPD within our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):



	Balance Sheet Caption	As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$	9,436	$	7,317
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	12,417	$	9,161
	Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	$	13,249	$	14,629
	Accounts payable	$	18,811	$	21,258

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'

	(20) Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

	We have established reserves against accounts receivable for doubtful accounts, product returns, discounts and other allowances. The activity in the table below includes all accounts receivable reserves. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses. Provisions for returns, discounts and other allowances are charged against net product sales. The following table sets forth activities in our accounts receivable reserve accounts (in thousands):



		Balance at		Provision		Amounts			Balance at
		Beginning of				Charged			End of
		Period				Against			Period
						Reserves
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	20,381	$	23,614	$	(19,418	)	$	24,577
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	24,577	$	43,731	$	(31,912	)	$	36,396
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	36,396	$	70,267	$	(30,020	)	$	76,643



	We have established reserves against obsolete and slow-moving inventories. The activity in the table below includes all inventory reserves. Provisions for obsolete and slow-moving inventories are recorded as a component of cost of net product sales. The following table sets forth activities in our inventory reserve accounts (in thousands):



		Balance at		Provision		Amounts			Balance at
		Beginning of				Charged			End of
		Period				Against			Period
						Reserves
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	12,308	$	6,144	$	(4,843	)	$	13,609
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	13,609	$	13,587	$	(5,374	)	$	21,822
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	21,822	$	3,323	$	(3,671	)	$	21,474

Restructuring_Activities

Restructuring Activities	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Activities	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Activities	'

	(21) Restructuring Activities

	The following table sets forth aggregate restructuring charges recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):



	Statement of Operations Caption		2013				2012				2011
	Cost of net revenue		$	7,865			$	3,113			$	2,915
	Research and development			1,795				1,278				433
	Sales and marketing			2,771				2,504				4,954
	General and administrative			14,935				13,430				19,980

	Total operating expenses			27,366				20,325				28,282
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			311				277				280
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			—				—				580

	Total charges		$	27,677			$	20,602			$	29,142


	(a) 2013 Restructuring Plans

	In 2013, management developed cost reduction efforts within our professional diagnostics business segment, including businesses in our United States, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Additionally, management is continuing to take steps to improve efficiencies within our health information solutions business segment, including winding down a small portion of this business, which resulted in charges associated with the impairment of related fixed and intangible assets. The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our 2013 restructuring plans for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



			Professional				Health
			Diagnostics				Information
							Solutions
	Severance-related costs		$	7,126			$	3,267
	Facility and transition costs			2,581				2,955
	Other exit costs			—				17

	Cash charges			9,707				6,239
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments			743				1,089
	Intangible asset impairments			—				2,596
	Other non-cash charges			—				(903	)

	Total charges		$	10,450			$	9,021


	We anticipate incurring approximately $0.4 million in additional severance and facility costs under these plans related to our health information solutions business segment through 2020, as well as $2.9 million in additional severance and facility costs under these plans related to our professional diagnostics business segment, primarily related to consolidating our toxicology businesses within the United States into one manufacturing location through 2015. As of December 31, 2013, $5.9 million in severance and exit costs under these plans remain unpaid.

	(b) 2012 Restructuring Plans

	In 2012, management developed cost reduction plans within our professional diagnostics business segment, including the integration of our businesses in Brazil, Europe and the United States. Additionally, management developed new plans to continue our efforts to reduce costs within our health information solutions business segment, including the termination of certain projects, which resulted in charges for the impairment of related fixed and intangible assets. The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our 2012 restructuring plans for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and since inception (in thousands):



			Professional Diagnostics
			2013				2012				Since
			2013				2012				Inception
	Severance-related costs		$	(542	)		$	4,732			$	4,190
	Facility and transition costs			82				119				201

	Cash charges			(460	)			4,851				4,391
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments			—				304				304

	Total charges		$	(460	)		$	5,155			$	4,695




		Health Information Solutions
		2013				2012				Since
		2013				2012				Inception
Severance-related costs		$	2,362			$	3,045			$	5,407
Facility and transition costs			4,271				1,234				5,505
Other exit costs			179				15				194

Cash charges			6,812				4,294				11,106
Fixed asset and inventory impairments			75				2,689				2,764
Intangible asset impairments			—				2,988				2,988
Other non-cash charges			(953	)			(31	)			(984	)

Total charges		$	5,934			$	9,940			$	15,874


We anticipate incurring approximately $0.4 million in facility costs under these plans related primarily to our health information solutions business segment through 2020. As of December 31, 2013, $3.0 million in facility exit costs under these plans remain unpaid.

(c) Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012

In 2011, management executed a company-wide cost reduction plan which impacted our corporate and other business segment, as well as the health information solutions and professional diagnostics business segments. Management also developed plans within our professional diagnostics business segment to consolidate operating activities among certain of our U.S., European and Asia Pacific subsidiaries, including transferring the manufacturing of our Panbio products from Australia to our Standard Diagnostics facility in South Korea and eliminating redundant costs among our newly-acquired Axis-Shield subsidiaries. Additionally, within our health information solutions business segment, management executed plans to further reduce costs and improve efficiencies, as well as cease operations at our GeneCare Medical Genetics Center, Inc., or GeneCare, facility in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and transfer the majority of our Quality Assured Services, Inc. operation in Orlando, Florida to our facility in Livermore, California.



In 2010, management developed several plans to reduce costs and improve efficiencies within our health information solutions and professional diagnostics business segments. Additionally in 2008, management developed and initiated plans to close our facility located in Bedford, England and transition the manufacturing operations principally to our manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Hangzhou, China, as well as transition the business of Cholestech to our San Diego, California facility.

The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our 2011, 2010 and 2008 restructuring plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and since inception (in thousands):



		Professional Diagnostics
		2013				2012				2011			Since
		2013				2012				2011			Inception
Severance-related costs		$	289			$	3,145			$	12,047		$	25,846
Facility and transition costs			1,334				2,121				1,310			13,727
Other exit costs			58				132				88			4,608

Cash charges			1,681				5,398				13,445			44,181
Fixed asset and inventory impairments			308				704				534			12,540
Intangible asset impairments			686				—				—			686
Other non-cash changes			—				—				—			64

Total charges		$	2,675			$	6,102			$	13,979		$	57,471




		Health Information Solutions
		2013				2012				2011			Since
		2013				2012				2011			Inception
Severance-related costs		$	—			$	—			$	2,254		$	6,901
Facility and transition costs (recoveries)			—				(807	)			6,381			8,010
Other exit costs			57				130				192			569

Cash charges (recoveries)			57				(677	)			8,827			15,480
Fixed asset and inventory impairments			—				85				864			1,114
Intangible asset impairments			—				—				2,935			2,935
Other non-cash changes			—				—				761			761

Total charges (recoveries)		$	57			$	(592	)		$	13,387		$	20,290




		Corporate and Other
		2013				2012				2011			Since
		2013				2012				2011			Inception
Severance-related costs		$	—			$	(3	)		$	1,193		$	1,190

Cash charges (recoveries)			—				(3	)			1,193			1,190
Fixed asset and inventory impairments			—				—				3			3

Total charges (recoveries)		$	—			$	(3	)		$	1,196		$	1,193


We anticipate incurring approximately $0.9 million in additional costs under these plans related to our professional diagnostics business segment, primarily related to facility exit costs. We anticipate incurring minimal additional costs under these plans related to our health information solutions business segment, primarily related to imputed interest on facility lease obligations. As of December 31, 2013, $2.2 million in cash charges remain unpaid, primarily related to facility lease obligations through 2017.

In addition to the restructuring charges discussed above, certain charges associated with the Bedford facility closure were borne by SPD, our 50/50 joint venture with P&G. Of the restructuring charges recorded by SPD, 50% has been included in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our consolidated statements of operations. The following table summarizes the 50% portion of the restructuring charges borne by SPD and included in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and since inception (in thousands):



		2011				Since
		2011				Inception
Severance-related costs		$	30			$	5,797
Facility and transition costs			479				5,396
Other exit costs			—				283

Cash charges			509				11,476
Fixed asset and inventory impairments (recoveries)			71				4,635

Total charges included in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	580			$	16,111


As of December 31, 2013, all cash charges have been paid and we do not anticipate incurring additional restructuring charges under this plan.

(d) Restructuring Reserves

The following table summarizes our restructuring reserves related to the plans described above, of which $7.9 million is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $3.2 million is included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):



		Severance-				Facility and				Other Exit			Total
		related				Transition				Costs
		Costs				Costs
Balance, December 31, 2010		$	1,987			$	4,258			$	3,458		$	9,703
Cash charges			15,494				7,691				280			23,465
Cash charges borne by SPD(1)			60				958				—			1,018
Payments			(13,923	)			(7,592	)			(3,133	)		(24,648	)
Currency adjustments			(238	)			(100	)			(12	)		(350	)

Balance, December 31, 2011			3,380				5,215				593			9,188
Cash charges			10,919				2,667				277			13,863
Payments			(11,118	)			(5,469	)			(248	)		(16,835	)
Currency adjustments			(14	)			16				—			2

Balance, December 31, 2012			3,167				2,429				622			6,218
Cash charges			12,502				11,223				311			24,036
Payments			(12,847	)			(5,834	)			(324	)		(19,005	)
Currency adjustments			(114	)			12				—			(102	)

Balance, December 31, 2013		$	2,708			$	7,830			$	609		$	11,147



-1	Amounts represent 100% of the charges borne by SPD.

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
Equity Investments	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Investments	'

	(22) Equity Investments

	We account for the results from our equity investments under the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323 Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures, based on the percentage of our ownership interest in the business. Our equity investments primarily include the following:

	(a) SPD

	We have a 50/50 joint venture, called SPD, with P&G for the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of existing and to-be-developed consumer diagnostic products, outside the cardiology, diabetes and oral care fields. We recorded earnings of $15.0 million, $10.7 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represented our 50% share of SPD’s net income for the respective periods.

	(b) TechLab

	We own 49% of TechLab, Inc., or TechLab, a privately-held developer, manufacturer and distributor of rapid non-invasive intestinal diagnostics tests in the areas of intestinal inflammation, antibiotic-associated diarrhea and parasitology. We recorded earnings of $2.0 million, $2.3 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represented our minority share of TechLab’s net income for the respective periods.



	Summarized financial information for SPD and TechLab on a combined basis is as follows (in thousands):

	Combined Condensed Results of Operations:




		For The Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Net revenue	$	203,115	$	212,955	$	232,857

	Gross profit	$	152,698	$	139,694	$	146,466

	Net income after taxes	$	34,079	$	26,056	$	15,922


	Combined Condensed Balance Sheets:




		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Current assets	$	63,985	$	79,842
	Non-current assets		38,541		38,991

	Total assets	$	102,526	$	118,833

	Current liabilities	$	38,053	$	45,084
	Non-current liabilities		6,175		6,791

	Total liabilities	$	44,228	$	51,875

Loss_on_Disposition

Loss on Disposition	12 Months Ended
Loss on Disposition	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Loss on Disposition	'

	(23) Loss on Disposition

	In July 2013, we sold our Spinreact operations located in Spain, which was part of our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment, for approximately $33.4 million in proceeds and, as a result of this transaction, we recorded a loss on disposition of $5.1 million during 2013. The financial results for our Spinreact operations are immaterial to our consolidated financial results.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

(24) Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash Paid for Interest and Income Taxes:

During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made cash payments for interest totaling $206.3 million, $205.0 million and $164.7 million, respectively.

During 2013, 2012 and 2011, total net cash paid for income taxes was $49.1 million, $31.9 million and $47.8 million, respectively.

Non-cash Investing Activities:

During 2011, we issued shares of our common stock in connection with certain acquisitions (dollars in thousands):

Date of Acquisition

Common Stock Issued

Company Acquired

Number of

Fair Value of

Arriva Medical LLC

November 23, 2011

806,452

15,183

Pregnancy.org, LLC

28-Jan-11

25,463

1,000

Non-cash Financing Activities:

During 2011, we recorded non-cash income (expense) to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $7.3 million, representing the change in fair market value of our interest rate swap agreement.

During 2012, we issued shares of our common stock in connection with the settlement of an acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation (dollars in thousands):

Common Stock Issued

Contingent Consideration Obligation

Number of

Fair Value of

Mologic

66,666

1,243

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	12 Months Ended
Guarantor Financial Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Financial Information	'
	(25) Guarantor Financial Information
	Our 7.25% senior notes due 2018, our 8.625% senior subordinated notes due 2018, and our 6.5% senior subordinated notes due 2020 are guaranteed by certain of our consolidated wholly owned subsidiaries, or the Guarantor Subsidiaries. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a consolidating basis, audited balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the related statements of operations, statements of comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, respectively, for Alere Inc., the Guarantor Subsidiaries and our other subsidiaries, or the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. The supplemental financial information reflects the investments of Alere Inc. and the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.
	We have extensive transactions and relationships between various members of the consolidated group. These transactions and relationships include intercompany pricing agreements, intellectual property royalty agreements and general and administrative and research and development cost-sharing agreements. Because of these relationships, it is possible that the terms of these transactions are not the same as those that would result from transactions among wholly unrelated parties.
	For comparative purposes, certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)


			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
			Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Net product sales		$	—			$	894,644			$	1,365,847			$	(188,028	)		$	2,072,463
	Services revenue			—				852,121				77,629				—				929,750

	Net product sales and services revenue			—				1,746,765				1,443,476				(188,028	)			3,002,213
	License and royalty revenue			—				20,611				19,657				(13,039	)			27,229

	Net revenue			—				1,767,376				1,463,133				(201,067	)			3,029,442

	Cost of net product sales			4,459				486,410				703,816				(166,165	)			1,028,520
	Cost of services revenue			47				475,737				35,620				(19,984	)			491,420

	Cost of net product sales and services revenue			4,506				962,147				739,436				(186,149	)			1,519,940
	Cost of license and royalty revenue			—				69				20,732				(13,038	)			7,763

	Cost of net revenue			4,506				962,216				760,168				(199,187	)			1,527,703

	Gross profit (loss)			(4,506	)			805,160				702,965				(1,880	)			1,501,739
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development			21,972				67,501				71,329				—				160,802
	Sales and marketing			6,340				329,648				303,846				—				639,834
	General and administrative			75,185				269,409				216,633				—				561,227
	Loss on disposition			—				—				5,124				—				5,124

	Operating income (loss)			(108,003	)			138,602				106,033				(1,880	)			134,752
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			(252,791	)			(25,892	)			(11,192	)			34,219				(255,656	)
	Other income (expense), net			(10,759	)			22,210				9,640				(34,219	)			(13,128	)

	Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(371,553	)			134,920				104,481				(1,880	)			(134,032	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(154,444	)			74,441				34,312				(620	)			(46,311	)

	Income (loss) before equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(217,109	)			60,479				70,169				(1,260	)			(87,721	)
	Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax			144,941				(2,948	)			—				(141,993	)			—
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			1,890				—				15,470				83				17,443

	Net income (loss)			(70,278	)			57,531				85,639				(143,170	)			(70,278	)
	Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				976				—				976

	Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries			(70,278	)			57,531				84,663				(143,170	)			(71,254	)
	Preferred stock dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)

	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(91,571	)		$	57,531			$	84,663			$	(143,170	)		$	(92,547	)


	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)


			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
			Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Net product sales		$	—			$	869,912			$	1,187,696			$	(143,877	)		$	1,913,731
Services revenue			—				811,625				64,893				—				876,518

Net product sales and services revenue			—				1,681,537				1,252,589				(143,877	)			2,790,249
License and royalty revenue			—				18,848				17,958				(8,230	)			28,576

Net revenue			—				1,700,385				1,270,547				(152,107	)			2,818,825

Cost of net product sales			6,040				421,403				639,203				(134,496	)			932,150
Cost of services revenue			—				426,599				30,459				(6,059	)			450,999

Cost of net product sales and services revenue			6,040				848,002				669,662				(140,555	)			1,383,149
Cost of license and royalty revenue			—				36				15,547				(8,229	)			7,354

Cost of net revenue			6,040				848,038				685,209				(148,784	)			1,390,503

Gross profit (loss)			(6,040	)			852,347				585,338				(3,323	)			1,428,322
Operating expenses:
Research and development			24,593				71,512				86,896				—				183,001
Sales and marketing			4,414				346,620				292,389				—				643,423
General and administrative			52,079				253,985				186,702				—				492,766

Operating income (loss)			(87,126	)			180,230				19,351				(3,323	)			109,132
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			(236,320	)			(39,575	)			(13,079	)			48,414				(240,560	)
Other income (expense), net			(16,655	)			40,480				34,546				(48,414	)			9,957

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(340,101	)			181,135				40,818				(3,323	)			(121,471	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(111,595	)			56,188				26,043				(955	)			(30,319	)

Income (loss) before equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(228,506	)			124,947				14,775				(2,368	)			(91,152	)
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax			148,394				(1,574	)			—				(146,820	)			—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			2,205				—				10,952				88				13,245

Net income (loss)			(77,907	)			123,373				25,727				(149,100	)			(77,907	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				275				—				275

Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries			(77,907	)			123,373				25,452				(149,100	)			(78,182	)
Preferred stock dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(99,200	)		$	123,373			$	25,452			$	(149,100	)		$	(99,475	)


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Net product sales		$	—			$	900,853			$	910,100			$	(127,821	)		$	1,683,132
Services revenue			—				613,310				66,612				—				679,922

Net product sales and services revenue			—				1,514,163				976,712				(127,821	)			2,363,054
License and royalty revenue			—				10,280				19,152				(5,959	)			23,473

Net revenue			—				1,524,443				995,864				(133,780	)			2,386,527

Cost of net product sales			3,651				410,903				510,550				(129,680	)			795,424
Cost of services revenue			—				312,098				26,134				—				338,232

Cost of net product sales and services revenue			3,651				723,001				536,684				(129,680	)			1,133,656
Cost of license and royalty revenue			—				3				12,992				(5,959	)			7,036

Cost of net revenue			3,651				723,004				549,676				(135,639	)			1,140,692

Gross profit (loss)			(3,651	)			801,439				446,188				1,859				1,245,835
Operating expenses:
Research and development			20,182				69,292				60,691				—				150,165
Sales and marketing			4,091				336,297				225,195				—				565,583
General and administrative			48,891				228,871				121,568				—				399,330
Goodwill impairment charge			—				383,612				—				—				383,612

Operating income (loss)			(76,815	)			(216,633	)			38,734				1,859				(252,855	)
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			(156,948	)			(100,636	)			(8,734	)			62,347				(203,971	)
Other income (expense), net			(8,813	)			54,186				18,857				(62,347	)			1,883
Gain on sale of joint venture interest			16,309				—				272,587				—				288,896

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(226,267	)			(263,083	)			321,444				1,859				(166,047	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(67,482	)			20,402				24,822				(1,956	)			(24,214	)

Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(158,785	)			(283,485	)			296,622				3,815				(141,833	)
Equity earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax			23,524				1,530				—				(25,054	)			—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			1,952				—				6,503				69				8,524

Net income (loss)			(133,309	)			(281,955	)			303,125				(21,170	)			(133,309	)
Less: Net income attributable to non- controlling interests			—				—				233				—				233

Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries			(133,309	)			(281,955	)			302,892				(21,170	)			(133,542	)
Preferred stock dividends			(22,049	)			—				—				—				(22,049	)
Preferred stock repurchase			23,936				—				—				—				23,936

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(131,422	)		$	(281,955	)		$	302,892			$	(21,170	)		$	(131,655	)


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Net income (loss)		$	(70,278	)		$	57,531			$	85,639			$	(143,170	)		$	(70,278	)

Other comprehensive loss, before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment			(550	)			(619	)			(48,998	)			1				(50,166	)
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments			—				—				39				—				39
Minimum pension liability adjustment			—				—				(415	)			—				(415	)

Other comprehensive loss, before tax			(550	)			(619	)			(49,374	)			1				(50,542	)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss			—				—				(106	)			—				(106	)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax			(550	)			(619	)			(49,268	)			1				(50,436	)

Comprehensive income (loss)			(70,828	)			56,912				36,371				(143,169	)			(120,714	)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				976				—				976

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(70,828	)		$	56,912			$	35,395			$	(143,169	)		$	(121,690	)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
Net income (loss)		$	(77,907	)		$	123,373			$	25,727			$	(149,100	)		$	(77,907	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment			(834	)			(302	)			53,654				2,124				54,642
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities			(221	)			5				—				—				(216	)
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments			16				—				372				—				388
Minimum pension liability adjustment			—				—				(1,042	)			—				(1,042	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax			(1,039	)			(297	)			52,984				2,124				53,772
Income tax benefit related to items of othercomprehensive income (loss)			(86	)			—				(286	)			—				(372	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(953	)			(297	)			53,270				2,124				54,144

Comprehensive income (loss)			(78,860	)			123,076				78,997				(146,976	)			(23,763	)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				275				—				275

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(78,860	)		$	123,076			$	78,722			$	(146,976	)		$	(24,038	)


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Net income (loss)		$	(133,309	)		$	(281,955	)		$	303,125			$	(21,170	)		$	(133,309	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment			(417	)			342				(37,825	)			2,070				(35,830	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities			(33	)			12				(450	)			—				(471	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments			11,952				—				(448	)			—				11,504
Minimum pension liability adjustment			—				—				(3,070	)			—				(3,070	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax			11,502				354				(41,793	)			2,070				(27,867	)
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)			4,650				—				(1,557	)			—				3,093

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			6,852				354				(40,236	)			2,070				(30,960	)

Comprehensive income (loss)			(126,457	)			(281,601	)			262,889				(19,100	)			(164,269	)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				233				—				233

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(126,457	)		$	(281,601	)		$	262,656			$	(19,100	)		$	(164,502	)


CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	14,801			$	85,453			$	261,654			$	—			$	361,908
Restricted cash			2,221				2,915				1,237				—				6,373
Marketable securities			—				853				5				—				858
Accounts receivable, net of allowances			—				238,782				309,947				—				548,729
Inventories, net			—				168,058				219,892				(23,765	)			364,185
Deferred tax assets			5,191				20,541				31,451				3,506				60,689
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			512,123				(405,954	)			23,547				(44	)			129,672
Intercompany receivables			317,357				759,497				75,424				(1,152,278	)			—

Total current assets			851,693				870,145				923,157				(1,172,581	)			1,472,414
Property, plant and equipment, net			15,086				288,637				241,737				(296	)			545,164
Goodwill			—				1,841,377				1,252,314				—				3,093,691
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives			—				14,300				42,402				—				56,702
Finite-lived intangible assets, net			11,006				995,868				677,737				—				1,684,611
Restricted cash			—				—				29,370				—				29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and othernon-current assets			55,207				8,353				20,559				(46	)			84,073
Investments in subsidiaries			3,802,475				267,824				191,947				(4,262,246	)			—
Investments in unconsolidated entities			29,005				—				44,637				13,188				86,830
Deferred tax assets			—				—				7,959				—				7,959
Intercompany notes receivable			1,100,746				630,628				(741,016	)			(990,358	)			—

Total assets		$	5,865,218			$	4,917,132			$	2,690,803			$	(6,412,339	)		$	7,060,814

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt		$	45,000			$	323			$	3,789			$	—			$	49,112
Current portion of capital lease obligations			—				3,751				3,104				—				6,855
Accounts payable			12,584				69,076				105,711				—				187,371
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			63,990				164,762				201,132				(36	)			429,848
Intercompany payables			728,541				149,031				274,707				(1,152,279	)			—

Total current liabilities			850,115				386,943				588,443				(1,152,315	)			673,186

Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion			3,735,137				100				37,551				—				3,772,788
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion			—				5,938				8,469				—				14,407
Deferred tax liabilities			(43,246	)			284,448				88,039				8				329,249
Other long-term liabilities			19,753				58,823				109,806				(46	)			188,336
Intercompany notes payables			(774,507	)			1,444,741				320,125				(990,359	)			—

Total long-term liabilities			2,937,137				1,794,050				563,990				(990,397	)			4,304,780

Stockholders’ equity			2,077,966				2,736,139				1,533,488				(4,269,627	)			2,077,966
Non-controlling interests			—				—				4,882				—				4,882

Total equity			2,077,966				2,736,139				1,538,370				(4,269,627	)			2,082,848

Total liabilities and equity		$	5,865,218			$	4,917,132			$	2,690,803			$	(6,412,339	)		$	7,060,814

CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2012
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	3,623			$	67,941			$	256,782			$	—			$	328,346
Restricted cash			—				1,680				1,396				—				3,076
Marketable securities			—				787				117				—				904
Accounts receivable, net of allowances			—				242,422				281,910				—				524,332
Inventories, net			—				142,465				203,178				(8,522	)			337,121
Deferred tax assets			12,193				39,613				13,126				2,790				67,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(20,636	)			100,385				65,520				(33	)			145,236
Intercompany receivables			298,812				1,247,637				58,561				(1,605,010	)			—

Total current assets			293,992				1,842,930				880,590				(1,610,775	)			1,406,737
Property, plant and equipment, net			2,679				293,635				238,707				(552	)			534,469
Goodwill			—				1,859,966				1,188,439				—				3,048,405
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives			—				14,600				21,851				—				36,451
Finite-lived intangible assets, net			24,701				1,168,307				641,217				—				1,834,225
Deferred financing costs, net and othernon-current assets			78,522				10,451				19,955				(71	)			108,857
Investments in subsidiaries			4,114,478				222,175				170,393				(4,507,046	)			—
Investments in unconsolidated entities			33,979				—				56,512				—				90,491
Deferred tax assets			—				782				7,511				—				8,293
Intercompany notes receivable			1,724,650				722,552				1,278				(2,448,480	)			—

Total assets		$	6,273,001			$	6,135,398			$	3,226,453			$	(8,566,924	)		$	7,067,928

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt		$	45,000			$	349			$	14,883			$	—			$	60,232
Current portion of capital lease obligations			—				3,217				3,467				—				6,684
Accounts payable			7,993				76,691				85,290				—				169,974
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(388,830	)			587,119				213,656				(26	)			411,919
Intercompany payables			557,578				803,879				243,553				(1,605,010	)			—

Total current liabilities			221,741				1,471,255				560,849				(1,605,036	)			648,809

Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion			3,617,068				374				11,233				—				3,628,675
Capital lease obligations, net of currentportion			—				5,417				7,500				—				12,917
Deferred tax liabilities			(5,329	)			332,912				100,692				(87	)			428,188
Other long-term liabilities			17,678				72,901				76,127				(71	)			166,635
Intercompany notes payables			241,421				1,630,376				576,684				(2,448,481	)			—

Total long-term liabilities			3,870,838				2,041,980				772,236				(2,448,639	)			4,236,415

Stockholders’ equity			2,180,422				2,622,163				1,891,086				(4,513,249	)			2,180,422
Non-controlling interests			—				—				2,282				—				2,282

Total equity			2,180,422				2,622,163				1,893,368				(4,513,249	)			2,182,704

Total liabilities and equity		$	6,273,001			$	6,135,398			$	3,226,453			$	(8,566,924	)		$	7,067,928


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	(70,278	)		$	57,531			$	85,639			$	(143,170	)		$	(70,278	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax			(144,941	)			2,948				—				141,993				—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			17,704				311				76				—				18,091
Depreciation and amortization			5,864				254,280				179,405				(119	)			439,430
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition			—				—				2,504				—				2,504
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			8,792				5,158				7,260				—				21,210
Impairment of inventory			—				26				311				—				337
Impairment of long-lived assets			—				5,076				1,237				—				6,313
Impairment of intangible assets			—				2,596				686				—				3,282
Loss on sale of fixed assets			—				2,175				1,145				—				3,320
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(1,890	)			—				(15,470	)			(83	)			(17,443	)
Deferred income taxes			(31,624	)			(11,824	)			(59,579	)			(620	)			(103,647	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt			35,603				—				—				—				35,603
Loss on disposition			—				—				5,124				—				5,124
Bargain purchase gain			—				—				(8,023	)			—				(8,023	)
Other non-cash items			5,202				(239	)			3,631				—				8,594
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net			—				3,640				(40,089	)			—				(36,449	)
Inventories, net			—				(51,377	)			(28,980	)			2,054				(78,303	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(572,703	)			508,894				54,448				(2,907	)			(12,268	)
Accounts payable			4,591				(9,185	)			17,620				—				13,026
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			492,996				(423,164	)			(20,391	)			2,907				52,348
Other non-current liabilities			(12,289	)			(16,715	)			4,847				24				(24,133	)
Cash paid for contingent consideration			(12,437	)			—				(1,424	)			—				(13,861	)
Intercompany payable (receivable)			410,392				(251,359	)			(159,037	)			4				—

Net cash provided by operating activities			134,982				78,772				30,940				83				244,777

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Increase in restricted cash			(2,221	)			(1,236	)			(28,943	)			—				(32,400	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(12,289	)			(54,826	)			(69,946	)			14,895				(122,166	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			—				5,186				12,875				(14,441	)			3,620
Cash received from disposition			—				—				29,000				—				29,000
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(166,772	)			—				(9,359	)			—				(176,131	)
Cash received (paid) from sales (purchases) of marketable securities			—				(66	)			107				—				41
Cash received from equity method investments			1,960				—				27,384				(6	)			29,338
(Increase) decrease in other assets			15,269				(5,788	)			906				(24	)			10,363

Net cash used in investing activities			(164,053	)			(56,730	)			(37,976	)			424				(258,335	)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs			(9,845	)			—				—				—				(9,845	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration			(41,371	)			—				(1,006	)			—				(42,377	)
Cash paid for dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			20,863				—				—				—				20,863
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			425,000				989				33,962				—				459,951
Payments on long-term debt			(461,845	)			(1,288	)			(8,413	)			—				(471,546	)
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities			147,500				—				(8,537	)			—				138,963
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			193				200				68				—				461
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			—				(3,813	)			(3,255	)			—				(7,068	)
Other			(18,953	)			—				(165	)			—				(19,118	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			40,249				(3,912	)			12,654				—				48,991

Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents			—				(618	)			(746	)			(507	)			(1,871	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			11,178				17,512				4,872				—				33,562
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			3,623				67,941				256,782				—				328,346

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	14,801			$	85,453			$	261,654			$	—			$	361,908


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	(77,907	)		$	123,373			$	25,727			$	(149,100	)		$	(77,907	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax			(148,394	)			1,574				—				146,820				—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			21,213				277				—				—				21,490
Depreciation and amortization			7,961				266,310				182,597				(21	)			456,847
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition			—				1,400				3,281				—				4,681
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			4,247				5,486				5,932				—				15,665
Impairment of inventory			—				5				290				—				295
Impairment of long-lived assets			—				2,903				586				—				3,489
Impairment of intangible assets			—				2,988				—				—				2,988
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets			4				(2,672	)			517				—				(2,151	)
Gain on sales of marketable securities			(751	)			—				—				—				(751	)
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(2,205	)			—				(10,952	)			(88	)			(13,245	)
Deferred income taxes			20,500				(80,252	)			(23,854	)			(962	)			(84,568	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt			23,235				—				—				—				23,235
Other non-cash items			(1,001	)			908				7,429				—				7,336
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net			—				(1,641	)			(20,524	)			—				(22,165	)
Inventories, net			—				(6,001	)			(13,692	)			2,902				(16,791	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(454,780	)			357,898				(731	)			95,087				(2,526	)
Accounts payable			1,289				3,551				(14,967	)			—				(10,127	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			346,511				(226,905	)			35,891				(95,081	)			60,416
Other non-current liabilities			(12,373	)			(134	)			(22,966	)			(70	)			(35,543	)
Cash paid for contingent consideration			(10,911	)			(74	)			—				—				(10,985	)
Intercompany payable (receivable)			413,479				(405,459	)			(6,858	)			(1,162	)			—

Net cash provided by operating activities			130,117				43,535				147,706				(1,675	)			319,683

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Decrease in restricted cash			—				12				5,899				—				5,911
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(2,061	)			(91,898	)			(109,396	)			65,962				(137,393	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			—				22,860				65,747				(66,217	)			22,390
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(403,552	)			1,899				(22,933	)			—				(424,586	)
Cash received from sales of marketable securities			2,784				269				3				—				3,056
Cash received from equity method investments			1,470				—				11,237				—				12,707
Increase in other assets			(53,189	)			(1,051	)			(2,106	)			70				(56,276	)

Net cash used in investing activities			(454,548	)			(67,909	)			(51,549	)			(185	)			(574,191	)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs			(10,139	)			—				—				—				(10,139	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration			(20,116	)			(788	)			(60	)			—				(20,964	)
Cash paid for dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			14,924				—				—				—				14,924
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			648,000				—				535				—				648,535
Payments on short-term debt			(6,240	)			—				—				—				(6,240	)
Payments on long-term debt			(300,155	)			(534	)			(10,923	)			—				(311,612	)
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities			22,500				(2	)			(8,226	)			—				14,272
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			176				303				25				—				504
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			—				(2,350	)			(4,653	)			—				(7,003	)
Purchase of non-controlling interest			—				—				(2,972	)			—				(2,972	)
Other			(12,267	)			—				—				—				(12,267	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			315,390				(3,371	)			(26,274	)			—				285,745

Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents			213				474				(4,611	)			1,860				(2,064	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(8,828	)			(27,271	)			65,272				—				29,173
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			12,451				95,212				191,510				—				299,173

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	3,623			$	67,941			$	256,782			$	—			$	328,346


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	(133,309	)			(281,955	)			303,125			$	(21,170	)		$	(133,309	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax			(23,524	)			(1,530	)			—				25,054				—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			13,671				23,473				446				—				37,590
Depreciation and amortization			3,842				260,062				128,111				(439	)			391,576
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition			—				—				6,010				—				6,010
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			5,776				8,390				7,049				—				21,215
Impairment of inventory			—				172				273				—				445
Impairment of long-lived assets			3				1,331				215				—				1,549
Impairment of goodwill			—				383,612				—				—				383,612
Impairment of intangible assets			—				2,935				3				—				2,938
Gain on sale of joint venture interest			(16,309	)			—				(272,587	)			—				(288,896	)
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets			75				1,655				(153	)			—				1,577
Gain on sales of marketable securities			—				—				(840	)			—				(840	)
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(1,952	)			—				(6,503	)			(69	)			(8,524	)
Deferred income taxes			35,012				(81,063	)			(8,754	)			(1,956	)			(56,761	)
Other non-cash items			(4,286	)			3,971				(11,932	)			—				(12,247	)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net			—				260				(39,668	)			—				(39,408	)
Inventories, net			—				(9,458	)			(9,035	)			(1,906	)			(20,399	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			72,955				(110,333	)			(15,737	)			—				(53,115	)
Accounts payable			(233	)			(11,454	)			18,672				—				6,985
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(231,949	)			203,333				42,898				—				14,282
Other non-current liabilities			35,109				1,636				(19,772	)			—				16,973
Intercompany payable (receivable)			(1,512,567	)			1,015,286				497,281				—				—

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(1,757,686	)			1,410,323				619,102				(486	)			271,253

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash			—				48				(6,454	)			—				(6,406	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			20				(67,103	)			(65,880	)			431				(132,532	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			—				292				655				—				947
Cash received from disposition			—				—				11,491				—				11,491
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(37,644	)			(163,379	)			(430,288	)			—				(631,311	)
Cash received from sales of marketable securities			—				145				9,057				—				9,202
Cash paid for equity method investments			(2,430	)			—				(119,473	)			—				(121,903	)
(Increase) decrease in other assets			(24,996	)			(7,913	)			6,379				(1,154	)			(27,684	)

Net cash used in investing activities			(65,050	)			(237,910	)			(594,513	)			(723	)			(898,196	)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs			(73,876	)			(804	)			—				—				(74,680	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration			(28,305	)			—				—				—				(28,305	)
Cash paid for dividends			(5,425	)			—				—				—				(5,425	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			37,886				—				—				—				37,886
Repurchase of preferred stock			(99,070	)			—				—				—				(99,070	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			2,100,000				1,238				(4,961	)			—				2,096,277
Payments on long-term debt			(10,126	)			(1,192,544	)			(4,784	)			—				(1,207,454	)
Net proceeds under revolving credit facilities			—				—				10,715				—				10,715
Repurchase of common stock			(184,867	)			—				—				—				(184,867	)
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			1,357				414				1,652				—				3,423
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			—				(2,372	)			(1,791	)			—				(4,163	)
Other			(4,053	)			—				(204	)			—				(4,257	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			1,733,521				(1,194,068	)			627				—				540,080

Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents			—				(38	)			(16,441	)			1,209				(15,270	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(89,215	)			(21,693	)			8,775				—				(102,133	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			101,666				116,905				182,735				—				401,306

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	12,451			$	95,212			$	191,510			$	—			$	299,173

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'

	(a) Use of Estimates

	To prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, our management must make estimates, judgments and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from such estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Foreign Currencies	'

	(b) Foreign Currencies

	In general, the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are the local currencies. For the purpose of consolidating the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries, all assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date, while the stockholders’ equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Translation gains and losses that result from the conversion of the balance sheets of the foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars are recorded to cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 15) within stockholders’ equity. The revenue and expenses of our foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average of the rates of exchange in effect during each fiscal month.

	Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange transaction losses of $4.0 million, $7.9 million and $22.9 million during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are included as a component of other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'

	(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

	We consider all highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consisted of money market funds at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Restricted Cash	'

	(d) Restricted Cash

	We had restricted cash of $35.7 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of the $35.7 million as of December 31, 2013, $29.4 million was classified as non-current on our consolidated balance sheet, as it secures a foreign bank loan arrangement that we entered into during the third quarter in 2013 and, under the terms of the loan agreement, is required to remain on deposit for two years.
Marketable Securities	'

	(e) Marketable Securities

	Securities classified as available-for-sale or trading are carried at fair value, as determined by quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in other income (expense), net, on a specific identification basis. Unrealized holding gains and losses (except for other than temporary impairments) on securities classified as available-for-sale, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects. Marketable securities that are held indefinitely are classified in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as long-term marketable securities.
Inventories	'

	(f) Inventories

	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and are made up of raw material, work-in-process and finished goods. The cost elements of work-in-process and finished goods inventory consist of raw material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Where finished goods inventory is purchased from third-party manufacturers, the costs of finished goods inventory recorded in the financial statements represent the costs to acquire such inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'

	(g) Property, Plant and Equipment

	We record property, plant and equipment at historical cost or, in the case of a business combination, at fair value on the date of the business combination. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives of the related assets: machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling, 1-15 years; buildings, 7-61 years; leasehold improvements, lesser of the remaining term of the lease or estimated useful life of the asset; computer software and equipment, 1-10 years and furniture and fixtures, 2-16 years. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment amounted to $120.9 million, $109.7 million and $83.7 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fully-depreciated property, plant and equipment that are still in use remain on the books until disposal or retirement. When property, plant and equipment are retired or disposed of, the cost and respective accumulated depreciation are removed from the books. Any gain or loss on disposal is recorded in the income statement. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives	'
	(h) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives
	Goodwill relates to amounts that arose in connection with our various business combinations and represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets when accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to periodic review for impairment.
	We test goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives at the reporting unit level for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests, if events and circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Events that would indicate impairment and trigger an interim impairment assessment include, but are not limited to, current economic and market conditions, including a decline in market capitalization, a significant adverse change in legal factors, business climate or operational performance of the business and an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.
	In performing the annual goodwill impairment test, we utilize the two-step approach. The first step, or Step 1, requires a comparison of the carrying value of each reporting unit to its estimated fair value. To estimate the fair value of our reporting units for Step 1, we use a combination of the income approach, the market comparable approach and the market transaction approach. The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis, or DCF approach, and calculates the fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to a reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Assumptions used in the DCF approach require the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates and terminal values, growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The forecasted cash flows are based on our most recent budget and for years beyond the budget, our estimates are based on assumed growth rates. We believe our assumptions are consistent with the plans and estimates used to manage the underlying businesses. The discount rates, which are intended to reflect the risks inherent in future cash flow projections, used in the DCF approach are based on estimates of the weighted-average cost of capital, or WACC, of market participants relative to each respective reporting unit. The market approaches consider comparable and transactional market data based on multiples of revenue or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA based on trading multiples of selected guidelines companies and deal multiples of selected target companies.
	If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we are required to perform the second step, or Step 2, of the annual goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the estimated fair value of its assets and liabilities. To the extent this amount is below the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded to write down the carrying value to its implied value.

	Impairment charges related to goodwill have no impact on our cash balances or on compliance with financial covenants under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
	2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
	We conducted our 2013 annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2013. Key assumptions (which vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the DCF approach included discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 14.0%, projected compound average revenue growth rates of 4.0% to 11.4% and terminal value growth rates of 3.0% to 4.0%. In determining the appropriate discount rate, we considered the WACC for each reporting unit, which among other factors considers the cost of common equity capital and the marginal cost of debt of market participants. Key assumptions (which again vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the market approaches were based on observed market multiples of enterprise value to revenue and EBITDA for both comparable publicly-traded companies and recent merger and acquisition transactions involving similar companies to estimate appropriate controlling basis multiples to apply to each of the reporting units. Based on the multiples implied by this market data, we selected multiples of revenue of 0.8 to 2.9 times and multiples of EBITDA of 6.4 to 10.6 times. In assessing the reasonableness of our estimated fair values of the reporting units, management compared the results of the valuation analyses against our then-current market capitalization to imply a control premium. Based on this analysis, the implied control premium was within the range of comparable industry transactions.
	The Step 1 impairment test indicated the estimated fair value of the professional diagnostics, health information solutions and consumer diagnostics reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their reporting unit’s net assets as follows: by $1.6 billion, $31.5 million and $92.7 million, respectively, or 30.2%, 7.7% and 45.5%, respectively.
	The estimate of fair value requires significant judgment. We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain, including estimates of future growth rates and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business units. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our goodwill and identifiable intangible asset testing as of the time of testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environment or anticipated growth rates are not correct, we may be required to record goodwill and/or intangible asset impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing or earlier, if an indicator of an impairment is present before our next annual evaluation.
	2012 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
	We conducted our 2012 annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2012. Key assumptions (which vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the DCF approach included discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 15.0%, projected compound average revenue growth rates of 3.0% to 8.1% and terminal value growth rates of 3.0% to 4.0%. The determination of the appropriate discount rate and key assumptions were the same as those in the 2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test above. Based on the multiples implied by this market data, we selected multiples of revenue of 0.9 to 2.4 times and multiples of EBITDA of 6.1 to 8.9 times. In assessing the reasonableness of our estimated fair values of the reporting units, management compared the results of the valuation analyses against our then-current market capitalization to imply a control premium. Based on this analysis, the implied control premium was within the range of comparable industry transactions.

	The Step 1 impairment test indicated the estimated fair value of the professional diagnostics, health information solutions and consumer diagnostics reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their reporting unit’s net assets as follows: by $400.0 million, $41.2 million and $54.0 million, respectively, or 7.9%, 9.4% and 27.2%, respectively.
	2011 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
	We conducted our 2011 annual impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2011. Key assumptions (which vary by reporting unit) used in determining fair value under the DCF Approach included discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 14.5%, projected compound average revenue growth rates of 4.9% to 10.0% and terminal value growth rates of 4.0%. The determination of the appropriate discount rate and key assumptions were the same as those in the 2013 Annual Goodwill Impair Test above. Based on the multiples implied by this market data, we selected multiples of revenue of 0.8 to 2.6 times and multiples of EBITDA of 5.6 to 9.3 times. In assessing the reasonableness of our estimated fair values of the reporting units, management compared the results of the valuation analyses against our then-current market capitalization to imply a control premium. Based on this analysis, the implied control premium was within the range of comparable industry transactions.
	The Step 1 impairment test indicated the estimated fair value of the professional diagnostics and consumer diagnostics reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their reporting unit’s net assets as follows: by $567.2 million and $101.9 million, or 13.5% and 53.5%, respectively.
	The Step 1 impairment test also indicated that the carrying value of the net assets of our health information solutions reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. As a result, we were required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment charges for the health information solutions reporting unit. We completed Step 2, consistent with the procedures described above, and determined that a goodwill impairment charge in the amount of approximately $383.6 million was required. The resulting goodwill impairment charge is reflected in operating income (loss) in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	This impairment was primarily driven by reduced future cash flow expectations from the reporting unit principally as a result of an increasingly competitive business environment for services provided by the reporting unit, including the insourcing of certain services by key customers and a reduction in spending by other customers as a result in part of the continuing difficult economic climate. Also contributing to the impairment charge was the lower valuations ascribed to similar comparable businesses in the public markets.
Impairment of Other Long-Lived Tangible and Intangible Assets	'
	(i) Impairment of Other Long-lived Tangible and Intangible Assets
	Our intangible assets consist primarily of core technology, in-process research and development, patents, trademarks, trade names, customer relationships, distribution rights and non-competition agreements. The majority of our intangible assets were recorded in connection with our various business combinations. Our intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the time of their acquisition. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.
	The estimated useful lives of the individual categories of intangible assets were based on the nature of the applicable intangible asset and the expected future cash flows to be derived from the intangible asset. Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives is recognized over the shorter of the respective lives of the agreement or the period of time the intangible assets are expected to contribute to future cash flows. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets based on patterns on which the respective economic benefits are expected to be realized.
	We evaluate long-lived tangible and intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present with respect to long-lived tangible and intangible assets used in operations and undiscounted future cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount, additional analysis is performed as appropriate and the carrying value of the long-lived assets is reduced to the estimated fair value, if this is lower, and an impairment loss is charged to expense in the period the impairment is identified.
	We conduct our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units during the fourth quarter of each year. The impairment test conducted during 2011 indicated there was an impairment of goodwill associated with our health information solutions reporting unit, and thus, a potential impairment of our long-lived tangible and intangible assets associated with the same reporting unit. We conducted an analysis, utilizing an undiscounted cash flow model. The analysis indicated there was no impairment of the long-lived tangible or intangible assets associated with our health information solutions reporting unit.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development (IPR&D)	'

	(j) Acquired In-process Research and Development (IPR&D)

	Acquired IPR&D represents the fair value assigned to research and development assets that we acquire as part of business combinations, and which have not been completed at the date of acquisition. The acquired IPR&D is capitalized as an intangible asset and tested for impairment at least annually until commercialization, after which time the IPR&D is amortized over its estimated useful life. We utilize a discounted probable future cash flow model on a project by project basis to value acquired IPR&D. Significant assumptions used in the model include the period in which material net cash inflows from significant projects are expected to commence, anticipated material changes from historical pricing, margins and expense levels and an appropriate risk adjusted discount rate applied to the project’s cash flows.
Business Acquisitions	'

	(k) Business Acquisitions

	Our business acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill, based on our expectations of synergies and other benefits of combining the businesses. These synergies and benefits include elimination of redundant facilities, functions and staffing; use of our existing commercial infrastructure to expand sales of the products of the acquired businesses; and use of the commercial infrastructure of the acquired businesses to expand product sales in a cost-efficient manner.

	Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of intangible assets and in assigning their respective useful lives. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.

	We generally employ the income method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which is based on forecasts of the expected future cash flows attributable to the respective assets. Significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the valuations reflect a consideration of other marketplace participants, and include the amount and timing of future cash flows (including expected growth rates and profitability), the underlying product life cycles, economic barriers to entry, a brand’s relative market position and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

	Net assets acquired are recorded at their fair value and are subject to adjustment upon finalization of the fair value analysis. We are not aware of any information that indicates the final fair value analysis will differ materially from the preliminary estimates.

	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we expensed acquisition-related costs of $3.1 million, $9.7 million and $11.5 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense.
Income Taxes	'

	(l) Income Taxes

	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized in the future (Note 16).

	We account for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. We evaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and consider various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position.
Revenue Recognition	'

	(m) Revenue Recognition

	We primarily recognize revenue when the following four basic criteria have been met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services rendered, (3) the fee is fixed or determinable and (4) collection is reasonably assured.

	The majority of our revenue is derived from product sales. We recognize revenue upon transfer of the title of the products to third-party customers, less a reserve for estimated product returns and allowances. Determination of the reserve for estimated product returns and allowances is based on our management’s analyses and judgments regarding certain conditions. Should future changes in conditions prove management’s conclusions and judgments on previous analyses to be incorrect, revenue recognized for any reporting period could be adversely affected.

	For products that include installation, and if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element, product revenue is recognized upon delivery, and installation revenue is recognized when the installation is complete. For sales that include customer-specified acceptance criteria, revenue is recognized after the acceptance criteria have been met. Certain of our products require specialized installation. Revenue for these products is deferred until installation is completed. Revenue from services is deferred and recognized over the contractual period, or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. When arrangements include multiple elements, we use objective evidence of fair value to allocate revenue to the elements, and recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element, in accordance with authoritative guidance on multiple-element arrangements.

