Alere 10-Q/A 28 May 15 2014 Q3 Quarterly report (amended) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q/A
Amendment Flag	TRUE
Amendment Description	This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue” or similar words. A number of important factors could cause actual results of Alere Inc. and its subsidiaries to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors detailed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and other risk factors identified herein or from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers should carefully review these risk factors, and should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information, plans and estimates at the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes.
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	ALR
Entity Registrant Name	ALERE INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1145460
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		83,556,390

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net product sales	$507,625	$505,596	$1,499,302	$1,527,732
Services revenue	137,403	140,868	406,547	403,631
Net product sales and services revenue	645,028	646,464	1,905,849	1,931,363
License and royalty revenue	4,182	4,184	15,998	13,113
Net revenue	649,210	650,648	1,921,847	1,944,476
Cost of net product sales	271,250	256,312	785,918	756,715
Cost of services revenue	75,102	71,832	221,356	205,932
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	346,352	328,144	1,007,274	962,647
Cost of license and royalty revenue	1,236	2,009	3,900	5,264
Cost of net revenue	347,588	330,153	1,011,174	967,911
Gross profit (loss)	301,622	320,495	910,673	976,565
Operating expenses:
Research and development	38,726	40,478	114,855	120,729
Sales and marketing	122,760	141,748	391,605	419,712
General and administrative	104,794	109,626	338,986	318,622
Loss on disposition		5,885	638	5,885
Operating income	35,342	22,758	64,589	111,617
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-52,332	-53,301	-156,276	-203,053
Other income (expense), net	-8,087	-7,068	2,164	-7,259
Loss from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-25,077	-37,611	-89,523	-98,695
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	65,489	-14,702	69,273	-25,372
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-90,566	-22,909	-158,796	-73,323
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	6,277	5,753	13,716	13,238
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-84,289	-17,156	-145,080	-60,085
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,401	-1,916	-4,082	-12,329
Net loss	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-306	359	-136	601
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-98,384	-19,431	-149,026	-73,015
Preferred stock dividends	-5,367	-5,367	-15,926	-15,926
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	($103,751)	($24,798)	($164,952)	($88,941)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
Loss from continuing operations	($1.08)	($0.28)	($1.94)	($0.94)
Loss from discontinued operations	($0.17)	($0.02)	($0.05)	($0.15)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share	($1.25)	($0.30)	($1.99)	($1.09)
Weighted average shares - basic and diluted	83,115	81,735	82,719	81,417

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($98,690)	($19,072)	($149,162)	($72,414)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-96,425	67,268	-69,950	-42,515
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities			-17
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	7	20	21	31
Minimum pension liability adjustment	481	-369	468	335
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-95,937	66,919	-69,478	-42,149
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-95,937	66,919	-69,478	-42,149
Comprehensive income (loss)	-194,627	47,847	-218,640	-114,563
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-306	359	-136	601
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($194,321)	$47,488	($218,504)	($115,164)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$431,351	$355,431
Restricted cash	35,581	3,458
Marketable securities	794	858
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $73,851 and $69,146 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	464,696	487,377
Inventories, net	360,041	365,267
Deferred tax assets	21,526	48,858
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	123,056	125,645
Assets held for sale	325,181	380,483
Total current assets	1,762,226	1,767,377
Property, plant and equipment, net	463,282	466,497
Goodwill	2,981,502	3,006,997
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	46,831	56,702
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,375,662	1,557,426
Restricted cash	0	29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	73,702	83,497
Investments in unconsolidated entities	91,175	86,830
Deferred tax assets	7,404	7,389
Non-current income tax receivable	2,336
Total assets	6,804,120	7,062,085
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	87,871	64,112
Current portion of capital lease obligations	4,150	5,962
Accounts payable	209,857	181,642
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	367,930	381,894
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	100,024	133,242
Total current liabilities	769,832	766,852
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,683,614	3,757,788
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	12,278	13,242
Deferred tax liabilities	280,611	285,034
Other long-term liabilities	177,215	161,031
Total long-term liabilities	4,153,718	4,217,095
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value (liquidation preference: $709,763 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013); Authorized: 2,300 shares; Issued: 2,065 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; Outstanding: 1,774 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	606,468	606,468
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized: 200,000 shares; Issued: 90,964 shares at September 30, 2014 and 89,666 shares at December 31, 2013; Outstanding: 83,285 shares at September 30, 2014 and 81,987 shares at December 31, 2013	91	90
Additional paid-in capital	3,340,239	3,319,168
Accumulated deficit	-1,790,838	-1,641,812
Treasury stock, at cost, 7,679 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-184,971	-184,971
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-95,165	-25,687
Total stockholders' equity	1,875,824	2,073,256
Non-controlling interests	4,746	4,882
Total equity	1,880,570	2,078,138
Total liabilities and equity	$6,804,120	$7,062,085

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	($149,162)	($72,414)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-4,082	-12,329
Loss from continuing operations	-145,080	-60,085
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations	9,594	5,480
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	11,824	13,905
Depreciation and amortization	250,763	279,473
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		1,880
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	7,751	14,462
Impairment of inventory	1,536	243
Impairment of long-lived assets	6,866	1,463
Loss on sale of fixed assets	4,679	800
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-13,716	-13,238
Deferred income taxes	9,557	-62,292
Loss on extinguishment of debt		35,603
Loss on disposition	638	5,885
Bargain purchase gain		-5,707	-8,023
Other non-cash items	3,683	7,646
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	12,643	-64,053
Inventories, net	-30,446	-73,967
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-8,646	-9,090
Accounts payable	38,687	18,475
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	13,761	31,642
Other non-current liabilities	28,001	-8,119
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-21,078	-6,865
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	181,017	113,541
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	34,417	45,575
Net cash provided by operating activities	215,434	159,116
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Increase in restricted cash	-3,227	-33,251
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-73,035	-72,436
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,144	5,828
Cash received from disposition	5,454	32,000
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-75	-166,196
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	47
Cash received from equity method investments	198	11,262
Proceeds from sale of equity investments	9,526
Decrease in other assets	1,024	21,462
Net cash used in continuing operations	-58,944	-201,331
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-8,853	-21,316
Net cash used in investing activities	-67,797	-222,647
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	-5	-9,798
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-23,608	-25,197
Cash paid for dividends	-15,970	-15,970
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	35,593	17,555
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	41	459,152
Payments on long-term debt	-47,302	-454,168
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	806
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	498	138,768
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	415	434
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-4,639	-5,025
Other		-18,928
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	-54,171	86,823
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-1,075	-2,615
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-55,246	84,208
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-9,445	4,982
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	82,946	25,659
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations	355,431	316,479	316,479
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations	6,477	11,855	11,855
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	444,854	353,993
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period	13,503	9,478	6,477
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	$431,351	$344,515	$355,431

Basis_of_Presentation_of_Finan

Basis of Presentation of Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation of Financial Information	(1) Basis of Presentation of Financial Information
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Alere Inc. are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments considered normal and recurring and necessary for their fair statement. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows. Our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included information and footnotes necessary for such presentation and were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 3, 2014. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made in order to retrospectively present 2014 and 2013 discontinued operations. These reclassifications of financial information related to the discontinued operations have no effect on net income or equity. Given the retrospective presentation of discontinued operations in these financial statements, including with respect to our segment financial information, we have renamed our former health information solutions segment to patient self-testing.
	Certain amounts presented may not recalculate directly, due to rounding.

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements	(2) Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements
	In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015, we determined that, in 2014, we had incorrectly accounted for income taxes associated with two divestitures. We determined that, for the three months ended December 31, 2014, we incorrectly accounted for the deferred taxes related to the divestiture of our health management business. The adjustment to correct this error resulted in a decrease to deferred tax assets and to income from discontinued operations of $30.3 million. In addition, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, we incorrectly accounted for deferred taxes in connection with the ACS Companies divestiture. The adjustment to correct this error resulted in a $7.0 million increase to deferred tax liabilities and a decrease in income from discontinued operations.
	The impact of these errors was determined to be material to our fiscal year 2014 consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, we have restated our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014. We also corrected additional errors in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as part of this restatement to correct out-of-period adjustments that were previously determined to be immaterial. These adjustments include:
		•		An adjustment to increase the provision for income taxes and increase income taxes payable related to an audit settlement by $3.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		•		A $4.6 million decrease in general and administrative expense related to our contingent consideration obligations in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		•		An adjustment to reverse the benefit from certain foreign tax credits which increased the provision for income taxes by $4.2 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014.
		•		Additional adjustments that, in the aggregate, decrease loss from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes by $1.3 million and $3.9 million and increase provision for income taxes by $0.9 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	In connection with those restatements, we corrected additional errors in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and as of December 31, 2013. We concluded that the correction of these errors was not material individually, or in the aggregate, to our previously issued financial statements. Accordingly, we are revising our consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and our balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The adjustments in these periods are all corrections to out-of-period adjustments and include:
		•		An adjustment to record additional income taxes payable related to various foreign subsidiaries which decreases the benefit from income taxes by $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
		•		Additional adjustments that, in the aggregate, decrease and increase loss from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes by $0.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and decrease the benefit from income taxes by $1.1 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
		•		A 39.6 million adjustment to increase accrued expense and other current liabilities and decrease liabilities related to assets held for sale as of December 31, 2013.
		•		A $15.0 million adjustment to increase short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt and decrease long-term debt, net of current portion as of December 31, 2013.
	The following schedules reconcile the amounts as previously reported to the corresponding restated or revised amounts in these consolidated financial statements:
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net product sales		$	505,850		$	1,775		$	507,625
	Net product sales and services revenue		$	643,253		$	1,775		$	645,028
	Net revenue		$	647,435		$	1,775		$	649,210
	Cost of net product sales		$	271,663		$	(413	)	$	271,250
	Cost of services revenue		$	73,614		$	1,488		$	75,102
	Cost of product sales and services revenue		$	345,277		$	1,075		$	346,352
	Cost of net revenue		$	346,513		$	1,075		$	347,588
	Gross profit		$	300,922		$	700		$	301,622
	General and administrative		$	105,347		$	(553	)	$	104,794
	Operating income		$	34,089		$	1,253		$	35,342
	Other income (expense), net		$	(8,172	)	$	85		$	(8,087	)
	Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		$	(26,415	)	$	1,338		$	(25,077	)
	Provision for income taxes		$	61,101		$	4,388		$	65,489
	Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(87,516	)	$	(3,050	)	$	(90,566	)
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(81,239	)	$	(3,050	)	$	(84,289	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(7,099	)	$	(7,302	)	$	(14,401	)
	Net loss		$	(88,338	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(98,690	)
	Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(88,032	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(98,384	)
	Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(93,399	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(103,751	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attibutable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(1.04	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(1.08	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		$	(0.08	)	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.17	)
	Net loss per common share		$	(1.12	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(1.25	)
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revised Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net product sales		$	506,200		$	(604	)	$	505,596
	Net product sales and services revenue		$	647,068		$	(604	)	$	646,464
	Net revenue		$	651,252		$	(604	)	$	650,648
	Cost of net product sales		$	256,253		$	59		$	256,312
	Cost of services revenue		$	71,343		$	489		$	71,832
	Cost of product sales and services revenue		$	327,596		$	548		$	328,144
	Cost of net revenue		$	329,605		$	548		$	330,153
	Gross profit		$	321,647		$	(1,152	)	$	320,495
	General and administrative		$	110,115		$	(489	)	$	109,626
	Operating income		$	23,421		$	(663	)	$	22,758
	Other income (expense), net		$	(8,403	)	$	1,335		$	(7,068	)
	Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes		$	(38,283	)	$	672		$	(37,611	)
	Benefit for income taxes		$	(15,773	)	$	1,071		$	(14,702	)
	Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(22,510	)	$	(399	)	$	(22,909	)
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(16,757	)	$	(399	)	$	(17,156	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(2,732	)	$	816		$	(1,916	)
	Net loss		$	(19,489	)	$	417		$	(19,072	)
	Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(19,848	)	$	417		$	(19,431	)
Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(25,215	)	$	417		$	(24,798	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(0.28	)	$	0		$	(0.28	)
Loss from discontinued operations		$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.02	)
Net loss per common share		$	(0.31	)	$	0.01		$	(0.30	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Restated Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net product sales		$	1,497,287		$	2,015		$	1,499,302
Net product sales and services revenue		$	1,903,834		$	2,015		$	1,905,849
Net revenue		$	1,919,832		$	2,015		$	1,921,847
Cost of net product sales		$	787,381		$	(1,463	)	$	785,918
Cost of services revenue		$	216,978		$	4,378		$	221,356
Cost of product sales and services revenue		$	1,004,359		$	2,915		$	1,007,274
Cost of net revenue		$	1,008,259		$	2,915		$	1,011,174
Gross profit		$	911,573		$	(900	)	$	910,673
General and administrative		$	346,510		$	(7,524	)	$	338,986
Operating income		$	57,965		$	6,624		$	64,589
Other income (expense), net		$	241		$	1,923		$	2,164
Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		$	(98,070	)	$	8,547		$	(89,523	)
Provision for income taxes		$	61,397		$	7,876		$	69,273
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(159,467	)	$	671		$	(158,796	)
Loss from continuing operations		$	(145,751	)	$	671		$	(145,080	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	3,220		$	(7,302	)	$	(4,082	)
Net loss		$	(142,531	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,162	)
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(142,395	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,026	)
Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(158,321	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(164,952	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(1.95	)	$	0.01		$	(1.94	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$	0.04		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.05	)
Net loss per common share		$	(1.91	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(1.99	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revised Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net product sales		$	1,528,480		$	(748	)	$	1,527,732
Services revenue		$	405,114		$	(1,483	)	$	403,631
Net product sales and services revenue		$	1,933,594		$	(2,231	)	$	1,931,363
Net revenue		$	1,946,707		$	(2,231	)	$	1,944,476
Cost of net product sales		$	756,538		$	177		$	756,715
Cost of services revenue		$	204,465		$	1,467		$	205,932
Cost of products sales and services revenue		$	961,003		$	1,644		$	962,647
Cost of net revenue		$	966,267		$	1,644		$	967,911
Gross profit		$	980,440		$	(3,875	)	$	976,565
General and administrative		$	320,089		$	(1,467	)	$	318,622
Operating income		$	114,025		$	(2,408	)	$	111,617
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes		$	(96,287	)	$	(2,408	)	$	(98,695	)
Benefit for income taxes		$	(28,995	)	$	3,623		$	(25,372	)
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(67,292	)	$	(6,031	)	$	(73,323	)
Loss from continuing operations		$	(54,054	)	$	(6,031	)	$	(60,085	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(12,883	)	$	554		$	(12,329	)
Net loss		$	(66,937	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(72,414	)
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(67,538	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(73,015	)
Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(83,464	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(88,941	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(0.87	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.94	)
Loss from discontinued operations		$	(0.16	)	$	0.01		$	(0.15	)
Net loss per common share		$	(1.03	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(1.09	)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Restated Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net loss		$	(88,338	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(98,690	)
Comprehensive loss		$	(184,275	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(194,627	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(183,969	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(194,321	)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net loss		$	(19,489	)	$	417		$	(19,072	)
Comprehensive income		$	47,430		$	417		$	47,847
Comprehensive income attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	47,071		$	417		$	47,488
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Restated Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net loss		$	(142,531	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,162	)
Comprehensive loss		$	(212,009	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(218,640	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(211,873	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(218,504	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net loss		$	(66,937	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(72,414	)
Comprehensive loss		$	(109,086	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(114,563	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(109,687	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(115,164	)
		As of September 30, 2014
Restated Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Deferred tax assets		$	20,947		$	579		$	21,526
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	124,275		$	(1,219	)	$	123,056
Total current assets		$	1,762,866		$	(640	)	$	1,762,226
Property and equipment, net		$	465,878		$	(2,596	)	$	463,282
Goodwill		$	2,982,767		$	(1,265	)	$	2,981,502
Total assets		$	6,808,621		$	(4,501	)	$	6,804,120
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	365,439		$	2,491		$	367,930
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		$	93,028		$	6,996		$	100,024
Total current liabilities		$	760,345		$	9,487		$	769,832
Deferred tax liabilities		$	282,538		$	(1,927	)	$	280,611
Other long-term liabilities		$	179,448		$	(2,233	)	$	177,215
Total long-term liabilities		$	4,157,878		$	(4,160	)	$	4,153,718
Accumulated deficit		$	(1,780,135	)	$	(10,703	)	$	(1,790,838	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(96,040	)	$	875		$	(95,165	)
Total stockholders’ equity		$	1,885,652		$	(9,828	)	$	1,875,824
Total equity		$	1,890,398		$	(9,828	)		1,880,570
Total liabilities and equity		$	6,808,621		$	(4,501	)	$	6,804,120
		As of December 31, 2013
Revised Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $76,587 at December 31, 2013		$	489,392		$	(2,015	)	$	487,377
Inventories		$	362,167		$	3,100		$	365,267
Deferred tax assets		$	48,085		$	773		$	48,858
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	123,598		$	2,047		$	125,645
Assets held for sale		$	371,291		$	9,192		$	380,483
Total current assets		$	1,754,280		$	13,097		$	1,767,377
Property and equipment, net		$	468,232		$	(1,735	)	$	466,497
Goodwill		$	3,016,518		$	(9,521	)	$	3,006,997
Deferred tax assets		$	7,959		$	(570	)	$	7,389
Total assets		$	7,060,814		$	1,271		$	7,062,085
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		$	49,112		$	15,000		$	64,112
Accounts payable		$	179,565		$	2,077		$	181,642
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	341,076		$	40,818		$	381,894
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		$	172,799		$	(39,557	)	$	133,242
Total current liabilities		$	748,514		$	18,338		$	766,852
Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	3,772,788		$	(15,000	)	$	3,757,788
Deferred tax liabilities		$	293,370		$	(8,336	)	$	285,034
Other long-term liabilities		$	150,081		$	10,950		$	161,031
Total long-term liabilities		$	4,229,481		$	(12,386	)	$	4,217,095
Accumulated deficit		$	(1,636,256	)	$	(5,556	)	$	(1,641,812	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(26,562	)	$	875		$	(25,687	)
Total stockholders’ equity		$	2,077,937		$	(4,681	)	$	2,073,256
Total equity		$	2,082,819		$	(4,681	)	$	2,078,138
Total liabilities and equity		$	7,060,814		$	1,271		$	7,062,085
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Restated Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net loss		$	(142,531	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,162	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	3,220		$	(7,302	)	$	(4,082	)
Loss from continuing operations		$	(145,751	)	$	671		$	(145,080	)
Deferred income taxes		$	8,527		$	1,030		$	9,557
Accounts receivable, net		$	14,658		$	(2,015	)	$	12,643
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	(6,723	)	$	(1,923	)	$	(8,646	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	9,157		$	4,604		$	13,761
Other non-current liabilities		$	31,831		$	(3,830	)	$	28,001
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		$	(74,489	)	$	1,454		$	(73,035	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revised Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net loss		$	(66,937	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(72,414	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(12,883	)	$	554		$	(12,329	)
Loss from continuing operations		$	(54,054	)	$	(6,031	)	$	(60,085	)
Impairment of long-lived assets		$	1,286		$	177		$	1,463
Deferred income taxes		$	(63,536	)	$	1,244		$	(62,292	)
Accounts receivable, net		$	(66,284	)	$	2,231		$	(64,053	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	29,263		$	2,379		$	31,642

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations	(21) Loss on Disposition
	In April 2014, we sold the Glucostabilizer business of Alere Informatics, Inc., which was part of our professional diagnostics reporting unit and business segment, to Medical Decision Network, LLC, or MDN, for $1.1 million in cash proceeds and a $1.5 million note receivable, which we fully reserved for based on our assessment of collectability. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a loss on disposition of $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The financial results for the Glucostabilizer business are immaterial to our consolidated financial results.
Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member]
Discontinued Operations	(3) Discontinued Operations
	On January 9, 2015, we completed the sale of our health management business to OptumHealth Care Solutions for a purchase price of approximately $600.1 million, subject to a customary post-closing working capital adjustment. We used the net cash proceeds of the sale to repay $575.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness under our senior secured credit facility.
	On October 10, 2014, we completed the sale of our ACS subsidiary to ACS Acquisition, LLC (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to the terms of a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Sumit Nagpal. In connection with the sale of ACS, we also agreed to sell our subsidiary Wellogic ME FZ – LLC (“Wellogic,” together with ACS, the “ACS Companies”) to the Purchaser, subject to the satisfaction of routine requirements of Dubai law relating to the transfer of equity. The ACS Companies were included in our patient self-testing segment. The purchase price for the ACS Companies consisted of cash proceeds of $2.00 at closing and contingent consideration of up to an aggregate of $7.0 million, consisting of (i) payments based on the gross revenues of the ACS Companies, (ii) payments to be made in connection with financing transactions by the Purchaser or the ACS Companies and (iii) payments to be made in connection with a sale by the Purchaser of the ACS Companies. In connection with the sale, we agreed to reimburse the Purchaser for up to $750,000 of the Purchaser’s and the ACS Companies’ transitional expenses.
	We accounted for our divestiture of the health management business in accordance with ASU No. 2014-08 (See Note 19) and for the ACS Companies in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements. The following assets and liabilities associated with the health management business have been segregated and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale, as appropriate, in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Restated)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	13,503		$	6,477
	Restricted cash		2,675			2,915
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,094 and $7,497 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively		54,330			59,337
	Inventories, net		2,061			2,018
	Deferred tax assets – current		12,604			12,604
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,301			6,074
	Property, plant and equipment, net		61,044			76,932
	Goodwill		84,343			86,365
	Finite-lived intangible assets, net		89,899			127,185
	Other non-current assets		421			576
	Total assets held for sale	$	325,181		$	380,483
	Liabilities
	Short-term debt and current portion of capital lease obligations	$	1,016		$	893
	Accounts payable		7,311			7,806
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		43,596			49,243
	Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		546			1,165
	Deferred tax liabilities – non-current		34,254			35,879
	Other long-term liabilities		13,301			38,256
	Total liabilities related to assets held for sale	$	100,024		$	133,242
	The following summarized financial information related to the health management business and the ACS Companies, which were previously included in our patient self-testing reporting segment, has been segregated from continuing operations and has been reported as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Nine Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September,
					2013			2014			2013
		2014						(Restated)
		(Restated)
	Net revenue	$	89,501		$	102,630		$	271,668		$	310,409
	Cost of net revenue		(54,314	)		(55,630	)		(155,976	)		(173,457	)
	Research and development		—			(20	)		—			(1,724	)
	Sales and marketing		(14,270	)		(17,839	)		(43,152	)		(55,756	)
	General and administrative		(16,924	)		(32,263	)		(75,244	)		(98,740	)
	Interest expense		(149	)		(120	)		(400	)		(220	)
	Other income (expense), net		(117	)		870			(1,189	)		320
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		3,727			(2,372	)		(4,293	)		(19,168	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		18,128			(456	)		(211	)		(6,839	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(14,401	)	$	(1,916	)	$	(4,082	)	$	(12,329	)

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly-liquid cash investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. At September 30, 2014, our cash equivalents consisted of money market funds.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	(5) Restricted Cash
	We had restricted cash of $35.6 million and $32.8 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. 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 of 2013 and, under the terms of the loan agreement, is required to remain on deposit for two years.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	(6) Inventories, Net
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market and are comprised of the following (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	126,265	$	121,671
	Work-in-process		74,914		79,559
	Finished goods		158,862		164,037
		$	360,041	$	365,267

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	(7) Stock-based Compensation
	We recorded stock-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of net revenue	$	291		$	287		$	863		$	797
	Research and development		280			1,111			(340	)		2,641
	Sales and marketing		920			975			2,778			2,597
	General and administrative		1,678			3,289			4,450			8,427
			3,169			5,662			7,751			14,462
	Benefit for income taxes		(878	)		(1,511	)		(2,001	)		(2,869	)
		$	2,291		$	4,151		$	5,750		$	11,593
	In connection with the departure of three of our senior executives, we recorded a reversal of stock-based compensation expense in the amount of $5.6 million during the second quarter of 2014, relating to the impact on their prior stock option awards upon their resignations. Of the $5.6 million reversal, $2.2 million was recorded through research and development and $3.4 million through general and administrative.

Net_Loss_per_Common_Share

Net Loss per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss per Common Share	(8) Net Loss per Common Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Restated)						(Restated)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(84,289	)	$	(17,156	)	$	(145,080	)	$	(60,085	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(5,367	)		(5,367	)		(15,926	)		(15,926	)
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shares		(89,656	)		(22,523	)		(161,006	)		(76,011	)
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest		(306	)		359			(136	)		601
	Loss from continuing attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(89,350	)		(22,882	)		(160,870	)		(76,612	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		(14,401	)		(1,916	)		(4,082	)		(12,329	)
	Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(103,751	)	$	(24,798	)	$	(164,952	)	$	(88,941	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted		83,115			81,735			82,719			81,417
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(1.08	)	$	(0.28	)	$	(1.94	)	$	(0.94	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		(0.17	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)		(0.15	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(1.25	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(1.99	)	$	(1.09	)
	The following potential dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share for our continuing operations because the inclusion thereof would be antidilutive (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Denominator:
	Options to purchase shares of common stock		7,687			10,239			7,687			10,239
	Warrants		4			4			4			4
	Conversion shares related to 3% convertible senior subordinated notes		3,411			3,411			3,411			3,411
	Conversion shares related to subordinated convertible promissory notes		27			27			27			27
	Conversion shares related to Series B convertible preferred stock		10,239			10,239			10,239			10,239
	Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding		21,368			23,920			21,368			23,920

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests	(9) Stockholders’ Equity and Non-controlling Interests
	(a) Preferred Stock
	For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 Series B preferred stock dividends amounted to $5.3 million and $15.9 million, respectively, which reduced earnings available to common stockholders for purposes of calculating net loss per common share for each of the respective periods. As of September 30, 2014, $5.3 million of Series B preferred stock dividends was accrued. As of October 15, 2014, payments have been made covering all dividend periods through September 30, 2014.
	The Series B preferred stock dividends for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were paid in cash.
	(b) Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Non-controlling Interests
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests comprising total equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is provided below (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014 (Restated)									2013
		Total			Non-			Total			Total			Non-		Total
		Stockholders’			controlling			Equity			Stockholders’			controlling		Equity
		Equity			Interests						Equity			Interests
	Equity, beginning of period	$	2,073,256		$	4,882		$	2,078,138		$	2,177,167		$	2,282	$	2,179,449
	Issuance of common stock under employee compensation plans		35,593			—			35,593			17,555			—		17,555
	Preferred stock dividends		(15,970	)		—			(15,970	)		(15,970	)		—		(15,970	)
	Stock-based compensation expense		7,751			—			7,751			14,462			—		14,462
	Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options		(6,302	)		—			(6,302	)		(1,283	)		—		(1,283	)
	Non-controlling interest from acquisition		—			—			—			—			1,788		1,788
	Net income (loss)		(149,026	)		(136	)		(149,162	)		(73,015	)		601		(72,414	)
	Total other comprehensive loss		(69,478	)		—			(69,478	)		(42,149	)		—		(42,149	)
	Equity, end of period	$	1,875,824		$	4,746		$	1,880,570		$	2,076,767		$	4,671	$	2,081,438

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	(10) 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 the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we expensed acquisition-related costs of $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in general and administrative expense. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we expensed acquisition-related costs of $0.5 million and $1.8 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. 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.
	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 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 an 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included revenue totaling approximately $5.8 million and $41.2 million, respectively, related to these businesses. Goodwill has been recognized in the Mega Medika, Alere Health Services, Pantech, and Simplex acquisitions and amounted to approximately $2.4 million. The goodwill related to the Mega Medika and Simplex acquisitions is deductible for tax purposes, but the goodwill related to the Pantech and Alere Health Services acquisitions 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 fair values of the net assets acquired for the acquisitions consummated in 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
			Epocal		Other		Total
	Current assets(1)		$	12,535	$	13,623	$	26,158
	Property, plant and equipment			1,267		1,731		2,998
	Goodwill			100,419		2,447		102,866
	Intangible assets			164,400		51,180		215,580
	Other non-current assets			18,158		29		18,187
	Total assets acquired			296,779		69,010		365,789
	Current liabilities			2,701		5,398		8,099
	Non-current liabilities			45,542		6,062		51,604
	Total liabilities assumed			48,243		11,460		59,703
	Net assets acquired			248,536		57,550		306,086
	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		$	151,448	$	28,221	$	179,669
	(1)	Includes approximately $3.3 million of acquired cash.
	The following are the intangible assets acquired in 2013 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

Restructuring_Plans

Restructuring Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Plans	11) Restructuring Plans
	The following table sets forth aggregate restructuring charges recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Statement of Operations Caption	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of net revenue	$	5,654		$	3,422		$	6,707		$	3,881
	Research and development		5,457			1,100			8,488			1,745
	Sales and marketing		1,019			218			7,420			901
	General and administrative		5,167			1,337			14,460			3,698
	Total operating expenses		17,297			6,077			37,075			10,225
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		9			14			32			45
	Total charges	$	17,306		$	6,091		$	37,107		$	10,270
	(a) 2014 Restructuring Plans
	In 2014, management developed world-wide cost reduction efforts to reduce costs and improve operational efficiencies within our professional diagnostics, patient self-testing and corporate and other business segments, primarily impacting our U.S. sales force, our global information technology group, our global research and development group and certain businesses in Europe and Asia. The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our 2014 restructuring plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Professional			Patient Self-testing			Corporate			Total
		Diagnostics						and Other
	Severance-related costs	$	5,833		$	(6	)	$	199		$	6,026
	Facility and transition costs		1,713			—			2,979			4,692
	Cash charges		7,546			(6	)		3,178			10,718
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		6,322			—			—			6,322
	Total charges	$	13,868		$	(6	)	$	3,178		$	17,040
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Professional			Patient Self-testing			Corporate			Total
		Diagnostics						and Other
	Severance-related costs	$	17,748		$	175		$	2,399		$	20,322
	Facility and transition costs		1,894			—			4,929			6,823
	Cash charges		19,642			175			7,328			27,145
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		8,402			—			—			8,402
	Total charges	$	28,044		$	175		$	7,328		$	35,547
	We anticipate incurring approximately $5.2 million and $6.0 million in additional costs under our 2014 restructuring plans related to our professional diagnostics and corporate and other business segments, respectively, primarily in the U.S. and Europe. We do not anticipate incurring additional costs under our existing 2014 restructuring plan relating to our patient self-testing segment. We may develop additional plans over the remainder of 2014. As of September 30, 2014, $7.7 million in severance and transition costs arising under our 2014 restructuring plans remain unpaid.
	(b) 2013 Restructuring Plans
	In 2013, management developed cost reduction efforts within our professional diagnostics business segment, impacting businesses in our U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Additionally, management took steps to improve efficiencies within our patient self-testing 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 tables summarize the restructuring activities in our professional diagnostics and patient self-testing business segments related to our 2013 restructuring plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and since inception (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Professional Diagnostics	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs	$	55		$	3,876		$	893		$	5,960		$	8,019
	Facility and transition costs		96			1,107			312			1,457			2,893
	Cash charges		151			4,983			1,205			7,417			10,912
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			470			—			470			743
	Total charges	$	151		$	5,453		$	1,205		$	7,887		$	11,655
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Patient Self-testing	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs	$	—		$	30		$	—		$	88		$	88
	Facility and transition costs		—			—			—			241			241
	Cash charges		—			30			—			329			329
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			—			—			26			800
	Total charges	$	—		$	30		$	—		$	355		$	1,129
	We anticipate incurring approximately $0.7 million in additional costs under our 2013 restructuring plans related to our professional diagnostics business segment in the United States. We do not anticipate incurring significant additional costs under our 2013 restructuring plans related to our patient self-testing segment. As of September 30, 2014, $0.2 million in severance and facility costs arising under our 2013 restructuring plans remain unpaid.
	(c) Restructuring Plans Prior to 2013
	The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our active 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 restructuring plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and since inception (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Professional Diagnostics	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs (recoveries)	$	—		$	(568	)	$	98		$	(284	)	$	24,290
	Facility and transition costs		106			112			225			524			8,987
	Other exit costs		10			14			33			45			789
	Cash charges (recoveries)		116			(442	)		356			285			34,066
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			350			—			350			6,922
	Intangible asset impairments		—			686			—			686			686
	Other non-cash charges		—			—			—			—			64
	Total charges	$	116		$	594		$	356		$	1,321		$	41,738
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
Patient Self-testing	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
Severance-related costs	$	—		$	14		$	—		$	707		$	1,422
Facility and transition costs (recoveries)		—			—			—			—			—
Other exit costs		—			—			—			—			—
Cash charges (recoveries)		—			14			—			707			1,422
Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			—			—			—			—
Intangible asset impairments		—			—			—			—			—
Other non-cash recoveries		—			—			—			—			—
Total charges (recoveries)	$	—		$	14		$	—		$	707		$	1,422
As of September 30, 2014, $0.8 million in cash charges remain unpaid, primarily related to facility lease obligations, which are anticipated to continue through 2017.
(d) Restructuring Reserves
The following table summarizes our restructuring reserves related to the plans described above, of which $8.1 million is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.7 million is included in other long-term liabilities on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
	Severance-			Facility and			Other Exit			Total
	related			Transition			Costs
	Costs			Costs
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	992		$	1,781		$	367		$	3,140
Cash charges		21,313			7,360			32			28,705
Payments		(18,400	)		(4,146	)		(86	)		(22,632	)
Currency adjustments		(401	)		(61	)		(1	)		(463	)
Balance, September 30, 2014	$	3,504		$	4,934		$	312		$	8,750

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	(12) Long-term Debt
	We had the following long-term debt balances outstanding (in thousands):
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	A term loans(1) (2)		$	797,500		$	832,188
	B term loans(1) (3)			1,334,165			1,344,238
	Revolving line of credit(1)			170,000			170,000
	7.25% Senior notes			450,000			450,000
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			425,000			425,000
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			400,000			400,000
	3% Convertible senior subordinated notes			150,000			150,000
	Other lines of credit			728			355
	Other			44,092			50,119
				3,771,485			3,821,900
	Less: Short-term debt and current portion			(87,871	)		(64,112	)
			$	3,683,614		$	3,757,788
	(1)	Incurred under our secured credit facility.
	(2)	Includes “A” term loans and “Delayed Draw” term loans under our secured credit facility.
	(3)	Includes term loans previously referred to as “Incremental B-1” term loans and “Incremental B-2” term loans under our secured credit facility, which term loans have been converted into and consolidated with the “B” 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Secured credit facility (1)		$	24,985		$	25,809		$	74,606	$	78,741
	7.25% Senior notes			8,525			8,535			25,574		25,371
	7.875% Senior notes (2)			—			—			—		137
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			7,180			7,172			21,534		10,185
	9% Senior subordinated notes (3)			—			—			—		54,043
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			9,271			9,273			27,819		27,820
	3% Senior subordinated convertible notes			1,246			1,246			3,738		3,738
			$	51,207		$	52,035		$	153,271	$	200,035
	(1)	Includes “A” term loans, including the “Delayed-Draw” term loans; “B” term loans, including the term loans previously referred to as “Incremental B-1” term loans and “Incremental B-2” term loans, which term loans have been converted into and consolidated with the “B” term loans; and revolving line of credit loans. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, the amounts include $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, the amount includes $0.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications.
	(2)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, this amount includes an approximate $0.1 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of our 7.875% senior notes.
	(3)	An approximate $35.6 million loss in connection with the repurchase of our 9% senior subordinated notes has been included in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Included in the $35.6 million is $19.0 million related to tender offer consideration and call premium which has been classified within cash flows from financing activities in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	(13) 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):
	Description		September 30, 2014			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable Inputs
						Active Markets		Observable Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	794		$	794	$	—	$	—
	Total assets		$	794		$	794	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations (1)		$	155,000		$	—	$	—	$	155,000
	Total liabilities		$	155,000		$	—	$	—	$	155,000
	Description		December 31, 2013			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable Inputs
						Active Markets		Observable Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—
	Total assets		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations (1)		$	218,569		$	—	$	—	$	218,569
	Total liabilities		$	218,569		$	—	$	—	$	218,569
	(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 18 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, December 31, 2013		$	218,569
	Payments			(49,573	)
	Present value accretion and adjustments			12,442
	Reversal of Method Factory Inc., now known as Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC (“ACS”) obligation(1)			(26,321	)
	Foreign currency adjustments			(117	)
	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, September 30, 2014		$	155,000
	(1)	ACS was divested in October 2014 and, in connection with this transaction, the contingent consideration obligation was terminated. See Note 3.
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 both $3.8 billion at September 30, 2014. 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 estimated fair value of our long-term debt was determined using market sources that were derived from available market information (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.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan

Defined Benefit Pension Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(14) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
	Our subsidiary in England, Unipath Ltd., has a defined benefit pension plan established for certain of its employees. The net periodic benefit costs are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		202			182			604			543
	Expected return on plan assets		(191	)		(156	)		(571	)		(465	)
	Amortization of prior service costs		111			103			333			308
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	122		$	129		$	366		$	386

Financial_Information_by_Segme

Financial Information by Segment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information by Segment	(15) 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, patient self-testing, 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. We evaluate performance of our operating segments based on revenue and operating income (loss). Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Professional		Patient			Consumer		Corporate			Total
		Diagnostics		Self-			Diagnostics		and Other
				testing
	Three Months ended September 30, 2014 (Restated)
	Net revenue	$	587,716	$	35,045		$	26,449	$	—		$	649,210
	Operating income (loss)	$	58,549	$	6,437		$	3,742	$	(33,386	)	$	35,342
	Depreciation and amortization	$	75,625	$	4,741		$	841	$	1,917		$	83,124
	Restructuring charge	$	14,124	$	(5	)	$	—	$	3,178		$	17,297
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	3,169		$	3,169
	Three Months ended September 30, 2013
	Net revenue	$	590,197	$	31,603		$	28,848	$	—		$	650,648
	Operating income (loss)	$	52,585	$	(4,141	)	$	3,347	$	(29,033	)	$	22,758
	Depreciation and amortization	$	88,835	$	5,770		$	1,063	$	287		$	95,955
	Non-cash inventory charge	$	708	$	(59	)	$	—	$	—		$	649
	Restructuring charge	$	6,033	$	44		$	—	$	—		$	6,077
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	5,662		$	5,662
	Loss on disposition	$	5,885	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	5,885
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 (Restated)
	Net revenue	$	1,737,871	$	102,361		$	81,615	$	—		$	1,921,847
	Operating income (loss)	$	126,824	$	2,622		$	10,617	$	(75,474	)	$	64,589
	Depreciation and amortization	$	230,219	$	14,479		$	2,604	$	3,461		$	250,763
	Restructuring charge	$	29,572	$	175		$	—	$	7,328		$	37,075
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	7,751		$	7,751
	Loss on disposition	$	638	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	638
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2013
	Net revenue	$	1,774,824	$	92,806		$	76,846	$	—		$	1,944,476
	Operating income (loss)	$	183,694	$	(14,201	)	$	9,031	$	(66,907	)	$	111,617
	Depreciation and amortization	$	258,485	$	16,846		$	3,296	$	846		$	279,473
	Non-cash inventory charge	$	1,880	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	1,880
	Restructuring charge	$	9,162	$	985		$	—	$	—		$	10,147
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	14,462		$	14,462
	Loss on disposition	$	5,885	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	5,885
	Assets:
	As of September 30, 2014 (Restated)	$	6,016,792	$	484,334		$	215,802	$	87,192		$	6,804,120
	As of December 31, 2013	$	5,746,021	$	501,672		$	197,458	$	616,934		$	7,062,085
	The following tables summarize our net revenue from the professional diagnostics and patient self-testing reporting segments by groups of similar products and services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Professional Diagnostics Segment	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
		(Restated)					(Restated)
	Infectious disease	$	177,955	$	172,739		$	507,866	$	520,289
	Toxicology		161,940		166,536			478,514		479,986
	Cardiology		109,661		115,677			333,077		348,902
	Diabetes		49,477		53,150			151,425		178,138
	Other		84,501		78,607			252,303		235,992
	Professional diagnostics net product sales and services revenue	$	583,534	$	586,709		$	1,723,185	$	1,763,307
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Patient Self-testing Segment	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Patient Self-testing services	$	30,185	$	27,025		$	86,799	$	77,437
	Other		4,860		4,578			15,562		15,369
	Patient self-testing net product sales and services revenue	$	35,045	$	31,603		$	102,361	$	92,806

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	(16) Related Party Transactions
	(a) Divestiture of ACS Companies
	On October 10, 2014, we completed the sale of our ACS subsidiary to ACS Acquisition, LLC (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to the terms of a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with the Purchaser and Sumit Nagpal. In connection with the sale of ACS, we also agreed to sell our subsidiary Wellogic ME FZ – LLC (“Wellogic,” together with ACS, the “ACS Companies”) to the Purchaser, subject to the satisfaction of routine requirements of Dubai law relating to the transfer of equity. See Note 3.
	Mr. Nagpal is a director of Wellogic and served as the chief executive officer and a director of ACS until his resignation on September 2, 2014. Mr. Nagpal was also the owner of Method Factory, Inc., the company that sold to Alere in 2011 the business and assets of ACS, and Wellogic prior to its sale to Alere in 2012.
	(b) SPD Joint Venture
	In May 2007, we completed the formation of Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, or SPD, our 50/50 joint venture with Procter & Gamble, or 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.
	We had a net payable to SPD of $4.1 million as of September 30, 2014 and a net receivable from SPD of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2013. Included in the $4.1 million payable balance as of September 30, 2014 is a receivable of approximately $1.6 million for costs incurred in connection with our 2008 SPD-related restructuring plans. 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. We have also recorded a long-term receivable totaling approximately $11.4 million and $13.2 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 and other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the amount of $9.1 million and $12.4 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 $19.6 million and $60.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $21.2 million and $56.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Additionally, services revenue generated pursuant to the long-term services agreement with the joint venture totaled $0.3 million and $1.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Sales under our manufacturing agreement and long-term services agreement are included in net product sales and services revenue, respectively, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Under the terms of our product supply agreement, SPD purchases products from our manufacturing facilities in China. SPD in turn sells a portion of those tests back to us for final assembly and packaging. Once packaged, a portion of 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 $9.1 million and $9.4 million of trade receivables which are included in accounts receivable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and $25.8 million and $18.8 million of trade accounts payable which are included in accounts payable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we received $10.8 million 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	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$	9,119	$	11,510
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	9,133	$	12,417
	Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	$	11,369	$	13,249
	Accounts payable	$	29,841	$	18,811
	(c) Entrustment Loan Arrangement with SPD Shanghai
	Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co., Ltd., or Alere Shanghai, and SPD Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or SPD Shanghai, entered into an entrustment loan arrangement for a maximum of CNY 23 million (approximately $3.7 million at September 30, 2014), in order to finance the latter’s short-term working capital needs, with the Royal Bank of Scotland (China) Co., Ltd. Shanghai Branch, or RBS. The agreement governs the setting up of an Entrustment Loan Account with RBS, into which Alere Shanghai deposits certain monies. This restricted cash account provides a guarantee to RBS of amounts borrowed from RBS by SPD Shanghai. The Alere Shanghai RBS account is recorded as restricted cash on Alere Shanghai’s balance sheet and amounted to $1.7 million at September 30, 2014.