	Additionally, we generate services revenue in connection with contracts with health plans (both commercial and governmental) and self-insured employers, whereby we provide clinical expertise through fee-based arrangements. Revenue for fee-based arrangements is recognized over the period in which the services are provided. Some contracts provide that a portion of our fees are at risk if our customers do not achieve certain financial cost savings or we do not achieve certain other clinical and operational metrics, over a period of time, typically one year. Revenue subject to refund is not recognized if (i) sufficient information is not available to calculate performance measurements or (ii) interim performance measurements indicate that we are not meeting performance targets. If either of these two conditions exists, we record the amounts as other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, deferring recognition of the revenue until we establish that we have met the performance criteria. If we do not meet the performance targets at the end of the contractual period, we are obligated under the contract to refund some or all of the at-risk fees.

	We also receive license and royalty revenue from agreements with third-party licensees. Revenue from license and royalty agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the obligation period of the related license agreements, or at the time when we have no further obligations. License and royalty fees that the licensees calculate based on their sales, which we have the right to audit under most of our agreements, are generally recognized upon receipt of the license or royalty payments unless we are able to reasonably estimate the fees as they are earned. License and royalty fees that are determinable prior to the receipt thereof are recognized in the period they are earned.
Employee Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements	'

	(n) Employee Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements

	We account for share-based payments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Compensation expense associated with stock options includes amortization based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. In addition, we record expense over the offering period in connection with shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan. Compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards includes an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized over the vesting period of the options using the straight-line method. It is our policy to recognize, through additional paid in capital, the excess or windfall tax benefits on stock option deductions, as those deductions are recognized on tax returns.

	Our stock option plans provide for grants of options to employees to purchase common stock at or above the fair market value of such shares on the grant date of the award. The options generally vest over a four-year period, beginning on the date of grant, with a graded vesting schedule of 25% at the end of each of the four years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant primarily using a Black-Scholes option-pricing method. We use historical data to estimate the expected price volatility and the expected forfeiture rate. The contractual term of our stock option awards is ten years. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option. We have not made any dividend payments to common shareholders nor do we have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
Net Loss per Common Share	'

	(o) Net Loss per Common Share

	Net loss per common share is based upon the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares and the dilutive effect of common share equivalents, such as options and warrants to purchase common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes, if applicable, that are outstanding each year (Note 12).
Other Operating Expenses	'

	(p) Other Operating Expenses

	We expense advertising costs as incurred. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, advertising costs amounted to $11.8 million, $22.6 million and $9.9 million, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

	Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of net revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. When we charge our customers for shipping and handling costs, these costs are recorded along with product revenues.
Concentration of Credit Risk, Off-Balance Sheet Risks and Other Risks and Uncertainties	'
	(q) Concentration of Credit Risk, Off-Balance Sheet Risks and Other Risks and Uncertainties
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We invest our excess cash primarily in high quality securities and limit the amount of our credit exposure to any one financial institution. We do not require collateral or other securities to support customer receivables; however, we perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers and maintain allowances for potential credit losses.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, no individual customer’s accounts receivable balance was more than 10% of our aggregate accounts receivable. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, no one customer represented more than 10% of our net revenue.
	We rely on a number of third parties to manufacture certain of our products. If any of our third-party manufacturers cannot, or will not, manufacture our products in the required volumes, on a cost-effective basis, in a timely manner, or at all, we will have to secure additional manufacturing capacity. Any interruption or delay in manufacturing could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'

	(r) Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

	Our primary financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of cash equivalents, restricted cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt. We apply fair value measurement accounting to value our financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

	Described below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

	Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.



	Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

	Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Software for Internal Use and for Resale	'

	(s) Software for Internal Use and for Resale

	We may capitalize certain costs associated with the development of internal-use software, including direct materials and services. Capitalized software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life and is included in computer software and equipment within property, plant and equipment.

	We also develop software for resale or lease to external parties and expense the costs of developing software for resale or lease incurred before establishment of technological feasibility of the underlying software. The costs incurred from establishment of technological feasibility until general release of the software are capitalized, and the capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life. Capitalized software for resale or lease is included in computer software and equipment within property, plant and equipment.
Research and Development	'

	(t) Research and Development

	Our research and development programs focus on the development of cardiology, infectious disease, toxicology, diabetes, oncology and women’s health products together with health information technologies that will facilitate connectivity and information and data management solutions. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Payments received from external parties to fund our research and development activities reduce the recorded research and development expenses.
Leases	'

	(u) Leases

	We lease certain facilities and equipment from external parties under operating leases. Rent expense related to operating leases is recorded in the income statement as incurred. We also lease machinery, laboratory equipment, tooling and other equipment under capital leases. In determining whether a lease is a capital or an operating lease, we estimate the expected term of the lease, which includes certain renewable options as required by lease accounting guidance. Rent deferrals, landlord incentives and rent escalations are included in calculation of minimum lease payments when performing the capital lease tests and when calculating the rent expense for operating leases.

	Leased property, plant and equipment that meet the capital lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the underlying asset at the inception date of the lease. Assets under capital leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

	Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remainder of the expected term of the lease.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'

	(v) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	Recently Issued Standards

	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, or ASU 2013-11. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

	Recently Adopted Standards

	Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, or ASU 2012-02. ASU 2012-02 allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows.
Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures	'
	We account for the results from our equity investments under the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323 Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures, based on the percentage of our ownership interest in the business. Our equity investments primarily include the following:
	(a) SPD
	We have a 50/50 joint venture, called SPD, with P&G for the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of existing and to-be-developed consumer diagnostic products, outside the cardiology, diabetes and oral care fields. We recorded earnings of $15.0 million, $10.7 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represented our 50% share of SPD’s net income for the respective periods.
	(b) TechLab
	We own 49% of TechLab, Inc., or TechLab, a privately-held developer, manufacturer and distributor of rapid non-invasive intestinal diagnostics tests in the areas of intestinal inflammation, antibiotic-associated diarrhea and parasitology. We recorded earnings of $2.0 million, $2.3 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represented our minority share of TechLab’s net income for the respective periods.

Other_Balance_Sheet_Informatio1

Other Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Components of Selected Captions in Consolidated Balance Sheets	'

	Components of selected captions in the consolidated balance sheets consist of (in thousands):



		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories, net:
	Raw materials	$	118,571		$	99,498
	Work-in-process		79,559			89,895
	Finished goods		166,055			147,728

		$	364,185		$	337,121

	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling	$	436,231		$	416,311
	Land and buildings		182,547			176,214
	Leasehold improvements		56,193			45,654
	Computer software and equipment		254,528			217,940
	Furniture and fixtures		35,682			33,022

			965,181			889,141
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(420,017	)		(354,672	)

		$	545,164		$	534,469

	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Compensation and compensation-related	$	103,225		$	93,467
	Royalty obligations		25,325			26,171
	Deferred revenue		40,714			38,188
	Income taxes payable		20,690			29,733
	Other taxes payable		18,934			23,038
	Acquisition-related obligations		97,484			79,286
	Other		123,476			122,036

		$	429,848		$	411,919

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Summary of Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation	'
	A summary of the preliminary fair values of the net assets acquired for the acquisitions consummated in 2013 is as follows (in thousands):


			Epocal			Other			Total
	Current assets(1)		$	12,089		$	13,488		$	25,577
	Property, plant and equipment			1,267			1,669			2,936
	Goodwill			99,836			2,757			102,593
	Intangible assets			164,400			51,180			215,580
	Other non-current assets			17,223			29			17,252

	Total assets acquired			294,815			69,123			363,938

	Current liabilities			2,627			5,398			8,025
	Non-current liabilities			43,727			6,175			49,902

	Total liabilities assumed			46,354			11,573			57,927

	Net assets acquired			248,461			57,550			306,011
	Less:
	Contingent consideration			75,000			1,264			76,264
	Settlement of pre-existing arrangements			22,088			17,500			39,588
	Non-controlling interest			—			1,774			1,774
	Bargain purchase gain			—			8,023			8,023
	Deferred purchase price consideration			—			768			768

	Cash paid		$	151,373		$	28,221		$	179,594


	-1	Includes approximately $3.3 million of acquired cash.

	A summary of the preliminary fair values of the net assets acquired for the acquisitions consummated in 2012 is as follows (in thousands):



			eScreen			Other			Total
	Current assets(1)		$	33,690		$	13,615		$	47,305
	Property, plant and equipment			5,806			3,223			9,029
	Goodwill			144,522			94,219			238,741
	Intangible assets			204,000			121,223			325,223
	Other non-current assets			9,783			9,363			19,146

	Total assets acquired			397,801			241,643			639,444

	Current liabilities			22,865			5,452			28,317
	Non-current liabilities			79,945			36,659			116,604

	Total liabilities assumed			102,810			42,111			144,921

	Net assets acquired			294,991			199,532			494,523
	Less:
	Contingent consideration			23,600			52,020			75,620

	Cash paid		$	271,391		$	147,512		$	418,903


	-1	Includes approximately $3.8 million of acquired cash.
	A summary of the aggregate purchase price allocation for the acquisitions consummated in 2011 is as follows (in thousands):


			Avee			Arriva			Axis-Shield			Other			Total
	Current assets(1)		$	10,197		$	4,874		$	92,666		$	23,542		$	131,279
	Property, plant and equipment			5,411			524			50,719			11,820			68,474
	Goodwill			30,409			58,174			136,182			131,348			356,113
Intangible assets			76,400			27,400			233,370			79,454			416,624
Other non-current assets			—			1,196			18,512			13,009			32,717

Total assets acquired			122,417			92,168			531,449			259,173			1,005,207

Current liabilities			1,927			12,629			44,758			27,623			86,937
Non-current liabilities			—			—			97,842			30,512			128,354

Total liabilities assumed			1,927			12,629			142,600			58,135			215,291

Less:
Fair value of non-controlling interest			—			—			—			2,500			2,500

Net assets acquired			120,490			79,539			388,849			198,538			787,416
Less:
Contingent consideration			—			—			—			48,685			48,685
Fair value of previously-held equity investment			—			—			109,231			3,937			113,168
Fair value of common stock issued			—			15,183			—			1,000			16,183
Loan forgiveness			—			—			—			1,488			1,488
Deferred purchase price consideration			—			—			—			4,170			4,170

Cash paid		$	120,490		$	64,356		$	279,618		$	139,258		$	603,722


-1	Includes cash acquired of approximately $23.2 million.
Intangible Assets Acquired and Their Respective Fair Values and Weighted-Average Useful Lives	'
	The following are the intangible assets acquired and their respective fair values and weighted-average useful lives (dollars in thousands):



			Epocal			Other			Total			Weighted-
												average
												Useful Life
	Core technology and patents		$	119,700		$	—		$	119,700			20.0 years
	Software			—			2,154			2,154			5.7 years
	Trademarks and trade names			20,500			80			20,580			19.1 years
	License agreements			—			620			620			1.5 years
	Customer relationships			—			42,510			42,510			11.5 years
	Other			—			5,816			5,816			3.0 years
	In-process research and development			24,200			—			24,200			N/A

	Total intangible assets		$	164,400		$	51,180		$	215,580


	The following are the intangible assets acquired and their respective fair values and weighted-average useful lives (dollars in thousands):



			eScreen			Other			Total			Weighted-
												average
												Useful Life
	Core technology and patents		$	93,200		$	54,903		$	148,103			18.7 years
	Trademarks and trade names			17,300			2,090			19,390			18.3 years
	Customer relationships			79,600			56,885			136,485			18.1 years
	Non-competition agreements			—			1,118			1,118			5.1 years
	Other			13,900			1,327			15,227			9.2 years
	In-process research and development			—			4,900			4,900			N/A

	Total intangible assets		$	204,000		$	121,223		$	325,223


	The following are the intangible assets acquired and their respective amortizable lives (dollars in thousands):



			Avee			Arriva			Axis-Shield			Other			Total		Weighted-
																	average
																	Useful Life
	Core technology and patents		$	—		$	—		$	56,919		$	19,740		$	76,659		10.1 years
	Database			—			—			—			64			64		3.0 years
	Trademarks and trade names			1,700			1,000			4,145			7,352			14,197		10.1 years
	Customer relationships			71,500			23,000			114,174			35,051			243,725		12.3 years
	Non-compete agreements			3,200			3,400			—			1,706			8,306		5.3 years
	Software			—			—			—			7,400			7,400		10.9 years
	Other			—			—			—			7,767			7,767		15.6 years
	In-process research and development			—			—			58,132			374			58,506		N/A

	Total intangible assets		$	76,400		$	27,400		$	233,370		$	79,454		$	416,624

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'

	The following is a summary of goodwill and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):



			Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
			Carrying			Amortization and			Carrying		average
			Amount			Impairment Losses			Value		Useful Life
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Core technology and patents		$	1,046,970		$	397,306		$	649,664		14.8 years

	Other intangible assets:
	Supplier relationships			18,388			16,087			2,301		9.3 years
	Trademarks and trade names			266,556			142,993			123,563		10.9 years
	License agreements			17,584			13,088			4,496		6.9 years
	Customer relationships			1,946,481			1,128,421			818,060		15.7 years
	Manufacturing know-how			17,349			10,684			6,665		10.8 years
	Other			186,255			106,393			79,862		7.7 years

	Total other intangible assets			2,452,613			1,417,666			1,034,947

	Total intangible assets with finite lives		$	3,499,583		$	1,814,972		$	1,684,611

	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Goodwill		$	3,093,691		$	—		$	3,093,691
	Other intangible assets(1)			56,702			—			56,702

	Total intangible assets with indefinite lives		$	3,150,393		$	—		$	3,150,393



	-1	Primarily includes in-process research and development assets recorded in connection with certain acquisitions.



	The following is a summary of goodwill and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):



			Gross			Accumulated			Net		Weighted-
			Carrying			Amortization and			Carrying		average
			Amount			Impairment Losses			Value		Useful Life
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Core technology and patents		$	941,940		$	326,044		$	615,896		14.1 years

	Other intangible assets:
	Supplier relationships			18,629			15,862			2,767		9.3 years
	Trademarks and trade names			252,028			116,571			135,457		10.3 years
	License agreements			17,507			11,126			6,381		4.5 years
	Customer relationships			1,910,752			930,542			980,210		15.8 years
	Manufacturing know-how			15,332			9,607			5,725		12.2 years
	Other			199,880			112,091			87,789		7.4 years

	Total other intangible assets			2,414,128			1,195,799			1,218,329

	Total intangible assets with finite lives		$	3,356,068		$	1,521,843		$	1,834,225

	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Goodwill		$	3,048,405		$	—		$	3,048,405
	Other intangible assets(1)			55,795			19,344			36,451

	Total intangible assets with indefinite lives		$	3,104,200		$	19,344		$	3,084,856



-1	Primarily includes in-process research and development assets recorded in connection with certain acquisitions.
Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	'

	The following is a summary of estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



	2014		$	272,516
	2015		$	230,224
	2016		$	200,310
	2017		$	174,540
	2018		$	162,468
Summary of Goodwill Amounts Allocated to Reporting Units	'

	Goodwill amounts for our professional diagnostics, health information solutions and consumer diagnostics reporting units are summarized as follows (in thousands):



			Professional			Health			Consumer		Total
			Diagnostics			Information			Diagnostics
						Solutions
	Goodwill at December 31, 2011		$	2,669,601		$	99,759		$	51,911	$	2,821,271
	Acquisitions(1)			222,306			24,604			—		246,910
	Fair value of non-controlling interest(2)			(36,040	)		—			—		(36,040	)
	Other(3)			10,370			680			5,214		16,264

	Goodwill at December 31, 2012		$	2,866,237		$	125,043		$	57,125	$	3,048,405
	Acquisitions(1)			87,677			(3,551	)		—		84,126
	Dispositions(4)			(14,786	)		—			—		(14,786	)
	Other(3)			(25,832	)		868			910		(24,054	)

	Goodwill at December 31, 2013		$	2,913,296		$	122,360		$	58,035	$	3,093,691



	-1	Includes initial purchase price allocation, purchase accounting adjustments recorded to the acquired entities’ opening balance sheet and additional payments made for earn-outs and milestones achieved.


	-2	This is the correction of a prior period balance sheet classification error which we do not believe is material to our 2011 or 2012 annual financial statements, or any previously reported quarterly financial statements, and represents the fair value of the non-controlling interest as of December 31, 2011 related to our acquisition of Axis-Shield.


	-3	These amounts relate primarily to adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.


	-4	Reflects write-off related to disposition of our Spinreact operations.

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt Balances Outstanding	'

	We had the following long-term debt balances outstanding (in thousands):



			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	A term loans(1)(2)		$	832,188		$	878,438
	B term loans(1)			904,188			913,438
	Incremental B-1 term loans(1)			245,000			247,500
	Incremental B-2 term loans(1)			195,050			196,739
	Revolving line of credit(1)			170,000			22,500
	7.25% Senior notes			450,000			450,000
	7.875% Senior notes			—			1,809
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			425,000			—
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			400,000			400,000
	9% Senior subordinated notes			—			392,933
	3% Convertible senior subordinated notes			150,000			150,000
	Other lines of credit			355			31,957
	Other			50,119			3,593

				3,821,900			3,688,907
	Less: Current portion			(49,112	)		(60,232	)

			$	3,772,788		$	3,628,675



	-1	Incurred under our secured credit facility.


	-2	Includes “A” term loans and “Delayed Draw” term loans under our secured credit facility.
Long-Term Debt Interest Expense	'

	In connection with our significant long-term debt issuances, we recorded interest expense, including amortization and write-offs of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts, in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as follows (in thousands):



			2013			2012			2011
	Secured credit facility(1)		$	104,159		$	104,916		$	41,478
	Former secured credit facility(2)			—			—			53,841	(3)
	7.25% Senior notes			33,906			1,994			—
	7.875% Senior notes			137	-4		44,994	(5)		22,291
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			17,384			—			—
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			37,093			37,096			36,437
	9% Senior subordinated notes			54,043	(6)		41,474			40,248
	3% Senior subordinated convertible notes			4,984			4,984			4,988

			$	251,706		$	235,458		$	199,283



	-1	Includes “A” term loans, including the “Delayed-Draw” term loans; “B” term loans; “Incremental B-1” term loans; “Incremental B-2” term loans; and revolving line of credit loans. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amounts include $2.6 million, $5.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications.


	-2	Consists of loans under our former First Lien Credit Agreement and former Second Lien Credit Agreement.


	-3	Amount includes an approximate $29.7 million loss recorded in connection with the termination of our former secured credit facility and related interest rate swap agreement, coupled with the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications.
	-4	Amount includes an approximate $0.2 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of our 7.875% senior notes.


	-5	Amount includes an approximate $23.2 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of substantially all of our 7.875% senior notes. Included in the $23.2 million is a $12.3 million make-whole payment which has been classified within cash flow from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.


	-6	Amount includes an approximate $35.6 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of our 9% senior subordinated notes. Included in the $35.6 million is $19.0 million related to tender offer consideration and call premium which has been classified within cash flow from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
Summary of Maturities of Long-Term Debt Outstanding	'

	The following is a summary of the maturities of long-term debt outstanding on December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



	2014		$	49,112
	2015			75,211
	2016			1,111,700
	2017			1,305,717
	2018			851,238
	Thereafter			430,372

				3,823,350
	Less: Original issue discounts			(1,450	)

			$	3,821,900

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques	'

	The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):



	Description		December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable
			2013			Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—

	Total assets		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations(1)		$	213,969		$	—	$	—	$	213,969

	Total liabilities		$	213,969		$	—	$	—	$	213,969




	Description		December 31,			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable
			2012			Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	904		$	904	$	—	$	—

	Total assets		$	904		$	904	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations(1)		$	176,172		$	—	$	—	$	176,172

	Total liabilities		$	176,172		$	—	$	—	$	176,172



	-1	We determine the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations based on a probability-weighted approach derived from earn-out criteria estimates and a probability assessment with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria. The measurement is based upon significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of these contingent consideration obligations are recorded as income or expense within operating income in our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 11 for additional information on the valuation of our contingent consideration obligations.
Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Obligations	'

	Changes in the fair value of our Level 3 contingent consideration obligations during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):



	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, January 1, 2013		$	176,172
	Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration obligations recorded			76,268
	Net reclassifications			(12	)
	Foreign currency adjustments			(51	)
	Payments			(56,432	)
	Present value accretion			14,591
	Adjustments, net (income) expense			3,433

	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, December 31, 2013		$	213,969

Capital_Leases_Tables

Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Capital Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments with Present Value	'

	The following is a schedule of the future minimum lease payments under capital leases, together with the present value of such payments as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



	2014	$	6,855
	2015		6,551
	2016		3,485
	2017		1,883
	2018		1,273
	Thereafter		1,215

	Total future minimum lease payments		21,262
	Less: Imputed interest		—

	Present value of future minimum lease payments		21,262
	Less: Current portion		(6,855	)

		$	14,407



Capitalized Amounts of Building, Machinery and Equipment and Computer Equipment	'

	At December 31, 2013, the capitalized amounts of the building, machinery and equipment and computer equipment under capital leases were as follows (in thousands):



	Machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling	$	32,256
	Computer equipment		3,506
	Furniture and fixtures		890
	Vehicles		73
	Leasehold improvements		—

			36,725
	Less: Accumulated amortization		(9,785	)

		$	26,940

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_T

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status and Amounts Recognized	'

	Changes in benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized on the accompanying balance sheet as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, for our Defined Benefit Plan were as follows (in thousands):



			2013			2012
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	18,340		$	14,966
	Interest cost			754			742
	Actuarial loss			2,202			2,211
	Benefits paid			(232	)		(417	)
	Foreign exchange impact			508			838

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	21,572		$	18,340
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	14,043		$	11,272
	Actual return on plan assets			2,084			1,634
	Employer contribution			904			916
	Benefits paid			(232	)		(417	)
	Foreign exchange impact			427			638

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	17,226		$	14,043

	Funded status		$	(4,346	)	$	(4,297	)

	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	21,572		$	18,340

Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss	'

	The following represents the amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2013:




	Amortization of net loss			(199	)
	Amortization of prior service cost			(416	)
	New actuarial gains			832
	Foreign exchange impact			181

	Total		$	398

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'

	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



			2013			2012
	Net actuarial loss		$	4,846		$	4,098
	Prior service costs			4,404			4,754

	Net amount recognized		$	9,250		$	8,852

Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions	'

	The following table provides the weighted-average actuarial assumptions:



			2013			2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations(1):
	Discount rate			4.4	%		4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.15	%		3.65	%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost(2):
	Discount rate			4.3	%		4.9	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets			5.15	%		5.4	%
	Rate of compensation increase			3.65	%		3.75	%


	-1	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the unfunded status for the plan are based upon information available as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.


	-2	The actuarial assumptions used to compute the net periodic pension benefit cost are based upon the information available as of the beginning of the presented year.
Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'

	The annual net periodic benefit costs of the Defined Benefit Plan are as follows (in thousands):



			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			754			742			773
	Expected return on plan assets			(713	)		(636	)		(731	)
	Amortization of net loss			199			114			32
	Amortization of prior service cost			416			422			427
	Curtailment loss (gain)			—			—			—

	Net periodic benefit cost		$	656		$	642		$	501

Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets	'
	The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 by asset category are presented in the following table (Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy).