Other_Arrangements

Other Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Other Arrangements	(17) Other Arrangements
	On February 19, 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 September 30, 2014, we had borrowed no amounts under the Gates Loan Agreement. As of September 30, 2014, we had received approximately $11.6 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 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we incurred $2.5 million and $7.0 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we incurred $1.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of qualified expenditures, for which we reduced our deferred grant funding balance and recorded an offset to our research and development expenses.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(18) Material Contingencies
	Acquisition-related Contingent Consideration Obligations
	We have contractual contingent purchase price consideration obligations related to certain of our acquisitions. 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.
	The following table summarizes our 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	September 30,		December 31,		2014
							as of			September 30,	2014		2013
							September 30,			2014
							2014
	TwistDx, Inc.(1)			11-Mar-10	$	35,600	$	108,777		2014 – 2025(10)	$	39,900	$	45,502	$	15,250
	Ionian Technologies, Inc.(2)			12-Jul-10	$	24,500	$	50,000		2014 – 2015		24,700		29,000		7,500
	Laboratory Data Systems, Inc.(3)			29-Aug-11	$	13,000	$	—		—		—		7,400		7,500
	Forensics Limited (ROAR)(4)			September 22, 2011	$	5,463	$	12,600		2014		3,492		2,484		—
	ACS(5)			December 9, 2011	$	18,900	$	—	(11)	—		—		26,900		579
	MedApps(6)			2-Jul-12	$	13,100	$	8,600		2014		6,500		12,800		5,000
	Amedica Biotech, Inc.(7)			3-Jul-12	$	8,900	$	—		—		—		7,500		8,055
	DiagnosisOne, Inc.(8)			31-Jul-12	$	22,300	$	30,000		2014 – 2017		20,400		26,600		3,000
	Epocal(9)			1-Feb-13	$	75,000	$	65,500		2014 – 2018		47,100		47,200		—
	Other			Various	$	58,877	$	20,129		2014 – 2016		12,908		13,183		2,689
											$	155,000	$	218,569	$	49,573
	(1)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain revenue and product development targets through 2025.
	(2)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay earn-outs upon successfully meeting multiple product development milestones during the five years following the acquisition.
	(3)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain revenue and operating income targets during each of the twelve-month periods ending June 30, 2012 and 2013.
	(4)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain EBITDA targets during 2012 through 2014.
	(5)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain operational and profit targets during 2012 through 2019. See also (11).
	(6)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to make earn-out payments upon achievement of certain technological and product development milestones through December 31, 2014.
	(7)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to make earn-out payments upon successfully meeting certain financial targets during each of the calendar years 2012 and 2013.
	(8)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay earn-outs upon successfully meeting certain financial targets within five years of the acquisition date.
	(9)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay earn-outs and management incentive payments upon successfully meeting certain product development and United States Food and Drug Administration regulatory approval milestones from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2018.
	(10)	The maximum earn-out period ends on the fifteenth anniversary of the acquisition date.
	(11)	The earn-out was comprised of three components, of which two components had an aggregate maximum remaining earn-out potential of $49.4 million. There was no dollar cap on the third earn-out component, however, the earn-out potential is limited to the remaining earn-out period. ACS was divested in October 2014 and these earn-outs were terminated in connection with the divestiture transaction. See Note 3.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(19) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, or other standard setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows upon adoption.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements -Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15. ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impacts of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period, or ASU 2014-12. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target which affects vesting and which could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-12 on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 requires that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance and the method of adoption in the consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) — Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, or ASU 2014-08. ASU 2014-08 requires that only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations which has a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results, such as a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment, should be presented as discontinued operations. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective in the first quarter of 2015. On October 1, 2014, we early adopted this standard. The impact on our consolidated financial statements will be dependent on any transaction that is within the scope of the new guidance.
	Recently Adopted Standards
	Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investments	(20) Equity Investments
	We account for the results from our equity investments under the equity method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or 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 recorded earnings of $5.9 million and $12.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and earnings of $4.7 million and $11.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our 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 $0.9 million and $1.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and earnings of $0.5 million and $1.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, in equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax, in our 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):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Combined Condensed Results of Operations:	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net revenue	$	65,397	$	49,272	$	155,533	$	153,096
	Gross profit	$	40,268	$	40,158	$	120,680	$	112,862
	Net income after taxes	$	12,834	$	10,543	$	27,992	$	25,549
	Combined Condensed Balance Sheet:	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Current assets	$	77,201	$	63,985
	Non-current assets		35,912		38,541
	Total assets	$	113,113	$	102,526
	Current liabilities	$	27,675	$	38,053
	Non-current liabilities		6,333		6,175
	Total liabilities	$	34,008	$	44,228

Provision_Benefit_for_Income_T

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the provision for income taxes included a provision of $79.4 million to establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets associated with our U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards. This valuation allowance was established as it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized. This decision was based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence that existed at September 30, 2014.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	(23) 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 100% 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, Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the related Statements of Operations, Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 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 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
					(Restated)
	Net product sales	$	—		$	214,585		$	353,817		$	(60,777	)	$	507,625
	Services revenue		—			122,045			15,358			—			137,403
	Net product sales and services revenue		—			336,630			369,175			(60,777	)		645,028
	License and royalty revenue		—			2,993			3,663			(2,474	)		4,182
	Net revenue		—			339,623			372,838			(63,251	)		649,210
	Cost of net product sales		912			118,241			204,983			(52,886	)		271,250
	Cost of services revenue		71			74,441			8,448			(7,858	)		75,102
	Cost of net product sales and services revenue		983			192,682			213,431			(60,744	)		346,352
	Cost of license and royalty revenue		28			55			3,627			(2,474	)		1,236
	Cost of net revenue		1,011			192,737			217,058			(63,218	)		347,588
	Gross profit (loss)		(1,011	)		146,886			155,780			(33	)		301,622
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development		7,256			15,318			16,152			—			38,726
	Sales and marketing		1,265			54,422			67,073			—			122,760
	General and administrative		33,549			30,323			40,922			—			104,794
	Operating income (loss)		(43,081	)		46,823			31,633			(33	)		35,342
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(51,589	)		(4,420	)		(4,512	)		8,189			(52,332	)
	Other income (expense), net		4,706			4,835			(9,438	)		(8,190	)		(8,087	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		(89,964	)		47,238			17,683			(34	)		(25,077	)
	Provision for income taxes		42,727			13,657			9,140			(35	)		65,489
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(132,691	)		33,581			8,543			1			(90,566	)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax		49,642			210			—			(49,852	)		—
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		560			—			5,779			(62	)		6,277
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		(82,489	)		33,791			14,322			(49,913	)		(84,289	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(16,201	)		(20,615	)		22,415			—			(14,401	)
	Net income (loss)		(98,690	)		13,176			36,737			(49,913	)		(98,690	)
	Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(306	)		—			(306	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(98,690	)		13,176			37,043			(49,913	)		(98,384	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(5,367	)		—			—			—			(5,367	)
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(104,057	)	$	13,176		$	37,043		$	(49,913	)	$	(103,751	)
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Net product sales	$	—		$	220,530		$	329,405		$	(44,339	)	$	505,596
	Services revenue		—			121,223			19,645			—			140,868
	Net product sales and services revenue		—			341,753			349,050			(44,339	)		646,464
	License and royalty revenue		—			5,103			4,057			(4,976	)		4,184
	Net revenue		—			346,856			353,107			(49,315	)		650,648
	Cost of net product sales		887			126,983			165,914			(37,472	)		256,312
	Cost of services revenue		—			68,133			8,750			(5,051	)		71,832
	Cost of net product sales and services revenue		887			195,116			174,664			(42,523	)		328,144
	Cost of license and royalty revenue		—			17			6,967			(4,975	)		2,009
	Cost of net revenue		887			195,133			181,631			(47,498	)		330,153
	Gross profit (loss)		(887	)		151,723			171,476			(1,817	)		320,495
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development		5,515			17,009			17,954			—			40,478
	Sales and marketing		1,579			64,536			75,633			—			141,748
	General and administrative		23,028			31,894			54,704			—			109,626
	Loss on disposition		—			(1	)		5,886			—			5,885
	Operating income (loss)		(31,009	)		38,285			17,299			(1,817	)		22,758
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(52,318	)		(6,207	)		(2,721	)		7,945			(53,301	)
	Other income (expense), net		(6,775	)		6,234			1,418			(7,945	)		(7,068	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		(90,102	)		38,312			15,996			(1,817	)		(37,611	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(28,111	)		13,557			412			(560	)		(14,702	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(61,991	)		24,755			15,584			(1,257	)		(22,909	)
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax		42,907			(337	)		—			(42,570	)		—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		464			—			5,217			72			5,753
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(18,620	)		24,418			20,801			(43,755	)		(17,156	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(452	)		(926	)		(538	)		—			(1,916	)
Net income (loss)		(19,072	)		23,492			20,263			(43,755	)		(19,072	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			359			—			359
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(19,072	)		23,492			19,904			(43,755	)		(19,431	)
Preferred stock dividends		(5,367	)		—			—			—			(5,367	)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(24,439	)	$	23,492		$	19,904		$	(43,755	)	$	(24,798	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Restated)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
				(Restated)
Net product sales	$	—		$	623,208		$	1,048,212		$	(172,118	)	$	1,499,302
Services revenue		—			355,132			51,415			—			406,547
Net product sales and services revenue		—			978,340			1,099,627			(172,118	)		1,905,849
License and royalty revenue		—			10,312			14,683			(8,997	)		15,998
Net revenue		—			988,652			1,114,310			(181,115	)		1,921,847
Cost of net product sales		2,291			348,701			591,778			(156,852	)		785,918
Cost of services revenue		214			216,142			25,123			(20,123	)		221,356
Cost of net product sales and services revenue		2,505			564,843			616,901			(176,975	)		1,007,274
Cost of license and royalty revenue		28			194			12,675			(8,997	)		3,900
Cost of net revenue		2,533			565,037			629,576			(185,972	)		1,011,174
Gross profit (loss)		(2,533	)		423,615			484,734			4,857			910,673
Operating expenses:
Research and development		20,034			45,753			49,068			—			114,855
Sales and marketing		6,329			175,536			209,740			—			391,605
General and administrative		78,257			112,850			147,879			—			338,986
Loss on disposition		—			638			—			—			638
Operating income (loss)		(107,153	)		88,838			78,047			4,857			64,589
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(154,232	)		(14,933	)		(13,646	)		26,535			(156,276	)
Other income (expense), net		11,823			15,867			1,068			(26,594	)		2,164
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		(249,562	)		89,772			65,469			4,798			(89,523	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,566	)		42,896			27,319			1,624			69,273
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(246,996	)		46,876			38,150			3,174			(158,796	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax		97,307			442			—			(97,749	)		—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		1,387			—			12,516			(187	)		13,716
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(148,302	)		47,318			50,666			(94,762	)		(145,080	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(860	)		(26,418	)		23,196			—			(4,082	)
Net income (loss)		(149,162	)		20,900			73,862			(94,762	)		(149,162	)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(136	)		—			(136	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(149,162	)		20,900			73,998			(94,762	)		(149,026	)
Preferred stock dividends		(15,926	)		—			—			—			(15,926	)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(165,088	)	$	20,900		$	73,998		$	(94,762	)	$	(164,952	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Net product sales	$	—		$	655,530		$	1,014,898		$	(142,696	)	$	1,527,732
Services revenue		—			345,909			57,722			—			403,631
Net product sales and services revenue		—			1,001,439			1,072,620			(142,696	)		1,931,363
License and royalty revenue		—			10,908			12,662			(10,457	)		13,113
Net revenue		—			1,012,347			1,085,282			(153,153	)		1,944,476
Cost of net product sales		2,722			360,539			518,776			(125,322	)		756,715
Cost of services revenue		—			193,563			26,146			(13,777	)		205,932
Cost of net product sales and services revenue		2,722			554,102			544,922			(139,099	)		962,647
Cost of license and royalty revenue		—			52			15,668			(10,456	)		5,264
Cost of net revenue		2,722			554,154			560,590			(149,555	)		967,911
Gross profit (loss)		(2,722	)		458,193			524,692			(3,598	)		976,565
Operating expenses:
Research and development		16,167			50,550			54,012			—			120,729
Sales and marketing		4,384			192,055			223,273			—			419,712
General and administrative		51,532			110,732			156,358			—			318,622
Loss on disposition		—			(1	)		5,886			—			5,885
Operating income (loss)		(74,805	)		104,857			85,163			(3,598	)		111,617
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(200,836	)		(19,510	)		(9,209	)		26,502			(203,053	)
Other income (expense), net		(7,612	)		18,676			8,179			(26,502	)		(7,259	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		(283,253	)		104,023			84,133			(3,598	)		(98,695	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(101,941	)		46,309			31,500			(1,240	)		(25,372	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(181,312	)		57,714			52,633			(2,358	)		(73,323	)
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax		108,302			(1,510	)		—			(106,792	)		—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		1,278			—			11,932			28			13,238
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(71,732	)		56,204			64,565			(109,122	)		(60,085	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(682	)		(10,029	)		(1,618	)		—			(12,329	)
Net income (loss)		(72,414	)		46,175			62,947			(109,122	)		(72,414	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			601			—			601
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(72,414	)		46,175			62,346			(109,122	)		(73,015	)
Preferred stock dividends		(15,926	)		—			—			—			(15,926	)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(88,340	)	$	46,175		$	62,346		$	(109,122	)	$	(88,941	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
				(Restated)
Net income (loss)	$	(98,690	)	$	13,176		$	36,737		$	(49,913	)	$	(98,690	)
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		(383	)		(104	)		(95,936	)		(2	)		(96,425	)
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			7			—			7
Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			481			—			481
Other comprehensive income, before tax		(383	)		(104	)		(95,448	)		(2	)		(95,937	)
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(383	)		(104	)		(95,448	)		(2	)		(95,937	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(99,073	)		13,072			(58,711	)		(49,915	)		(194,627	)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(306	)		—			(306	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(99,073	)	$	13,072		$	(58,405	)	$	(49,915	)	$	(194,321	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Net income (loss)	$	(19,072	)	$	23,492		$	20,263		$	(43,755	)	$	(19,072	)
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		524			—			66,742			2			67,268
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			20			—			20
Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			(369	)		—			(369	)
Other comprehensive income, before tax		524			—			66,393			2			66,919
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		524			—			66,393			2			66,919
Comprehensive income (loss)		(18,548	)		23,492			86,656			(43,753	)		47,847
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			359			—			359
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(18,548	)	$	23,492		$	86,297		$	(43,753	)	$	47,488
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Restated)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
				(Restated)
Net income (loss)	$	(149,162	)	$	20,900		$	73,862		$	(94,762	)	$	(149,162	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		(137	)		(178	)		(69,633	)		(2	)		(69,950	)
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities		—			(17	)		—			—			(17	)
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			21			—			21
Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			468			—			468
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		(137	)		(195	)		(69,144	)		(2	)		(69,478	)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(137	)		(195	)		(69,144	)		(2	)		(69,478	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(149,299	)		20,705			4,718			(94,764	)		(218,640	)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(136	)		—			(136	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(149,299	)	$	20,705		$	4,854		$	(94,764	)	$	(218,504	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Net income (loss)	$	(72,414	)	$	46,175		$	62,947		$	(109,122	)	$	(72,414	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		(329	)		—			(42,188	)		2			(42,515	)
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			31			—			31
Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			335			—			335
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		(329	)		—			(41,822	)		2			(42,149	)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(329	)		—			(41,822	)		2			(42,149	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(72,743	)		46,175			21,125			(109,120	)		(114,563	)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			601			—			601
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(72,743)		$	46,175		$	20,524		$	(109,120)		$	(115,164	)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
				(Restated)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,469		$	91,188		$	328,694		$	—		$	431,351
Restricted cash		1,940			100			33,541			—			35,581
Marketable securities		—			793			1			—			794
Accounts receivable, net of allowances		—			188,972			275,724			—			464,696
Inventories, net		—			170,029			209,486			(19,474	)		360,041
Deferred tax assets		(17,440	)		10,425			30,648			(2,107	)		21,526
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		8,411			29,117			81,476			4,052			123,056
Assets held for sale		—			325,165			16			—			325,181
Intercompany receivables		366,149			809,418			59,656			(1,235,223	)		—
Total current assets		370,529			1,625,207			1,019,242			(1,252,752	)		1,762,226
Property, plant and equipment, net		27,220			213,935			222,183			(56	)		463,282
Goodwill		—			1,754,523			1,226,979			—			2,981,502
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives		—			9,600			37,290			(59	)		46,831
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		8,715			780,741			586,206			—			1,375,662
Restricted cash		—			—			—			—			—
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets		43,982			6,684			23,081			(45	)		73,702
Investments in subsidiaries		3,829,127			271,122			189,998			(4,290,247	)		—
Investments in unconsolidated entities		15,814			14,764			47,269			13,328			91,175
Deferred tax assets		—			—			7,404			—			7,404
Non-current income tax receivable		2,336			—			—			—			2,336
Intercompany notes receivables		2,073,773			681,592			51,732			(2,807,097	)		—
Total assets	$	6,371,496		$	5,358,168		$	3,411,384		$	(8,336,928	)	$	6,804,120
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$	60,000		$	50		$	27,821		$	—		$	87,871
Current portion of capital lease obligations		—			1,426			2,724			—			4,150
Accounts payable		15,221			81,923			112,713			—			209,857
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(458,734	)		595,902			230,888			(126	)		367,930
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		—			100,024			—			—			100,024
Intercompany payables		772,405			192,272			270,545			(1,235,222	)		—
Total current liabilities		388,892			971,597			644,691			(1,235,348	)		769,832
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion		3,675,377			—			8,237			—			3,683,614
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		—			4,337			7,941			—			12,278
Deferred tax liabilities		(31,068	)		231,791			79,684			204			280,611
Other long-term liabilities		41,713			48,677			86,870			(45	)		177,215
Intercompany notes payables		420,758			1,341,223			1,045,116			(2,807,097	)		—
Total long-term liabilities		4,106,780			1,626,028			1,227,848			(2,806,938	)		4,153,718
Stockholders’ equity		1,875,824			2,760,543			1,534,099			(4,294,642	)		1,875,824
Non-controlling interests		—			—			4,746			—			4,746
Total equity		1,875,824			2,760,543			1,538,845			(4,294,642	)		1,880,570
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,371,496		$	5,358,168		$	3,411,384		$	(8,336,928	)	$	6,804,120
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,801		$	78,976		$	261,654		$	—		$	355,431
Restricted cash		2,221			—			1,237			—			3,458
Marketable securities		—			853			5			—			858
Accounts receivable, net of allowances		—			179,445			307,932			—			487,377
Inventories, net		—			169,141			219,892			(23,766	)		365,267
Deferred tax assets		4,418			9,483			31,451			3,506			48,858
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		517,311			(415,124	)		23,502			(44	)		125,645
Assets held for sale		—			380,414			69			—			380,483
Intercompany receivables		331,844			759,498			75,424			(1,166,766	)		—
Total current assets		870,595			1,162,686			921,166			(1,187,070	)		1,767,377
Property, plant and equipment, net		14,197			210,883			241,713			(296	)		466,497
Goodwill		—			1,753,498			1,253,499			—			3,006,997
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives		—			14,301			42,401			—			56,702
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		11,006			868,683			677,737			—			1,557,426
Restricted cash		—			—			29,370			—			29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets		55,207			7,777			20,560			(47	)		83,497
Investments in subsidiaries		3,780,251			282,310			191,947			(4,254,508	)		—
Investments in unconsolidated entities		29,005			—			44,636			13,189			86,830
Deferred tax assets		(570	)		—			7,959			—			7,389
Intercompany notes receivables		2,197,576			630,627			60,441			(2,888,644	)		—
Total assets	$	6,957,267		$	4,930,765		$	3,491,429		$	(8,317,376	)	$	7,062,085
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$	60,000		$	323		$	3,789		$	—		$	64,112
Current portion of capital lease obligations		—			2,859			3,103			—			5,962
Accounts payable		12,584			63,346			105,712			—			181,642
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		68,581			117,937			195,412			(36	)		381,894
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		—			106,343			26,899			—			133,242
Intercompany payables		728,541			163,518			274,708			(1,166,767	)		—
Total current liabilities		869,706			454,326			609,623			(1,166,803	)		766,852
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion		3,720,137			100			37,551			—			3,757,788
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		—			4,773			8,469			—			13,242
Deferred tax liabilities		(49,190	)		246,178			88,038			8			285,034
Other long-term liabilities		21,038			47,008			93,032			(47	)		161,031
Intercompany notes payables		322,322			1,444,742			1,121,581			(2,888,645	)		—
Total long-term liabilities		4,014,307			1,742,801			1,348,671			(2,888,684	)		4,217,095
Stockholders’ equity		2,073,254			2,733,638			1,528,253			(4,261,889	)		2,073,256
Non-controlling interests		—			—			4,882			—			4,882
Total equity		2,073,254			2,733,638			1,533,135			(4,261,889	)		2,078,138
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,957,267		$	4,930,765		$	3,491,429		$	(8,317,376	)	$	7,062,085
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Restated)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
				(Restated)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(149,162	)	$	20,900		$	73,862		$	(94,762	)	$	(149,162	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(860	)		(26,418	)		23,196			—			(4,082	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(148,302	)		47,318			50,666			(94,762	)		(145,080	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax		(97,307	)		(442	)		—			97,749			—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		11,575			32			217			—			11,824
Depreciation and amortization		4,417			132,134			114,218			(6	)		250,763
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		1,629			3,463			2,659			—			7,751
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.		—			9,594			—			—			9,594
Impairment of inventory		—			—			1,536			—			1,536
Impairment of long-lived assets		1,573			(446	)		5,739			—			6,866
Loss on disposition of fixed assets		—			4,078			601			—			4,679
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(1,387	)		—			(12,516	)		187			(13,716	)
Deferred income taxes		28,030			(12,863	)		(7,320	)		1,710			9,557
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions		—			638			—			—			638
Other non-cash items		(988	)		2,845			1,826			—			3,683
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net		—			(10,136	)		22,779			—			12,643
Inventories, net		—			(22,521	)		(3,495	)		(4,430	)		(30,446	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		503,712			(444,782	)		(65,138	)		(2,438	)		(8,646	)
Accounts payable		2,637			25,738			10,312			—			38,687
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(526,685	)		489,917			52,277			(1,748	)		13,761
Other non-current liabilities		18,588			4,950			362			4,101			28,001
Cash paid for contingent consideration		(20,966	)		—			(112	)		—			(21,078	)
Intercompany payable (receivable)		277,206			(197,561	)		(79,645	)		—			—
Net cash provided by continuing operations		53,732			31,956			94,966			363			181,017
Net cash provided by discontinued operations		7,881			26,474			62			—			34,417
Net cash provided by operating activities		61,613			58,430			95,028			363			215,434
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash		135			(100	)		(3,262	)		—			(3,227	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(16,611	)		(29,141	)		(29,805	)		2,522			(73,035	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		268			778			2,853			(2,755	)		1,144
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested		—			1,081			4,373			—			5,454
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(75	)		—			—			—			(75	)
Cash received from (paid for) investments		477			(278	)		(1	)		—			198
Proceeds from sale of equity investment		—			—			9,526			—			9,526
Cash received from sales of marketable securities		—			43			4			—			47
(Increase) decrease in other assets		(104	)		140			931			57			1,024
Net cash used in continuing operations		(15,910	)		(27,477	)		(15,381	)		(176	)		(58,944	)
Net cash used in discontinued operations		—			(8,853	)		—			—			(8,853	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(15,910	)		(36,330	)		(15,381	)		(176	)		(67,797	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs		(5	)		—			—			—			(5	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration		(23,285	)		—			(323	)		—			(23,608	)
Cash paid for dividends		(15,970	)		—			—			—			(15,970	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		35,593			—			—			—			35,593
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			—			41			—			41
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt		—			—			806			—			806
Payments on long-term debt		(45,000	)		(223	)		(2,079	)		—			(47,302	)
Net proceeds under revolving credit facilities		—			—			498			—			498
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options		65			282			68			—			415
Principal payments on capital lease obligations		—			(2,246	)		(2,393	)		—			(4,639	)
Net cash used in continuing operations		(48,602	)		(2,187	)		(3,382	)		—			(54,171	)
Net cash used in discontinued operations		(579	)		(496	)		—			—			(1,075	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(49,181	)		(2,683	)		(3,382	)		—			(55,246	)
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents		146			(179	)		(9,225	)		(187	)		(9,445	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3,332	)		19,238			67,040			—			82,946
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations		14,801			78,976			261,654			—			355,431
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations		—			6,476			1			—			6,477
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		11,469			104,690			328,695			—			444,854
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period		—			13,502			1			—			13,503
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	$	11,469		$	91,188		$	328,694		$	—		$	431,351
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(72,414	)	$	46,175		$	62,947		$	(109,122	)	$	(72,414	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(682	)		(10,029	)		(1,618	)		—			(12,329	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(71,732	)		56,204			64,565			(109,122	)		(60,085	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax		(108,302	)		1,510			—			106,792			—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		13,814			46			45			—			13,905
Depreciation and amortization		3,731			143,832			132,014			(104	)		279,473
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		—			—			1,880			—			1,880
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		5,836			3,646			4,980			—			14,462
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.		—			5,480			—			—			5,480
Impairment of inventory		—			27			216			—			243
Impairment of long-lived assets		—			316			1,147			—			1,463
Loss on disposition of fixed assets		—			69			731			—			800
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(1,278	)		—			(11,932	)		(28	)		(13,238	)
Deferred income taxes		(16,142	)		(18,004	)		(26,992	)		(1,154	)		(62,292	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		35,603			—			—			—			35,603
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions		—			—			5,885			—			5,885
Bargain purchase gain		—			—			(5,707	)		—			(5,707	)
Other non-cash items		5,201			964			1,481			—			7,646
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net		—			(22,291	)		(41,762	)		—			(64,053	)
Inventories, net		—			(47,700	)		(30,038	)		3,771			(73,967	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(64,546	)		64,286			(1,314	)		(7,516	)		(9,090	)
Accounts payable		5,918			1,147			11,410			—			18,475
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		13,184			2,559			8,966			6,933			31,642
Other non-current liabilities		(914	)		(19,086	)		11,366			515			(8,119	)
Cash paid for contingent consideration		(6,654	)		—			(211	)		—			(6,865	)
Intercompany payable (receivable)		303,437			(169,487	)		(133,950	)		—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations		117,156			3,518			(7,220	)		87			113,541
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		(2,201	)		47,730			46			—			45,575
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		114,955			51,248			(7,174	)		87			159,116
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Increase in restricted cash		(4,439	)		—			(28,812	)		—			(33,251	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(1,037	)		(24,846	)		(58,491	)		11,938			(72,436	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		—			6,905			11,186			(12,263	)		5,828
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested		—			—			32,000			—			32,000
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(157,373	)		—			(8,823	)		—			(166,196	)
(Increase) decrease in other assets		19,244			(675	)		2,910			(17	)		21,462
Cash received from equity method investments		490			—			10,772			—			11,262
Net cash used in continuing operations		(143,115	)		(18,616	)		(39,258	)		(342	)		(201,331	)
Net cash used in discontinued operations		—			(21,289	)		(27	)		—			(21,316	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(143,115	)		(39,905	)		(39,285	)		(342	)		(222,647	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs		(9,798	)		—			—			—			(9,798	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration		(24,866	)		—			(331	)		—			(25,197	)
Cash paid for dividends		(15,970	)		—			—			—			(15,970	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		17,555			—			—			—			17,555
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		425,000			—			34,152			—			459,152
Payments on long-term debt		(446,845	)		(224	)		(7,099	)		—			(454,168	)
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities		147,500			—			(8,732	)		—			138,768
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options		205			181			48			—			434
Principal payments on capital lease obligations		—			(2,406	)		(2,619	)		—			(5,025	)
Other		(18,953	)		—			25			—			(18,928	)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations		73,828			(2,449	)		15,444			—			86,823
Net cash used in discontinued operations		(2,299	)		(316	)		—			—			(2,615	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		71,529			(2,765	)		15,444			—			84,208
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents		871			(28	)		3,884			255			4,982
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		44,240			8,550			(27,131	)		—			25,659
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations		3,623			56,074			256,782			—			316,479
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations		—			11,855			—			—			11,855
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		47,863			76,479			229,651			—			353,993
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period		—			9,477			1			—			9,478
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	$	47,863		$	67,002		$	229,650		$	—		$	344,515

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	(24) Subsequent Event
	On October 27, 2014, we entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Optum pursuant to which we agreed to sell Alere Health and its subsidiaries, which together comprise our condition management, case management, wellbeing, wellness and women’s and children’s health businesses, which we refer to collectively as our health management business, and which is included in what we formerly referred to as our health information solutions reporting segment, to Optum for a purchase price of $600.0 million. The purchase price is subject to a post-closing adjustment based on the amount of the subsidiaries’ working capital and other liabilities as of the closing date. All of the businesses being sold are included in what we formerly referred to as our health information solutions reporting segment but now refer to as our patient self-testing segment. In addition, we agreed to indemnify the buyer for certain breaches of representations, warranties, covenants and other matters, and any payment we may make pursuant to the indemnification provisions of the purchase agreement would reduce the net proceeds we expect to receive from the sale. At the closing of the sale, we expect to enter into a transitional services agreement and a transitional license agreement with Optum relating to certain administrative and support functions and the use of certain trademarks.
	The closing of the sale is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including the expiration of any waiting periods imposed under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), the receipt of the consent of the required lenders under our senior secured credit facility and the absence of any material adverse change in the business to be sold. The closing of the sale is currently expected to occur during the fourth quarter of 2014. If for any reason the closing of the sale is not completed by April 27, 2015, or upon the happening of certain other events such as the entry of a final and non-appealable court order prohibiting consummation of the transaction, either we or Optum may have the right to terminate the agreement. The deadline for the completion of the closing of the sale will be extended to July 27, 2015 if the only condition that has not been satisfied as of April 27, 2015 is the expiration of all waiting periods under the HSR Act or other applicable antitrust laws.