			Plan Assets at
			December 31,
	Asset Category		2013			2012
	Equity securities:
	U.K. equities		$	6,000		$	4,808
	Overseas equities			2,995			2,532
	U.S. equities			3,003			2,219
	Debt securities — corporate bonds			4,402			4,286
	Other — cash			826			198

	Total plan assets		$	17,226		$	14,043

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Effect of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Statement of Operations and in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table summarizes the effect of the derivative instruments in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

Derivative Instruments

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Amount of Loss

Recognized in Income

(Loss) Recognized

Recognized

During the Year

Ended

December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Foreign currency forward contracts

Other comprehensive income

—

(1,187

)

(loss)

Total loss

Other comprehensive income

—

(1,187

)

(loss)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Annual Rental Payments Under Operating Leases	'

	We have operating lease commitments for certain of our facilities and equipment that expire on various dates through 2019. The following schedule outlines future minimum annual rental payments under these leases at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



	2014		$	47,611
	2015			40,774
	2016			36,386
	2017			32,654
	2018			28,045
	Thereafter			45,743

			$	231,213

Contractual Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Obligations Related to Certain Acquisitions	'

	We have contractual contingent purchase price consideration obligations related to certain of our acquisitions, as follows (in thousands):




	Acquisition		Acquisition Date		Acquisition		Maximum		Remaining			Estimated			Estimated		Payments
					Date Fair		Remaining		Earn-out			Fair Value as			Fair Value as		made
					Value		Earn-out		Period as			of			of		during
							Potential		of			December 31,			December 31,		2013
							as of		December 31,			2013			2012
							December 31,		2013
							2013
	TwistDx, Inc.			11-Mar-10	$	35,600	$	124,027		2014 – 2025	(1)	$	45,502		$	25,100	$	680
	Ionian Technologies, Inc.			12-Jul-10	$	24,500		57,500		2014 – 2015			29,000			23,800		—
	LDS			29-Aug-11	$	13,000		7,500		2013			7,400	(2)		6,600		—
	ROAR			September 22, 2011	$	5,463		12,600		2014			2,484			6,827		4,606
	Wellogic			December 9, 2011	$	18,900		50,000		2014 – 2019			26,900			23,600		—
	eScreen			2-Apr-12	$	44,500		—		—			—			19,300		—
	MedApps			2-Jul-12	$	13,100		13,600		2014			8,200			15,900		7,600
	Amedica			3-Jul-12	$	8,900		8,100		2013			7,500	(2)		8,700		6,945
	DiagnosisOne			31-Jul-12	$	22,300		33,000		2014 – 2017			26,600			24,300		—
	Epocal			1-Feb-13	$	75,000		65,500		2014 – 2018			47,200			—		25,000
	Other			Various	$	58,877		23,029		2014 – 2016			13,183			22,045		11,601

							$	394,856				$	213,969		$	176,172	$	56,432




	-1	The maximum earn-out period ends on the fifteenth anniversary of the acquisition date.
	-2	The fair value of the maximum remaining earn-out has been accrued at December 31, 2013. We expect to pay the maximum remaining earn-out during the first half of 2014.

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share	'
	The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share (in thousands, except per share amounts):


		2013			2012			2011
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(70,278	)	$	(77,907	)	$	(133,309	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(21,293	)		(21,293	)		(22,049	)
	Preferred stock repurchase		—			—			23,936
	Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		976			275			233

	Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(92,547	)	$	(99,475	)	$	(131,655	)

	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic and diluted		81,542			80,587			83,128

	Basic and Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(1.13	)	$	(1.23	)	$	(1.58	)


Potential Dilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share	'
	The following potential dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because the inclusion thereof would be antidilutive (in thousands):


		2013			2012			2011
	Denominator:
	Options to purchase shares of common stock		10,879			10,234			9,446
	Warrants		4			4			162
	Conversion shares related to 3% convertible senior subordinated notes		3,411			3,411			3,411
	Conversion shares related to subordinated convertible promissory notes		27			27			27
	Conversion shares related to Series B convertible preferred stock		10,239			10,239			10,239
	Common stock equivalents related to the settlement of deferred purchase price consideration		—			—			142
	Common stock equivalents related to the settlement of a contingent consideration obligation		451			—			—

	Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding		25,011			23,915			23,427

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'

	The following summarizes all stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except exercise price):



		Options			Weighted-
					average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1,2013		10,650		$	36.51
	Granted		2,749		$	35.64
	Exercised		(576	)	$	22.4
	Canceled/expired/forfeited.		(1,382	)	$	31.2

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		11,441		$	37.66

	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		6,799		$	39.35

Summary of Warrant Activity	'

	The following is a summary of all warrant activity during the three years ended December 31, 2013:

		Number of			Exercise Price		Weighted-
		Shares					average
							Exercise Price
		(in thousands)
	Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2010		243		$	13.54 - $50.00	$	16
	Exercised		(81	)	$	13.54 - $24.00	$	19.15

	Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2011		162		$	13.54 - $50.00	$	14.44
	Exercised		(158	)	$	13.54	$	13.54

	Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2012		4		$	50	$	50
	Exercised		—

	Warrants outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2013		4		$	50	$	50

Summary of Additional Information Related to Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable	'

	The following table presents additional information related to warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013:



		Outstanding and Exercisable
	Exercise Price	Number of			Weighted-		Weighted-
		Shares			average		average
					Remaining		Exercise Price
					Contract Life
		(in thousands)
	$50.00		4			2.5	$	50

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'

	We recorded stock-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as follows (in thousands):



		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of net revenue	$	1,126		$	1,063		$	1,508
	Research and development		4,053			3,150			3,862
	Sales and marketing		3,698			3,464			4,267
	General and administrative		12,333			7,988			11,578

			21,210			15,665			21,215
	Benefit for income taxes		(4,190	)		(2,660	)		(4,560	)

	Stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	17,020		$	13,005		$	16,655

Fair Value Assumptions for Stock Options on the Date of Grant	'

	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model:



		2013			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.47	%		0.83	%		1.31	%
	Expected dividend yield		—			—			—
	Expected life		5.74 years			5.60 years			5.46 years
	Expected volatility		42	%		42	%		43	%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following (in thousands):


			Cumulative			Pension			Other(1)			Accumulated
			Translation			Liability						Other
			Adjustment			Adjustment						Comprehensive
			(Note 2(b))			(Note 9(b))						Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2010		$	12,705		$	(5,209	)	$	(6,806	)	$	690
	Period change			(35,830	)		(1,618	)		6,488			(30,960	)

	Balance at December 31, 2011			(23,125	)		(6,827	)		(318	)		(30,270	)
	Period change			54,642			(756	)		258			54,144

	Balance at December 31, 2012			31,517			(7,583	)		(60	)		23,874
	Period change			(50,166	)		(309	)		39			(50,436	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(18,649	)	$	(7,892	)	$	(21	)	$	(26,562	)


	-1	Other represents unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and hedging instruments.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	'

	Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):



		2013			2012			2011
	United States	$	(214,332	)	$	(158,635	)	$	(493,073	)
	Foreign		80,300			37,164			327,026

		$	(134,032	)	$	(121,471	)	$	(166,047	)



Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'

	The income tax effects of these temporary differences are as follows (in thousands):



		2013			2012
	NOL and capital loss carryforwards	$	137,178		$	117,091
	Tax credit carryforwards		70,357			54,212
	Nondeductible reserves		33,846			17,036
	Nondeductible accruals		44,023			34,406
	Difference between book and tax bases of tangible assets		989			1,059
	Difference between book and tax bases of intangible assets		25,484			23,017
	Deferred revenue		8,399			5,686
	All other		32,669			30,071

	Gross deferred tax asset		352,945			282,578
	Less: Valuation allowance		(83,591	)		(68,555	)

	Total deferred tax assets		269,354			214,023

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Difference between book and tax bases of tangible assets		54,436			42,835
	Difference between book and tax bases of intangible assets		442,729			482,955
	Debt		18,041			25,541
	Other		15,365			15,525

	Total deferred tax liability		530,571			566,856

	Net deferred tax liability	$	261,217		$	352,833

	Reported as:
	Deferred tax assets, current portion	$	60,689		$	67,722
	Deferred tax assets, long-term		7,959			8,293
	Deferred tax liabilities, current portion		(616	)		(660	)
	Deferred tax liabilities, long-term		(329,249	)		(428,188	)

	Net deferred tax liability	$	(261,217	)	$	(352,833	)

Components of Our Benefit for Income Taxes	'

	The following table presents the components of our benefit for income taxes (in thousands):



		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,523		$	11,794		$	(1,229	)
	State		(546	)		9,500			4,193
	Foreign		52,359			32,955			29,583

			57,336			54,249			32,547

	Deferred:
	Federal		(75,021	)		(58,292	)		(27,109	)
	State		1,102			(15,087	)		(23,720	)
	Foreign		(29,728	)		(11,189	)		(5,932	)

			(103,647	)		(84,568	)		(56,761	)

	Total benefit for income taxes	$	(46,311	)	$	(30,319	)	$	(24,214	)

Reconciliation from U.S. Statutory Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate	'

	The following table presents a reconciliation from the U.S. statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate:




		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Effect of goodwill impairment charge		—			—			(75	)
	Stock-based compensation		(2	)		(2	)		(2	)
	Rate differential on foreign earnings		—			(2	)		42
	Research and development		2			—			1
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		—			3			8
	Acquisition costs		—			(2	)		(2	)
	Contingent consideration		(3	)		6			4
	Rate changes		5			(2	)		3
	Other permanent items		4			1			3
	Section 199 deduction		2			—			—
	Bargain purchase		2			—			—
	Change in valuation allowance		(6	)		(9	)		(2	)
	Foreign dividends, net		(2	)		—			—
	Uncertain tax positions		(2	)		(3	)		—

	Effective tax rate		35	%		25	%		15	%

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities for uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands):


		Amount
	Balances as of January 1, 2011	$	6,160
	Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions		189
	Additions for tax positions taken during current year		5,814
	Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years		(26	)
	Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions		(1,922	)
	Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits		(684	)

	Balance as of December 31, 2011		9,531
	Previously recorded tax reserves not included in disclosure		6,236
	Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions		1,852
	Additions for tax positions taken during current year		2,922
	Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years		(208	)
	Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions		—
	Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits		(1,328	)

	Balance as of December 31, 2012		19,005
	Previously recorded tax reserves not included in disclosure		600
	Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions		—
	Additions for tax positions taken during current year		7,211
	Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years		(900	)
	Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions		—
	Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits		—

	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	25,916

Financial_Information_by_Segme1

Financial Information by Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Financial Information by Segment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Performance of Our Operating Segments Based on Revenue and Operating Income (Loss)	'

	Segment information for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):




	2013		Professional		Health			Consumer			Corporate			Total
			Diagnostics		Information			Diagnostics			and
					Solutions						Other
	Net revenue		$	2,391,137	$	533,227		$	105,078		$	—		$	3,029,442
	Operating income (loss)		$	256,087	$	(43,001	)	$	12,122		$	(90,456	)	$	134,752
	Depreciation and amortization		$	348,635	$	85,330		$	4,330		$	1,135		$	439,430
	Restructuring charge		$	12,606	$	14,760		$	—		$	—		$	27,366
	Stock-based compensation		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	21,210		$	21,210
	Assets		$	5,744,734	$	504,645		$	197,458		$	613,977		$	7,060,814
	Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		$	86,415	$	23,312		$	1,645		$	10,794		$	122,166




	2012		Professional		Health			Consumer			Corporate			Total
			Diagnostics		Information			Diagnostics			and
					Solutions						Other
	Net revenue		$	2,189,892	$	535,422		$	93,511		$	—		$	2,818,825
	Operating income (loss)		$	243,080	$	(73,432	)	$	12,707		$	(73,223	)	$	109,132
	Depreciation and amortization		$	355,957	$	96,427		$	3,455		$	1,008		$	456,847
	Restructuring charge		$	11,124	$	9,203		$	—		$	(2	)	$	20,325
	Stock-based compensation		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	15,665		$	15,665
	Assets		$	6,214,847	$	593,172		$	192,748		$	67,161		$	7,067,928
	Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		$	90,568	$	41,960		$	2,823		$	2,042		$	137,393




	2011		Professional		Health			Consumer			Corporate			Total
			Diagnostics		Information			Diagnostics			and
					Solutions						Other
	Net revenue		$	1,756,509	$	534,514		$	95,504		$	—		$	2,386,527
	Operating income (loss)		$	248,097	$	(439,872	)	$	10,442		$	(71,522	)	$	(252,855	)
	Goodwill impairment charge		$	—	$	383,612		$	—		$	—		$	383,612
	Depreciation and amortization		$	277,102	$	108,383		$	5,375		$	716		$	391,576
	Restructuring charge		$	13,949	$	13,194		$	(57	)	$	1,196		$	28,282
	Stock-based compensation		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	21,215		$	21,215
	Assets		$	5,826,756	$	624,305		$	199,422		$	22,218		$	6,672,701
	Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		$	81,774	$	46,850		$	2,676		$	1,232		$	132,532
Summary of Company's Net Revenue from Professional Diagnostics and Health Information Solutions Reporting Segments by Groups of Similar Products and Services	'

	The following tables summarize our net revenue from the professional diagnostics and health information solutions reporting segments by groups of similar products and services for 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

	Professional Diagnostics Segment



			2013		2012			2011
	Infectious disease		$	723,213	$	615,950		$	564,983
	Toxicology			632,727		587,261			387,209
	Cardiology			463,281		503,534			518,746
	Diabetes			225,488		144,441			14,960
	Other			321,495		314,030			250,274

	Net product sales and services revenue			2,366,204		2,165,216			1,736,172
	License and royalty revenue			24,933		24,676			20,337

	Professional diagnostics net revenue		$	2,391,137	$	2,189,892		$	1,756,509


	Health Information Solutions Segment



			2013		2012			2011
	Condition and case management		$	215,160	$	218,378		$	237,938
	Wellness			101,642		104,634			104,868
	Women’s & children’s health			113,506		120,259			114,287
	Patient self-testing services			102,919		92,151			77,421

	Health information solutions net revenue		$	533,227	$	535,422		$	534,514

Summary of Revenue and Long-Lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area	'

	The following tables summarize our net revenue by geographic area for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and our long-lived tangible assets by geographic area as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):




			2013		2012			2011
	Revenue by Geographic Area:
	United States		$	1,858,775	$	1,724,704		$	1,453,160
	Europe			509,644		483,857			396,480
	Elsewhere(1)			661,023		610,264			536,887

			$	3,029,442	$	2,818,825		$	2,386,527




	-1	Includes, among many others, the following countries: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Canada, and Brazil.




			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area:
	United States		$	306,300	$	295,786
	United Kingdom			39,599		37,928
	China			30,285		31,277
	Elsewhere(1)			168,980		169,478

			$	545,164	$	534,469




	-1	Includes, among many others, the following countries: Germany, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and Brazil.

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Balances with SPD within Consolidated Balance Sheets	'

	The following table summarizes our related party balances with SPD within our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):



	Balance Sheet Caption	As of December 31,
	Balance Sheet Caption	2013		2012
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$	9,436	$	7,317
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	12,417	$	9,161
	Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	$	13,249	$	14,629
	Accounts payable	$	18,811	$	21,258

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Sets Forth Activities in Accounts Receivable Reserve Accounts	'

	The following table sets forth activities in our accounts receivable reserve accounts (in thousands):



		Balance at		Provision		Amounts			Balance at
		Beginning of				Charged			End of
		Period				Against			Period
						Reserves
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	20,381	$	23,614	$	(19,418	)	$	24,577
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	24,577	$	43,731	$	(31,912	)	$	36,396
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	36,396	$	70,267	$	(30,020	)	$	76,643
Sets Forth Activities in Inventory Reserve Accounts	'

	The following table sets forth activities in our inventory reserve accounts (in thousands):



		Balance at		Provision		Amounts			Balance at
		Beginning of				Charged			End of
		Period				Against			Period
						Reserves
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	12,308	$	6,144	$	(4,843	)	$	13,609
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	13,609	$	13,587	$	(5,374	)	$	21,822
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	21,822	$	3,323	$	(3,671	)	$	21,474

Restructuring_Activities_Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Activities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Aggregate Charges Associated with Restructuring Plans Recorded in Operating Income	'

	The following table sets forth aggregate restructuring charges recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):



	Statement of Operations Caption		2013				2012				2011
	Cost of net revenue		$	7,865			$	3,113			$	2,915
	Research and development			1,795				1,278				433
	Sales and marketing			2,771				2,504				4,954
	General and administrative			14,935				13,430				19,980

	Total operating expenses			27,366				20,325				28,282
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			311				277				280
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			—				—				580

	Total charges		$	27,677			$	20,602			$	29,142

Restructuring Activities Related to Restructuring Plans	'

	The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our 2013 restructuring plans for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):



			Professional				Health
			Diagnostics				Information
							Solutions
	Severance-related costs		$	7,126			$	3,267
	Facility and transition costs			2,581				2,955
	Other exit costs			—				17

	Cash charges			9,707				6,239
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments			743				1,089
	Intangible asset impairments			—				2,596
	Other non-cash charges			—				(903	)

	Total charges		$	10,450			$	9,021


			Professional Diagnostics
			2013				2012				Since
			2013				2012				Inception
	Severance-related costs		$	(542	)		$	4,732			$	4,190
	Facility and transition costs			82				119				201

	Cash charges			(460	)			4,851				4,391
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments			—				304				304

	Total charges		$	(460	)		$	5,155			$	4,695




			Health Information Solutions
			2013				2012				Since
			2013				2012				Inception
	Severance-related costs		$	2,362			$	3,045			$	5,407
	Facility and transition costs			4,271				1,234				5,505
	Other exit costs			179				15				194

	Cash charges			6,812				4,294				11,106
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments			75				2,689				2,764
	Intangible asset impairments			—				2,988				2,988
	Other non-cash charges			(953	)			(31	)			(984	)

	Total charges		$	5,934			$	9,940			$	15,874


			Professional Diagnostics
			2013				2012				2011				Since
			2013				2012				2011				Inception
	Severance-related costs		$	289			$	3,145			$	12,047			$	25,846
	Facility and transition costs			1,334				2,121				1,310				13,727
	Other exit costs			58				132				88				4,608

	Cash charges			1,681				5,398				13,445				44,181
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments			308				704				534				12,540
	Intangible asset impairments			686				—				—				686
	Other non-cash changes			—				—				—				64

	Total charges		$	2,675			$	6,102			$	13,979			$	57,471




		Health Information Solutions
		2013				2012				2011				Since
		2013				2012				2011				Inception
Severance-related costs		$	—			$	—			$	2,254			$	6,901
Facility and transition costs (recoveries)			—				(807	)			6,381				8,010
Other exit costs			57				130				192				569

Cash charges (recoveries)			57				(677	)			8,827				15,480
Fixed asset and inventory impairments			—				85				864				1,114
Intangible asset impairments			—				—				2,935				2,935
Other non-cash changes			—				—				761				761

Total charges (recoveries)		$	57			$	(592	)		$	13,387			$	20,290




		Corporate and Other
		2013				2012				2011				Since
		2013				2012				2011				Inception
Severance-related costs		$	—			$	(3	)		$	1,193			$	1,190

Cash charges (recoveries)			—				(3	)			1,193				1,190
Fixed asset and inventory impairments			—				—				3				3

Total charges (recoveries)		$	—			$	(3	)		$	1,196			$	1,193




		2011				Since
		2011				Inception
Severance-related costs		$	30			$	5,797
Facility and transition costs			479				5,396
Other exit costs			—				283

Cash charges			509				11,476
Fixed asset and inventory impairments (recoveries)			71				4,635

Total charges included in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	580			$	16,111

Cash Activity for Restructuring Reserves	'

	The following table summarizes our restructuring reserves related to the plans described above, of which $7.9 million is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $3.2 million is included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):



			Severance-				Facility and				Other Exit				Total
			related				Transition				Costs
			Costs				Costs
	Balance, December 31, 2010		$	1,987			$	4,258			$	3,458			$	9,703
	Cash charges			15,494				7,691				280				23,465
	Cash charges borne by SPD(1)			60				958				—				1,018
	Payments			(13,923	)			(7,592	)			(3,133	)			(24,648	)
	Currency adjustments			(238	)			(100	)			(12	)			(350	)

	Balance, December 31, 2011			3,380				5,215				593				9,188
	Cash charges			10,919				2,667				277				13,863
	Payments			(11,118	)			(5,469	)			(248	)			(16,835	)
	Currency adjustments			(14	)			16				—				2

	Balance, December 31, 2012			3,167				2,429				622				6,218
	Cash charges			12,502				11,223				311				24,036
	Payments			(12,847	)			(5,834	)			(324	)			(19,005	)
	Currency adjustments			(114	)			12				—				(102	)

	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	2,708			$	7,830			$	609			$	11,147



	-1	Amounts represent 100% of the charges borne by SPD.

Equity_Investments_Tables

Equity Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Equity Investments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Financial Information for SPD and TechLab on Combined Condensed Results of Operations	'

	Summarized financial information for SPD and TechLab on a combined basis is as follows (in thousands):

	Combined Condensed Results of Operations:




		For The Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Net revenue	$	203,115	$	212,955	$	232,857

	Gross profit	$	152,698	$	139,694	$	146,466

	Net income after taxes	$	34,079	$	26,056	$	15,922

Financial Information for SPD and TechLab on Combined Condensed Balance Sheets	'

	Combined Condensed Balance Sheets:




		As of December 31,
		2013		2012
	Current assets	$	63,985	$	79,842
	Non-current assets		38,541		38,991

	Total assets	$	102,526	$	118,833

	Current liabilities	$	38,053	$	45,084
	Non-current liabilities		6,175		6,791

	Total liabilities	$	44,228	$	51,875

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Summary of Common Stock in Connection with Certain Acquisitions

During 2011, we issued shares of our common stock in connection with certain acquisitions (dollars in thousands):

Date of Acquisition

Common Stock Issued

Company Acquired

Number of

Fair Value of

Arriva Medical LLC

November 23, 2011

806,452

15,183

Pregnancy.org, LLC

28-Jan-11

25,463

1,000

Common Stock in Connection with Settlement of an Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration Obligation

During 2012, we issued shares of our common stock in connection with the settlement of an acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation (dollars in thousands):

Common Stock Issued

Contingent Consideration Obligation

Number of

Fair Value of

Mologic

66,666

1,243

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Operations	'

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

	(in thousands)



			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
			Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Net product sales		$	—			$	894,644			$	1,365,847			$	(188,028	)		$	2,072,463
	Services revenue			—				852,121				77,629				—				929,750

	Net product sales and services revenue			—				1,746,765				1,443,476				(188,028	)			3,002,213
	License and royalty revenue			—				20,611				19,657				(13,039	)			27,229

	Net revenue			—				1,767,376				1,463,133				(201,067	)			3,029,442

	Cost of net product sales			4,459				486,410				703,816				(166,165	)			1,028,520
	Cost of services revenue			47				475,737				35,620				(19,984	)			491,420

	Cost of net product sales and services revenue			4,506				962,147				739,436				(186,149	)			1,519,940
	Cost of license and royalty revenue			—				69				20,732				(13,038	)			7,763

	Cost of net revenue			4,506				962,216				760,168				(199,187	)			1,527,703

	Gross profit (loss)			(4,506	)			805,160				702,965				(1,880	)			1,501,739
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development			21,972				67,501				71,329				—				160,802
	Sales and marketing			6,340				329,648				303,846				—				639,834
	General and administrative			75,185				269,409				216,633				—				561,227
	Loss on disposition			—				—				5,124				—				5,124

	Operating income (loss)			(108,003	)			138,602				106,033				(1,880	)			134,752
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			(252,791	)			(25,892	)			(11,192	)			34,219				(255,656	)
	Other income (expense), net			(10,759	)			22,210				9,640				(34,219	)			(13,128	)

	Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(371,553	)			134,920				104,481				(1,880	)			(134,032	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(154,444	)			74,441				34,312				(620	)			(46,311	)

	Income (loss) before equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(217,109	)			60,479				70,169				(1,260	)			(87,721	)
	Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax			144,941				(2,948	)			—				(141,993	)			—
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			1,890				—				15,470				83				17,443

	Net income (loss)			(70,278	)			57,531				85,639				(143,170	)			(70,278	)
	Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				976				—				976

	Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries			(70,278	)			57,531				84,663				(143,170	)			(71,254	)
	Preferred stock dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)

	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(91,571	)		$	57,531			$	84,663			$	(143,170	)		$	(92,547	)




	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

	(in thousands)



		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Net product sales		$	—			$	869,912			$	1,187,696			$	(143,877	)		$	1,913,731
Services revenue			—				811,625				64,893				—				876,518

Net product sales and services revenue			—				1,681,537				1,252,589				(143,877	)			2,790,249
License and royalty revenue			—				18,848				17,958				(8,230	)			28,576

Net revenue			—				1,700,385				1,270,547				(152,107	)			2,818,825

Cost of net product sales			6,040				421,403				639,203				(134,496	)			932,150
Cost of services revenue			—				426,599				30,459				(6,059	)			450,999

Cost of net product sales and services revenue			6,040				848,002				669,662				(140,555	)			1,383,149
Cost of license and royalty revenue			—				36				15,547				(8,229	)			7,354

Cost of net revenue			6,040				848,038				685,209				(148,784	)			1,390,503

Gross profit (loss)			(6,040	)			852,347				585,338				(3,323	)			1,428,322
Operating expenses:
Research and development			24,593				71,512				86,896				—				183,001
Sales and marketing			4,414				346,620				292,389				—				643,423
General and administrative			52,079				253,985				186,702				—				492,766