Basis_of_Presentation_of_Finan1

Basis of Presentation of Financial Information (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation of Financial Information	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Alere Inc. are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments considered normal and recurring and necessary for their fair statement. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows. Our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included information and footnotes necessary for such presentation and were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 3, 2014. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made in order to retrospectively present 2014 and 2013 discontinued operations. These reclassifications of financial information related to the discontinued operations have no effect on net income or equity. Given the retrospective presentation of discontinued operations in these financial statements, including with respect to our segment financial information, we have renamed our former health information solutions segment to patient self-testing.
	Certain amounts presented may not recalculate directly, due to rounding.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly-liquid cash investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. At September 30, 2014, our cash equivalents consisted of money market funds.
Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements -Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15. ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impacts of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for Share-Based Payments	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period, or ASU 2014-12. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target which affects vesting and which could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-12 on our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 requires that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance and the method of adoption in the consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of Financial Statements, Property, Plant, and Equipment and Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) — Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, or ASU 2014-08. ASU 2014-08 requires that only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations which has a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results, such as a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment, should be presented as discontinued operations. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective in the first quarter of 2015. On October 1, 2014, we early adopted this standard. The impact on our consolidated financial statements will be dependent on any transaction that is within the scope of the new guidance.
Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit	Recently Adopted Standards
	Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr1

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Revised Consolidated Statement of Operations	The following schedules reconcile the amounts as previously reported to the corresponding restated or revised amounts in these consolidated financial statements:
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net product sales		$	505,850		$	1,775		$	507,625
	Net product sales and services revenue		$	643,253		$	1,775		$	645,028
	Net revenue		$	647,435		$	1,775		$	649,210
	Cost of net product sales		$	271,663		$	(413	)	$	271,250
	Cost of services revenue		$	73,614		$	1,488		$	75,102
	Cost of product sales and services revenue		$	345,277		$	1,075		$	346,352
	Cost of net revenue		$	346,513		$	1,075		$	347,588
	Gross profit		$	300,922		$	700		$	301,622
	General and administrative		$	105,347		$	(553	)	$	104,794
	Operating income		$	34,089		$	1,253		$	35,342
	Other income (expense), net		$	(8,172	)	$	85		$	(8,087	)
	Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		$	(26,415	)	$	1,338		$	(25,077	)
	Provision for income taxes		$	61,101		$	4,388		$	65,489
	Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(87,516	)	$	(3,050	)	$	(90,566	)
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(81,239	)	$	(3,050	)	$	(84,289	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(7,099	)	$	(7,302	)	$	(14,401	)
	Net loss		$	(88,338	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(98,690	)
	Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(88,032	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(98,384	)
	Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(93,399	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(103,751	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attibutable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(1.04	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(1.08	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		$	(0.08	)	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.17	)
	Net loss per common share		$	(1.12	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(1.25	)
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revised Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net product sales		$	506,200		$	(604	)	$	505,596
	Net product sales and services revenue		$	647,068		$	(604	)	$	646,464
	Net revenue		$	651,252		$	(604	)	$	650,648
	Cost of net product sales		$	256,253		$	59		$	256,312
	Cost of services revenue		$	71,343		$	489		$	71,832
	Cost of product sales and services revenue		$	327,596		$	548		$	328,144
	Cost of net revenue		$	329,605		$	548		$	330,153
	Gross profit		$	321,647		$	(1,152	)	$	320,495
	General and administrative		$	110,115		$	(489	)	$	109,626
	Operating income		$	23,421		$	(663	)	$	22,758
	Other income (expense), net		$	(8,403	)	$	1,335		$	(7,068	)
	Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes		$	(38,283	)	$	672		$	(37,611	)
	Benefit for income taxes		$	(15,773	)	$	1,071		$	(14,702	)
	Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(22,510	)	$	(399	)	$	(22,909	)
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(16,757	)	$	(399	)	$	(17,156	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(2,732	)	$	816		$	(1,916	)
	Net loss		$	(19,489	)	$	417		$	(19,072	)
	Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(19,848	)	$	417		$	(19,431	)
	Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(25,215	)	$	417		$	(24,798	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(0.28	)	$	0		$	(0.28	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.02	)
	Net loss per common share		$	(0.31	)	$	0.01		$	(0.30	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net product sales		$	1,497,287		$	2,015		$	1,499,302
	Net product sales and services revenue		$	1,903,834		$	2,015		$	1,905,849
Net revenue		$	1,919,832		$	2,015		$	1,921,847
Cost of net product sales		$	787,381		$	(1,463	)	$	785,918
Cost of services revenue		$	216,978		$	4,378		$	221,356
Cost of product sales and services revenue		$	1,004,359		$	2,915		$	1,007,274
Cost of net revenue		$	1,008,259		$	2,915		$	1,011,174
Gross profit		$	911,573		$	(900	)	$	910,673
General and administrative		$	346,510		$	(7,524	)	$	338,986
Operating income		$	57,965		$	6,624		$	64,589
Other income (expense), net		$	241		$	1,923		$	2,164
Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		$	(98,070	)	$	8,547		$	(89,523	)
Provision for income taxes		$	61,397		$	7,876		$	69,273
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(159,467	)	$	671		$	(158,796	)
Loss from continuing operations		$	(145,751	)	$	671		$	(145,080	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	3,220		$	(7,302	)	$	(4,082	)
Net loss		$	(142,531	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,162	)
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(142,395	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,026	)
Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(158,321	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(164,952	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(1.95	)	$	0.01		$	(1.94	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$	0.04		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.05	)
Net loss per common share		$	(1.91	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(1.99	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revised Consolidated Statement of Operations (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
		Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
		Impact of Discontinued
		Operations
Net product sales		$	1,528,480		$	(748	)	$	1,527,732
Services revenue		$	405,114		$	(1,483	)	$	403,631
Net product sales and services revenue		$	1,933,594		$	(2,231	)	$	1,931,363
Net revenue		$	1,946,707		$	(2,231	)	$	1,944,476
Cost of net product sales		$	756,538		$	177		$	756,715
Cost of services revenue		$	204,465		$	1,467		$	205,932
Cost of products sales and services revenue		$	961,003		$	1,644		$	962,647
Cost of net revenue		$	966,267		$	1,644		$	967,911
Gross profit		$	980,440		$	(3,875	)	$	976,565
General and administrative		$	320,089		$	(1,467	)	$	318,622
Operating income		$	114,025		$	(2,408	)	$	111,617
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes		$	(96,287	)	$	(2,408	)	$	(98,695	)
Benefit for income taxes		$	(28,995	)	$	3,623		$	(25,372	)
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		$	(67,292	)	$	(6,031	)	$	(73,323	)
Loss from continuing operations		$	(54,054	)	$	(6,031	)	$	(60,085	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(12,883	)	$	554		$	(12,329	)
Net loss		$	(66,937	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(72,414	)
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(67,538	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(73,015	)
Net loss available to common stockholders		$	(83,464	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(88,941	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations		$	(0.87	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.94	)
Loss from discontinued operations		$	(0.16	)	$	0.01		$	(0.15	)
Net loss per common share		$	(1.03	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(1.09	)
Revised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net loss		$	(88,338	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(98,690	)
	Comprehensive loss		$	(184,275	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(194,627	)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(183,969	)	$	(10,352	)	$	(194,321	)
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net loss		$	(19,489	)	$	417		$	(19,072	)
	Comprehensive income		$	47,430		$	417		$	47,847
	Comprehensive income attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	47,071		$	417		$	47,488
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net loss		$	(142,531	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,162	)
	Comprehensive loss		$	(212,009	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(218,640	)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(211,873	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(218,504	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net loss		$	(66,937	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(72,414	)
	Comprehensive loss		$	(109,086	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(114,563	)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		$	(109,687	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(115,164	)
Revised Consolidated Balance Sheet
			As of September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Deferred tax assets		$	20,947		$	579		$	21,526
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	124,275		$	(1,219	)	$	123,056
	Total current assets		$	1,762,866		$	(640	)	$	1,762,226
	Property and equipment, net		$	465,878		$	(2,596	)	$	463,282
	Goodwill		$	2,982,767		$	(1,265	)	$	2,981,502
	Total assets		$	6,808,621		$	(4,501	)	$	6,804,120
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	365,439		$	2,491		$	367,930
	Liabilities related to assets held for sale		$	93,028		$	6,996		$	100,024
	Total current liabilities		$	760,345		$	9,487		$	769,832
	Deferred tax liabilities		$	282,538		$	(1,927	)	$	280,611
	Other long-term liabilities		$	179,448		$	(2,233	)	$	177,215
	Total long-term liabilities		$	4,157,878		$	(4,160	)	$	4,153,718
	Accumulated deficit		$	(1,780,135	)	$	(10,703	)	$	(1,790,838	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(96,040	)	$	875		$	(95,165	)
	Total stockholders’ equity		$	1,885,652		$	(9,828	)	$	1,875,824
	Total equity		$	1,890,398		$	(9,828	)		1,880,570
	Total liabilities and equity		$	6,808,621		$	(4,501	)	$	6,804,120
			As of December 31, 2013
	Revised Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $76,587 at December 31, 2013		$	489,392		$	(2,015	)	$	487,377
	Inventories		$	362,167		$	3,100		$	365,267
	Deferred tax assets		$	48,085		$	773		$	48,858
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	123,598		$	2,047		$	125,645
	Assets held for sale		$	371,291		$	9,192		$	380,483
	Total current assets		$	1,754,280		$	13,097		$	1,767,377
	Property and equipment, net		$	468,232		$	(1,735	)	$	466,497
	Goodwill		$	3,016,518		$	(9,521	)	$	3,006,997
	Deferred tax assets		$	7,959		$	(570	)	$	7,389
	Total assets		$	7,060,814		$	1,271		$	7,062,085
	Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		$	49,112		$	15,000		$	64,112
	Accounts payable		$	179,565		$	2,077		$	181,642
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	341,076		$	40,818		$	381,894
	Liabilities related to assets held for sale		$	172,799		$	(39,557	)	$	133,242
	Total current liabilities		$	748,514		$	18,338		$	766,852
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	3,772,788		$	(15,000	)	$	3,757,788
	Deferred tax liabilities		$	293,370		$	(8,336	)	$	285,034
	Other long-term liabilities		$	150,081		$	10,950		$	161,031
	Total long-term liabilities		$	4,229,481		$	(12,386	)	$	4,217,095
	Accumulated deficit		$	(1,636,256	)	$	(5,556	)	$	(1,641,812	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(26,562	)	$	875		$	(25,687	)
	Total stockholders’ equity		$	2,077,937		$	(4,681	)	$	2,073,256
	Total equity		$	2,082,819		$	(4,681	)	$	2,078,138
	Total liabilities and equity		$	7,060,814		$	1,271		$	7,062,085
Revised Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Restated Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Restatement			As Restated
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net loss		$	(142,531	)	$	(6,631	)	$	(149,162	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	3,220		$	(7,302	)	$	(4,082	)
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(145,751	)	$	671		$	(145,080	)
	Deferred income taxes		$	8,527		$	1,030		$	9,557
	Accounts receivable, net		$	14,658		$	(2,015	)	$	12,643
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	(6,723	)	$	(1,923	)	$	(8,646	)
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	9,157		$	4,604		$	13,761
	Other non-current liabilities		$	31,831		$	(3,830	)	$	28,001
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment		$	(74,489	)	$	1,454		$	(73,035	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revised Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)		As Previously Reported,			Revision			As Revised
			Giving Effect to the			Adjustment
			Impact of Discontinued
			Operations
	Net loss		$	(66,937	)	$	(5,477	)	$	(72,414	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(12,883	)	$	554		$	(12,329	)
	Loss from continuing operations		$	(54,054	)	$	(6,031	)	$	(60,085	)
	Impairment of long-lived assets		$	1,286		$	177		$	1,463
	Deferred income taxes		$	(63,536	)	$	1,244		$	(62,292	)
	Accounts receivable, net		$	(66,284	)	$	2,231		$	(64,053	)
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	29,263		$	2,379		$	31,642

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Health Management Business Segregated and Classified as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Related to Assets Held for Sale	The following assets and liabilities associated with the health management business have been segregated and classified as assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale, as appropriate, in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Restated)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	13,503		$	6,477
	Restricted cash		2,675			2,915
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,094 and $7,497 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively		54,330			59,337
	Inventories, net		2,061			2,018
	Deferred tax assets – current		12,604			12,604
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,301			6,074
	Property, plant and equipment, net		61,044			76,932
	Goodwill		84,343			86,365
	Finite-lived intangible assets, net		89,899			127,185
	Other non-current assets		421			576
	Total assets held for sale	$	325,181		$	380,483
	Liabilities
	Short-term debt and current portion of capital lease obligations	$	1,016		$	893
	Accounts payable		7,311			7,806
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		43,596			49,243
	Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		546			1,165
	Deferred tax liabilities – non-current		34,254			35,879
	Other long-term liabilities		13,301			38,256
	Total liabilities related to assets held for sale	$	100,024		$	133,242
Summarized Financial Information Related to Health Management Business and ACS Companies	The following summarized financial information related to the health management business and the ACS Companies, which were previously included in our patient self-testing reporting segment, has been segregated from continuing operations and has been reported as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Nine Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September,
					2013			2014			2013
		2014						(Restated)
		(Restated)
	Net revenue	$	89,501		$	102,630		$	271,668		$	310,409
	Cost of net revenue		(54,314	)		(55,630	)		(155,976	)		(173,457	)
	Research and development		—			(20	)		—			(1,724	)
	Sales and marketing		(14,270	)		(17,839	)		(43,152	)		(55,756	)
	General and administrative		(16,924	)		(32,263	)		(75,244	)		(98,740	)
	Interest expense		(149	)		(120	)		(400	)		(220	)
	Other income (expense), net		(117	)		870			(1,189	)		320
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		3,727			(2,372	)		(4,293	)		(19,168	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		18,128			(456	)		(211	)		(6,839	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(14,401	)	$	(1,916	)	$	(4,082	)	$	(12,329	)

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market and are comprised of the following (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	126,265	$	121,671
	Work-in-process		74,914		79,559
	Finished goods		158,862		164,037
		$	360,041	$	365,267

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	We recorded stock-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of net revenue	$	291		$	287		$	863		$	797
	Research and development		280			1,111			(340	)		2,641
	Sales and marketing		920			975			2,778			2,597
	General and administrative		1,678			3,289			4,450			8,427
			3,169			5,662			7,751			14,462
	Benefit for income taxes		(878	)		(1,511	)		(2,001	)		(2,869	)
		$	2,291		$	4,151		$	5,750		$	11,593

Net_Loss_per_Common_Share_Tabl

Net Loss per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Restated)						(Restated)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(84,289	)	$	(17,156	)	$	(145,080	)	$	(60,085	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(5,367	)		(5,367	)		(15,926	)		(15,926	)
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shares		(89,656	)		(22,523	)		(161,006	)		(76,011	)
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest		(306	)		359			(136	)		601
	Loss from continuing attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(89,350	)		(22,882	)		(160,870	)		(76,612	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		(14,401	)		(1,916	)		(4,082	)		(12,329	)
	Net loss available to common stockholders	$	(103,751	)	$	(24,798	)	$	(164,952	)	$	(88,941	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted		83,115			81,735			82,719			81,417
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(1.08	)	$	(0.28	)	$	(1.94	)	$	(0.94	)
	Loss from discontinued operations		(0.17	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)		(0.15	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(1.25	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(1.99	)	$	(1.09	)
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 for our continuing operations because the inclusion thereof would be antidilutive (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Denominator:
	Options to purchase shares of common stock		7,687			10,239			7,687			10,239
	Warrants		4			4			4			4
	Conversion shares related to 3% convertible senior subordinated notes		3,411			3,411			3,411			3,411
	Conversion shares related to subordinated convertible promissory notes		27			27			27			27
	Conversion shares related to Series B convertible preferred stock		10,239			10,239			10,239			10,239
	Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding		21,368			23,920			21,368			23,920

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon1

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Non-Controlling Interests Comprising Total Equity	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests comprising total equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is provided below (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014 (Restated)									2013
		Total			Non-			Total			Total			Non-		Total
		Stockholders’			controlling			Equity			Stockholders’			controlling		Equity
		Equity			Interests						Equity			Interests
	Equity, beginning of period	$	2,073,256		$	4,882		$	2,078,138		$	2,177,167		$	2,282	$	2,179,449
	Issuance of common stock under employee compensation plans		35,593			—			35,593			17,555			—		17,555
	Preferred stock dividends		(15,970	)		—			(15,970	)		(15,970	)		—		(15,970	)
	Stock-based compensation expense		7,751			—			7,751			14,462			—		14,462
	Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options		(6,302	)		—			(6,302	)		(1,283	)		—		(1,283	)
	Non-controlling interest from acquisition		—			—			—			—			1,788		1,788
	Net income (loss)		(149,026	)		(136	)		(149,162	)		(73,015	)		601		(72,414	)
	Total other comprehensive loss		(69,478	)		—			(69,478	)		(42,149	)		—		(42,149	)
	Equity, end of period	$	1,875,824		$	4,746		$	1,880,570		$	2,076,767		$	4,671	$	2,081,438

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation	A summary of the fair values of the net assets acquired for the acquisitions consummated in 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
			Epocal		Other		Total
	Current assets(1)		$	12,535	$	13,623	$	26,158
	Property, plant and equipment			1,267		1,731		2,998
	Goodwill			100,419		2,447		102,866
	Intangible assets			164,400		51,180		215,580
	Other non-current assets			18,158		29		18,187
	Total assets acquired			296,779		69,010		365,789
	Current liabilities			2,701		5,398		8,099
	Non-current liabilities			45,542		6,062		51,604
	Total liabilities assumed			48,243		11,460		59,703
	Net assets acquired			248,536		57,550		306,086
	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		$	151,448	$	28,221	$	179,669
	(1)	Includes approximately $3.3 million of acquired cash.
Intangible Assets Acquired and their Respective Fair Values and Weighted-Average Useful Lives	The following are the intangible assets acquired in 2013 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

Restructuring_Plans_Tables

Restructuring Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Statement of Operations Caption	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of net revenue	$	5,654		$	3,422		$	6,707		$	3,881
	Research and development		5,457			1,100			8,488			1,745
	Sales and marketing		1,019			218			7,420			901
	General and administrative		5,167			1,337			14,460			3,698
	Total operating expenses		17,297			6,077			37,075			10,225
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		9			14			32			45
	Total charges	$	17,306		$	6,091		$	37,107		$	10,270
Restructuring Activities Related to Restructuring Plans	The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our 2014 restructuring plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Professional			Patient Self-testing			Corporate			Total
		Diagnostics						and Other
	Severance-related costs	$	5,833		$	(6	)	$	199		$	6,026
	Facility and transition costs		1,713			—			2,979			4,692
	Cash charges		7,546			(6	)		3,178			10,718
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		6,322			—			—			6,322
	Total charges	$	13,868		$	(6	)	$	3,178		$	17,040
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Professional			Patient Self-testing			Corporate			Total
		Diagnostics						and Other
	Severance-related costs	$	17,748		$	175		$	2,399		$	20,322
	Facility and transition costs		1,894			—			4,929			6,823
	Cash charges		19,642			175			7,328			27,145
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		8,402			—			—			8,402
	Total charges	$	28,044		$	175		$	7,328		$	35,547
	The following tables summarize the restructuring activities in our professional diagnostics and patient self-testing business segments related to our 2013 restructuring plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and since inception (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Professional Diagnostics	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs	$	55		$	3,876		$	893		$	5,960		$	8,019
	Facility and transition costs		96			1,107			312			1,457			2,893
	Cash charges		151			4,983			1,205			7,417			10,912
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			470			—			470			743
	Total charges	$	151		$	5,453		$	1,205		$	7,887		$	11,655
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Patient Self-testing	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs	$	—		$	30		$	—		$	88		$	88
	Facility and transition costs		—			—			—			241			241
	Cash charges		—			30			—			329			329
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			—			—			26			800
	Total charges	$	—		$	30		$	—		$	355		$	1,129
	The following table summarizes the restructuring activities related to our active 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 restructuring plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and since inception (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Professional Diagnostics	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs (recoveries)	$	—		$	(568	)	$	98		$	(284	)	$	24,290
	Facility and transition costs		106			112			225			524			8,987
	Other exit costs		10			14			33			45			789
	Cash charges (recoveries)		116			(442	)		356			285			34,066
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			350			—			350			6,922
	Intangible asset impairments		—			686			—			686			686
	Other non-cash charges		—			—			—			—			64
	Total charges	$	116		$	594		$	356		$	1,321		$	41,738
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Since
		September 30,						September 30,
	Patient Self-testing	2014			2013			2014			2013			Inception
	Severance-related costs	$	—		$	14		$	—		$	707		$	1,422
	Facility and transition costs (recoveries)		—			—			—			—			—
	Other exit costs		—			—			—			—			—
	Cash charges (recoveries)		—			14			—			707			1,422
	Fixed asset and inventory impairments		—			—			—			—			—
	Intangible asset impairments		—			—			—			—			—
	Other non-cash recoveries		—			—			—			—			—
	Total charges (recoveries)	$	—		$	14		$	—		$	707		$	1,422
Cash Activity for Restructuring Reserves	The following table summarizes our restructuring reserves related to the plans described above, of which $8.1 million is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.7 million is included in other long-term liabilities on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
		Severance-			Facility and			Other Exit			Total
		related			Transition			Costs
		Costs			Costs
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	992		$	1,781		$	367		$	3,140
	Cash charges		21,313			7,360			32			28,705
	Payments		(18,400	)		(4,146	)		(86	)		(22,632	)
	Currency adjustments		(401	)		(61	)		(1	)		(463	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	3,504		$	4,934		$	312		$	8,750

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt Balances Outstanding	We had the following long-term debt balances outstanding (in thousands):
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	A term loans(1) (2)		$	797,500		$	832,188
	B term loans(1) (3)			1,334,165			1,344,238
	Revolving line of credit(1)			170,000			170,000
	7.25% Senior notes			450,000			450,000
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			425,000			425,000
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			400,000			400,000
	3% Convertible senior subordinated notes			150,000			150,000
	Other lines of credit			728			355
	Other			44,092			50,119
				3,771,485			3,821,900
	Less: Short-term debt and current portion			(87,871	)		(64,112	)
			$	3,683,614		$	3,757,788
	(1)	Incurred under our secured credit facility.
	(2)	Includes “A” term loans and “Delayed Draw” term loans under our secured credit facility.
	(3)	Includes term loans previously referred to as “Incremental B-1” term loans and “Incremental B-2” term loans under our secured credit facility, which term loans have been converted into and consolidated with the “B” 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Secured credit facility (1)		$	24,985		$	25,809		$	74,606	$	78,741
	7.25% Senior notes			8,525			8,535			25,574		25,371
	7.875% Senior notes (2)			—			—			—		137
	6.5% Senior subordinated notes			7,180			7,172			21,534		10,185
	9% Senior subordinated notes (3)			—			—			—		54,043
	8.625% Senior subordinated notes			9,271			9,273			27,819		27,820
	3% Senior subordinated convertible notes			1,246			1,246			3,738		3,738
			$	51,207		$	52,035		$	153,271	$	200,035
	(1)	Includes “A” term loans, including the “Delayed-Draw” term loans; “B” term loans, including the term loans previously referred to as “Incremental B-1” term loans and “Incremental B-2” term loans, which term loans have been converted into and consolidated with the “B” term loans; and revolving line of credit loans. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, the amounts include $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, the amount includes $0.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to the amortization of fees paid for certain debt modifications.
	(2)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, this amount includes an approximate $0.1 million loss recorded in connection with the repurchase of our 7.875% senior notes.
	(3)	An approximate $35.6 million loss in connection with the repurchase of our 9% senior subordinated notes has been included in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Included in the $35.6 million is $19.0 million related to tender offer consideration and call premium which has been classified within cash flows from financing activities in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):
	Description		September 30, 2014			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable Inputs
						Active Markets		Observable Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	794		$	794	$	—	$	—
	Total assets		$	794		$	794	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations (1)		$	155,000		$	—	$	—	$	155,000
	Total liabilities		$	155,000		$	—	$	—	$	155,000
	Description		December 31, 2013			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Unobservable Inputs
						Active Markets		Observable Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Marketable securities		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—
	Total assets		$	858		$	858	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration obligations (1)		$	218,569		$	—	$	—	$	218,569
	Total liabilities		$	218,569		$	—	$	—	$	218,569
	(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 18 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, December 31, 2013		$	218,569
	Payments			(49,573	)
	Present value accretion and adjustments			12,442
	Reversal of Method Factory Inc., now known as Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC (“ACS”) obligation(1)			(26,321	)
	Foreign currency adjustments			(117	)
	Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, September 30, 2014		$	155,000
	(1)	ACS was divested in October 2014 and, in connection with this transaction, the contingent consideration obligation was terminated. See Note 3.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_T

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The net periodic benefit costs are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		202			182			604			543
	Expected return on plan assets		(191	)		(156	)		(571	)		(465	)
	Amortization of prior service costs		111			103			333			308
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	122		$	129		$	366		$	386

Financial_Information_by_Segme1

Financial Information by Segment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Performance of Our Operating Segments Based on Revenue and Operating Income (Loss)	Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Professional		Patient			Consumer		Corporate			Total
		Diagnostics		Self-			Diagnostics		and Other
				testing
	Three Months ended September 30, 2014 (Restated)
	Net revenue	$	587,716	$	35,045		$	26,449	$	—		$	649,210
	Operating income (loss)	$	58,549	$	6,437		$	3,742	$	(33,386	)	$	35,342
	Depreciation and amortization	$	75,625	$	4,741		$	841	$	1,917		$	83,124
	Restructuring charge	$	14,124	$	(5	)	$	—	$	3,178		$	17,297
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	3,169		$	3,169
	Three Months ended September 30, 2013
	Net revenue	$	590,197	$	31,603		$	28,848	$	—		$	650,648
	Operating income (loss)	$	52,585	$	(4,141	)	$	3,347	$	(29,033	)	$	22,758
	Depreciation and amortization	$	88,835	$	5,770		$	1,063	$	287		$	95,955
	Non-cash inventory charge	$	708	$	(59	)	$	—	$	—		$	649
	Restructuring charge	$	6,033	$	44		$	—	$	—		$	6,077
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	5,662		$	5,662
	Loss on disposition	$	5,885	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	5,885
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 (Restated)
	Net revenue	$	1,737,871	$	102,361		$	81,615	$	—		$	1,921,847
	Operating income (loss)	$	126,824	$	2,622		$	10,617	$	(75,474	)	$	64,589
	Depreciation and amortization	$	230,219	$	14,479		$	2,604	$	3,461		$	250,763
	Restructuring charge	$	29,572	$	175		$	—	$	7,328		$	37,075
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	7,751		$	7,751
	Loss on disposition	$	638	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	638
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2013
	Net revenue	$	1,774,824	$	92,806		$	76,846	$	—		$	1,944,476
	Operating income (loss)	$	183,694	$	(14,201	)	$	9,031	$	(66,907	)	$	111,617
	Depreciation and amortization	$	258,485	$	16,846		$	3,296	$	846		$	279,473
	Non-cash inventory charge	$	1,880	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	1,880
	Restructuring charge	$	9,162	$	985		$	—	$	—		$	10,147
	Stock-based compensation	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	14,462		$	14,462
	Loss on disposition	$	5,885	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	5,885
	Assets:
	As of September 30, 2014 (Restated)	$	6,016,792	$	484,334		$	215,802	$	87,192		$	6,804,120
	As of December 31, 2013	$	5,746,021	$	501,672		$	197,458	$	616,934		$	7,062,085
Summary of Company's Net Revenue from Professional Diagnostics and Patient Self-Testing Reporting Segments by Groups of Similar Products and Services	The following tables summarize our net revenue from the professional diagnostics and patient self-testing reporting segments by groups of similar products and services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Professional Diagnostics Segment	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
		(Restated)					(Restated)
	Infectious disease	$	177,955	$	172,739		$	507,866	$	520,289
	Toxicology		161,940		166,536			478,514		479,986
	Cardiology		109,661		115,677			333,077		348,902
	Diabetes		49,477		53,150			151,425		178,138
	Other		84,501		78,607			252,303		235,992
	Professional diagnostics net product sales and services revenue	$	583,534	$	586,709		$	1,723,185	$	1,763,307
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Patient Self-testing Segment	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Patient Self-testing services	$	30,185	$	27,025		$	86,799	$	77,437
	Other		4,860		4,578			15,562		15,369
	Patient self-testing net product sales and services revenue	$	35,045	$	31,603		$	102,361	$	92,806

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$	9,119	$	11,510
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	9,133	$	12,417
	Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	$	11,369	$	13,249
	Accounts payable	$	29,841	$	18,811

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Obligations Related to Certain Acquisitions	The following table summarizes our 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	September 30,		December 31,		2014
							as of			September 30,	2014		2013
							September 30,			2014
							2014
	TwistDx, Inc.(1)			11-Mar-10	$	35,600	$	108,777		2014 – 2025(10)	$	39,900	$	45,502	$	15,250
	Ionian Technologies, Inc.(2)			12-Jul-10	$	24,500	$	50,000		2014 – 2015		24,700		29,000		7,500
	Laboratory Data Systems, Inc.(3)			29-Aug-11	$	13,000	$	—		—		—		7,400		7,500
	Forensics Limited (ROAR)(4)			September 22, 2011	$	5,463	$	12,600		2014		3,492		2,484		—
	ACS(5)			December 9, 2011	$	18,900	$	—	(11)	—		—		26,900		579
	MedApps(6)			2-Jul-12	$	13,100	$	8,600		2014		6,500		12,800		5,000
	Amedica Biotech, Inc.(7)			3-Jul-12	$	8,900	$	—		—		—		7,500		8,055
	DiagnosisOne, Inc.(8)			31-Jul-12	$	22,300	$	30,000		2014 – 2017		20,400		26,600		3,000
	Epocal(9)			1-Feb-13	$	75,000	$	65,500		2014 – 2018		47,100		47,200		—
	Other			Various	$	58,877	$	20,129		2014 – 2016		12,908		13,183		2,689
											$	155,000	$	218,569	$	49,573
	(1)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain revenue and product development targets through 2025.
	(2)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay earn-outs upon successfully meeting multiple product development milestones during the five years following the acquisition.
	(3)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain revenue and operating income targets during each of the twelve-month periods ending June 30, 2012 and 2013.
	(4)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain EBITDA targets during 2012 through 2014.
	(5)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay an earn-out upon successfully meeting certain operational and profit targets during 2012 through 2019. See also (11).
	(6)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to make earn-out payments upon achievement of certain technological and product development milestones through December 31, 2014.
	(7)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to make earn-out payments upon successfully meeting certain financial targets during each of the calendar years 2012 and 2013.
	(8)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay earn-outs upon successfully meeting certain financial targets within five years of the acquisition date.
	(9)	The terms of the acquisition agreement require us to pay earn-outs and management incentive payments upon successfully meeting certain product development and United States Food and Drug Administration regulatory approval milestones from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2018.
	(10)	The maximum earn-out period ends on the fifteenth anniversary of the acquisition date.
	(11)	The earn-out was comprised of three components, of which two components had an aggregate maximum remaining earn-out potential of $49.4 million. There was no dollar cap on the third earn-out component, however, the earn-out potential is limited to the remaining earn-out period. ACS was divested in October 2014 and these earn-outs were terminated in connection with the divestiture transaction. See Note 3.

Equity_Investments_Tables

Equity Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Combined Condensed Results of Operations:	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net revenue	$	65,397	$	49,272	$	155,533	$	153,096
	Gross profit	$	40,268	$	40,158	$	120,680	$	112,862
	Net income after taxes	$	12,834	$	10,543	$	27,992	$	25,549
Financial Information for SPD and TechLab on Combined Condensed Balance Sheet
	Combined Condensed Balance Sheet:	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Current assets	$	77,201	$	63,985
	Non-current assets		35,912		38,541
	Total assets	$	113,113	$	102,526
	Current liabilities	$	27,675	$	38,053
	Non-current liabilities		6,333		6,175
	Total liabilities	$	34,008	$	44,228