Operating income (loss)			(87,126	)			180,230				19,351				(3,323	)			109,132
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			(236,320	)			(39,575	)			(13,079	)			48,414				(240,560	)
Other income (expense), net			(16,655	)			40,480				34,546				(48,414	)			9,957

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(340,101	)			181,135				40,818				(3,323	)			(121,471	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(111,595	)			56,188				26,043				(955	)			(30,319	)

Income (loss) before equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(228,506	)			124,947				14,775				(2,368	)			(91,152	)
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax			148,394				(1,574	)			—				(146,820	)			—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			2,205				—				10,952				88				13,245

Net income (loss)			(77,907	)			123,373				25,727				(149,100	)			(77,907	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				275				—				275

Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries			(77,907	)			123,373				25,452				(149,100	)			(78,182	)
Preferred stock dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(99,200	)		$	123,373			$	25,452			$	(149,100	)		$	(99,475	)




CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

(in thousands)



		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Net product sales		$	—			$	900,853			$	910,100			$	(127,821	)		$	1,683,132
Services revenue			—				613,310				66,612				—				679,922

Net product sales and services revenue			—				1,514,163				976,712				(127,821	)			2,363,054
License and royalty revenue			—				10,280				19,152				(5,959	)			23,473

Net revenue			—				1,524,443				995,864				(133,780	)			2,386,527

Cost of net product sales			3,651				410,903				510,550				(129,680	)			795,424
Cost of services revenue			—				312,098				26,134				—				338,232

Cost of net product sales and services revenue			3,651				723,001				536,684				(129,680	)			1,133,656
Cost of license and royalty revenue			—				3				12,992				(5,959	)			7,036

Cost of net revenue			3,651				723,004				549,676				(135,639	)			1,140,692

Gross profit (loss)			(3,651	)			801,439				446,188				1,859				1,245,835
Operating expenses:
Research and development			20,182				69,292				60,691				—				150,165
Sales and marketing			4,091				336,297				225,195				—				565,583
General and administrative			48,891				228,871				121,568				—				399,330
Goodwill impairment charge			—				383,612				—				—				383,612

Operating income (loss)			(76,815	)			(216,633	)			38,734				1,859				(252,855	)
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			(156,948	)			(100,636	)			(8,734	)			62,347				(203,971	)
Other income (expense), net			(8,813	)			54,186				18,857				(62,347	)			1,883
Gain on sale of joint venture interest			16,309				—				272,587				—				288,896

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(226,267	)			(263,083	)			321,444				1,859				(166,047	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(67,482	)			20,402				24,822				(1,956	)			(24,214	)

Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(158,785	)			(283,485	)			296,622				3,815				(141,833	)
Equity earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax			23,524				1,530				—				(25,054	)			—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			1,952				—				6,503				69				8,524

Net income (loss)			(133,309	)			(281,955	)			303,125				(21,170	)			(133,309	)
Less: Net income attributable to non- controlling interests			—				—				233				—				233

Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries			(133,309	)			(281,955	)			302,892				(21,170	)			(133,542	)
Preferred stock dividends			(22,049	)			—				—				—				(22,049	)
Preferred stock repurchase			23,936				—				—				—				23,936

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(131,422	)		$	(281,955	)		$	302,892			$	(21,170	)		$	(131,655	)

Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

	(in thousands)



			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
			Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Net income (loss)		$	(70,278	)		$	57,531			$	85,639			$	(143,170	)		$	(70,278	)

	Other comprehensive loss, before tax:
	Changes in cumulative translation adjustment			(550	)			(619	)			(48,998	)			1				(50,166	)
	Unrealized gains on hedging instruments			—				—				39				—				39
	Minimum pension liability adjustment			—				—				(415	)			—				(415	)

	Other comprehensive loss, before tax			(550	)			(619	)			(49,374	)			1				(50,542	)
	Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss			—				—				(106	)			—				(106	)

	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax			(550	)			(619	)			(49,268	)			1				(50,436	)

	Comprehensive income (loss)			(70,828	)			56,912				36,371				(143,169	)			(120,714	)
	Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				976				—				976

	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(70,828	)		$	56,912			$	35,395			$	(143,169	)		$	(121,690	)


	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

	(in thousands)



			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations				Consolidated
							Subsidiaries				Guarantor
											Subsidiaries
	Net income (loss)		$	(77,907	)		$	123,373			$	25,727			$	(149,100	)		$	(77,907	)

	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
	Changes in cumulative translation adjustment			(834	)			(302	)			53,654				2,124				54,642
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities			(221	)			5				—				—				(216	)
	Unrealized gains on hedging instruments			16				—				372				—				388
	Minimum pension liability adjustment			—				—				(1,042	)			—				(1,042	)

	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax			(1,039	)			(297	)			52,984				2,124				53,772
	Income tax benefit related to items of othercomprehensive income (loss)			(86	)			—				(286	)			—				(372	)

	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(953	)			(297	)			53,270				2,124				54,144

	Comprehensive income (loss)			(78,860	)			123,076				78,997				(146,976	)			(23,763	)
	Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				275				—				275

	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(78,860	)		$	123,076			$	78,722			$	(146,976	)		$	(24,038	)




	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2011

(in thousands)



		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Net income (loss)		$	(133,309	)		$	(281,955	)		$	303,125			$	(21,170	)		$	(133,309	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment			(417	)			342				(37,825	)			2,070				(35,830	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities			(33	)			12				(450	)			—				(471	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments			11,952				—				(448	)			—				11,504
Minimum pension liability adjustment			—				—				(3,070	)			—				(3,070	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax			11,502				354				(41,793	)			2,070				(27,867	)
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)			4,650				—				(1,557	)			—				3,093

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			6,852				354				(40,236	)			2,070				(30,960	)

Comprehensive income (loss)			(126,457	)			(281,601	)			262,889				(19,100	)			(164,269	)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			—				—				233				—				233

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(126,457	)		$	(281,601	)		$	262,656			$	(19,100	)		$	(164,502	)

Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet	'

	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

	December 31, 2013

	(in thousands)



			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations				Consolidated
							Subsidiaries				Guarantor
											Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	14,801			$	85,453			$	261,654			$	—			$	361,908
	Restricted cash			2,221				2,915				1,237				—				6,373
	Marketable securities			—				853				5				—				858
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances			—				238,782				309,947				—				548,729
	Inventories, net			—				168,058				219,892				(23,765	)			364,185
	Deferred tax assets			5,191				20,541				31,451				3,506				60,689
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			512,123				(405,954	)			23,547				(44	)			129,672
	Intercompany receivables			317,357				759,497				75,424				(1,152,278	)			—

	Total current assets			851,693				870,145				923,157				(1,172,581	)			1,472,414
	Property, plant and equipment, net			15,086				288,637				241,737				(296	)			545,164
	Goodwill			—				1,841,377				1,252,314				—				3,093,691
	Other intangible assets with indefinite lives			—				14,300				42,402				—				56,702
	Finite-lived intangible assets, net			11,006				995,868				677,737				—				1,684,611
	Restricted cash			—				—				29,370				—				29,370
	Deferred financing costs, net and othernon-current assets			55,207				8,353				20,559				(46	)			84,073
	Investments in subsidiaries			3,802,475				267,824				191,947				(4,262,246	)			—
	Investments in unconsolidated entities			29,005				—				44,637				13,188				86,830
	Deferred tax assets			—				—				7,959				—				7,959
	Intercompany notes receivable			1,100,746				630,628				(741,016	)			(990,358	)			—

	Total assets		$	5,865,218			$	4,917,132			$	2,690,803			$	(6,412,339	)		$	7,060,814

	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt		$	45,000			$	323			$	3,789			$	—			$	49,112
	Current portion of capital lease obligations			—				3,751				3,104				—				6,855
	Accounts payable			12,584				69,076				105,711				—				187,371
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			63,990				164,762				201,132				(36	)			429,848
	Intercompany payables			728,541				149,031				274,707				(1,152,279	)			—

	Total current liabilities			850,115				386,943				588,443				(1,152,315	)			673,186

	Long-term liabilities:
	Long-term debt, net of current portion			3,735,137				100				37,551				—				3,772,788
	Capital lease obligations, net of current portion			—				5,938				8,469				—				14,407
	Deferred tax liabilities			(43,246	)			284,448				88,039				8				329,249
	Other long-term liabilities			19,753				58,823				109,806				(46	)			188,336
	Intercompany notes payables			(774,507	)			1,444,741				320,125				(990,359	)			—

	Total long-term liabilities			2,937,137				1,794,050				563,990				(990,397	)			4,304,780

	Stockholders’ equity			2,077,966				2,736,139				1,533,488				(4,269,627	)			2,077,966
	Non-controlling interests			—				—				4,882				—				4,882

	Total equity			2,077,966				2,736,139				1,538,370				(4,269,627	)			2,082,848

	Total liabilities and equity		$	5,865,218			$	4,917,132			$	2,690,803			$	(6,412,339	)		$	7,060,814


CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2012

(in thousands)



		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Guarantor
										Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	3,623			$	67,941			$	256,782			$	—			$	328,346
Restricted cash			—				1,680				1,396				—				3,076
Marketable securities			—				787				117				—				904
Accounts receivable, net of allowances			—				242,422				281,910				—				524,332
Inventories, net			—				142,465				203,178				(8,522	)			337,121
Deferred tax assets			12,193				39,613				13,126				2,790				67,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(20,636	)			100,385				65,520				(33	)			145,236
Intercompany receivables			298,812				1,247,637				58,561				(1,605,010	)			—

Total current assets			293,992				1,842,930				880,590				(1,610,775	)			1,406,737
Property, plant and equipment, net			2,679				293,635				238,707				(552	)			534,469
Goodwill			—				1,859,966				1,188,439				—				3,048,405
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives			—				14,600				21,851				—				36,451
Finite-lived intangible assets, net			24,701				1,168,307				641,217				—				1,834,225
Deferred financing costs, net and othernon-current assets			78,522				10,451				19,955				(71	)			108,857
Investments in subsidiaries			4,114,478				222,175				170,393				(4,507,046	)			—
Investments in unconsolidated entities			33,979				—				56,512				—				90,491
Deferred tax assets			—				782				7,511				—				8,293
Intercompany notes receivable			1,724,650				722,552				1,278				(2,448,480	)			—

Total assets		$	6,273,001			$	6,135,398			$	3,226,453			$	(8,566,924	)		$	7,067,928

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt		$	45,000			$	349			$	14,883			$	—			$	60,232
Current portion of capital lease obligations			—				3,217				3,467				—				6,684
Accounts payable			7,993				76,691				85,290				—				169,974
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(388,830	)			587,119				213,656				(26	)			411,919
Intercompany payables			557,578				803,879				243,553				(1,605,010	)			—

Total current liabilities			221,741				1,471,255				560,849				(1,605,036	)			648,809

Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion			3,617,068				374				11,233				—				3,628,675
Capital lease obligations, net of currentportion			—				5,417				7,500				—				12,917
Deferred tax liabilities			(5,329	)			332,912				100,692				(87	)			428,188
Other long-term liabilities			17,678				72,901				76,127				(71	)			166,635
Intercompany notes payables			241,421				1,630,376				576,684				(2,448,481	)			—

Total long-term liabilities			3,870,838				2,041,980				772,236				(2,448,639	)			4,236,415

Stockholders’ equity			2,180,422				2,622,163				1,891,086				(4,513,249	)			2,180,422
Non-controlling interests			—				—				2,282				—				2,282

Total equity			2,180,422				2,622,163				1,893,368				(4,513,249	)			2,182,704

Total liabilities and equity		$	6,273,001			$	6,135,398			$	3,226,453			$	(8,566,924	)		$	7,067,928



Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)


			Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
			Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net income (loss)		$	(70,278	)		$	57,531			$	85,639			$	(143,170	)		$	(70,278	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Equity (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax			(144,941	)			2,948				—				141,993				—
	Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			17,704				311				76				—				18,091
	Depreciation and amortization			5,864				254,280				179,405				(119	)			439,430
	Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition			—				—				2,504				—				2,504
	Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			8,792				5,158				7,260				—				21,210
	Impairment of inventory			—				26				311				—				337
	Impairment of long-lived assets			—				5,076				1,237				—				6,313
	Impairment of intangible assets			—				2,596				686				—				3,282
	Loss on sale of fixed assets			—				2,175				1,145				—				3,320
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(1,890	)			—				(15,470	)			(83	)			(17,443	)
	Deferred income taxes			(31,624	)			(11,824	)			(59,579	)			(620	)			(103,647	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt			35,603				—				—				—				35,603
	Loss on disposition			—				—				5,124				—				5,124
	Bargain purchase gain			—				—				(8,023	)			—				(8,023	)
	Other non-cash items			5,202				(239	)			3,631				—				8,594
	Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
	Accounts receivable, net			—				3,640				(40,089	)			—				(36,449	)
	Inventories, net			—				(51,377	)			(28,980	)			2,054				(78,303	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(572,703	)			508,894				54,448				(2,907	)			(12,268	)
	Accounts payable			4,591				(9,185	)			17,620				—				13,026
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			492,996				(423,164	)			(20,391	)			2,907				52,348
	Other non-current liabilities			(12,289	)			(16,715	)			4,847				24				(24,133	)
	Cash paid for contingent consideration			(12,437	)			—				(1,424	)			—				(13,861	)
	Intercompany payable (receivable)			410,392				(251,359	)			(159,037	)			4				—

	Net cash provided by operating activities			134,982				78,772				30,940				83				244,777

	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Increase in restricted cash			(2,221	)			(1,236	)			(28,943	)			—				(32,400	)
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(12,289	)			(54,826	)			(69,946	)			14,895				(122,166	)
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			—				5,186				12,875				(14,441	)			3,620
	Cash received from disposition			—				—				29,000				—				29,000
	Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(166,772	)			—				(9,359	)			—				(176,131	)
	Cash received (paid) from sales (purchases) of marketable securities			—				(66	)			107				—				41
	Cash received from equity method investments			1,960				—				27,384				(6	)			29,338
	(Increase) decrease in other assets			15,269				(5,788	)			906				(24	)			10,363

	Net cash used in investing activities			(164,053	)			(56,730	)			(37,976	)			424				(258,335	)

	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Cash paid for financing costs			(9,845	)			—				—				—				(9,845	)
	Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration			(41,371	)			—				(1,006	)			—				(42,377	)
	Cash paid for dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			20,863				—				—				—				20,863
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			425,000				989				33,962				—				459,951
	Payments on long-term debt			(461,845	)			(1,288	)			(8,413	)			—				(471,546	)
	Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities			147,500				—				(8,537	)			—				138,963
	Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			193				200				68				—				461
	Principal payments on capital lease obligations			—				(3,813	)			(3,255	)			—				(7,068	)
	Other			(18,953	)			—				(165	)			—				(19,118	)

	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			40,249				(3,912	)			12,654				—				48,991

Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents			—				(618	)			(746	)			(507	)			(1,871	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			11,178				17,512				4,872				—				33,562
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			3,623				67,941				256,782				—				328,346

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	14,801			$	85,453			$	261,654			$	—			$	361,908


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	(77,907	)		$	123,373			$	25,727			$	(149,100	)		$	(77,907	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax			(148,394	)			1,574				—				146,820				—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			21,213				277				—				—				21,490
Depreciation and amortization			7,961				266,310				182,597				(21	)			456,847
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition			—				1,400				3,281				—				4,681
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			4,247				5,486				5,932				—				15,665
Impairment of inventory			—				5				290				—				295
Impairment of long-lived assets			—				2,903				586				—				3,489
Impairment of intangible assets			—				2,988				—				—				2,988
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets			4				(2,672	)			517				—				(2,151	)
Gain on sales of marketable securities			(751	)			—				—				—				(751	)
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(2,205	)			—				(10,952	)			(88	)			(13,245	)
Deferred income taxes			20,500				(80,252	)			(23,854	)			(962	)			(84,568	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt			23,235				—				—				—				23,235
Other non-cash items			(1,001	)			908				7,429				—				7,336
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net			—				(1,641	)			(20,524	)			—				(22,165	)
Inventories, net			—				(6,001	)			(13,692	)			2,902				(16,791	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(454,780	)			357,898				(731	)			95,087				(2,526	)
Accounts payable			1,289				3,551				(14,967	)			—				(10,127	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			346,511				(226,905	)			35,891				(95,081	)			60,416
Other non-current liabilities			(12,373	)			(134	)			(22,966	)			(70	)			(35,543	)
Cash paid for contingent consideration			(10,911	)			(74	)			—				—				(10,985	)
Intercompany payable (receivable)			413,479				(405,459	)			(6,858	)			(1,162	)			—

Net cash provided by operating activities			130,117				43,535				147,706				(1,675	)			319,683

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Decrease in restricted cash			—				12				5,899				—				5,911
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(2,061	)			(91,898	)			(109,396	)			65,962				(137,393	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			—				22,860				65,747				(66,217	)			22,390
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(403,552	)			1,899				(22,933	)			—				(424,586	)
Cash received from sales of marketable securities			2,784				269				3				—				3,056
Cash received from equity method investments			1,470				—				11,237				—				12,707
Increase in other assets			(53,189	)			(1,051	)			(2,106	)			70				(56,276	)

Net cash used in investing activities			(454,548	)			(67,909	)			(51,549	)			(185	)			(574,191	)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs			(10,139	)			—				—				—				(10,139	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration			(20,116	)			(788	)			(60	)			—				(20,964	)
Cash paid for dividends			(21,293	)			—				—				—				(21,293	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			14,924				—				—				—				14,924
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			648,000				—				535				—				648,535
Payments on short-term debt			(6,240	)			—				—				—				(6,240	)
Payments on long-term debt			(300,155	)			(534	)			(10,923	)			—				(311,612	)
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities			22,500				(2	)			(8,226	)			—				14,272
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			176				303				25				—				504
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			—				(2,350	)			(4,653	)			—				(7,003	)
Purchase of non-controlling interest			—				—				(2,972	)			—				(2,972	)
Other			(12,267	)			—				—				—				(12,267	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			315,390				(3,371	)			(26,274	)			—				285,745

Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents			213				474				(4,611	)			1,860				(2,064	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(8,828	)			(27,271	)			65,272				—				29,173
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			12,451				95,212				191,510				—				299,173

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	3,623			$	67,941			$	256,782			$	—			$	328,346


CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)


		Issuer				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
		Issuer				Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)		$	(133,309	)			(281,955	)			303,125			$	(21,170	)		$	(133,309	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax			(23,524	)			(1,530	)			—				25,054				—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs			13,671				23,473				446				—				37,590
Depreciation and amortization			3,842				260,062				128,111				(439	)			391,576
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition			—				—				6,010				—				6,010
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense			5,776				8,390				7,049				—				21,215
Impairment of inventory			—				172				273				—				445
Impairment of long-lived assets			3				1,331				215				—				1,549
Impairment of goodwill			—				383,612				—				—				383,612
Impairment of intangible assets			—				2,935				3				—				2,938
Gain on sale of joint venture interest			(16,309	)			—				(272,587	)			—				(288,896	)
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets			75				1,655				(153	)			—				1,577
Gain on sales of marketable securities			—				—				(840	)			—				(840	)
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax			(1,952	)			—				(6,503	)			(69	)			(8,524	)
Deferred income taxes			35,012				(81,063	)			(8,754	)			(1,956	)			(56,761	)
Other non-cash items			(4,286	)			3,971				(11,932	)			—				(12,247	)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net			—				260				(39,668	)			—				(39,408	)
Inventories, net			—				(9,458	)			(9,035	)			(1,906	)			(20,399	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			72,955				(110,333	)			(15,737	)			—				(53,115	)
Accounts payable			(233	)			(11,454	)			18,672				—				6,985
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(231,949	)			203,333				42,898				—				14,282
Other non-current liabilities			35,109				1,636				(19,772	)			—				16,973
Intercompany payable (receivable)			(1,512,567	)			1,015,286				497,281				—				—

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(1,757,686	)			1,410,323				619,102				(486	)			271,253

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash			—				48				(6,454	)			—				(6,406	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			20				(67,103	)			(65,880	)			431				(132,532	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			—				292				655				—				947
Cash received from disposition			—				—				11,491				—				11,491
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			(37,644	)			(163,379	)			(430,288	)			—				(631,311	)
Cash received from sales of marketable securities			—				145				9,057				—				9,202
Cash paid for equity method investments			(2,430	)			—				(119,473	)			—				(121,903	)
(Increase) decrease in other assets			(24,996	)			(7,913	)			6,379				(1,154	)			(27,684	)

Net cash used in investing activities			(65,050	)			(237,910	)			(594,513	)			(723	)			(898,196	)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs			(73,876	)			(804	)			—				—				(74,680	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration			(28,305	)			—				—				—				(28,305	)
Cash paid for dividends			(5,425	)			—				—				—				(5,425	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			37,886				—				—				—				37,886
Repurchase of preferred stock			(99,070	)			—				—				—				(99,070	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			2,100,000				1,238				(4,961	)			—				2,096,277
Payments on long-term debt			(10,126	)			(1,192,544	)			(4,784	)			—				(1,207,454	)
Net proceeds under revolving credit facilities			—				—				10,715				—				10,715
Repurchase of common stock			(184,867	)			—				—				—				(184,867	)
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			1,357				414				1,652				—				3,423
Principal payments on capital lease obligations			—				(2,372	)			(1,791	)			—				(4,163	)
Other			(4,053	)			—				(204	)			—				(4,257	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			1,733,521				(1,194,068	)			627				—				540,080

Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents			—				(38	)			(16,441	)			1,209				(15,270	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(89,215	)			(21,693	)			8,775				—				(102,133	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			101,666				116,905				182,735				—				401,306

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	12,451			$	95,212			$	191,510			$	—			$	299,173

Description_of_Business_and_Ba1

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation of Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	3
Joint venture ownership percentage with P&G	50.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Customer	Investment	Customer
	Investment	Customer	Investment
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange transaction losses	$4,000,000	$7,900,000	$22,900,000
Restricted cash - current	6,373,000	3,076,000	'
Restricted cash - non-current	29,370,000	'	'
Restricted cash	35,700,000	3,076,000	'
Deposit period of restricted cash	'2 years	'	'
Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment	120,900,000	109,700,000	83,700,000
Discount rates, Minimum	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Discount rates, Maximum	14.00%	15.00%	14.50%
Projected compound average revenue growth rates, Minimum	4.00%	3.00%	4.90%
Projected compound average revenue growth rates, Maximum	11.40%	8.10%	10.00%
Terminal value growth rates	'	'	4.00%
Multiples of revenue, Minimum	0.8	0.9	0.8
Multiples of revenue, Maximum	2.9	2.4	2.6
Multiples of EBITDA, Minimum	6.4	6.1	5.6
Multiples of EBITDA, Maximum	10.6	8.9	9.3
Required goodwill impairment charge	'	'	383,600,000
Impairment of long-lived tangible assets	6,313,000	3,489,000	1,549,000
Acquisition-related costs in general and administrative expense	3,100,000	9,700,000	11,500,000
Vesting period	'4 years	'	'
Granted vesting schedule	25.00%	'	'
Contractual term of stock option awards	'10 years	'	'
Advertising costs	11,800,000	22,600,000	9,900,000
Individual customer's accounts receivable balance in excess of ten percentage	0	0	0
Individual customer's accounts receivable balance in excess of ten percentage	0	0	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Terminal value growth rates	3.00%	3.00%	'
Concentration of credit risk	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Concentration of credit risk	10.00%	10.00%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Terminal value growth rates	4.00%	4.00%	'
Machinery, Laboratory Equipment and Tooling [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'1 year	'	'
Machinery, Laboratory Equipment and Tooling [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'15 years	'	'
Building [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'7 years	'	'
Building [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'61 years	'	'
Computer Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'1 year	'	'
Computer Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'10 years	'	'
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'2 years	'	'
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'16 years	'	'
Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	7.70%	9.40%	'
Impairment of long-lived tangible assets	'	'	0
Impairment of long-lived intangible assets	'	'	0
Health Information Solutions [Member] \| 2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	31,500,000	'	'
Health Information Solutions [Member] \| 2012 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	'	41,200,000	'
Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	30.20%	7.90%	13.50%
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| 2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	1,600,000,000	'	'
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| 2012 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	'	400,000,000	'
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| 2011 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	'	'	567,200,000
Consumer Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	45.50%	27.20%	53.50%
Consumer Diagnostics [Member] \| 2013 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	92,700,000	'	'
Consumer Diagnostics [Member] \| 2012 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	'	54,000,000	'
Consumer Diagnostics [Member] \| 2011 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value exceeding carrying value of net assets	'	'	$101,900,000

Other_Balance_Sheet_Informatio2

Other Balance Sheet Information - Components of Selected Captions in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventories, net:	'	'
Raw materials	$118,571	$99,498
Work-in-process	79,559	89,895
Finished goods	166,055	147,728
Inventories, net	364,185	337,121
Property, plant and equipment, net:	'	'
Machinery, laboratory equipment and tooling	436,231	416,311
Land and buildings	182,547	176,214
Leasehold improvements	56,193	45,654
Computer software and equipment	254,528	217,940
Furniture and fixtures	35,682	33,022
Property, plant and equipment, gross, Total	965,181	889,141
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-420,017	-354,672
Property, plant and equipment, net, Total	545,164	534,469
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:	'	'
Compensation and compensation-related	103,225	93,467
Royalty obligations	25,325	26,171
Deferred revenue	40,714	38,188
Income taxes payable	20,690	29,733
Other taxes payable	18,934	23,038
Acquisition-related obligations	97,484	79,286
Other	123,476	122,036
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, Total	$429,848	$411,919

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 23, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Nov. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 03, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

31-May-13

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Liberty Business [Member]

Arriva Medical LLC [Member]

Axis-Shield [Member]

Avee Laboratories Inc. [Member]

Other Acquisitions in 2011 [Member]

Other [Member]

Acquisitions 2011 [Member]

Other Acquisitions in 2012 [Member]

AmMed, Diagnostik and NationsHealth [Member]

BioNote [Member]

Cardio Selfcare [Member]

Pantech Proprietary [Member]

Mega Medika, Alere Health Services and Pantech [Member]

Standing Stone [Member]

Epocal [Member]

eScreen [Member]

Other [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

General and administrative expense related to acquisition

$3,100,000

$9,700,000

$11,500,000

Preliminary aggregate purchase price

79,500,000

388,800,000

120,500,000

198,500,000

199,500,000

248,500,000

295,000,000

57,550,000

Total cash payments

179,594,000

418,903,000

603,722,000

64,400,000

279,600,000

279,618,000

139,258,000

147,500,000

151,400,000

151,373,000

271,400,000

271,391,000

28,221,000

Acquisition date fair value investment

76,264,000

75,620,000

48,685,000

15,200,000

48,685,000

52,000,000

75,000,000

23,600,000

1,264,000

Settlement of pre-existing arrangements

39,588,000

22,100,000

22,088,000

17,500,000

Deferred purchase price consideration

768,000

4,170,000

768,000

Bargain purchase gain

8,023,000

8,000,000

8,023,000

Percentage of incremental ownership interest

51.00%

Interest in Pantech Proprietary Limited

90.00%

74.90%

80.92%

Total revenue related to acquisition

83,000,000

44,600,000

5,300,000

36,700,000

27,200,000

21,100,000

116,700,000

Goodwill

3,093,691,000

3,048,405,000

2,821,271,000

131,300,000

2,800,000

Goodwill deductible for tax purposes

32,800,000

8,800,000

Number of common stock acquired

806,452

25,463

Fair value of previously held equity investment

1,774,000

113,168,000

109,200,000

109,231,000

3,937,000

1,774,000

License and royalty revenue

27,229,000

28,576,000

23,473,000

1,800,000

Aggregate acquisition date fair value of common stock

1,000,000

Debt forgiveness fair value

$1,500,000

Percentage of incremental ownership interest

10.00%

Business_Combinations_Summary_

Business Combinations - Summary of Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Other [Member]	Epocal [Member]	Epocal [Member]	Other [Member]	eScreen [Member]	eScreen [Member]	Avee [Member]	Arriva [Member]	Axis-Shield [Member]	Axis-Shield [Member]	Other [Member]
Loans At Acquisition Date [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	$25,577	$47,305	$131,279	$13,615	$12,089	'	$13,488	$33,690	'	$10,197	$4,874	$92,666	'	$23,542
Property, plant and equipment	2,936	9,029	68,474	3,223	1,267	'	1,669	5,806	'	5,411	524	50,719	'	11,820
Goodwill	102,593	238,741	356,113	94,219	99,836	'	2,757	144,522	'	30,409	58,174	136,182	'	131,348
Intangible assets	215,580	325,223	416,624	121,223	164,400	'	51,180	204,000	'	76,400	27,400	233,370	'	79,454
Other non-current assets	17,252	19,146	32,717	9,363	17,223	'	29	9,783	'	'	1,196	18,512	'	13,009
Total assets acquired	363,938	639,444	1,005,207	241,643	294,815	'	69,123	397,801	'	122,417	92,168	531,449	'	259,173
Current liabilities	8,025	28,317	86,937	5,452	2,627	'	5,398	22,865	'	1,927	12,629	44,758	'	27,623
Non-current liabilities	49,902	116,604	128,354	36,659	43,727	'	6,175	79,945	'	'	'	97,842	'	30,512
Total liabilities assumed	57,927	144,921	215,291	42,111	46,354	'	11,573	102,810	'	1,927	12,629	142,600	'	58,135
Net assets acquired	306,011	494,523	787,416	199,532	248,461	'	57,550	294,991	'	120,490	79,539	388,849	'	198,538
Contingent consideration	76,264	75,620	48,685	52,020	75,000	75,000	1,264	23,600	23,600	'	'	'	'	48,685
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements	39,588	'	'	'	22,088	22,100	17,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of previously-held equity investment	1,774	'	113,168	'	'	'	1,774	'	'	'	'	109,231	109,200	3,937
Bargain purchase gain	8,023	'	'	'	'	'	8,023	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred purchase price consideration	768	'	4,170	'	'	'	768	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,170
Cash paid	179,594	418,903	603,722	147,512	151,373	151,400	28,221	271,391	271,400	120,490	64,356	279,618	279,600	139,258
Fair value of non-controlling interest	'	36,040	2,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,500
Fair value of common stock issued	'	'	16,183	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,183	'	'	1,000
Loan forgiveness	'	'	$1,488	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,488

Business_Combinations_Summary_1

Business Combinations - Summary of Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Acquisitions 2011 [Member]
Loans At Acquisition Date [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash acquired	$3.30	$3.80	$23.20

Business_Combinations_Intangib

Business Combinations - Intangible Assets Acquired and Their Respective Fair Values and Weighted Average Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	$215,580	$325,223	$416,624
In-Process Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	24,200	4,900	58,506
Avee [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	'	'	76,400
Arriva [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	'	'	27,400
Axis-Shield [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	'	'	233,370
Axis-Shield [Member] \| In-Process Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	58,132
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	'	'	79,454
Other [Member] \| In-Process Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	374
Epocal [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	164,400	'	'
Epocal [Member] \| In-Process Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	24,200	'	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	51,180	121,223	'
Other [Member] \| In-Process Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	4,900	'
eScreen [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total intangible assets	'	204,000	'
Core Technology and Patents [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	119,700	148,103	76,659
Weighted-average Useful Life	'20 years	'18 years 8 months 12 days	'10 years 1 month 6 days
Core Technology and Patents [Member] \| Axis-Shield [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	56,919
Core Technology and Patents [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	19,740
Core Technology and Patents [Member] \| Epocal [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	119,700	'	'
Core Technology and Patents [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	54,903	'
Core Technology and Patents [Member] \| eScreen [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	93,200	'
Software [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	2,154	'	7,400
Weighted-average Useful Life	'5 years 8 months 12 days	'	'10 years 10 months 24 days
Software [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	7,400
Software [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	2,154	'	'
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	20,580	19,390	14,197
Weighted-average Useful Life	'19 years 1 month 6 days	'18 years 3 months 18 days	'10 years 1 month 6 days
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Avee [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	1,700
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Arriva [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	1,000
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Axis-Shield [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	4,145
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	7,352
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Epocal [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	20,500	'	'
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	80	2,090	'
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] \| eScreen [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	17,300	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	42,510	136,485	243,725
Weighted-average Useful Life	'11 years 6 months	'18 years 1 month 6 days	'12 years 3 months 18 days
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Avee [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	71,500
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Arriva [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	23,000
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Axis-Shield [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	114,174
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	35,051
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	42,510	56,885	'
Customer Relationships [Member] \| eScreen [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	79,600	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	5,816	15,227	7,767
Weighted-average Useful Life	'3 years	'9 years 2 months 12 days	'15 years 7 months 6 days
Other [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	7,767
Other [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	5,816	1,327	'
Other [Member] \| eScreen [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	13,900	'
Non-Competition Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	1,118	8,306
Weighted-average Useful Life	'	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'5 years 3 months 18 days
Non-Competition Agreements [Member] \| Avee [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	3,200
Non-Competition Agreements [Member] \| Arriva [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	3,400
Non-Competition Agreements [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	1,706
Non-Competition Agreements [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	1,118	'
Database [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	64
Weighted-average Useful Life	'	'	'3 years
Database [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	'	'	64
License Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	620	'	'
Weighted-average Useful Life	'1 year 6 months	'	'
License Agreements [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	$620	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Core Technology and Patents [Member]

Supplier Relationships [Member]

Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]

License Agreements [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Manufacturing know-How [Member]

Other [Member]

Intangible Assets Other than Core Technology and Patents [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Gross Carrying Amount

$3,499,583

$3,356,068

$1,046,970

$941,940

$18,388

$18,629

$266,556

$252,028

$17,584

$17,507

$1,946,481

$1,910,752

$17,349

$15,332

$186,255

$199,880

$2,452,613

$2,414,128

Accumulated Amortization and Impairment Losses

1,814,972

1,521,843

397,306

326,044

16,087

15,862

142,993

116,571

13,088

11,126

1,128,421

930,542

10,684

9,607

106,393

112,091

1,417,666

1,195,799

Net Carrying Value

1,684,611

1,834,225

649,664

615,896

2,301

2,767

123,563

135,457

4,496

6,381

818,060

980,210

6,665

5,725

79,862

87,789

1,034,947

1,218,329

Weighted-average Useful Life

'14 years 9 months 18 days

'14 years 1 month 6 days

'9 years 3 months 18 days

'10 years 10 months 24 days

'10 years 3 months 18 days

'6 years 10 months 24 days

'4 years 6 months

'15 years 8 months 12 days

'15 years 9 months 18 days

'10 years 9 months 18 days

'12 years 2 months 12 days

'7 years 8 months 12 days

'7 years 4 months 24 days

Goodwill, Gross Carrying Amount

3,093,691

3,048,405

Other intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount

56,702

55,795

Total intangible assets with indefinite lives, Gross Carrying Value

3,150,393

3,104,200

Goodwill, Accumulated Amortization and Impairment Losses

Other intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization and Impairment Losses

19,344

Total intangible assets with indefinite lives, Accumulated Amortization and Impairment Losses

19,344

Goodwill, Net Carrying value

3,093,691

3,048,405

2,821,271

Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Value

56,702

36,451

Total intangible assets with indefinite lives, Net Carrying Value

$3,150,393

$3,084,856

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense of intangible assets	$318.40	$346.90	$307.70
Cost capitalized, net of amortization	$9.60	$9.70	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$272,516
2015	230,224
2016	200,310
2017	174,540
2018	$162,468

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill Amounts Allocated to Reporting Units (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning balance	$3,048,405	$2,821,271	'
Acquisitions	84,126	246,910	'
Fair value of non-controlling interest	'	-36,040	-2,500
Dispositions	-14,786	'	'
Other	-24,054	16,264	'
Goodwill ending balance	3,093,691	3,048,405	'
Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning balance	2,866,237	2,669,601	'
Acquisitions	87,677	222,306	'
Fair value of non-controlling interest	'	-36,040	'
Dispositions	-14,786	'	'
Other	-25,832	10,370	'
Goodwill ending balance	2,913,296	2,866,237	'
Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning balance	125,043	99,759	'
Acquisitions	-3,551	24,604	'
Other	868	680	'
Goodwill ending balance	122,360	125,043	'
Consumer Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning balance	57,125	51,911	'
Other	910	5,214	'
Goodwill ending balance	$58,035	$57,125	'

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ba

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Balances Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

12-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

14-May-07

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

A Term Loans [Member]

B Term Loans [Member]

Incremental B-1 Term Loans [Member]

Incremental B-2 Term Loans [Member]

Revolving Line of Credit [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

3% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes [Member]

Other Lines of Credit [Member]

Other [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term debt, Total

$3,821,900

$3,688,907

$832,188

$878,438

$904,188

$913,438

$245,000

$247,500

$250,000

$195,050

$196,739

$200,000

$170,000

$22,500

$450,000

$1,809

$250,000

$425,000

$400,000

$392,933

$400,000

$150,000

$355

$31,957

$50,119

$3,593

Less: Current portion

-49,112

-60,232

Long-term debt, after discount, Total

$3,772,788

$3,628,675

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ba1

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Balances Outstanding (Parenthetical) (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

24-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

12-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

14-May-07

7.25% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

3% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term debt, Interest rate

7.25%

7.88%

6.50%

8.63%

9.00%

3.00%

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_In

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Interest Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	$251,706	$235,458	$199,283
Secured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	104,159	104,916	41,478
Former Secured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	'	'	53,841
7.25% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	33,906	1,994	'
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	137	44,994	22,291
6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	17,384	'	'
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	37,093	37,096	36,437
9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	54,043	41,474	40,248
3% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt issuance cost	$4,984	$4,984	$4,988

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_In1

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Interest Expense (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

24-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

12-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

14-May-07

Former Secured Credit Facility [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

3% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Long-term debt, Interest rate

7.25%

7.88%

6.50%

8.63%

9.00%

3.00%

Amortization fee

$2.60

$2.90

Loss in repurchase of senior notes

0.2

23.2

35.6

Termination of senior secured facility and interest rate swap agreement

29.7

Tender offer consideration and call premium amount

Loss in repurchase of senior notes

0.2

23.2

35.6

Whole payment made from proceeds

$12.30

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Jan. 14, 2009

Sep. 28, 2007

Mar. 28, 2012

Feb. 24, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 22, 2013

Mar. 28, 2012

Mar. 22, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Mar. 22, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

14-May-07

9-May-08

14-May-07

Dec. 31, 2013

24-May-13

12-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 24, 2013

31-May-13

Feb. 24, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Jan. 14, 2009

Sep. 28, 2007

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Letter of Credit [Member]

6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

Other Lines of Credit [Member]

Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Other [Member]

A Term Loans [Member]

B Term Loans [Member]

Incremental B-1 Term Loans [Member]

Incremental B-2 Term Loans [Member]

Delayed-Draw Term Loans [Member]

3% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes [Member]

Term Loan A, Delayed Draw Term Loans and Revolving Line of Credit [member]

Revolving Line of Credit [Member]

9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

Former Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Interest Rate Swap Contracts [Member]

7.25% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Secured Credit Facility Revolving Line-Of-Credit [Member]

8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

Period One [Member]

Period Two [Member]

Company Option [Member]

Period Three [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Period One [Member]

Period Two [Member]

Company Option [Member]

Period Three [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit

$250,000,000

$50,000,000

$2,550,000,000

Aggregate term loans amount under secured credit facility

2,300,000,000

925,000,000

Aggregate borrowings under term loans

3,821,900,000

3,688,907,000

425,000,000

355,000

31,957,000

50,119,000

3,593,000

832,188,000

878,438,000

904,188,000

913,438,000

245,000,000

247,500,000

250,000,000

195,050,000

196,739,000

200,000,000

150,000,000

400,000,000

392,933,000

450,000,000

1,809,000

250,000,000

400,000,000

Number of installments for repayments of term loans

'Eighteen consecutive quarterly installments

'Twenty-two consecutive quarterly installments

'Twenty-one consecutive quarterly installments

'Twenty consecutive quarterly installments

'Fifteen consecutive quarterly installments

Amount of periodic payment

7,812,500

2,312,500

625,000

500,000

3,750,000

Amount of final installment

484,375,000

874,125,000

236,875,000

190,000,000

243,750,000

Interest rate of debt instrument

6.50%

3.00%

9.00%

7.25%

7.88%

8.63%

Consolidated secured leverage ratio Base Rate

2.00%

2.75%

1.75%

2.50%

Consolidated secured leverage ratio Eurodollar Rate

3.00%

3.75%

2.75%

3.50%

Basis point reductions in interest rate margins

0.50%

Floor rate applicable to term loans based on Eurodollar rate

1.00%

Percentage of fee on the unused portion of revolving credit facility

0.50%

Lines of credit interest rate percentage

317.00%

425.00%

317.00%

Accrued interest

500,000

1,400,000

Total variable rate term loans

1,200,000,000

Notional amount of interest rate swap contracts

500,000,000

350,000,000

Period for which interest rate swap contract pays variable interest, LIBOR

'1 month

'3 months

Fixed rate of interest paid to counter parties

1.20%

4.85%

Extended period of interest rate swap

'2 years

Rate of extended interest rate swap

2.54%

Debt hedged by fixed interest rate derivatives

350,000,000

500,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Jun-20

15-May-16

28-Sep-07

1-Jul-18

1-Feb-16

1-Oct-18

Amount paid to terminate the interest rate swap contracts

10,100,000

Initial offering price

100.00%

96.87%

100.00%

Net proceeds from public offering

417,700,000

379,500,000

443,200,000

240,000,000

393,000,000

Net underwriter's commissions

7,300,000

8,000,000

6,800,000

3,700,000

7,000,000

Net proceeds from public offering

200,600,000

267,400,000

Redemption of remaining outstanding principal

190,600,000

248,200,000

Repayments of revolving line of credit

170,000,000

Percentage of redemption premium for period one

3.63%

Percentage of redemption premium for period two

1.81%

Percentage of redemption premium for period three

0.00%

Percentage of aggregate principal amount redeemed

35.00%

99.30%

35.00%

Percentage of aggregate principal amount redeemed paid

106.50%

107.25%

108.63%

Period of redemption of notes

'90 days

Percentage of aggregate principal amount outstanding

65.00%

Percentage of aggregate of principal amount to be sold

101.00%

Percentage of purchase price of aggregate principal amount

100.00%

Original issue discount

1,450,000

12,500,000

6,300,000

Remaining outstanding principal amount

209,400,000

1,800,000

Percentage of redemption premium

3.25%

1.63%

10.00%

0.00%

4.31%

2.16%

35.00%

0.00%

Percentage of principal amount used for redemption price

103.00%

Debt instrument redemption period start date

15-Jun-16

1-Oct-14

Debt instrument redemption description

'The premium declines from 3.250% during the twelve months on and after June 15, 2016 to 1.625% during the twelve months on and after June 15, 2017 to zero on and after June 15, 2018

'The premium declines from 4.313% during the twelve months on and after October 1, 2014 to 2.156% during the twelve months on and after October 1, 2015 to zero on and after October 1, 2016

Accrued interest expense

600,000

8,600,000

Percentage of outstanding principal amount

47.70%

3% Senior subordinated convertible notes, due

'2016

Initial conversion price

$52.30

$43.98

Senior subordinated convertible notes

1.1

3.4

2.9

Percentage of unconverted principal amount to be repurchased

100.00%

Lines of credit borrowed

6,100,000

Aggregate outstanding principal amount

400,000

Interest expense

$255,656,000

$240,560,000

$203,971,000

$2,500,000

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Matur

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Maturities of Long-Term Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$49,112	'
2015	75,211	'
2016	1,111,700	'
2017	1,305,717	'
2018	851,238	'
Thereafter	430,372	'
Long-term Debt, Total	3,823,350	3,688,907
Less: Original issue discounts	-1,450	'
Total debt after discount	$3,821,900	$3,688,907

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Marketable securities	$858	$904
Total assets	858	904
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration obligations	213,969	176,172
Total liabilities	213,969	176,172
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Marketable securities	858	904
Total assets	858	904
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration obligations	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Total assets	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration obligations	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration obligations	213,969	176,172
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Marketable securities	'	'
Total assets	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Contingent consideration obligations	213,969	176,172
Total liabilities	$213,969	$176,172

Fair_Value_Measurements_Change

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Obligations (Detail) (Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'
Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, January 1, 2013	$176,172
Acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration obligations recorded	76,268
Net reclassifications	-12
Foreign currency adjustments	-51
Payments	-56,432
Present value accretion	14,591
Adjustments, net (income) expense	3,433
Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, December 31, 2013	$213,969

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated fair value of our long-term debt	$3,800,000,000	$3,700,000,000
Long-term debt, Total	$3,823,350,000	$3,688,907,000

Capital_Leases_Schedule_of_Fut

Capital Leases - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments with Present Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$6,855	'
2015	6,551	'
2016	3,485	'
2017	1,883	'
2018	1,273	'
Thereafter	1,215	'
Total future minimum lease payments	21,262	'
Less: Imputed interest	'	'
Present value of future minimum lease payments	21,262	'
Less: Current portion	-6,855	-6,684
Net Present value of future minimum lease payments	$14,407	$12,917

Capital_Leases_Capitalized_Amo

Capital Leases - Capitalized Amounts of Building, Machinery Equipment Computer Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital leased assets, Gross, Total	$36,725
Less: Accumulated amortization	-9,785
Capital leased assets, Net, Total	26,940
Machinery, Laboratory Equipment and Tooling [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital leased assets, Gross, Total	32,256
Computer Equipment [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital leased assets, Gross, Total	3,506
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital leased assets, Gross, Total	890
Vehicles [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital leased assets, Gross, Total	73
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital leased assets, Gross, Total	'

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_A

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Two Thousand and Fourteen [Member]	Two Thousand and Fourteen [Member]	Employee Savings Plans [Member]	Employee Savings Plans [Member]	Employee Savings Plans [Member]
				USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total matching contributions related to employee savings plans	'	'	'	'	'	$9,400,000	$8,800,000	$7,600,000
Net amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets	4,300,000	4,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost	416,000	422,000	427,000	400,000	'	'	'	'
Contribution of stock to defined benefit plan	74.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution of fixed income securities to defined benefit plan	26.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit plan	'	'	'	1,000,000	600,000	'	'	'
Expected benefits to be paid in next five years, Minimum	300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected benefits to be paid in next five years, Maximum	400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Target allocation for the plan assets	70.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution of Unipath limited to defined contribution plan	$300,000	$400,000	$300,000	'	'	'	'	'

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_C

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Changes in Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status and Amounts Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in projected benefit obligation	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$18,340	$14,966	'
Interest cost	754	742	773
Actuarial loss	2,202	2,211	'
Benefits paid	-232	-417	'
Foreign exchange impact	508	838	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	21,572	18,340	14,966
Change in plan assets	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	14,043	11,272	'
Actual return on plan assets	2,084	1,634	'
Employer contribution	904	916	'
Benefits paid	-232	-417	'
Foreign exchange impact	427	638	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	17,226	14,043	11,272
Funded status	-4,346	-4,297	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	$21,572	$18,340	'

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_A1

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of net loss	($199)	($114)	($32)
Amortization of prior service cost	-416	-422	-427
Net actuarial gains	832	'	'
Foreign exchange impact	181	'	'
Total	$398	'	'

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_A2

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Net actuarial loss	$4,846	$4,098
Prior service costs	4,404	4,754
Net amount recognized	$9,250	$8,852

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_W

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'
Discount rate	4.40%	4.30%
Rate of compensation increase	4.15%	3.65%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:	'	'
Discount rate	4.30%	4.90%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.15%	5.40%
Rate of compensation increase	3.65%	3.75%

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_N

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	'	'	'
Interest cost	754	742	773
Expected return on plan assets	-713	-636	-731
Amortization of net loss	199	114	32
Amortization of prior service cost	416	422	427
Curtailment loss (gain)	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$656	$642	$501

Postretirement_Benefit_Plans_F

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$17,226	$14,043	$11,272
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	17,226	14,043	'
U.K. Equities [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	6,000	4,808	'
Overseas Equities [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,995	2,532	'
U.S. Equities [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,003	2,219	'
Debt Securities - Corporate Bonds [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,402	4,286	'
Other - Cash [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$826	$198	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Effect of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Statement of Operations and in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) recognized	'	'	($1,187)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) recognized	'	'	($1,187)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Annual Rental Payments Under Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$47,611
2015	40,774
2016	36,386
2017	32,654
2018	28,045
Thereafter	45,743
Future minimum annual rent, total	$231,213