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Operations	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
					(Restated)
	Net product sales	$	—		$	214,585		$	353,817		$	(60,777	)	$	507,625
	Services revenue		—			122,045			15,358			—			137,403
	Net product sales and services revenue		—			336,630			369,175			(60,777	)		645,028
	License and royalty revenue		—			2,993			3,663			(2,474	)		4,182
	Net revenue		—			339,623			372,838			(63,251	)		649,210
	Cost of net product sales		912			118,241			204,983			(52,886	)		271,250
	Cost of services revenue		71			74,441			8,448			(7,858	)		75,102
	Cost of net product sales and services revenue		983			192,682			213,431			(60,744	)		346,352
	Cost of license and royalty revenue		28			55			3,627			(2,474	)		1,236
	Cost of net revenue		1,011			192,737			217,058			(63,218	)		347,588
	Gross profit (loss)		(1,011	)		146,886			155,780			(33	)		301,622
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development		7,256			15,318			16,152			—			38,726
	Sales and marketing		1,265			54,422			67,073			—			122,760
	General and administrative		33,549			30,323			40,922			—			104,794
	Operating income (loss)		(43,081	)		46,823			31,633			(33	)		35,342
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(51,589	)		(4,420	)		(4,512	)		8,189			(52,332	)
	Other income (expense), net		4,706			4,835			(9,438	)		(8,190	)		(8,087	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		(89,964	)		47,238			17,683			(34	)		(25,077	)
	Provision for income taxes		42,727			13,657			9,140			(35	)		65,489
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(132,691	)		33,581			8,543			1			(90,566	)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax		49,642			210			—			(49,852	)		—
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		560			—			5,779			(62	)		6,277
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		(82,489	)		33,791			14,322			(49,913	)		(84,289	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(16,201	)		(20,615	)		22,415			—			(14,401	)
	Net income (loss)		(98,690	)		13,176			36,737			(49,913	)		(98,690	)
	Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(306	)		—			(306	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(98,690	)		13,176			37,043			(49,913	)		(98,384	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(5,367	)		—			—			—			(5,367	)
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(104,057	)	$	13,176		$	37,043		$	(49,913	)	$	(103,751	)
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Net product sales	$	—		$	220,530		$	329,405		$	(44,339	)	$	505,596
	Services revenue		—			121,223			19,645			—			140,868
	Net product sales and services revenue		—			341,753			349,050			(44,339	)		646,464
	License and royalty revenue		—			5,103			4,057			(4,976	)		4,184
	Net revenue		—			346,856			353,107			(49,315	)		650,648
	Cost of net product sales		887			126,983			165,914			(37,472	)		256,312
	Cost of services revenue		—			68,133			8,750			(5,051	)		71,832
	Cost of net product sales and services revenue		887			195,116			174,664			(42,523	)		328,144
	Cost of license and royalty revenue		—			17			6,967			(4,975	)		2,009
	Cost of net revenue		887			195,133			181,631			(47,498	)		330,153
	Gross profit (loss)		(887	)		151,723			171,476			(1,817	)		320,495
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development		5,515			17,009			17,954			—			40,478
	Sales and marketing		1,579			64,536			75,633			—			141,748
	General and administrative		23,028			31,894			54,704			—			109,626
	Loss on disposition		—			(1	)		5,886			—			5,885
	Operating income (loss)		(31,009	)		38,285			17,299			(1,817	)		22,758
	Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(52,318	)		(6,207	)		(2,721	)		7,945			(53,301	)
	Other income (expense), net		(6,775	)		6,234			1,418			(7,945	)		(7,068	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		(90,102	)		38,312			15,996			(1,817	)		(37,611	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(28,111	)		13,557			412			(560	)		(14,702	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(61,991	)		24,755			15,584			(1,257	)		(22,909	)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax		42,907			(337	)		—			(42,570	)		—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		464			—			5,217			72			5,753
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(18,620	)		24,418			20,801			(43,755	)		(17,156	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(452	)		(926	)		(538	)		—			(1,916	)
Net income (loss)		(19,072	)		23,492			20,263			(43,755	)		(19,072	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			359			—			359
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(19,072	)		23,492			19,904			(43,755	)		(19,431	)
Preferred stock dividends		(5,367	)		—			—			—			(5,367	)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(24,439	)	$	23,492		$	19,904		$	(43,755	)	$	(24,798	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Restated)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
				(Restated)
Net product sales	$	—		$	623,208		$	1,048,212		$	(172,118	)	$	1,499,302
Services revenue		—			355,132			51,415			—			406,547
Net product sales and services revenue		—			978,340			1,099,627			(172,118	)		1,905,849
License and royalty revenue		—			10,312			14,683			(8,997	)		15,998
Net revenue		—			988,652			1,114,310			(181,115	)		1,921,847
Cost of net product sales		2,291			348,701			591,778			(156,852	)		785,918
Cost of services revenue		214			216,142			25,123			(20,123	)		221,356
Cost of net product sales and services revenue		2,505			564,843			616,901			(176,975	)		1,007,274
Cost of license and royalty revenue		28			194			12,675			(8,997	)		3,900
Cost of net revenue		2,533			565,037			629,576			(185,972	)		1,011,174
Gross profit (loss)		(2,533	)		423,615			484,734			4,857			910,673
Operating expenses:
Research and development		20,034			45,753			49,068			—			114,855
Sales and marketing		6,329			175,536			209,740			—			391,605
General and administrative		78,257			112,850			147,879			—			338,986
Loss on disposition		—			638			—			—			638
Operating income (loss)		(107,153	)		88,838			78,047			4,857			64,589
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(154,232	)		(14,933	)		(13,646	)		26,535			(156,276	)
Other income (expense), net		11,823			15,867			1,068			(26,594	)		2,164
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		(249,562	)		89,772			65,469			4,798			(89,523	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,566	)		42,896			27,319			1,624			69,273
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(246,996	)		46,876			38,150			3,174			(158,796	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax		97,307			442			—			(97,749	)		—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		1,387			—			12,516			(187	)		13,716
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(148,302	)		47,318			50,666			(94,762	)		(145,080	)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(860	)		(26,418	)		23,196			—			(4,082	)
Net income (loss)		(149,162	)		20,900			73,862			(94,762	)		(149,162	)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(136	)		—			(136	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(149,162	)		20,900			73,998			(94,762	)		(149,026	)
Preferred stock dividends		(15,926	)		—			—			—			(15,926	)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(165,088	)	$	20,900		$	73,998		$	(94,762	)	$	(164,952	)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Net product sales	$	—		$	655,530		$	1,014,898		$	(142,696	)	$	1,527,732
Services revenue		—			345,909			57,722			—			403,631
Net product sales and services revenue		—			1,001,439			1,072,620			(142,696	)		1,931,363
License and royalty revenue		—			10,908			12,662			(10,457	)		13,113
Net revenue		—			1,012,347			1,085,282			(153,153	)		1,944,476
Cost of net product sales		2,722			360,539			518,776			(125,322	)		756,715
Cost of services revenue		—			193,563			26,146			(13,777	)		205,932
Cost of net product sales and services revenue		2,722			554,102			544,922			(139,099	)		962,647
Cost of license and royalty revenue		—			52			15,668			(10,456	)		5,264
Cost of net revenue		2,722			554,154			560,590			(149,555	)		967,911
Gross profit (loss)		(2,722	)		458,193			524,692			(3,598	)		976,565
Operating expenses:
Research and development		16,167			50,550			54,012			—			120,729
Sales and marketing		4,384			192,055			223,273			—			419,712
General and administrative		51,532			110,732			156,358			—			318,622
Loss on disposition		—			(1	)		5,886			—			5,885
Operating income (loss)		(74,805	)		104,857			85,163			(3,598	)		111,617
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		(200,836	)		(19,510	)		(9,209	)		26,502			(203,053	)
Other income (expense), net		(7,612	)		18,676			8,179			(26,502	)		(7,259	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes		(283,253	)		104,023			84,133			(3,598	)		(98,695	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(101,941	)		46,309			31,500			(1,240	)		(25,372	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(181,312	)		57,714			52,633			(2,358	)		(73,323	)
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax		108,302			(1,510	)		—			(106,792	)		—
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		1,278			—			11,932			28			13,238
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(71,732	)		56,204			64,565			(109,122	)		(60,085	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(682	)		(10,029	)		(1,618	)		—			(12,329	)
Net income (loss)		(72,414	)		46,175			62,947			(109,122	)		(72,414	)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			601			—			601
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries		(72,414	)		46,175			62,346			(109,122	)		(73,015	)
Preferred stock dividends		(15,926	)		—			—			—			(15,926	)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(88,340	)	$	46,175		$	62,346		$	(109,122	)	$	(88,941	)
Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
					(Restated)
	Net income (loss)	$	(98,690	)	$	13,176		$	36,737		$	(49,913	)	$	(98,690	)
	Other comprehensive income, before tax:
	Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		(383	)		(104	)		(95,936	)		(2	)		(96,425	)
	Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			7			—			7
	Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			481			—			481
	Other comprehensive income, before tax		(383	)		(104	)		(95,448	)		(2	)		(95,937	)
	Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(383	)		(104	)		(95,448	)		(2	)		(95,937	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)		(99,073	)		13,072			(58,711	)		(49,915	)		(194,627	)
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(306	)		—			(306	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(99,073	)	$	13,072		$	(58,405	)	$	(49,915	)	$	(194,321	)
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Net income (loss)	$	(19,072	)	$	23,492		$	20,263		$	(43,755	)	$	(19,072	)
	Other comprehensive income, before tax:
	Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		524			—			66,742			2			67,268
	Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			20			—			20
	Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			(369	)		—			(369	)
	Other comprehensive income, before tax		524			—			66,393			2			66,919
	Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax		524			—			66,393			2			66,919
	Comprehensive income (loss)		(18,548	)		23,492			86,656			(43,753	)		47,847
	Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			359			—			359
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(18,548	)	$	23,492		$	86,297		$	(43,753	)	$	47,488
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Restated)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
					(Restated)
	Net income (loss)	$	(149,162	)	$	20,900		$	73,862		$	(94,762	)	$	(149,162	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
	Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		(137	)		(178	)		(69,633	)		(2	)		(69,950	)
	Unrealized losses on available for sale securities		—			(17	)		—			—			(17	)
	Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			21			—			21
	Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			468			—			468
	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		(137	)		(195	)		(69,144	)		(2	)		(69,478	)
	Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(137	)		(195	)		(69,144	)		(2	)		(69,478	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)		(149,299	)		20,705			4,718			(94,764	)		(218,640	)
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			(136	)		—			(136	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(149,299	)	$	20,705		$	4,854		$	(94,764	)	$	(218,504	)
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Net income (loss)	$	(72,414	)	$	46,175		$	62,947		$	(109,122	)	$	(72,414	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
	Changes in cumulative translation adjustment		(329	)		—			(42,188	)		2			(42,515	)
	Unrealized gains on hedging instruments		—			—			31			—			31
	Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			—			335			—			335
	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		(329	)		—			(41,822	)		2			(42,149	)
	Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss		—			—			—			—			—
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(329	)		—			(41,822	)		2			(42,149	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(72,743	)		46,175			21,125			(109,120	)		(114,563	)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		—			—			601			—			601
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	$	(72,743)		$	46,175		$	20,524		$	(109,120)		$	(115,164	)
Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
					(Restated)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,469		$	91,188		$	328,694		$	—		$	431,351
	Restricted cash		1,940			100			33,541			—			35,581
	Marketable securities		—			793			1			—			794
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances		—			188,972			275,724			—			464,696
	Inventories, net		—			170,029			209,486			(19,474	)		360,041
	Deferred tax assets		(17,440	)		10,425			30,648			(2,107	)		21,526
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		8,411			29,117			81,476			4,052			123,056
	Assets held for sale		—			325,165			16			—			325,181
	Intercompany receivables		366,149			809,418			59,656			(1,235,223	)		—
	Total current assets		370,529			1,625,207			1,019,242			(1,252,752	)		1,762,226
	Property, plant and equipment, net		27,220			213,935			222,183			(56	)		463,282
	Goodwill		—			1,754,523			1,226,979			—			2,981,502
	Other intangible assets with indefinite lives		—			9,600			37,290			(59	)		46,831
	Finite-lived intangible assets, net		8,715			780,741			586,206			—			1,375,662
	Restricted cash		—			—			—			—			—
	Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets		43,982			6,684			23,081			(45	)		73,702
	Investments in subsidiaries		3,829,127			271,122			189,998			(4,290,247	)		—
	Investments in unconsolidated entities		15,814			14,764			47,269			13,328			91,175
	Deferred tax assets		—			—			7,404			—			7,404
	Non-current income tax receivable		2,336			—			—			—			2,336
	Intercompany notes receivables		2,073,773			681,592			51,732			(2,807,097	)		—
	Total assets	$	6,371,496		$	5,358,168		$	3,411,384		$	(8,336,928	)	$	6,804,120
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$	60,000		$	50		$	27,821		$	—		$	87,871
	Current portion of capital lease obligations		—			1,426			2,724			—			4,150
	Accounts payable		15,221			81,923			112,713			—			209,857
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(458,734	)		595,902			230,888			(126	)		367,930
	Liabilities related to assets held for sale		—			100,024			—			—			100,024
	Intercompany payables		772,405			192,272			270,545			(1,235,222	)		—
	Total current liabilities		388,892			971,597			644,691			(1,235,348	)		769,832
	Long-term liabilities:
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		3,675,377			—			8,237			—			3,683,614
	Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		—			4,337			7,941			—			12,278
	Deferred tax liabilities		(31,068	)		231,791			79,684			204			280,611
	Other long-term liabilities		41,713			48,677			86,870			(45	)		177,215
	Intercompany notes payables		420,758			1,341,223			1,045,116			(2,807,097	)		—
	Total long-term liabilities		4,106,780			1,626,028			1,227,848			(2,806,938	)		4,153,718
	Stockholders’ equity		1,875,824			2,760,543			1,534,099			(4,294,642	)		1,875,824
	Non-controlling interests		—			—			4,746			—			4,746
	Total equity		1,875,824			2,760,543			1,538,845			(4,294,642	)		1,880,570
	Total liabilities and equity	$	6,371,496		$	5,358,168		$	3,411,384		$	(8,336,928	)	$	6,804,120
	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,801		$	78,976		$	261,654		$	—		$	355,431
	Restricted cash		2,221			—			1,237			—			3,458
	Marketable securities		—			853			5			—			858
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances		—			179,445			307,932			—			487,377
	Inventories, net		—			169,141			219,892			(23,766	)		365,267
	Deferred tax assets		4,418			9,483			31,451			3,506			48,858
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		517,311			(415,124	)		23,502			(44	)		125,645
Assets held for sale		—			380,414			69			—			380,483
Intercompany receivables		331,844			759,498			75,424			(1,166,766	)		—
Total current assets		870,595			1,162,686			921,166			(1,187,070	)		1,767,377
Property, plant and equipment, net		14,197			210,883			241,713			(296	)		466,497
Goodwill		—			1,753,498			1,253,499			—			3,006,997
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives		—			14,301			42,401			—			56,702
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		11,006			868,683			677,737			—			1,557,426
Restricted cash		—			—			29,370			—			29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets		55,207			7,777			20,560			(47	)		83,497
Investments in subsidiaries		3,780,251			282,310			191,947			(4,254,508	)		—
Investments in unconsolidated entities		29,005			—			44,636			13,189			86,830
Deferred tax assets		(570	)		—			7,959			—			7,389
Intercompany notes receivables		2,197,576			630,627			60,441			(2,888,644	)		—
Total assets	$	6,957,267		$	4,930,765		$	3,491,429		$	(8,317,376	)	$	7,062,085
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	$	60,000		$	323		$	3,789		$	—		$	64,112
Current portion of capital lease obligations		—			2,859			3,103			—			5,962
Accounts payable		12,584			63,346			105,712			—			181,642
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		68,581			117,937			195,412			(36	)		381,894
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		—			106,343			26,899			—			133,242
Intercompany payables		728,541			163,518			274,708			(1,166,767	)		—
Total current liabilities		869,706			454,326			609,623			(1,166,803	)		766,852
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion		3,720,137			100			37,551			—			3,757,788
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		—			4,773			8,469			—			13,242
Deferred tax liabilities		(49,190	)		246,178			88,038			8			285,034
Other long-term liabilities		21,038			47,008			93,032			(47	)		161,031
Intercompany notes payables		322,322			1,444,742			1,121,581			(2,888,645	)		—
Total long-term liabilities		4,014,307			1,742,801			1,348,671			(2,888,684	)		4,217,095
Stockholders’ equity		2,073,254			2,733,638			1,528,253			(4,261,889	)		2,073,256
Non-controlling interests		—			—			4,882			—			4,882
Total equity		2,073,254			2,733,638			1,533,135			(4,261,889	)		2,078,138
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,957,267		$	4,930,765		$	3,491,429		$	(8,317,376	)	$	7,062,085
Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Restated)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries						(Restated)
					(Restated)
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	(149,162	)	$	20,900		$	73,862		$	(94,762	)	$	(149,162	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(860	)		(26,418	)		23,196			—			(4,082	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		(148,302	)		47,318			50,666			(94,762	)		(145,080	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax		(97,307	)		(442	)		—			97,749			—
	Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		11,575			32			217			—			11,824
	Depreciation and amortization		4,417			132,134			114,218			(6	)		250,763
	Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		1,629			3,463			2,659			—			7,751
	Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.		—			9,594			—			—			9,594
	Impairment of inventory		—			—			1,536			—			1,536
	Impairment of long-lived assets		1,573			(446	)		5,739			—			6,866
	Loss on disposition of fixed assets		—			4,078			601			—			4,679
	Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(1,387	)		—			(12,516	)		187			(13,716	)
	Deferred income taxes		28,030			(12,863	)		(7,320	)		1,710			9,557
	Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions		—			638			—			—			638
	Other non-cash items		(988	)		2,845			1,826			—			3,683
	Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
	Accounts receivable, net		—			(10,136	)		22,779			—			12,643
	Inventories, net		—			(22,521	)		(3,495	)		(4,430	)		(30,446	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		503,712			(444,782	)		(65,138	)		(2,438	)		(8,646	)
	Accounts payable		2,637			25,738			10,312			—			38,687
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(526,685	)		489,917			52,277			(1,748	)		13,761
	Other non-current liabilities		18,588			4,950			362			4,101			28,001
	Cash paid for contingent consideration		(20,966	)		—			(112	)		—			(21,078	)
	Intercompany payable (receivable)		277,206			(197,561	)		(79,645	)		—			—
	Net cash provided by continuing operations		53,732			31,956			94,966			363			181,017
	Net cash provided by discontinued operations		7,881			26,474			62			—			34,417
	Net cash provided by operating activities		61,613			58,430			95,028			363			215,434
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	(Increase) decrease in restricted cash		135			(100	)		(3,262	)		—			(3,227	)
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(16,611	)		(29,141	)		(29,805	)		2,522			(73,035	)
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		268			778			2,853			(2,755	)		1,144
	Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested		—			1,081			4,373			—			5,454
	Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(75	)		—			—			—			(75	)
	Cash received from (paid for) investments		477			(278	)		(1	)		—			198
	Proceeds from sale of equity investment		—			—			9,526			—			9,526
	Cash received from sales of marketable securities		—			43			4			—			47
	(Increase) decrease in other assets		(104	)		140			931			57			1,024
	Net cash used in continuing operations		(15,910	)		(27,477	)		(15,381	)		(176	)		(58,944	)
	Net cash used in discontinued operations		—			(8,853	)		—			—			(8,853	)
	Net cash used in investing activities		(15,910	)		(36,330	)		(15,381	)		(176	)		(67,797	)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Cash paid for financing costs		(5	)		—			—			—			(5	)
	Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration		(23,285	)		—			(323	)		—			(23,608	)
	Cash paid for dividends		(15,970	)		—			—			—			(15,970	)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		35,593			—			—			—			35,593
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			—			41			—			41
	Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt		—			—			806			—			806
	Payments on long-term debt		(45,000	)		(223	)		(2,079	)		—			(47,302	)
	Net proceeds under revolving credit facilities		—			—			498			—			498
	Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options		65			282			68			—			415
	Principal payments on capital lease obligations		—			(2,246	)		(2,393	)		—			(4,639	)
	Net cash used in continuing operations		(48,602	)		(2,187	)		(3,382	)		—			(54,171	)
	Net cash used in discontinued operations		(579	)		(496	)		—			—			(1,075	)
	Net cash used in financing activities		(49,181	)		(2,683	)		(3,382	)		—			(55,246	)
	Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents		146			(179	)		(9,225	)		(187	)		(9,445	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3,332	)		19,238			67,040			—			82,946
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations		14,801			78,976			261,654			—			355,431
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations		—			6,476			1			—			6,477
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		11,469			104,690			328,695			—			444,854
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period		—			13,502			1			—			13,503
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	$	11,469		$	91,188		$	328,694		$	—		$	431,351
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
	Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(72,414	)	$	46,175		$	62,947		$	(109,122	)	$	(72,414	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(682	)		(10,029	)		(1,618	)		—			(12,329	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(71,732	)		56,204			64,565			(109,122	)		(60,085	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax		(108,302	)		1,510			—			106,792			—
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs		13,814			46			45			—			13,905
Depreciation and amortization		3,731			143,832			132,014			(104	)		279,473
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		—			—			1,880			—			1,880
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		5,836			3,646			4,980			—			14,462
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.		—			5,480			—			—			5,480
Impairment of inventory		—			27			216			—			243
Impairment of long-lived assets		—			316			1,147			—			1,463
Loss on disposition of fixed assets		—			69			731			—			800
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax		(1,278	)		—			(11,932	)		(28	)		(13,238	)
Deferred income taxes		(16,142	)		(18,004	)		(26,992	)		(1,154	)		(62,292	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		35,603			—			—			—			35,603
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions		—			—			5,885			—			5,885
Bargain purchase gain		—			—			(5,707	)		—			(5,707	)
Other non-cash items		5,201			964			1,481			—			7,646
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net		—			(22,291	)		(41,762	)		—			(64,053	)
Inventories, net		—			(47,700	)		(30,038	)		3,771			(73,967	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(64,546	)		64,286			(1,314	)		(7,516	)		(9,090	)
Accounts payable		5,918			1,147			11,410			—			18,475
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		13,184			2,559			8,966			6,933			31,642
Other non-current liabilities		(914	)		(19,086	)		11,366			515			(8,119	)
Cash paid for contingent consideration		(6,654	)		—			(211	)		—			(6,865	)
Intercompany payable (receivable)		303,437			(169,487	)		(133,950	)		—			—
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations		117,156			3,518			(7,220	)		87			113,541
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		(2,201	)		47,730			46			—			45,575
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		114,955			51,248			(7,174	)		87			159,116
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Increase in restricted cash		(4,439	)		—			(28,812	)		—			(33,251	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(1,037	)		(24,846	)		(58,491	)		11,938			(72,436	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		—			6,905			11,186			(12,263	)		5,828
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested		—			—			32,000			—			32,000
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(157,373	)		—			(8,823	)		—			(166,196	)
(Increase) decrease in other assets		19,244			(675	)		2,910			(17	)		21,462
Cash received from equity method investments		490			—			10,772			—			11,262
Net cash used in continuing operations		(143,115	)		(18,616	)		(39,258	)		(342	)		(201,331	)
Net cash used in discontinued operations		—			(21,289	)		(27	)		—			(21,316	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(143,115	)		(39,905	)		(39,285	)		(342	)		(222,647	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs		(9,798	)		—			—			—			(9,798	)
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration		(24,866	)		—			(331	)		—			(25,197	)
Cash paid for dividends		(15,970	)		—			—			—			(15,970	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		17,555			—			—			—			17,555
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		425,000			—			34,152			—			459,152
Payments on long-term debt		(446,845	)		(224	)		(7,099	)		—			(454,168	)
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities		147,500			—			(8,732	)		—			138,768
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options		205			181			48			—			434
Principal payments on capital lease obligations		—			(2,406	)		(2,619	)		—			(5,025	)
Other		(18,953	)		—			25			—			(18,928	)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations		73,828			(2,449	)		15,444			—			86,823
Net cash used in discontinued operations		(2,299	)		(316	)		—			—			(2,615	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		71,529			(2,765	)		15,444			—			84,208
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents		871			(28	)		3,884			255			4,982
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		44,240			8,550			(27,131	)		—			25,659
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations		3,623			56,074			256,782			—			316,479
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations		—			11,855			—			—			11,855
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		47,863			76,479			229,651			—			353,993
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period		—			9,477			1			—			9,478
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	$	47,863		$	67,002		$	229,650		$	—		$	344,515

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr2

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (decrease) in accrued expense and other liabilities				$13,761,000	$31,642,000
Adjustment [Member]
Decrease in deferred tax assets	-30,300,000
Decrease in income from discontinued operations	-30,300,000	7,000,000
Increase in deferred tax liabilities		7,000,000
Increase (decrease) income tax expense (benefit)		900,000	1,100,000	300,000	400,000
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable					3,200,000
Increase (decrease) in debt						15,000,000
Fair value of contingent obligation increase (decrease)				4,600,000
Foreign tax credits expense (benefit)				4,200,000
Increase (decrease) in loss from continuing operations before tax		1,300,000	-700,000	3,900,000	2,400,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expense and other liabilities				4,604,000	2,379,000	39,600,000
Adjustment [Member] | Audit Settlement Member [Member]
Increase (decrease) income tax expense (benefit)		3,400,000		3,400,000
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable		$3,400,000		$3,400,000

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr3

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements - Restated Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net product sales	$507,625	$505,596	$1,499,302	$1,527,732
Services revenue	137,403	140,868	406,547	403,631
Net product sales and services revenue	645,028	646,464	1,905,849	1,931,363
Net revenue	649,210	650,648	1,921,847	1,944,476
Cost of net product sales	271,250	256,312	785,918	756,715
Cost of services revenue	75,102	71,832	221,356	205,932
Cost of product sales and services revenue	346,352	328,144	1,007,274	962,647
Cost of net revenue	347,588	330,153	1,011,174	967,911
Gross profit	301,622	320,495	910,673	976,565
General and administrative	104,794	109,626	338,986	318,622
Operating income	35,342	22,758	64,589	111,617
Other income (expense), net	-8,087	-7,068	2,164	-7,259
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes	-25,077	-37,611	-89,523	-98,695
Benefit for income taxes	65,489	-14,702	69,273	-25,372
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-90,566	-22,909	-158,796	-73,323
Loss from continuing operations	-84,289	-17,156	-145,080	-60,085
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,401	-1,916	-4,082	-12,329
Net loss	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-98,384	-19,431	-149,026	-73,015
Net loss available to common stockholders	-103,751	-24,798	-164,952	-88,941
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations	($1.08)	($0.28)	($1.94)	($0.94)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($0.17)	($0.02)	($0.05)	($0.15)
Net loss per common share	($1.25)	($0.30)	($1.99)	($1.09)
As Previously Reported, Giving Effect to the Impact of Discontinued Operations [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net product sales	505,850	506,200	1,497,287	1,528,480
Services revenue				405,114
Net product sales and services revenue	643,253	647,068	1,903,834	1,933,594
Net revenue	647,435	651,252	1,919,832	1,946,707
Cost of net product sales	271,663	256,253	787,381	756,538
Cost of services revenue	73,614	71,343	216,978	204,465
Cost of product sales and services revenue	345,277	327,596	1,004,359	961,003
Cost of net revenue	346,513	329,605	1,008,259	966,267
Gross profit	300,922	321,647	911,573	980,440
General and administrative	105,347	110,115	346,510	320,089
Operating income	34,089	23,421	57,965	114,025
Other income (expense), net	-8,172	-8,403	241
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes	-26,415	-38,283	-98,070	-96,287
Benefit for income taxes	61,101	-15,773	61,397	-28,995
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-87,516	-22,510	-159,467	-67,292
Loss from continuing operations	-81,239	-16,757	-145,751	-54,054
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-7,099	-2,732	3,220	-12,883
Net loss	-88,338	-19,489	-142,531	-66,937
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-88,032	-19,848	-142,395	-67,538
Net loss available to common stockholders	-93,399	-25,215	-158,321	-83,464
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations	($1.04)	($0.28)	($1.95)	($0.87)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($0.08)	($0.03)	$0.04	($0.16)
Net loss per common share	($1.12)	($0.31)	($1.91)	($1.03)
Adjustment [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net product sales	1,775	-604	2,015	-748
Services revenue				-1,483
Net product sales and services revenue	1,775	-604	2,015	-2,231
Net revenue	1,775	-604	2,015	-2,231
Cost of net product sales	-413	59	-1,463	177
Cost of services revenue	1,488	489	4,378	1,467
Cost of product sales and services revenue	1,075	548	2,915	1,644
Cost of net revenue	1,075	548	2,915	1,644
Gross profit	700	-1,152	-900	-3,875
General and administrative	-553	-489	-7,524	-1,467
Operating income	1,253	-663	6,624	-2,408
Other income (expense), net	85	1,335	1,923
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes	1,338	672	8,547	-2,408
Benefit for income taxes	4,388	1,071	7,876	3,623
Loss from continuing operations before equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-3,050	-399	671	-6,031
Loss from continuing operations	-3,050	-399	671	-6,031
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-7,302	816	-7,302	554
Net loss	-10,352	417	-6,631	-5,477
Net loss attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-10,352	417	-6,631	-5,477
Net loss available to common stockholders	($10,352)	$417	($6,631)	($5,477)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Loss from continuing operations	($0.04)	$0	$0.01	($0.07)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($0.09)	$0.01	($0.09)	$0.01
Net loss per common share	($0.13)	$0.01	($0.08)	($0.06)

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr4

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements - Restated Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net loss	($98,690)	($19,072)	($149,162)	($72,414)
Comprehensive income	-194,627	47,847	-218,640	-114,563
Comprehensive income attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-194,321	47,488	-218,504	-115,164
As Previously Reported, Giving Effect to the Impact of Discontinued Operations [Member]
Net loss	-88,338	-19,489	-142,531	-66,937
Comprehensive income	-184,275	47,430	-212,009	-109,086
Comprehensive income attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-183,969	47,071	-211,873	-109,687
Adjustment [Member]
Net loss	-10,352	417	-6,631	-5,477
Comprehensive income	-10,352	417	-6,631	-5,477
Comprehensive income attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($10,352)	$417	($6,631)	($5,477)

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr5

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements - Restated Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $76,587 at December 31, 2013	$464,696	$487,377
Inventories	360,041	365,267
Deferred tax assets	21,526	48,858
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	123,056	125,645
Assets held for sale	325,181	380,483
Total current assets	1,762,226	1,767,377
Property and equipment, net	463,282	466,497
Goodwill	2,981,502	3,006,997
Deferred tax assets	7,404	7,389
Total assets	6,804,120	7,062,085
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	87,871	64,112
Accounts payable	209,857	181,642
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	367,930	381,894
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	100,024	133,242
Total current liabilities	769,832	766,852
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,683,614	3,757,788
Deferred tax liabilities	280,611	285,034
Other long-term liabilities	177,215	161,031
Total long-term liabilities	4,153,718	4,217,095
Accumulated deficit	-1,790,838	-1,641,812
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-95,165	-25,687
Total stockholders' equity	1,875,824	2,073,256
Total equity	1,880,570	2,078,138	2,081,438	2,179,449
Total liabilities and equity	6,804,120	7,062,085
As Previously Reported, Giving Effect to the Impact of Discontinued Operations [Member]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $76,587 at December 31, 2013		489,392
Inventories		362,167
Deferred tax assets	20,947	48,085
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	124,275	123,598
Assets held for sale		371,291
Total current assets	1,762,866	1,754,280
Property and equipment, net	465,878	468,232
Goodwill	2,982,767	3,016,518
Deferred tax assets		7,959
Total assets	6,808,621	7,060,814
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		49,112
Accounts payable		179,565
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	365,439	341,076
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	93,028	172,799
Total current liabilities	760,345	748,514
Long-term debt, net of current portion		3,772,788
Deferred tax liabilities	282,538	293,370
Other long-term liabilities	179,448	150,081
Total long-term liabilities	4,157,878	4,229,481
Accumulated deficit	-1,780,135	-1,636,256
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-96,040	-26,562
Total stockholders' equity	1,885,652	2,077,937
Total equity	1,890,398	2,082,819
Total liabilities and equity	6,808,621	7,060,814
Adjustment [Member]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $76,587 at December 31, 2013		-2,015
Inventories		3,100
Deferred tax assets	579	773
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,219	2,047
Assets held for sale		9,192
Total current assets	-640	13,097
Property and equipment, net	-2,596	-1,735
Goodwill	-1,265	-9,521
Deferred tax assets		-570
Total assets	-4,501	1,271
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt		15,000
Accounts payable		2,077
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	2,491	40,818
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	6,996	-39,557
Total current liabilities	9,487	18,338
Long-term debt, net of current portion		-15,000
Deferred tax liabilities	-1,927	-8,336
Other long-term liabilities	-2,233	10,950
Total long-term liabilities	-4,160	-12,386
Accumulated deficit	-10,703	-5,556
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	875	875
Total stockholders' equity	-9,828	-4,681
Total equity	-9,828	-4,681
Total liabilities and equity	($4,501)	$1,271

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr6

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements - Restated Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$76,587

Restatement_and_Revision_of_Pr7

Restatement and Revision of Previously Reported Consolidated Financial Statements - Restated Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Net loss	($98,690)	($19,072)	($149,162)	($72,414)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,401	-1,916	-4,082	-12,329
Loss from continuing operations	-84,289	-17,156	-145,080	-60,085
Impairment of long-lived assets			6,866	1,463
Deferred income taxes			9,557	-62,292
Accounts receivable, net			12,643	-64,053
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			-8,646	-9,090
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			13,761	31,642
Other non-current liabilities			28,001	-8,119
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			-73,035	-72,436
As Previously Reported, Giving Effect to the Impact of Discontinued Operations [Member]
Net loss	-88,338	-19,489	-142,531	-66,937
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-7,099	-2,732	3,220	-12,883
Loss from continuing operations	-81,239	-16,757	-145,751	-54,054
Impairment of long-lived assets				1,286
Deferred income taxes			8,527	-63,536
Accounts receivable, net			14,658	-66,284
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			-6,723
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			9,157	29,263
Other non-current liabilities			31,831
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			-74,489
Adjustment [Member]
Net loss	-10,352	417	-6,631	-5,477
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-7,302	816	-7,302	554
Loss from continuing operations	-3,050	-399	671	-6,031
Impairment of long-lived assets				177
Deferred income taxes			1,030	1,244
Accounts receivable, net			-2,015	2,231
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			-1,923
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			4,604	2,379	39,600
Other non-current liabilities			-3,830
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			$1,454

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Events [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 10, 2014	Jan. 09, 2015
Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of discontinued operations	$2
Contingent consideration receivable on sale of discontinued operations	7,000,000
Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Reimbursable expenses payable to purchaser	750,000
Health Management Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of discontinued operations		600,100,000
Health Management Business [Member] | Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Repayment of senior secured credit facility		$575,000,000

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Health Management Business Segregated and Classified as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Related to Assets Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,503	$6,477	$9,478	$11,855
Restricted cash	35,581	3,458
Goodwill	2,981,502	3,006,997
Total assets held for sale	325,181	380,483
Liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current	280,611	285,034
Total liabilities related to assets held for sale	100,024	133,242
Health Management Business [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	13,503	6,477
Restricted cash	2,675	2,915
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,094 and $7,497 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively	54,330	59,337
Inventories, net	2,061	2,018
Deferred tax assets - current	12,604	12,604
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,301	6,074
Property, plant and equipment, net	61,044	76,932
Goodwill	84,343	86,365
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	89,899	127,185
Other non-current assets	421	576
Total assets held for sale	325,181	380,483
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current portion of capital lease obligations	1,016	893
Accounts payable	7,311	7,806
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	43,596	49,243
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	546	1,165
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current	34,254	35,879
Other long-term liabilities	13,301	38,256
Total liabilities related to assets held for sale	$100,024	$133,242

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu1

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Health Management Business Segregated and Classified as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Related to Assets Held for Sale (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Health Management Business [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Health Management Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$8,094	$7,497

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summarized Financial Information Related to Health Management Business and ACS Companies (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			$9,594	$5,480
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,401	-1,916	-4,082	-12,329
Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net revenue	89,501	102,630	271,668	310,409
Cost of net revenue	-54,314	-55,630	-155,976	-173,457
Research and development		-20		-1,724
Sales and marketing	-14,270	-17,839	-43,152	-55,756
General and administrative	-16,924	-32,263	-75,244	-98,740
Interest expense	-149	-120	-400	-220
Other income (expense), net	-117	870	-1,189	320
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,727	-2,372	-4,293	-19,168
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	18,128	-456	-211	-6,839
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	($14,401)	($1,916)	($4,082)	($12,329)

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Addi

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash investments maturity period	Three months or less

Restricted_Cash_Additional_Inf

Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$35,600,000	$32,800,000
Restricted cash, non-current	$0	$29,370,000
Deposit period of restricted cash	2 years

Inventories_Net_Inventories_ar

Inventories, Net - Inventories are Stated at Lower of Cost (First In, First Out) or Market (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$126,265	$121,671
Work-in-process	74,914	79,559
Finished goods	158,862	164,037
Inventories, net	$360,041	$365,267

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb

Stock-based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$3,169	$5,662	$7,751	$14,462
Benefit for income taxes	-878	-1,511	-2,001	-2,869
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	2,291	4,151	5,750	11,593
Cost of Net Revenue [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	291	287	863	797
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	280	1,111	-340	2,641
Sales and Marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	920	975	2,778	2,597
General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$1,678	$3,289	$4,450	$8,427

Stockbased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Reversal of stock-based compensation expense	$5.60
Research and Development [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Reversal of stock-based compensation expense	2.2
General and Administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Reversal of stock-based compensation expense	$3.40

Net_Loss_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Net Loss Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:
Loss from continuing operations	($84,289)	($17,156)	($145,080)	($60,085)
Preferred stock dividends	-5,367	-5,367	-15,926	-15,926
Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shares	-89,656	-22,523	-161,006	-76,011
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	-306	359	-136	601
Loss from continuing attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-89,350	-22,882	-160,870	-76,612
Loss from discontinued operations	-14,401	-1,916	-4,082	-12,329
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	($103,751)	($24,798)	($164,952)	($88,941)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	83,115	81,735	82,719	81,417
Basic and diluted net loss per common share:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($1.08)	($0.28)	($1.94)	($0.94)
Loss from discontinued operations	($0.17)	($0.02)	($0.05)	($0.15)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($1.25)	($0.30)	($1.99)	($1.09)

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)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Denominator:
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	21,368	23,920	21,368	23,920
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	7,687	10,239	7,687	10,239
Warrants [Member]
Denominator:
Total number of antidilutive potentially issuable shares of common stock excluded from diluted common shares outstanding	4	4	4	4
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	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	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	10,239

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])	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Conversion Shares Related to 3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest rate of debt instrument	3.00%	3.00%

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon2

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends	$5,367,000	$5,367,000	$15,926,000	$15,926,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends	5,300,000	5,300,000	15,900,000	15,900,000
Preferred stock dividends accrued	5,300,000		5,300,000
Preferred stock dividends cash paid	$5,300,000	$5,300,000	$15,900,000	$15,900,000

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon3

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests - Summary of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests Comprising Total Equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Equity, beginning of period			$2,078,138	$2,179,449
Issuance of common stock under employee compensation plans			35,593	17,555
Preferred stock dividends			-15,970	-15,970
Stock-based compensation expense			7,751	14,462
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			-6,302	-1,283
Non-controlling interest from acquisition				1,788
Net income (loss)	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Total other comprehensive loss	-95,937	66,919	-69,478	-42,149
Equity, end of period	1,880,570	2,081,438	1,880,570	2,081,438
Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Equity, beginning of period			2,073,256	2,177,167
Issuance of common stock under employee compensation plans			35,593	17,555
Preferred stock dividends			-15,970	-15,970
Stock-based compensation expense			7,751	14,462
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options			-6,302	-1,283
Net income (loss)			-149,026	-73,015
Total other comprehensive loss			-69,478	-42,149
Equity, end of period	1,875,824	2,076,767	1,875,824	2,076,767
Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Equity, beginning of period			4,882	2,282
Non-controlling interest from acquisition				1,788
Net income (loss)			-136	601
Equity, end of period	$4,746	$4,671	$4,746	$4,671

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Jul. 31, 2013	Feb. 01, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
General and administrative expense related to acquisition	$300,000	$500,000	$700,000	$1,800,000
Acquisition date fair value investment					76,264,000
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements					39,588,000
Deferred purchase price consideration					768,000
Bargain purchase gain				5,707,000	8,023,000
Total revenue related to acquisition	5,800,000		41,200,000
Goodwill	2,981,502,000		2,981,502,000		3,006,997,000
Mega Medika, Alere Health Services, Pantech and Simplex [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	2,400,000		2,400,000
Liberty Business [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Bargain purchase gain			8,000,000
Cardio Selfcare [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of incremental ownership interest						51.00%
Pantech Proprietary [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest in Pantech Proprietary Limited							74.90%
Epocal [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price								248,500,000
Total cash payments								151,400,000
Acquisition date fair value investment								75,000,000
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements								22,100,000
Other [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price					57,600,000
Total cash payments					28,200,000
Acquisition date fair value investment					1,300,000
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements					17,500,000
Deferred purchase price consideration					800,000
Bargain purchase gain					$8,000,000

Business_Combinations_Summary_

Business Combinations - Summary of Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		$26,158
Property, plant and equipment		2,998
Goodwill		102,866
Intangible assets		215,580
Other non-current assets		18,187
Total assets acquired		365,789
Current liabilities		8,099
Non-current liabilities		51,604
Total liabilities assumed		59,703
Net assets acquired		306,086
Contingent consideration		76,264
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements		39,588
Non-controlling interest		1,774
Bargain purchase gain	5,707	8,023
Deferred purchase price consideration		768
Cash paid		179,669
Epocal [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		12,535
Property, plant and equipment		1,267
Goodwill		100,419
Intangible assets		164,400
Other non-current assets		18,158
Total assets acquired		296,779
Current liabilities		2,701
Non-current liabilities		45,542
Total liabilities assumed		48,243
Net assets acquired		248,536
Contingent consideration		75,000
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements		22,088
Non-controlling interest		0
Bargain purchase gain		0
Deferred purchase price consideration		0
Cash paid		151,448
Other [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		13,623
Property, plant and equipment		1,731
Goodwill		2,447
Intangible assets		51,180
Other non-current assets		29
Total assets acquired		69,010
Current liabilities		5,398
Non-current liabilities		6,062
Total liabilities assumed		11,460
Net assets acquired		57,550
Contingent consideration		1,264
Settlement of pre-existing arrangements		17,500
Non-controlling interest		1,774
Bargain purchase gain		8,023
Deferred purchase price consideration		768
Cash paid		$28,221

Business_Combinations_Summary_1

Business Combinations - Summary of Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Cash acquired	$3.30

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
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	$215,580
Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	164,400
Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	51,180
Core Technology and Patents [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	119,700
Weighted-average Useful Life	20 years
Core Technology and Patents [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	119,700
Core Technology and Patents [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	0
Software [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	2,154
Weighted-average Useful Life	5 years 8 months 12 days
Software [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	0
Software [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	2,154
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	20,580
Weighted-average Useful Life	19 years 1 month 6 days
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	20,500
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	80
License Agreements [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	620
Weighted-average Useful Life	1 year 6 months
License Agreements [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	0
License Agreements [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	620
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	42,510
Weighted-average Useful Life	11 years 6 months
Customer Relationships [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	0
Customer Relationships [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	42,510
Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	5,816
Weighted-average Useful Life	3 years
Other [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	0
Other [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount	5,816
In-Process Research and Development [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	24,200
In-Process Research and Development [Member] | Epocal [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	24,200
In-Process Research and Development [Member] | Other [Member]
Finite And Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible asset, amount	$0

Restructuring_Plans_Aggregate_

Restructuring Plans - Aggregate Charges Associated with Restructuring Plans Recorded in Operating Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$17,297	$6,077	$37,075	$10,147
Interest Expense, Including Amortization of Original Issue Discounts and Deferred Financing Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	9	14	32	45
Cost of Net Revenue [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	5,654	3,422	6,707	3,881
Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	5,457	1,100	8,488	1,745
Sales and Marketing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1,019	218	7,420	901
General and Administrative [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	5,167	1,337	14,460	3,698
Total Operating Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	17,297	6,077	37,075	10,225
Total Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$17,306	$6,091	$37,107	$10,270

Restructuring_Plans_Restructur

Restructuring Plans - Restructuring Activities Related to Restructuring Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		81 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$17,297	$6,077	$37,075	$10,147
2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	17,040		35,547
2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	6,026		20,322
2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	4,692		6,823
2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	10,718		27,145
2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	6,322		8,402
Professional Diagnostics [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	14,124	6,033	29,572	9,162
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	13,868		28,044
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	5,833		17,748
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	1,713		1,894
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	7,546		19,642
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	6,322		8,402
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	151	5,453	1,205	7,887	11,655
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	55	3,876	893	5,960	8,019
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	96	1,107	312	1,457	2,893
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	151	4,983	1,205	7,417	10,912
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	470	0	470	743
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other non-cash charges (recoveries)	0	0	0	0	64
Restructuring charges	116	594	356	1,321	41,738
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	-568	98	-284	24,290
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	106	112	225	524	8,987
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	116	-442	356	285	34,066
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	350	0	350	6,922
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	10	14	33	45	789
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Intangible Asset Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	686	0	686	686
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	-5	44	175	985
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	-6		175
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	-6		175
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0		0
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	-6		175
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0		0
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	30	0	355	1,129
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	30	0	88	88
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	241	241
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	30	0	329	329
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	26	800
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other non-cash charges (recoveries)	0	0	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	0	14	0	707	1,422
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	14	0	707	1,422
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0	0
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	14	0	707	1,422
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0	0
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0	0
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | 2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Intangible Asset Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	3,178	0	7,328	0
Corporate and Other [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	3,178		7,328
Corporate and Other [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	199		2,399
Corporate and Other [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	2,979		4,929
Corporate and Other [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Cash Charges (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	3,178		7,328
Corporate and Other [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member] | Fixed Asset and Inventory Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$0		$0

Restructuring_Plans_Additional

Restructuring Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cash charges remain unpaid	$8,750,000	$3,140,000
Restructuring reserves included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities	8,100,000
Restructuring reserves included in other long-term liabilities	700,000
2011, 2010 and 2008 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cash charges remain unpaid	800,000
2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cash charges remain unpaid	7,700,000
2013 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cash charges remain unpaid	200,000
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Additional costs	5,200,000
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Additional costs	700,000
Corporate and Other [Member] | 2014 Restructuring Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Additional costs	$6,000,000

Restructuring_Plans_Cash_Activ

Restructuring Plans - Cash Activity for Restructuring Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	$3,140
Cash charges	28,705
Payments	-22,632
Currency adjustments	-463
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	8,750
Severance-Related Costs (Recoveries) [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	992
Cash charges	21,313
Payments	-18,400
Currency adjustments	-401
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	3,504
Facility and Transition Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	1,781
Cash charges	7,360
Payments	-4,146
Currency adjustments	-61
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	4,934
Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	367
Cash charges	32
Payments	-86
Currency adjustments	-1
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	$312

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ba

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Balances Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	$3,771,485	$3,821,900
Less: Short-term debt and current portion	-87,871	-64,112
Long-term debt, after discount, Total	3,683,614	3,757,788
A Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	797,500	832,188
B Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	1,334,165	1,344,238
Revolving Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	170,000	170,000
7.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	450,000	450,000
6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	425,000	425,000
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	400,000	400,000
3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	150,000	150,000
Other Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	728	355
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Total	$44,092	$50,119

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ba1

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Balances Outstanding (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
7.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%
6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%
3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_In

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Interest Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	$51,207	$52,035	$153,271	$200,035
Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	24,985	25,809	74,606	78,741
7.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	8,525	8,535	25,574	25,371
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	0	0	0	137
6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	7,180	7,172	21,534	10,185
9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	0	0	0	54,043
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	9,271	9,273	27,819	27,820
3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt issuance cost	$1,246	$1,246	$3,738	$3,738

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_In1

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt Interest Expense (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization fee	$0.40	$0.40	$1.10	$2.20
7.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	7.88%	7.88%	7.88%	7.88%
Loss in repurchase of senior notes				0.1
6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
9% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Loss in repurchase of senior notes				35.6
Tender offer consideration and call premium amount				$19
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%
3% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, Interest rate	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	$794	$858
Total assets	794	858
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations	155,000	218,569
Total liabilities	155,000	218,569
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	794	858
Total assets	794	858
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations	155,000	218,569
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Marketable securities	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations	155,000	218,569
Total liabilities	$155,000	$218,569

Fair_Value_Measurements_Change

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Obligations (Detail) (Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, December 31, 2013	$218,569
Payments	-49,573
Present value accretion and adjustments	12,442
Reversal of Method Factory Inc., now known as Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") obligation	-26,321
Foreign currency adjustments	-117
Fair value of contingent consideration obligations, September 30, 2014	$155,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of our long-term debt	$3.80	$3.90
Long-term debt, Total	$3.80	$3.80

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_N

Defined Benefit Pension Plan - Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$0	$0	$0	$0
Interest cost	202	182	604	543
Expected return on plan assets	-191	-156	-571	-465
Amortization of prior service costs	111	103	333	308
Net periodic benefit cost	$122	$129	$366	$386

Financial_Information_by_Segme2

Financial Information by Segment - Performance of Our Operating Segments Based on Revenue and Operating Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$649,210	$650,648	$1,921,847	$1,944,476
Operating income (loss)	35,342	22,758	64,589	111,617
Depreciation and amortization	83,124	95,955	250,763	279,473
Non-cash inventory charge		649		1,880
Restructuring charge	17,297	6,077	37,075	10,147
Stock-based compensation	3,169	5,662	7,751	14,462
Loss on disposition		5,885	638	5,885
Assets	6,804,120		6,804,120		7,062,085
Professional Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	587,716	590,197	1,737,871	1,774,824
Operating income (loss)	58,549	52,585	126,824	183,694
Depreciation and amortization	75,625	88,835	230,219	258,485
Non-cash inventory charge		708		1,880
Restructuring charge	14,124	6,033	29,572	9,162
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Loss on disposition		5,885	638	5,885
Assets	6,016,792		6,016,792		5,746,021
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	35,045	31,603	102,361	92,806
Operating income (loss)	6,437	-4,141	2,622	-14,201
Depreciation and amortization	4,741	5,770	14,479	16,846
Non-cash inventory charge		-59		0
Restructuring charge	-5	44	175	985
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Loss on disposition		0	0	0
Assets	484,334		484,334		501,672
Consumer Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	26,449	28,848	81,615	76,846
Operating income (loss)	3,742	3,347	10,617	9,031
Depreciation and amortization	841	1,063	2,604	3,296
Non-cash inventory charge		0		0
Restructuring charge	0	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0	0
Loss on disposition		0	0	0
Assets	215,802		215,802		197,458
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	-33,386	-29,033	-75,474	-66,907
Depreciation and amortization	1,917	287	3,461	846
Non-cash inventory charge		0		0
Restructuring charge	3,178	0	7,328	0
Stock-based compensation	3,169	5,662	7,751	14,462
Loss on disposition		0	0	0
Assets	$87,192		$87,192		$616,934

Financial_Information_by_Segme3

Financial Information by Segment - Summary of Company's Net Revenue from Professional Diagnostics and Patient Self-Testing Reporting Segments by Groups of Similar Products and Services (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	$645,028	$646,464	$1,905,849	$1,931,363
Net revenue	649,210	650,648	1,921,847	1,944,476
Professional Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	583,534	586,709	1,723,185	1,763,307
Net revenue	587,716	590,197	1,737,871	1,774,824
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | Infectious Disease [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	177,955	172,739	507,866	520,289
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | Toxicology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	161,940	166,536	478,514	479,986
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | Cardiology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	109,661	115,677	333,077	348,902
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | Diabetes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	49,477	53,150	151,425	178,138
Professional Diagnostics [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	84,501	78,607	252,303	235,992
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	35,045	31,603	102,361	92,806
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	4,860	4,578	15,562	15,369
Patient Self-Testing Segment [Member] | Patient Self-Testing Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales and services revenue	$30,185	$27,025	$86,799	$77,437

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-07

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Sales Revenue Goods [Member]

Sales Revenue Goods [Member]

Sales Revenue Goods [Member]

Sales Revenue Goods [Member]

Sales Revenue Services [Member]

Sales Revenue Services [Member]

Sales Revenue Services [Member]

Sales Revenue Services [Member]

SPD [Member]

SPD [Member]

SPD [Member]

SPD [Member]

SPD [Member]

SPD [Member]

SPD [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Royal Bank of Scotland China [Member]

Royal Bank of Scotland China [Member]

Royal Bank of Scotland China [Member]

USD ($)

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

USD ($)

CNY

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

Joint venture ownership percentage with Procter & Gamble

50.00%

Net payable to SPD

$4,100,000

$2,100,000

Restructuring charges

17,297,000

6,077,000

37,075,000

10,147,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

Long-term receivable cost related to restructuring plan

11,400,000

13,200,000

Customer receivables associated with revenue earned after SPD was completed have been classified as other receivables

9,100,000

9,100,000

12,400,000

Revenue from joint venture

19,600,000

21,200,000

60,800,000

56,500,000

300,000

300,000

1,000,000

900,000

Trade receivables from SPD

9,100,000

9,100,000

9,400,000

Trade payable to SPD

25,800,000

25,800,000

18,800,000

Cash (return of investment) from SPD

10,800,000

Loan arrangement from related party

3,700,000

23,000,000

Restricted cash

$35,600,000

$35,600,000

$32,800,000

$1,700,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Rel

Related Party Transactions - Related Party Balances with SPD within Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$464,696	$487,377
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	123,056	125,645
Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	73,702	83,497
Accounts payable	209,857	181,642
Related Party Transaction [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	9,119	11,510
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,133	12,417
Deferred financing costs, net, and other non-current assets	11,369	13,249
Accounts payable	$29,841	$18,811

Other_Arrangements_Additional_

Other Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 19, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Agreements [Line Items]
Amount borrowed under agreement		$3,800		$3,800		$3,800
Gates Foundation [Member]
Agreements [Line Items]
Revenue from grant awarded	21.6
Cash received from grant-related funding				11.6
Qualified expenditures		2.5	1.9	7	4.3
Gates Loan Agreement [Member]
Agreements [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of subordinated term loan	20.6
Loan bearing interest rate		3.00%		3.00%
Maturity date				31-Dec-19
Amount borrowed under agreement		$0		$0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Contractual Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Obligations Related to Certain Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$155,000	$155,000	$218,569
Payments made during 2014		49,573
TwistDx, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		11-Mar-10
Acquisition Date Fair Value	35,600	35,600
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	108,777	108,777
Estimated Fair Value	39,900	39,900	45,502
Payments made during 2014		15,250
TwistDx, Inc. [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
TwistDx, Inc. [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2025
Ionian Technologies, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		12-Jul-10
Acquisition Date Fair Value	24,500	24,500
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	50,000	50,000
Estimated Fair Value	24,700	24,700	29,000
Payments made during 2014		7,500
Ionian Technologies, Inc. [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
Ionian Technologies, Inc. [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2015
Laboratory Data Systems, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		29-Aug-11
Acquisition Date Fair Value	13,000	13,000
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	0	0	7,400
Payments made during 2014		7,500
Forensics Limited (ROAR) [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		22-Sep-11
Acquisition Date Fair Value	5,463	5,463
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	12,600	12,600
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
Estimated Fair Value	3,492	3,492	2,484
Payments made during 2014		0
Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		9-Dec-11
Acquisition Date Fair Value	18,900	18,900
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	0	0	26,900
Payments made during 2014		579
MedApps [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		2-Jul-12
Acquisition Date Fair Value	13,100	13,100
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	8,600	8,600
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
Estimated Fair Value	6,500	6,500	12,800
Payments made during 2014		5,000
Amedica Biotech, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		3-Jul-12
Acquisition Date Fair Value	8,900	8,900
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	0	0	7,500
Payments made during 2014		8,055
DiagnosisOne, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		31-Jul-12
Acquisition Date Fair Value	22,300	22,300
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	30,000	30,000
Estimated Fair Value	20,400	20,400	26,600
Payments made during 2014		3,000
DiagnosisOne, Inc. [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
DiagnosisOne, Inc. [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2017
Epocal [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		1-Feb-13
Acquisition Date Fair Value	75,000	75,000
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	65,500	65,500
Estimated Fair Value	47,100	47,100	47,200
Payments made during 2014		0
Epocal [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
Epocal [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2018
Other [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		Various
Acquisition Date Fair Value	58,877	58,877
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	20,129	20,129
Estimated Fair Value	12,908	12,908	13,183
Payments made during 2014		$2,689
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2014
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Remaining Earn-out Period	2016

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Contractual Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Obligations Related to Certain Acquisitions (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Earn-out period	15 years
Ionian Technologies, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Earn-out period	5 years
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	50,000
Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	0
DiagnosisOne, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Earn-out period	5 years
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	30,000
Earn-out Potential [Member] | Alere Accountable Care Solutions, LLC ("ACS") [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Maximum Remaining Earn-out Potential	49,400

Equity_Investments_Additional_

Equity Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	$6,277	$5,753	$13,716	$13,238
SPD [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	5,900	4,700	12,800	11,400
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
TechLab [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	$900	$500	$1,600	$1,300
Ownership percentage	49.00%		49.00%

Equity_Investments_Financial_I

Equity Investments - Financial Information for SPD and TechLab on Combined Condensed Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Net revenue	$65,397	$49,272	$155,533	$153,096
Gross profit	40,268	40,158	120,680	112,862
Net income after taxes	$12,834	$10,543	$27,992	$25,549

Equity_Investments_Financial_I1

Equity Investments - Financial Information for SPD and TechLab on Combined Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Current assets	$77,201	$63,985
Non-current assets	35,912	38,541
Total assets	113,113	102,526
Current liabilities	27,675	38,053
Non-current liabilities	6,333	6,175
Total liabilities	$34,008	$44,228