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Patient	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense relating to operating leases	$54	$51.20	$42.30
Number of patients for whom claim for damages filed for inadvertent disclosure of personally identifiable information	116,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Contractual Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Obligations Related to Certain Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	$394,856	'
Estimated Fair Value	213,969	176,172
Payments made during Period	56,432	'
TwistDx Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	11-Mar-10	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	35,600	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	124,027	'
Estimated Fair Value	45,502	25,100
Payments made during Period	680	'
Ionian Technologies Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	12-Jul-10	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	24,500	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	57,500	'
Estimated Fair Value	29,000	23,800
LDS [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	29-Aug-11	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	13,000	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	7,500	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2013	'
Estimated Fair Value	7,400	6,600
ROAR [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	22-Sep-11	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	5,463	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	12,600	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Estimated Fair Value	2,484	6,827
Payments made during Period	4,606	'
Wellogic [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	9-Dec-11	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	18,900	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	50,000	'
Estimated Fair Value	26,900	23,600
eScreen [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	2-Apr-12	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	44,500	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	19,300
MedApps [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	2-Jul-12	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	13,100	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	13,600	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Estimated Fair Value	8,200	15,900
Payments made during Period	7,600	'
Amedica [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	3-Jul-12	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	8,900	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	8,100	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2013	'
Estimated Fair Value	7,500	8,700
Payments made during Period	6,945	'
DiagnosisOne [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	31-Jul-12	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	22,300	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	33,000	'
Estimated Fair Value	26,600	24,300
Epocal [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	1-Feb-13	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	75,000	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	65,500	'
Estimated Fair Value	47,200	'
Payments made during Period	25,000	'
Other [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition Date	'Various	'
Acquisition Date Fair Value	58,877	'
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	23,029	'
Estimated Fair Value	13,183	22,045
Payments made during Period	$11,601	'
Minimum [Member] \| TwistDx Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Minimum [Member] \| Ionian Technologies Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Minimum [Member] \| Wellogic [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Minimum [Member] \| DiagnosisOne [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Minimum [Member] \| Epocal [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Minimum [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2014	'
Maximum [Member] \| TwistDx Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2025	'
Maximum [Member] \| Ionian Technologies Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2015	'
Maximum [Member] \| Wellogic [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2019	'
Maximum [Member] \| DiagnosisOne [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2017	'
Maximum [Member] \| Epocal [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2018	'
Maximum [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining Earn-out Period	'2016	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Contractual Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Obligations Related to Certain Acquisitions (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Earn-out period	'15 years

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Net Loss Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator:	'	'	'
Net loss	($70,278)	($77,907)	($133,309)
Preferred stock dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-22,049
Preferred stock repurchase	'	'	23,936
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	976	275	233
Net loss available to common stockholders	($92,547)	($99,475)	($131,655)
Denominator:	'	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	81,542	80,587	83,128
Net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($1.13)	($1.23)	($1.58)

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Pote

Net Loss Per Common Share - Potential Dilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	25,011	23,915	23,427
Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	10,879	10,234	9,446
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	4	4	162
Conversion Shares Related to 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	3,411	3,411	3,411
Conversion Shares Related to Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	27	27	27
Conversion Shares Related to Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	10,239	10,239	10,239
Common Stock Equivalents Related to the Settlement of Deferred Purchase Price Consideration [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	'	'	142
Common Stock Equivalents Related to the Settlement of a Contingent Consideration Obligation [Member]	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	451	'	'

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Pote1

Net Loss Per Common Share - Potential Dilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Conversion Shares Related to 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member])	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Conversion Shares Related to 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate of debt instrument	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	200,000,000	200,000,000	'
Common stock, par value	'	'	'	$0.00	$0.00	'
Common stock, shares issued	'	'	'	89,666,000	88,576,000	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	81,987,000	80,897,000	'
Common stock, shares available for future grant	'	'	'	12,600,000	'	'
Common stock, shares reserved for issuance under employee stock purchase plan	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'
Common stock, shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants	'	'	'	4,000	'	'
Long-term debt, Total	'	'	'	$3,821,900,000	$3,688,907,000	'
Preferred stock convertible into common stock, value	'	49,700,000	49,400,000	1,800,000	'	'
Aggregate liquidation preference	'	'	'	709,800,000	'	'
Preferred stock conversion price	'	'	'	$69.32	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	2,300,000	2,300,000	'
Series B preferred stock, par value	'	'	'	$0.00	$0.00	'
Series B preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	1,774,000	1,774,000	'
Percentage of conversion price of common stock	'	'	'	130.00%	'	'
Preferred stock convertible into common stock, shares	'	1,000,000	1,100,000	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased	7,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased, value	183,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock repurchased during the period average cost per share	'	$284.28	$269.84	'	'	'
Income from repurchase of preferred shares	'	'	'	'	'	-23,936,000
Common stock, shares available for future grant	'	'	'	'	'	7,200,000
Common stock, shares for future grant	'	'	'	1,100,000	1,000,000	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding	'	'	'	50,800,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of the options exercisable	'	'	'	23,600,000	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	'	4,500,000	1,300,000	17,100,000
Restricted stock unit granted	'	'	'	'	110,000	'
Restricted stock unit vested period	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'
Fair value of restricted stock unit	'	'	'	'	$18.37	'
Restricted stock unit, units underlying	'	'	'	5,000	'	'
Weighted average period	'	'	'	'1 year 5 months 23 days	'	'
Percentage of purchase price	'	'	'	85.00%	'	'
Common stock, shares issued employee stock option plan	'	'	'	2,500,000	'	'
3% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, Total	'	'	'	150,000,000	'	'
Interest rate of debt instrument	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'
Initial conversion price	'	'	'	$43.98	'	'
Senior subordinated convertible notes, convertible into common stock, shares	'	'	'	3,400,000	'	'
Conversion Shares Related to Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, Total	'	'	'	1,700,000	'	'
Initial conversion price	'	'	'	$61.49	'	'
Senior subordinated convertible notes, convertible into common stock, shares	'	'	'	27,647	'	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	'	'	'	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock issuable on conversion of preferred stock	'	'	'	10,200,000	'	'
Common stock repurchased	'	8,300	16,700	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased, value	'	300,000	600,000	'	'	'
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'
Series B preferred stock, repurchased	'	'	'	'	'	358,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issuable on conversion of preferred stock	'	'	'	10,200,000	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	2,300,000	'	'
Series B preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	1,800,000	'	'
Series B preferred stock outstanding with fair value	'	'	'	508,000,000	'	'
Liquidation preference per share	'	'	'	$400	'	'
Initial conversion price	'	'	'	$69.32	'	'
Senior subordinated convertible notes, convertible into common stock, shares	'	'	'	5.7703	'	'
Stock conversion agreement terms and conditions	'	'	'	'Closing sale price of our common stock for each of 20 or more trading days within any period of 30	'	'
Series B preferred stock accrues dividends	'	'	'	$12	'	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'
Series B preferred stock dividends	'	'	'	21,300,000	21,300,000	22,000,000
Aggregate liquidation preference	'	'	'	709,800,000	'	'
Series B preferred stock, repurchased	'	174,788	183,000	'	'	'
Income from repurchase of preferred shares	'	10,200,000	13,700,000	'	'	'
Employee Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares available for future grant	'	'	'	4,000,000	'	'
Stock Options and Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity awards outstanding	'	'	'	$49,400,000	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholder's Equity - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Beginning balance, shares	10,650
Granted, options	2,749
Exercised, options	-576
Canceled/expired/forfeited, options	-1,382
Ending balance, shares	11,441
Exercisable at December 31, options	6,799
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.51
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.64
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.40
Canceled/expired/forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.20
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.66
Exercisable at December 31, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$39.35

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Warrant Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance, Warrants	'	162	243
Exercised, shares	'	-158	-81
Ending balance, Warrants	4	4	162
Ending balance, exercise price	$50	'	'
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$14.44	$16
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$13.54	$19.15
Ending balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50	$50	$14.44
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance, exercise price	'	'	$13.54
Exercised, Exercise Price	'	'	$13.54
Ending balance, exercise price	'	'	$13.54
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance, exercise price	$50	$50	$50
Exercised, Exercise Price	'	$13.54	$24
Ending balance, exercise price	$50	$50	$50

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of2

Stockholder's Equity - Summary of Additional Information Related to Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Exercise Price	$50	'	'	'
Number of Shares	4	4	162	243
Weighted-average Remaining Contract Life	'2 years 6 months	'	'	'
Weighted-average Exercise Price	$50	$50	$14.44	$16

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$21,210	$15,665	$21,215
Benefit for income taxes	-4,190	-2,660	-4,560
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	17,020	13,005	16,655
Cost of Net Revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,126	1,063	1,508
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	4,053	3,150	3,862
Sales and Marketing [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	3,698	3,464	4,267
General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$12,333	$7,988	$11,578

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit from options	$461	$504	$3,423
Weighted average fair value	$15.22	$7.37	$10.95
Compensation expense	21,210	15,665	21,215
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$2,600	$2,700	$2,500
Expected volatility	'	40.00%	'
Risk-free interest rate	'	0.10%	'
Expected life	'	'122 days	'
Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected volatility	41.00%	47.00%	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.12%	0.15%	0.19%
Expected life	'184 days	'184 days	'184 days
Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected volatility	40.00%	44.00%	34.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.09%	0.06%	0.10%
Expected life	'181 days	'182 days	'181 days

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-Based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions for Stock Options on Date of Grant (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.47%	0.83%	1.31%
Expected dividend yield	'	'	'
Expected life	'5 years 8 months 27 days	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'5 years 5 months 16 days
Expected volatility	42.00%	42.00%	43.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cumulative Translation Adjustment, beginning balance	$31,517	($23,125)	$12,705
Period change, Cumulative Translation Adjustment	-50,166	54,642	-35,830
Cumulative Translation Adjustment, ending balance	-18,649	31,517	-23,125
Pension Liability Adjustment, Beginning balance	-7,583	-6,827	-5,209
Period change, Pension Liability Adjustment	-309	-756	-1,618
Pension Liability Adjustment, Ending balance	-7,892	-7,583	-6,827
Other, Beginning balance	-60	-318	-6,806
Period change, Other	39	258	6,488
Other, Ending balance	-21	-60	-318
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning Balance	23,874	-30,270	690
Period change, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-50,436	54,144	-30,960
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending Balance	($26,562)	$23,874	($30,270)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Income

Income Taxes - Summary of Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	($214,332)	($158,635)	($493,073)
Foreign	80,300	37,164	327,026
Loss before benefit for income taxes	($134,032)	($121,471)	($166,047)

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
NOL and capital loss carryforwards	$137,178	$117,091
Tax credit carryforwards	70,357	54,212
Nondeductible reserves	33,846	17,036
Nondeductible accruals	44,023	34,406
Difference between book and tax bases of tangible assets	989	1,059
Difference between book and tax bases of intangible assets	25,484	23,017
Deferred revenue	8,399	5,686
All other	32,669	30,071
Gross deferred tax asset	352,945	282,578
Less: Valuation allowance	-83,591	-68,555
Total deferred tax assets	269,354	214,023
Difference between book and tax bases of tangible assets	54,436	42,835
Difference between book and tax bases of intangible assets	442,729	482,955
Debt	18,041	25,541
Other	15,365	15,525
Total deferred tax liability	530,571	566,856
Net deferred tax liability	261,217	352,833
Deferred tax assets, current portion	60,689	67,722
Deferred tax assets, long-term	7,959	8,293
Deferred tax liabilities, current portion	-616	-660
Deferred tax liabilities, long-term	-329,249	-428,188
Net deferred tax liability	($261,217)	($352,833)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Domestic net operating loss and domestic capital loss carryforwards	$87,400,000	'	'	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	998,800,000	'	'	'
Foreign net operating loss and foreign capital loss carryforwards	254,700,000	'	'	'
Domestic R&D, foreign tax and AMT credits	70,400,000	'	'	'
NOL and foreign loss carryforwards expiration year, description	'Through 2033	'	'	'
NOL and foreign loss carryforwards expiration year	'2033	'	'	'
Foreign tax and alternative minimum tax credits expiration year, description	'Through 2033	'	'	'
Expiration period	'2033	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	83,591,000	68,555,000	'	'
Increase of valuation allowance	'	15,000,000	'	'
Increase in deferred tax rate	25.00%	25.00%	'	'
Income tax for one subsidiaries	15.00%	'	'	12.50%
Changes in tax benefit	1,000,000	'	'	'
Income tax for other subsidiaries	'	'	'	11.00%
Tax expense for reduced tax rate	1,400,000	1,000,000	500,000	'
Tax expense (if tax rate not reduced)	2,400,000	1,700,000	800,000	'
Earnings per share of reduced tax rate	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01	'
Increase in deferred tax rate	-6.00%	-9.00%	-2.00%	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	244,700,000	'	'	'
Income tax expense benefit favorable adjustment for correction of errors	'	'	7,000,000	'
Goodwill impairment allocated to goodwill deductible for tax purposes created deferred tax asset	0	0	35,300,000	'
Rate differential on foreign earnings	0.00%	-2.00%	42.00%	'
Impact related to gain recognized on proceeds received from P&G through the formation of SPD	'	'	42.00%	'
Impact related to foreign earnings taxed at rates	-2.00%	-2.00%	'	'
State income tax benefit	0.00%	3.00%	8.00%	'
Liability for income tax	6,900,000	'	'	'
Tax, total	25,900,000	'	'	'
Increase the liability foreign tax exposure certain restructurings	2,600,000	'	'	'
Increases for certain foreign permanent establishment exposures	2,400,000	'	'	'
Increase in liability for audit exposure	800,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefit	600,000	'	'	'
Certain tax credit carry forwards	1,300,000	'	'	'
Decrease relates to prior periods for research expenses and credits in foreign jurisdictions	900,000	'	'	'
Tax, total	25,916,000	19,005,000	9,531,000	6,160,000
Income tax liabilities reserves	600,000	6,236,000	'	'
Deferred income tax liabilities	22,800,000	'	'	'
Period of significant increase decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	'12 months	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	329,249,000	428,188,000	'	'
Interest and penalties	1,300,000	'	'	'
Accrued interest and penalties	1,900,000	'	'	'
Income tax audit by tax authorities, period description	'2006 through 2012	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Increase in deferred tax rate	25.00%	'	'	'
Changes in tax benefit	900,000	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	$900,000	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Our

Income Taxes - Components of Our Benefit for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	$5,523	$11,794	($1,229)
State	-546	9,500	4,193
Foreign	52,359	32,955	29,583
Total current	57,336	54,249	32,547
Federal	-75,021	-58,292	-27,109
State	1,102	-15,087	-23,720
Foreign	-29,728	-11,189	-5,932
Total deferred	-103,647	-84,568	-56,761
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	($46,311)	($30,319)	($24,214)

Income_taxes_Reconciliation_fr

Income taxes - Reconciliation from U.S. Statutory Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effect of goodwill impairment charge	'	'	-75.00%
Stock-based compensation	-2.00%	-2.00%	-2.00%
Rate differential on foreign earnings	0.00%	-2.00%	42.00%
Research and development	2.00%	'	1.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	'	3.00%	8.00%
Acquisition costs	'	-2.00%	-2.00%
Contingent consideration	-3.00%	6.00%	4.00%
Rate changes	5.00%	-2.00%	3.00%
Other permanent items	4.00%	1.00%	3.00%
Section 199 deduction	2.00%	'	'
Bargain purchase	2.00%	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	-6.00%	-9.00%	-2.00%
Foreign dividends, net	-2.00%	'	'
Uncertain tax positions	-2.00%	-3.00%	'
Effective tax rate	35.00%	25.00%	15.00%

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$19,005	$9,531	$6,160
Previously recorded tax reserves not included in disclosure	600	6,236	'
Additions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions	'	1,852	189
Additions for tax positions taken during current year	7,211	2,922	5,814
Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years	-900	-208	-26
Reductions for tax positions in current and prior year acquisitions	'	'	-1,922
Expiration of statutes of limitations or closure of tax audits	'	-1,328	-684
Ending Balance	$25,916	$19,005	$9,531

Financial_Information_by_Segme2

Financial Information by Segment - Performance of Our Operating Segments Based on Revenue and Operating Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	$3,029,442	$2,818,825	$2,386,527
Operating income (loss)	134,752	109,132	-252,855
Goodwill impairment charge	'	'	383,612
Depreciation and amortization	439,430	456,847	391,576
Restructuring charge	27,366	20,325	28,282
Stock-based compensation	21,210	15,665	21,215
Assets	7,060,814	7,067,928	6,672,701
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	122,166	137,393	132,532
Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	2,391,137	2,189,892	1,756,509
Operating income (loss)	256,087	243,080	248,097
Depreciation and amortization	348,635	355,957	277,102
Restructuring charge	12,606	11,124	13,949
Assets	5,744,734	6,214,847	5,826,756
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	86,415	90,568	81,774
Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	533,227	535,422	534,514
Operating income (loss)	-43,001	-73,432	-439,872
Goodwill impairment charge	'	'	383,612
Depreciation and amortization	85,330	96,427	108,383
Restructuring charge	14,760	9,203	13,194
Assets	504,645	593,172	624,305
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	23,312	41,960	46,850
Consumer Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	105,078	93,511	95,504
Operating income (loss)	12,122	12,707	10,442
Depreciation and amortization	4,330	3,455	5,375
Restructuring charge	'	'	-57
Assets	197,458	192,748	199,422
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	1,645	2,823	2,676
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-96,456	-73,223	-71,522
Depreciation and amortization	1,135	1,008	716
Restructuring charge	'	-2	1,196
Stock-based compensation	21,210	15,665	21,215
Assets	613,977	67,161	22,218
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	$10,794	$2,042	$1,232

Financial_Information_by_Segme3

Financial Information by Segment - Summary of Company's Net Revenue from Professional Diagnostics and Health Information Solutions Reporting Segments by Groups of Similar Products and Services (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	$3,002,213	$2,790,249	$2,363,054
License and royalty revenue	27,229	28,576	23,473
Net revenue	3,029,442	2,818,825	2,386,527
Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	2,366,204	2,165,216	1,736,172
License and royalty revenue	24,933	24,676	20,337
Net revenue	2,391,137	2,189,892	1,756,509
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Infectious Disease [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	723,213	615,950	564,983
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Toxicology [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	632,727	587,261	387,209
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Cardiology [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	463,281	503,534	518,746
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Diabetes [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	225,488	144,441	14,960
Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	321,495	314,030	250,274
Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	533,227	535,422	534,514
Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Condition and Case Management [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	215,160	218,378	237,938
Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Wellness [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	101,642	104,634	104,868
Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Women's & Children's Health [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	113,506	120,259	114,287
Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Patient Self-testing Services [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales and services revenue	$102,919	$92,151	$77,421

Financial_Information_by_Segme4

Financial Information by Segment - Summary of Revenue and Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	$3,029,442	$2,818,825	$2,386,527
Long-Lived Tangible Assets	545,164	534,469	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	1,858,775	1,724,704	1,453,160
Long-Lived Tangible Assets	306,300	295,786	'
Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	509,644	483,857	396,480
Elsewhere [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenue	661,023	610,264	536,887
Long-Lived Tangible Assets	168,980	169,478	'
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-Lived Tangible Assets	39,599	37,928	'
China [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-Lived Tangible Assets	$30,285	$31,277	'

Other_Arrangements_Additional_

Other Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Gates Foundation [Member]	Gates Foundation [Member]	Gates Loan Agreement [Member]	Gates Loan Agreement [Member]
Agreements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from grant awarded	'	'	$21,600,000	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount of subordinated term loan	'	'	'	'	'	20,600,000
Loan bearing interest rate	'	'	'	'	3.00%	'
Maturity date	'	'	'	'	31-Dec-19	'
Cash received from grant-related funding	'	'	'	7,900,000	'	'
Qualified expenditures	'	'	'	6,600,000	'	'
Amount borrowed under agreement	$3,823,350,000	$3,688,907,000	'	'	$0	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

31-May-07

Sales Revenue Goods [Member]

Sales Revenue Services [Member]

Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Amount for purchasing securities

$1,000,000

Joint venture ownership percentage with P&G

50.00%

Net receivable from joint venture

2,100,000

2,300,000

Restructuring charges

27,366,000

20,325,000

28,282,000

1,800,000

1,600,000

1,018,000

Long-term receivables cost related to restructuring plan

13,200,000

14,600,000

Customer receivables associated with revenue earned after SPD was completed have been classified as other receivables

12,400,000

6,900,000

Revenue from joint venture

78,000,000

63,600,000

71,200,000

1,300,000

1,100,000

Trade receivables from joint venture

9,400,000

7,300,000

Trade payable to joint venture

18,800,000

21,300,000

Cash (return of investment) from SPD

$28,000,000

$11,200,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Rel

Related Party Transactions - Related Party Balances with SPD within Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$548,729	$524,332
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	129,672	145,236
Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	84,073	108,857
Accounts payable	187,371	169,974
Related Party Transaction [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	9,436	7,317
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,417	9,161
Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	13,249	14,629
Accounts payable	$18,811	$21,258

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Sets Forth Activities in Accounts Receivable Reserve Accounts (Detail) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$36,396	$24,577	$20,381
Provision	70,267	43,731	23,614
Amounts Charged Against Reserves	-30,020	-31,912	-19,418
Ending balance	$76,643	$36,396	$24,577

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou3

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - Sets Forth Activities in Inventory Reserve Accounts (Detail) (Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$21,822	$13,609	$12,308
Provision	3,323	13,587	6,144
Amounts Charged Against Reserves	-3,671	-5,374	-4,843
Ending balance	$21,474	$21,822	$13,609

Restructuring_Activities_Aggre

Restructuring Activities - Aggregate Charges Associated with Restructuring Plans Recorded in Operating Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$27,366	$20,325	$28,282
Cost of Net Revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	7,865	3,113	2,915
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,795	1,278	433
Sales and Marketing [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	2,771	2,504	4,954
General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	14,935	13,430	19,980
Total Operating Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	27,366	20,325	28,282
Interest Expense, Including Amortization of Original Issue Discounts and Deferred Financing Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	311	277	280
Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Entities, Net of Tax [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	580
Total Charges [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$27,677	$20,602	$29,142

Restructuring_Activities_Restr

Restructuring Activities - Restructuring Activities Related to Restructuring Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			72 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$27,366	$20,325	$28,282	'
Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	12,502	10,919	15,494	'
Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	11,223	2,667	7,691	'
Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	311	277	280	'
Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,800	1,600	1,018	'
Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	60	'
Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	958	'
Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	12,606	11,124	13,949	'
Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	14,760	9,203	13,194	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	-2	1,196	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	10,450	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	7,126	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	2,581	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	9,707	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	743	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	9,021	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	3,267	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	2,955	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	17	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	6,239	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,089	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Intangible Asset Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	2,596	'	'	'
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Other Non-Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-903	'	'	'
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-460	5,155	'	4,695
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-542	4,732	'	4,190
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	82	119	'	201
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-460	4,851	'	4,391
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	304	'	304
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	5,934	9,940	'	15,874
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	2,362	3,045	'	5,407
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	4,271	1,234	'	5,505
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	179	15	'	194
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	6,812	4,294	'	11,106
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	75	2,689	'	2,764
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Intangible Asset Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	2,988	'	2,988
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Other Non-Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-953	-31	'	-984
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	2,675	6,102	13,979	57,471
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	289	3,145	12,047	25,846
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,334	2,121	1,310	13,727
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	58	132	88	4,608
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,681	5,398	13,445	44,181
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	308	704	534	12,540
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Intangible Asset Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	686	'	'	686
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member] \| Other Non-Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	64
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	57	-592	13,387	20,290
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	2,254	6,901
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	-807	6,381	8,010
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	57	130	192	569
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	57	-677	8,827	15,480
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	85	864	1,114
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Intangible Asset Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	2,935	2,935
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member] \| Other Non-Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	761	761
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	-3	1,196	1,193
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	-3	1,193	1,190
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	-3	1,193	1,190
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	3	3
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	580	16,111
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	30	5,797
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	479	5,396
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	283
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Cash Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	509	11,476
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member] \| Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	$71	$4,635

Restructuring_Activities_Addit

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Restructuring reserve accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$7.90
Restructuring reserve other long-term liabilities	3.2
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Cash charges remain unpaid	5.9
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Additional costs	0.4
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Additional costs	2.9
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Cash charges remain unpaid	3
2012 Restructuring Plans [Member] \| Health Information Solutions [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Additional costs	0.4
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Cash charges remain unpaid	2.2
Percentage of restructuring charges included in equity earnings	50.00%
Restructuring Plans Prior to 2012 [Member] \| Professional Diagnostics [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Additional costs	$0.90

Restructuring_Activities_Cash_

Restructuring Activities - Cash Activity for Restructuring Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	$6,218	$9,188	$9,703
Cash charges	27,366	20,325	28,282
Payments	-19,005	-16,835	-24,648
Currency adjustments	-102	2	-350
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	11,147	6,218	9,188
Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash charges	1,800	1,600	1,018
Severance-Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	3,167	3,380	1,987
Cash charges	12,502	10,919	15,494
Payments	-12,847	-11,118	-13,923
Currency adjustments	-114	-14	-238
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	2,708	3,167	3,380
Severance-Related Costs [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash charges	'	'	60
Facility and Transition Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	2,429	5,215	4,258
Cash charges	11,223	2,667	7,691
Payments	-5,834	-5,469	-7,592
Currency adjustments	12	16	-100
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	7,830	2,429	5,215
Facility and Transition Costs [Member] \| Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash charges	'	'	958
Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	622	593	3,458
Cash charges	311	277	280
Payments	-324	-248	-3,133
Currency adjustments	'	'	-12
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	$609	$622	$593

Restructuring_Activities_Cash_1

Restructuring Activities - Cash Activity for Restructuring Reserves (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Percentage of charge borne by SPD	100.00%

Equity_Investments_Additional_

Equity Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	$17,443	$13,245	$8,524
Ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
Swiss Precision Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	15,000	10,700	5,900
Ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
TechLab [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	$2,000	$2,300	$2,000
Ownership percentage	49.00%	'	'

Equity_Investments_Financial_I

Equity Investments - Financial Information for SPD and Techlab on Combined Condensed Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net revenue	$203,115	$212,955	$232,857
Gross profit	152,698	139,694	146,466
Net income after taxes	$34,079	$26,056	$15,922

Equity_Investments_Financial_I1

Equity Investments - Financial Information for SPD and Techlab on Combined Condensed Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'
Current assets	$63,985	$79,842
Non-current assets	38,541	38,991
Total assets	102,526	118,833
Current liabilities	38,053	45,084
Non-current liabilities	6,175	6,791
Total liabilities	$44,228	$51,875

Loss_on_Disposition_Additional

Loss on Disposition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Cash proceeds from sale of disposal group	$33.40	'
Loss from sale of disposal group	'	$5.10

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	$206.30	$205	$164.70
Cash paid for income taxes	49.1	31.9	47.8
Change in fair market value of interest rate swap agreement recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	$7.30

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Common Stock in Connection with Certain Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition Actual Revenue And Pre Tax Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Common Stock Issued, Value	$1,243	$16,184
Arriva Medical LLC [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition Actual Revenue And Pre Tax Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Date of Acquisition	'	23-Nov-11
Common Stock Issued, Shares	'	806,452
Common Stock Issued, Value	'	15,183
Pregnancy.org, LLC [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition Actual Revenue And Pre Tax Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Date of Acquisition	'	28-Jan-11
Common Stock Issued, Shares	'	25,463
Common Stock Issued, Value	'	$1,000

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa4

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Common Stock in Connection with Settlement of an Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration Obligation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration obligation, Fair value	$1,243	$16,184
Mologic [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration obligation, Shares	66,666	'
Contingent consideration obligation, Fair value	$1,243	'

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 11, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

7.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate of debt instrument

7.25%

8.63%

6.50%

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio3

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales	$2,072,463	$1,913,731	$1,683,132
Services revenue	929,750	876,518	679,922
Net product sales and services revenue	3,002,213	2,790,249	2,363,054
License and royalty revenue	27,229	28,576	23,473
Net revenue	3,029,442	2,818,825	2,386,527
Cost of net product sales	1,028,520	932,150	795,424
Cost of services revenue	491,420	450,999	338,232
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	1,519,940	1,383,149	1,133,656
Cost of license and royalty revenue	7,763	7,354	7,036
Cost of net revenue	1,527,703	1,390,503	1,140,692
Gross profit (loss)	1,501,739	1,428,322	1,245,835
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	160,802	183,001	150,165
Sales and marketing	639,834	643,423	565,583
General and administrative	561,227	492,766	399,330
Goodwill impairment charge	'	'	383,612
Loss on disposition	5,124	'	'
Operating income (loss)	134,752	109,132	-252,855
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-255,656	-240,560	-203,971
Other income (expense), net	-13,128	9,957	1,883
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	288,896
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-134,032	-121,471	-166,047
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-46,311	-30,319	-24,214
Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-87,721	-91,152	-141,833
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	17,443	13,245	8,524
Net income (loss)	-70,278	-77,907	-133,309
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	976	275	233
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-71,254	-78,182	-133,542
Preferred stock dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-22,049
Preferred stock repurchase	'	'	23,936
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	-92,547	-99,475	-131,655
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales	-188,028	-143,877	-127,821
Net product sales and services revenue	-188,028	-143,877	-127,821
License and royalty revenue	-13,039	-8,230	-5,959
Net revenue	-201,067	-152,107	-133,780
Cost of net product sales	-166,165	-134,496	-129,680
Cost of services revenue	-19,984	-6,059	'
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	-186,149	-140,555	-129,680
Cost of license and royalty revenue	-13,038	-8,229	-5,959
Cost of net revenue	-199,187	-148,784	-135,639
Gross profit (loss)	-1,880	-3,323	1,859
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,880	-3,323	1,859
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	34,219	48,414	62,347
Other income (expense), net	-34,219	-48,414	-62,347
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-1,880	-3,323	1,859
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-620	-955	-1,956
Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-1,260	-2,368	3,815
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	-141,993	-146,820	-25,054
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	83	88	69
Net income (loss)	-143,170	-149,100	-21,170
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-143,170	-149,100	-21,170
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	-143,170	-149,100	-21,170
Issuer [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost of net product sales	4,459	6,040	3,651
Cost of services revenue	47	'	'
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	4,506	6,040	3,651
Cost of net revenue	4,506	6,040	3,651
Gross profit (loss)	-4,506	-6,040	-3,651
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	21,972	24,593	20,182
Sales and marketing	6,340	4,414	4,091
General and administrative	75,185	52,079	48,891
Operating income (loss)	-108,003	-87,126	-76,815
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-252,791	-236,320	-156,948
Other income (expense), net	-10,759	-16,655	-8,813
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	16,309
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-371,553	-340,101	-226,267
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-154,444	-111,595	-67,482
Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-217,109	-228,506	-158,785
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	144,941	148,394	23,524
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	1,890	2,205	1,952
Net income (loss)	-70,278	-77,907	-133,309
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-70,278	-77,907	-133,309
Preferred stock dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-22,049
Preferred stock repurchase	'	'	23,936
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	-91,571	-99,200	-131,422
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales	894,644	869,912	900,853
Services revenue	852,121	811,625	613,310
Net product sales and services revenue	1,746,765	1,681,537	1,514,163
License and royalty revenue	20,611	18,848	10,280
Net revenue	1,767,376	1,700,385	1,524,443
Cost of net product sales	486,410	421,403	410,903
Cost of services revenue	475,737	426,599	312,098
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	962,147	848,002	723,001
Cost of license and royalty revenue	69	36	3
Cost of net revenue	962,216	848,038	723,004
Gross profit (loss)	805,160	852,347	801,439
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	67,501	71,512	69,292
Sales and marketing	329,648	346,620	336,297
General and administrative	269,409	253,985	228,871
Goodwill impairment charge	'	'	383,612
Operating income (loss)	138,602	180,230	-216,633
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-25,892	-39,575	-100,636
Other income (expense), net	22,210	40,480	54,186
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	134,920	181,135	-263,083
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	74,441	56,188	20,402
Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	60,479	124,947	-283,485
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	-2,948	-1,574	1,530
Net income (loss)	57,531	123,373	-281,955
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	57,531	123,373	-281,955
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	57,531	123,373	-281,955
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales	1,365,847	1,187,696	910,100
Services revenue	77,629	64,893	66,612
Net product sales and services revenue	1,443,476	1,252,589	976,712
License and royalty revenue	19,657	17,958	19,152
Net revenue	1,463,133	1,270,547	995,864
Cost of net product sales	703,816	639,203	510,550
Cost of services revenue	35,620	30,459	26,134
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	739,436	669,662	536,684
Cost of license and royalty revenue	20,732	15,547	12,992
Cost of net revenue	760,168	685,209	549,676
Gross profit (loss)	702,965	585,338	446,188
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	71,329	86,896	60,691
Sales and marketing	303,846	292,389	225,195
General and administrative	216,633	186,702	121,568
Loss on disposition	5,124	'	'
Operating income (loss)	106,033	19,351	38,734
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-11,192	-13,079	-8,734
Other income (expense), net	104,481	34,546	18,857
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	272,587
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	34,312	40,818	321,444
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	70,169	26,043	24,822
Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	'	14,775	296,622
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	15,470	'	'
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	15,470	10,952	6,503
Net income (loss)	85,639	25,727	303,125
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	976	275	233
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	84,663	25,452	302,892
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$84,663	$25,452	$302,892

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio4

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($70,278)	($77,907)	($133,309)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-50,166	54,642	-35,830
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities	'	-216	-471
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments	39	388	11,504
Minimum pension liability adjustment	-415	-1,042	-3,070
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-50,542	53,772	-27,867
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-106	-372	3,093
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-50,436	54,144	-30,960
Comprehensive income (loss)	-120,714	-23,763	-164,269
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	976	275	233
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-121,690	-24,038	-164,502
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-143,170	-149,100	-21,170
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	1	2,124	2,070
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	1	2,124	2,070
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1	2,124	2,070
Comprehensive income (loss)	-143,169	-146,976	-19,100
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-143,169	-146,976	-19,100
Issuer [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-70,278	-77,907	-133,309
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-550	-834	-417
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities	'	-221	-33
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments	'	16	11,952
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-550	-1,039	11,502
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	'	-86	4,650
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-550	-953	6,852
Comprehensive income (loss)	-70,828	-78,860	-126,457
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-70,828	-78,860	-126,457
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	57,531	123,373	-281,955
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-619	-302	342
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities	'	5	12
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-619	-297	354
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-619	-297	354
Comprehensive income (loss)	56,912	123,076	-281,601
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	56,912	123,076	-281,601
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	85,639	25,727	303,125
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-48,998	53,654	-37,825
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities	'	'	-450
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments	39	372	-448
Minimum pension liability adjustment	-415	-1,042	-3,070
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-49,374	52,984	-41,793
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-106	-286	-1,557
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-49,268	53,270	-40,236
Comprehensive income (loss)	36,371	78,997	262,889
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	976	275	233
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$35,395	$78,722	$262,656

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio5

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$361,908	$328,346	$299,173	$401,306
Restricted cash	6,373	3,076	'	'
Marketable securities	858	904	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	548,729	524,332	'	'
Inventories, net	364,185	337,121	'	'
Deferred tax assets	60,689	67,722	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	129,672	145,236	'	'
Total current assets	1,472,414	1,406,737	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	545,164	534,469	'	'
Goodwill	3,093,691	3,048,405	2,821,271	'
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	56,702	36,451	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,684,611	1,834,225	'	'
Restricted cash	29,370	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	84,073	108,857	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	86,830	90,491	'	'
Deferred tax assets	7,959	8,293	'	'
Total assets	7,060,814	7,067,928	6,672,701	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	49,112	60,232	'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations	6,855	6,684	'	'
Accounts payable	187,371	169,974	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	429,848	411,919	'	'
Total current liabilities	673,186	648,809	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,772,788	3,628,675	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	14,407	12,917	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	329,249	428,188	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	188,336	166,635	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	4,304,780	4,236,415	'	'
Stockholders' equity	2,077,966	2,180,422	'	'
Non-controlling interests	4,882	2,282	'	'
Total equity	2,082,848	2,182,704	2,231,574	2,577,726
Total liabilities and equity	7,060,814	7,067,928	'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Inventories, net	-23,765	-8,522	'	'
Deferred tax assets	3,506	2,790	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-44	-33	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-1,152,278	-1,605,010	'	'
Total current assets	'	-1,610,775	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	-296	-552	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	-46	-71	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-4,262,246	-4,507,046	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	13,188	'	'	'
Intercompany notes receivable	-990,358	-2,448,480	'	'
Total assets	-6,412,339	-8,566,924	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-36	-26	'	'
Intercompany payables	-1,152,279	-1,605,010	'	'
Total current liabilities	-1,152,315	-1,605,036	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	8	-87	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	-46	-71	'	'
Intercompany notes payables	-990,359	-2,448,481	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	-990,397	-2,448,639	'	'
Stockholders' equity	-4,269,627	-4,513,249	'	'
Total equity	-4,269,627	-4,513,249	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	-6,412,339	-8,566,924	'	'
Issuer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	14,801	3,623	12,451	101,666
Restricted cash	2,221	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	5,191	12,193	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	512,123	-20,636	'	'
Intercompany receivables	317,357	298,812	'	'
Total current assets	851,693	293,992	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	15,086	2,679	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	11,006	24,701	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	55,207	78,522	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	3,802,475	4,114,478	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	29,005	33,979	'	'
Intercompany notes receivable	1,100,746	1,724,650	'	'
Total assets	5,865,218	6,273,001	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	45,000	45,000	'	'
Accounts payable	12,584	7,993	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	63,990	-388,830	'	'
Intercompany payables	728,541	557,578	'	'
Total current liabilities	850,115	221,741	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,735,137	3,617,068	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-43,246	-5,329	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	19,753	17,678	'	'
Intercompany notes payables	-774,507	241,421	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	2,937,137	3,870,838	'	'
Stockholders' equity	2,077,966	2,180,422	'	'
Total equity	2,077,966	2,180,422	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	5,865,218	6,273,001	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	85,453	67,941	95,212	116,905
Restricted cash	2,915	1,680	'	'
Marketable securities	853	787	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	238,782	242,422	'	'
Inventories, net	168,058	142,465	'	'
Deferred tax assets	20,541	39,613	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-405,954	100,385	'	'
Intercompany receivables	759,497	1,247,637	'	'
Total current assets	870,145	1,842,930	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	288,637	293,635	'	'
Goodwill	1,841,377	1,859,966	'	'
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	14,300	14,600	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	995,868	1,168,307	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	8,353	10,451	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	267,824	222,175	'	'
Deferred tax assets	'	782	'	'
Intercompany notes receivable	630,628	722,552	'	'
Total assets	4,917,132	6,135,398	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	323	349	'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations	3,751	3,217	'	'
Accounts payable	69,076	76,691	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	164,762	587,119	'	'
Intercompany payables	149,031	803,879	'	'
Total current liabilities	386,943	1,471,255	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	100	374	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	5,938	5,417	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	284,448	332,912	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	58,823	72,901	'	'
Intercompany notes payables	1,444,741	1,630,376	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	1,794,050	2,041,980	'	'
Stockholders' equity	2,736,139	2,622,163	'	'
Total equity	2,736,139	2,622,163	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	4,917,132	6,135,398	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	261,654	256,782	191,510	182,735
Restricted cash	1,237	1,396	'	'
Marketable securities	5	117	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	309,947	281,910	'	'
Inventories, net	219,892	203,178	'	'
Deferred tax assets	31,451	13,126	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,547	65,520	'	'
Intercompany receivables	75,424	58,561	'	'
Total current assets	923,157	880,590	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	241,737	238,707	'	'
Goodwill	1,252,314	1,188,439	'	'
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	42,402	21,851	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	677,737	641,217	'	'
Restricted cash	29,370	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	20,559	19,955	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	191,947	170,393	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	44,637	56,512	'	'
Deferred tax assets	7,959	7,511	'	'
Intercompany notes receivable	-741,016	1,278	'	'
Total assets	2,690,803	3,226,453	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	3,789	14,883	'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations	3,104	3,467	'	'
Accounts payable	105,711	85,290	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	201,132	213,656	'	'
Intercompany payables	274,707	243,553	'	'
Total current liabilities	588,443	560,849	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	37,551	11,233	'	'
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	8,469	7,500	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	88,039	100,692	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	109,806	76,127	'	'
Intercompany notes payables	320,125	576,684	'	'
Total long-term liabilities	563,990	772,236	'	'
Stockholders' equity	1,533,488	1,891,086	'	'
Non-controlling interests	4,882	2,282	'	'
Total equity	1,538,370	1,893,368	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	$2,690,803	$3,226,453	'	'

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio6

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($70,278)	($77,907)	($133,309)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	18,091	21,490	37,590
Depreciation and amortization	439,430	456,847	391,576
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition	2,504	4,681	6,010
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	21,210	15,665	21,215
Impairment of inventory	337	295	445
Impairment of long-lived assets	6,313	3,489	1,549
Impairment of goodwill	'	'	383,612
Impairment of intangible assets	3,282	2,988	2,938
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	-288,896
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	3,320	-2,151	1,577
Gain on sales of marketable securities	'	-751	-840
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-17,443	-13,245	-8,524
Deferred income taxes	-103,647	-84,568	-56,761
Loss on extinguishment of debt	35,603	23,235	'
Loss on disposition	5,124	'	'
Bargain purchase gain	-8,023	'	'
Other non-cash items	8,594	7,336	-12,247
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-36,449	-22,165	-39,408
Inventories, net	-78,303	-16,791	-20,399
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-12,268	-2,526	-53,115
Accounts payable	13,026	-10,127	6,985
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	52,348	60,416	14,282
Other non-current liabilities	-24,133	-35,543	16,973
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-13,861	-10,985	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	244,777	319,683	271,253
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-32,400	5,911	-6,406
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-122,166	-137,393	-132,532
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	3,620	22,390	947
Cash received from disposition	29,000	'	11,491
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-176,131	-424,586	-631,311
Cash received (paid) from sales (purchase) of marketable securities	41	3,056	9,202
Cash received from (paid for) equity method investments	29,338	12,707	-121,903
(Increase) decrease in other assets	10,363	-56,276	-27,684
Net cash used in investing activities	-258,335	-574,191	-898,196
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Cash paid for financing costs	-9,845	-10,139	-74,680
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-42,377	-20,964	-28,305
Cash paid for dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-5,425
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	20,863	14,924	37,886
Repurchase of preferred stock	'	'	-99,070
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	459,951	648,535	2,096,277
Payments on short-term debt	'	-6,240	'
Payments on long-term debt	-471,546	-311,612	-1,207,454
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	138,963	14,272	10,715
Repurchase of common stock	'	'	-184,867
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	461	504	3,423
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-7,068	-7,003	-4,163
Purchase of non-controlling interest	'	-2,972	'
Other	-19,118	-12,267	-4,257
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	48,991	285,745	540,080
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-1,871	-2,064	-15,270
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	33,562	29,173	-102,133
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	328,346	299,173	401,306
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	361,908	328,346	299,173
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-143,170	-149,100	-21,170
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	141,993	146,820	25,054
Depreciation and amortization	-119	-21	-439
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-83	-88	-69
Deferred income taxes	-620	-962	-1,956
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Inventories, net	2,054	2,902	-1,906
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,907	95,087	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	2,907	-95,081	'
Other non-current liabilities	24	-70	'
Intercompany payable (receivable)	4	-1,162	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	83	-1,675	-486
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	14,895	65,962	431
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	-14,441	-66,217	'
Cash received from (paid for) equity method investments	-6	'	'
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-24	70	-1,154
Net cash used in investing activities	424	-185	-723
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-507	1,860	1,209
Issuer [Member]	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-70,278	-77,907	-133,309
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	-144,941	-148,394	-23,524
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	17,704	21,213	13,671
Depreciation and amortization	5,864	7,961	3,842
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	8,792	4,247	5,776
Impairment of long-lived assets	'	'	3
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	-16,309
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	'	4	75
Gain on sales of marketable securities	'	-751	'
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-1,890	-2,205	-1,952
Deferred income taxes	-31,624	20,500	35,012
Loss on extinguishment of debt	35,603	23,235	'
Other non-cash items	5,202	-1,001	-4,286
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-572,703	-454,780	72,955
Accounts payable	4,591	1,289	-233
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	492,996	346,511	-231,949
Other non-current liabilities	-12,289	-12,373	35,109
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-12,437	-10,911	'
Intercompany payable (receivable)	410,392	413,479	-1,512,567
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	134,982	130,117	-1,757,686
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-2,221	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-12,289	-2,061	20
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-166,772	-403,552	-37,644
Cash received (paid) from sales (purchase) of marketable securities	'	2,784	'
Cash received from (paid for) equity method investments	1,960	1,470	-2,430
(Increase) decrease in other assets	15,269	-53,189	-24,996
Net cash used in investing activities	-164,053	-454,548	-65,050
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Cash paid for financing costs	-9,845	-10,139	-73,876
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-41,371	-20,116	-28,305
Cash paid for dividends	-21,293	-21,293	-5,425
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	20,863	14,924	37,886
Repurchase of preferred stock	'	'	-99,070
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	425,000	648,000	2,100,000
Payments on short-term debt	'	-6,240	'
Payments on long-term debt	-461,845	-300,155	-10,126
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	147,500	22,500	'
Repurchase of common stock	'	'	-184,867
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	193	176	1,357
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-3,813	'	'
Other	-18,953	-12,267	-4,053
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	40,249	315,390	1,733,521
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	'	213	'
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,178	-8,828	-89,215
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	3,623	12,451	101,666
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	14,801	3,623	12,451
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	57,531	123,373	-281,955
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	2,948	1,574	-1,530
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	311	277	23,473
Depreciation and amortization	254,280	266,310	260,062
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition	'	1,400	'
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	5,158	5,486	8,390
Impairment of inventory	26	5	172
Impairment of long-lived assets	5,076	2,903	1,331
Impairment of goodwill	'	'	383,612
Impairment of intangible assets	2,596	2,988	2,935
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	2,175	-2,672	1,655
Deferred income taxes	-11,824	-80,252	-81,063
Other non-cash items	-239	908	3,971
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	3,640	-1,641	260
Inventories, net	-51,377	-6,001	-9,458
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	508,894	357,898	-110,333
Accounts payable	-9,185	3,551	-11,454
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-423,164	-226,905	203,333
Other non-current liabilities	-16,715	-134	1,636
Cash paid for contingent consideration	'	-74	'
Intercompany payable (receivable)	-251,359	-405,459	1,015,286
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	78,772	43,535	1,410,323
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-1,236	12	48
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-54,826	-91,898	-67,103
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	5,186	22,860	292
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	'	1,899	-163,379
Cash received (paid) from sales (purchase) of marketable securities	-66	269	145
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-5,788	-1,051	-7,913
Net cash used in investing activities	-56,730	-67,909	-237,910
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Cash paid for financing costs	'	'	-804
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	'	-788	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	989	'	1,238
Payments on long-term debt	-1,288	-534	-1,192,544
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	'	-2	'
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	200	303	414
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-3,813	-2,350	-2,372
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-3,912	-3,371	-1,194,068
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-618	474	-38
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	17,512	-27,271	-21,693
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	67,941	95,212	116,905
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	85,453	67,941	95,212
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	85,639	25,727	303,125
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	-15,470	'	'
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	76	'	446
Depreciation and amortization	179,405	182,597	128,111
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition	2,504	3,281	6,010
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	7,260	5,932	7,049
Impairment of inventory	311	290	273
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,237	586	215
Impairment of intangible assets	686	'	3
Gain on sale of joint venture interest	'	'	-272,587
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	1,145	517	-153
Gain on sales of marketable securities	'	'	-840
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-15,470	-10,952	-6,503
Deferred income taxes	-59,579	-23,854	-8,754
Loss on disposition	5,124	'	'
Bargain purchase gain	-8,023	'	'
Other non-cash items	3,631	7,429	-11,932
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-40,089	-20,524	-39,668
Inventories, net	-28,980	-13,692	-9,035
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	54,448	-731	-15,737
Accounts payable	17,620	-14,967	18,672
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-20,391	35,891	42,898
Other non-current liabilities	4,847	-22,966	-19,772
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-1,424	'	'
Intercompany payable (receivable)	-159,037	-6,858	497,281
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	30,940	147,706	619,102
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-28,943	5,899	-6,454
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-69,946	-109,396	-65,880
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	12,875	65,747	655
Cash received from disposition	29,000	'	11,491
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-9,359	-22,933	-430,288
Cash received (paid) from sales (purchase) of marketable securities	107	3	9,057
Cash received from (paid for) equity method investments	27,384	11,237	-119,473
(Increase) decrease in other assets	906	-2,106	6,379
Net cash used in investing activities	-37,976	-51,549	-594,513
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-1,006	-60	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	33,962	535	-4,961
Payments on long-term debt	-8,413	-10,923	-4,784
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	-8,537	-8,226	10,715
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	68	25	1,652
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-3,255	-4,653	-1,791
Purchase of non-controlling interest	'	-2,972	'
Other	-165	'	-204
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,654	-26,274	627
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-746	-4,611	-16,441
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,872	65,272	8,775
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	256,782	191,510	182,735
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$261,654	$256,782	$191,510