Loss_on_Disposition_Additional

Loss on Disposition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from sale of business	$5,454,000	$32,000,000
Glucostabilizer Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from sale of business			1,100,000
Loss on sale of disposal of group	600,000
Glucostabilizer Business [Member] | Medical Decision Network Llc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Note receivable			$1,500,000

Provision_Benefit_for_Income_T1

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for valuation allowance associated with U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards	$79.40	$79.40

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
7.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of debt instrument	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%
Maturity year of debt instrument	2018
8.625% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of debt instrument	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%
Maturity year of debt instrument	2018
6.5% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of debt instrument	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Maturity year of debt instrument	2020

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio3

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net product sales	$507,625	$505,596	$1,499,302	$1,527,732
Services revenue	137,403	140,868	406,547	403,631
Net product sales and services revenue	645,028	646,464	1,905,849	1,931,363
License and royalty revenue	4,182	4,184	15,998	13,113
Net revenue	649,210	650,648	1,921,847	1,944,476
Cost of net product sales	271,250	256,312	785,918	756,715
Cost of services revenue	75,102	71,832	221,356	205,932
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	346,352	328,144	1,007,274	962,647
Cost of license and royalty revenue	1,236	2,009	3,900	5,264
Cost of net revenue	347,588	330,153	1,011,174	967,911
Gross profit (loss)	301,622	320,495	910,673	976,565
Operating expenses:
Research and development	38,726	40,478	114,855	120,729
Sales and marketing	122,760	141,748	391,605	419,712
General and administrative	104,794	109,626	338,986	318,622
Loss on disposition		5,885	638	5,885
Operating income (loss)	35,342	22,758	64,589	111,617
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-52,332	-53,301	-156,276	-203,053
Other income (expense), net	-8,087	-7,068	2,164	-7,259
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-25,077	-37,611	-89,523	-98,695
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	65,489	-14,702	69,273	-25,372
Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-90,566	-22,909	-158,796	-73,323
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	6,277	5,753	13,716	13,238
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-84,289	-17,156	-145,080	-60,085
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-14,401	-1,916	-4,082	-12,329
Net income (loss)	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-306	359	-136	601
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-98,384	-19,431	-149,026	-73,015
Preferred stock dividends	-5,367	-5,367	-15,926	-15,926
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	-103,751	-24,798	-164,952	-88,941
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net product sales	-60,777	-44,339	-172,118	-142,696
Services revenue	0	0	0	0
Net product sales and services revenue	-60,777	-44,339	-172,118	-142,696
License and royalty revenue	-2,474	-4,976	-8,997	-10,457
Net revenue	-63,251	-49,315	-181,115	-153,153
Cost of net product sales	-52,886	-37,472	-156,852	-125,322
Cost of services revenue	-7,858	-5,051	-20,123	-13,777
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	-60,744	-42,523	-176,975	-139,099
Cost of license and royalty revenue	-2,474	-4,975	-8,997	-10,456
Cost of net revenue	-63,218	-47,498	-185,972	-149,555
Gross profit (loss)	-33	-1,817	4,857	-3,598
Operating expenses:
Research and development	0	0	0	0
Sales and marketing	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	0	0	0	0
Loss on disposition		0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	-33	-1,817	4,857	-3,598
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	8,189	7,945	26,535	26,502
Other income (expense), net	-8,190	-7,945	-26,594	-26,502
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-34	-1,817	4,798	-3,598
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-35	-560	1,624	-1,240
Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax	1	-1,257	3,174	-2,358
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	-49,852	-42,570	-97,749	-106,792
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-62	72	-187	28
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-49,913	-43,755	-94,762	-109,122
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-49,913	-43,755	-94,762	-109,122
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-49,913	-43,755	-94,762	-109,122
Preferred stock dividends	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	-49,913	-43,755	-94,762	-109,122
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net product sales	0	0	0	0
Services revenue	0	0	0	0
Net product sales and services revenue	0	0	0	0
License and royalty revenue	0	0	0	0
Net revenue	0	0	0	0
Cost of net product sales	912	887	2,291	2,722
Cost of services revenue	71	0	214	0
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	983	887	2,505	2,722
Cost of license and royalty revenue	28	0	28	0
Cost of net revenue	1,011	887	2,533	2,722
Gross profit (loss)	-1,011	-887	-2,533	-2,722
Operating expenses:
Research and development	7,256	5,515	20,034	16,167
Sales and marketing	1,265	1,579	6,329	4,384
General and administrative	33,549	23,028	78,257	51,532
Loss on disposition		0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	-43,081	-31,009	-107,153	-74,805
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-51,589	-52,318	-154,232	-200,836
Other income (expense), net	4,706	-6,775	11,823	-7,612
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-89,964	-90,102	-249,562	-283,253
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	42,727	-28,111	-2,566	-101,941
Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-132,691	-61,991	-246,996	-181,312
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	49,642	42,907	97,307	108,302
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	560	464	1,387	1,278
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-82,489	-18,620	-148,302	-71,732
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-16,201	-452	-860	-682
Net income (loss)	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Preferred stock dividends	-5,367	-5,367	-15,926	-15,926
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	-104,057	-24,439	-165,088	-88,340
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net product sales	214,585	220,530	623,208	655,530
Services revenue	122,045	121,223	355,132	345,909
Net product sales and services revenue	336,630	341,753	978,340	1,001,439
License and royalty revenue	2,993	5,103	10,312	10,908
Net revenue	339,623	346,856	988,652	1,012,347
Cost of net product sales	118,241	126,983	348,701	360,539
Cost of services revenue	74,441	68,133	216,142	193,563
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	192,682	195,116	564,843	554,102
Cost of license and royalty revenue	55	17	194	52
Cost of net revenue	192,737	195,133	565,037	554,154
Gross profit (loss)	146,886	151,723	423,615	458,193
Operating expenses:
Research and development	15,318	17,009	45,753	50,550
Sales and marketing	54,422	64,536	175,536	192,055
General and administrative	30,323	31,894	112,850	110,732
Loss on disposition		-1	638	-1
Operating income (loss)	46,823	38,285	88,838	104,857
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-4,420	-6,207	-14,933	-19,510
Other income (expense), net	4,835	6,234	15,867	18,676
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	47,238	38,312	89,772	104,023
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	13,657	13,557	42,896	46,309
Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax	33,581	24,755	46,876	57,714
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	210	-337	442	-1,510
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations	33,791	24,418	47,318	56,204
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-20,615	-926	-26,418	-10,029
Net income (loss)	13,176	23,492	20,900	46,175
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	13,176	23,492	20,900	46,175
Preferred stock dividends	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	13,176	23,492	20,900	46,175
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net product sales	353,817	329,405	1,048,212	1,014,898
Services revenue	15,358	19,645	51,415	57,722
Net product sales and services revenue	369,175	349,050	1,099,627	1,072,620
License and royalty revenue	3,663	4,057	14,683	12,662
Net revenue	372,838	353,107	1,114,310	1,085,282
Cost of net product sales	204,983	165,914	591,778	518,776
Cost of services revenue	8,448	8,750	25,123	26,146
Cost of net product sales and services revenue	213,431	174,664	616,901	544,922
Cost of license and royalty revenue	3,627	6,967	12,675	15,668
Cost of net revenue	217,058	181,631	629,576	560,590
Gross profit (loss)	155,780	171,476	484,734	524,692
Operating expenses:
Research and development	16,152	17,954	49,068	54,012
Sales and marketing	67,073	75,633	209,740	223,273
General and administrative	40,922	54,704	147,879	156,358
Loss on disposition		5,886	0	5,886
Operating income (loss)	31,633	17,299	78,047	85,163
Interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	-4,512	-2,721	-13,646	-9,209
Other income (expense), net	-9,438	1,418	1,068	8,179
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	17,683	15,996	65,469	84,133
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	9,140	412	27,319	31,500
Income (loss) from continuing operations before in equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities, net of tax	8,543	15,584	38,150	52,633
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	5,779	5,217	12,516	11,932
Income (loss) from continuing operations	14,322	20,801	50,666	64,565
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	22,415	-538	23,196	-1,618
Net income (loss)	36,737	20,263	73,862	62,947
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-306	359	-136	601
Net income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	37,043	19,904	73,998	62,346
Preferred stock dividends	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$37,043	$19,904	$73,998	$62,346

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio4

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	($98,690)	($19,072)	($149,162)	($72,414)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-96,425	67,268	-69,950	-42,515
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities			-17
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	7	20	21	31
Minimum pension liability adjustment	481	-369	468	335
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-95,937	66,919	-69,478	-42,149
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-95,937	66,919	-69,478	-42,149
Comprehensive income (loss)	-194,627	47,847	-218,640	-114,563
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	-306	359	-136	601
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-194,321	47,488	-218,504	-115,164
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	-49,913	-43,755	-94,762	-109,122
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-2	2	-2	2
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities			0
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	0	0	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-2	2	-2	2
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-2	2	-2	2
Comprehensive income (loss)	-49,915	-43,753	-94,764	-109,120
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-49,915	-43,753	-94,764	-109,120
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	-98,690	-19,072	-149,162	-72,414
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-383	524	-137	-329
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities			0
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	0	0	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-383	524	-137	-329
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-383	524	-137	-329
Comprehensive income (loss)	-99,073	-18,548	-149,299	-72,743
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	-99,073	-18,548	-149,299	-72,743
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	13,176	23,492	20,900	46,175
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-104	0	-178	0
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities			-17
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	0	0	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-104	0	-195	0
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-104	0	-195	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,072	23,492	20,705	46,175
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	13,072	23,492	20,705	46,175
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	36,737	20,263	73,862	62,947
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	-95,936	66,742	-69,633	-42,188
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities			0
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments	7	20	21	31
Minimum pension liability adjustment	481	-369	468	335
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-95,448	66,393	-69,144	-41,822
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-95,448	66,393	-69,144	-41,822
Comprehensive income (loss)	-58,711	86,656	4,718	21,125
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	-306	359	-136	601
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alere Inc. and Subsidiaries	($58,405)	$86,297	$4,854	$20,524

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio5

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$431,351	$355,431	$344,515	$316,479
Restricted cash	35,581	3,458
Marketable securities	794	858
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	464,696	487,377
Inventories, net	360,041	365,267
Deferred tax assets	21,526	48,858
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	123,056	125,645
Assets held for sale	325,181	380,483
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Total current assets	1,762,226	1,767,377
Property, plant and equipment, net	463,282	466,497
Goodwill	2,981,502	3,006,997
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	46,831	56,702
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,375,662	1,557,426
Restricted cash	0	29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	73,702	83,497
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Investments in unconsolidated entities	91,175	86,830
Deferred tax assets	7,404	7,389
Intercompany notes receivables	0	0
Total assets	6,804,120	7,062,085
Goodwill	2,981,502	3,006,997
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	46,831	56,702
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,375,662	1,557,426
Restricted cash	0	29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	73,702	83,497
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Investments in unconsolidated entities	91,175	86,830
Deferred tax assets	7,404	7,389
Non-current income tax receivable	2,336
Intercompany notes receivables	0	0
Total assets	6,804,120	7,062,085
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	87,871	64,112
Current portion of capital lease obligations	4,150	5,962
Accounts payable	209,857	181,642
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	367,930	381,894
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	100,024	133,242
Intercompany payables	0	0
Total current liabilities	769,832	766,852
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,683,614	3,757,788
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	12,278	13,242
Deferred tax liabilities	280,611	285,034
Other long-term liabilities	177,215	161,031
Intercompany notes payables	0	0
Total long-term liabilities	4,153,718	4,217,095
Stockholders' equity	1,875,824	2,073,256
Non-controlling interests	4,746	4,882
Total equity	1,880,570	2,078,138	2,081,438	2,179,449
Total liabilities and equity	6,804,120	7,062,085
Eliminations [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Marketable securities	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	0	0
Inventories, net	-19,474	-23,766
Deferred tax assets	-2,107	3,506
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,052	-44
Assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany receivables	-1,235,223	-1,166,766
Total current assets	-1,252,752	-1,187,070
Property, plant and equipment, net	-56	-296
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	-59	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	-45	-47
Investments in subsidiaries	-4,290,247	-4,254,508
Investments in unconsolidated entities	13,328	13,189
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Intercompany notes receivables	-2,807,097	-2,888,644
Total assets	-8,336,928	-8,317,376
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	-59	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	-45	-47
Investments in subsidiaries	-4,290,247	-4,254,508
Investments in unconsolidated entities	13,328	13,189
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Non-current income tax receivable	0
Intercompany notes receivables	-2,807,097	-2,888,644
Total assets	-8,336,928	-8,317,376
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Current portion of capital lease obligations	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-126	-36
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany payables	-1,235,222	-1,166,767
Total current liabilities	-1,235,348	-1,166,803
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	204	8
Other long-term liabilities	-45	-47
Intercompany notes payables	-2,807,097	-2,888,645
Total long-term liabilities	-2,806,938	-2,888,684
Stockholders' equity	-4,294,642	-4,261,889
Non-controlling interests	0	0
Total equity	-4,294,642	-4,261,889
Total liabilities and equity	-8,336,928	-8,317,376
Issuer [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	11,469	14,801	47,863	3,623
Restricted cash	1,940	2,221
Marketable securities	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets	-17,440	4,418
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,411	517,311
Assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany receivables	366,149	331,844
Total current assets	370,529	870,595
Property, plant and equipment, net	27,220	14,197
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	0	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	8,715	11,006
Restricted cash	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	43,982	55,207
Investments in subsidiaries	3,829,127	3,780,251
Investments in unconsolidated entities	15,814	29,005
Deferred tax assets	0	-570
Intercompany notes receivables	2,073,773	2,197,576
Total assets	6,371,496	6,957,267
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	0	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	8,715	11,006
Restricted cash	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	43,982	55,207
Investments in subsidiaries	3,829,127	3,780,251
Investments in unconsolidated entities	15,814	29,005
Deferred tax assets	0	-570
Non-current income tax receivable	2,336
Intercompany notes receivables	2,073,773	2,197,576
Total assets	6,371,496	6,957,267
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	60,000	60,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	0	0
Accounts payable	15,221	12,584
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-458,734	68,581
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany payables	772,405	728,541
Total current liabilities	388,892	869,706
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	3,675,377	3,720,137
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	-31,068	-49,190
Other long-term liabilities	41,713	21,038
Intercompany notes payables	420,758	322,322
Total long-term liabilities	4,106,780	4,014,307
Stockholders' equity	1,875,824	2,073,254
Non-controlling interests	0	0
Total equity	1,875,824	2,073,254
Total liabilities and equity	6,371,496	6,957,267
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	91,188	78,976	67,002	56,074
Restricted cash	100	0
Marketable securities	793	853
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	188,972	179,445
Inventories, net	170,029	169,141
Deferred tax assets	10,425	9,483
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,117	-415,124
Assets held for sale	325,165	380,414
Intercompany receivables	809,418	759,498
Total current assets	1,625,207	1,162,686
Property, plant and equipment, net	213,935	210,883
Goodwill	1,754,523	1,753,498
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	9,600	14,301
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	780,741	868,683
Restricted cash	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	6,684	7,777
Investments in subsidiaries	271,122	282,310
Investments in unconsolidated entities	14,764	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Intercompany notes receivables	681,592	630,627
Total assets	5,358,168	4,930,765
Goodwill	1,754,523	1,753,498
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	9,600	14,301
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	780,741	868,683
Restricted cash	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	6,684	7,777
Investments in subsidiaries	271,122	282,310
Investments in unconsolidated entities	14,764	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Non-current income tax receivable	0
Intercompany notes receivables	681,592	630,627
Total assets	5,358,168	4,930,765
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	50	323
Current portion of capital lease obligations	1,426	2,859
Accounts payable	81,923	63,346
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	595,902	117,937
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	100,024	106,343
Intercompany payables	192,272	163,518
Total current liabilities	971,597	454,326
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	100
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	4,337	4,773
Deferred tax liabilities	231,791	246,178
Other long-term liabilities	48,677	47,008
Intercompany notes payables	1,341,223	1,444,742
Total long-term liabilities	1,626,028	1,742,801
Stockholders' equity	2,760,543	2,733,638
Non-controlling interests	0	0
Total equity	2,760,543	2,733,638
Total liabilities and equity	5,358,168	4,930,765
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	328,694	261,654	229,650	256,782
Restricted cash	33,541	1,237
Marketable securities	1	5
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	275,724	307,932
Inventories, net	209,486	219,892
Deferred tax assets	30,648	31,451
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	81,476	23,502
Assets held for sale	16	69
Intercompany receivables	59,656	75,424
Total current assets	1,019,242	921,166
Property, plant and equipment, net	222,183	241,713
Goodwill	1,226,979	1,253,499
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	37,290	42,401
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	586,206	677,737
Restricted cash	0	29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	23,081	20,560
Investments in subsidiaries	189,998	191,947
Investments in unconsolidated entities	47,269	44,636
Deferred tax assets	7,404	7,959
Intercompany notes receivables	51,732	60,441
Total assets	3,411,384	3,491,429
Goodwill	1,226,979	1,253,499
Other intangible assets with indefinite lives	37,290	42,401
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	586,206	677,737
Restricted cash	0	29,370
Deferred financing costs, net and other non-current assets	23,081	20,560
Investments in subsidiaries	189,998	191,947
Investments in unconsolidated entities	47,269	44,636
Deferred tax assets	7,404	7,959
Non-current income tax receivable	0
Intercompany notes receivables	51,732	60,441
Total assets	3,411,384	3,491,429
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	27,821	3,789
Current portion of capital lease obligations	2,724	3,103
Accounts payable	112,713	105,712
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	230,888	195,412
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	0	26,899
Intercompany payables	270,545	274,708
Total current liabilities	644,691	609,623
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of current portion	8,237	37,551
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion	7,941	8,469
Deferred tax liabilities	79,684	88,038
Other long-term liabilities	86,870	93,032
Intercompany notes payables	1,045,116	1,121,581
Total long-term liabilities	1,227,848	1,348,671
Stockholders' equity	1,534,099	1,528,253
Non-controlling interests	4,746	4,882
Total equity	1,538,845	1,533,135
Total liabilities and equity	$3,411,384	$3,491,429

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio6

Guarantor Financial Information - Guarantor Financial Information Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	($149,162)	($72,414)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-4,082	-12,329
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-145,080	-60,085
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	11,824	13,905
Depreciation and amortization	250,763	279,473
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		1,880
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	7,751	14,462
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.	9,594	5,480
Impairment of inventory	1,536	243
Impairment of long-lived assets	6,866	1,463
Loss on disposition of fixed assets	4,679	800
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-13,716	-13,238
Deferred income taxes	9,557	-62,292
Loss on extinguishment of debt		35,603
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions	638	5,885
Bargain purchase gain		-5,707	-8,023
Other non-cash items	3,683	7,646
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	12,643	-64,053
Inventories, net	-30,446	-73,967
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-8,646	-9,090
Accounts payable	38,687	18,475
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	13,761	31,642
Other non-current liabilities	28,001	-8,119
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-21,078	-6,865
Intercompany payable (receivable)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	181,017	113,541
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	34,417	45,575
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	215,434	159,116
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-3,227	-33,251
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-73,035	-72,436
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,144	5,828
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested	5,454	32,000
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-75	-166,196
Cash received from (paid for) investments	198
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	9,526
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	47
(Increase) decrease in other assets	1,024	21,462
Cash received from equity method investments	198	11,262
Net cash used in continuing operations	-58,944	-201,331
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-8,853	-21,316
Net cash used in investing activities	-67,797	-222,647
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	-5	-9,798
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-23,608	-25,197
Cash paid for dividends	-15,970	-15,970
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	35,593	17,555
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	41	459,152
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	806
Payments on long-term debt	-47,302	-454,168
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	498	138,768
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	415	434
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-4,639	-5,025
Other		-18,928
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	-54,171	86,823
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-1,075	-2,615
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-55,246	84,208
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-9,445	4,982
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	82,946	25,659
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations	355,431	316,479	316,479
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations	6,477	11,855	11,855
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	444,854	353,993
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period	13,503	9,478	6,477
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	431,351	344,515	355,431
Eliminations [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	-94,762	-109,122
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-94,762	-109,122
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax	97,749	106,792
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	-6	-104
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		0
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	0	0
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.	0	0
Impairment of inventory	0	0
Impairment of long-lived assets	0	0
Loss on disposition of fixed assets	0	0
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	187	-28
Deferred income taxes	1,710	-1,154
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions	0	0
Bargain purchase gain		0
Other non-cash items	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	-4,430	3,771
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,438	-7,516
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-1,748	6,933
Other non-current liabilities	4,101	515
Cash paid for contingent consideration	0	0
Intercompany payable (receivable)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	363	87
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	363	87
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	0	0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	2,522	11,938
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	-2,755	-12,263
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested	0	0
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Cash received from (paid for) investments	0
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	0
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets	57	-17
Cash received from equity method investments		0
Net cash used in continuing operations	-176	-342
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-176	-342
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	0	0
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	0	0
Cash paid for dividends	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	0	0
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Other		0
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	0	0
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-187	255
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	0	0
Issuer [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	-149,162	-72,414
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-860	-682
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-148,302	-71,732
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax	-97,307	-108,302
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	11,575	13,814
Depreciation and amortization	4,417	3,731
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		0
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	1,629	5,836
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.	0	0
Impairment of inventory	0	0
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,573	0
Loss on disposition of fixed assets	0	0
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-1,387	-1,278
Deferred income taxes	28,030	-16,142
Loss on extinguishment of debt		35,603
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions	0	0
Bargain purchase gain		0
Other non-cash items	-988	5,201
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	503,712	-64,546
Accounts payable	2,637	5,918
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-526,685	13,184
Other non-current liabilities	18,588	-914
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-20,966	-6,654
Intercompany payable (receivable)	277,206	303,437
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	53,732	117,156
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	7,881	-2,201
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	61,613	114,955
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	135	-4,439
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-16,611	-1,037
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	268	0
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested	0	0
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-75	-157,373
Cash received from (paid for) investments	477
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	0
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-104	19,244
Cash received from equity method investments		490
Net cash used in continuing operations	-15,910	-143,115
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,910	-143,115
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	-5	-9,798
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-23,285	-24,866
Cash paid for dividends	-15,970	-15,970
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	35,593	17,555
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	425,000
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	0
Payments on long-term debt	-45,000	-446,845
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	0	147,500
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	65	205
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Other		-18,953
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	-48,602	73,828
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-579	-2,299
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-49,181	71,529
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	146	871
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-3,332	44,240
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations	14,801	3,623	3,623
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	11,469	47,863
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	11,469	47,863
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	20,900	46,175
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-26,418	-10,029
Income (loss) from continuing operations	47,318	56,204
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax	-442	1,510
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	32	46
Depreciation and amortization	132,134	143,832
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		0
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	3,463	3,646
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.	9,594	5,480
Impairment of inventory	0	27
Impairment of long-lived assets	-446	316
Loss on disposition of fixed assets	4,078	69
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-12,863	-18,004
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions	638	0
Bargain purchase gain		0
Other non-cash items	2,845	964
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	-10,136	-22,291
Inventories, net	-22,521	-47,700
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-444,782	64,286
Accounts payable	25,738	1,147
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	489,917	2,559
Other non-current liabilities	4,950	-19,086
Cash paid for contingent consideration	0	0
Intercompany payable (receivable)	-197,561	-169,487
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	31,956	3,518
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	26,474	47,730
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	58,430	51,248
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-100	0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-29,141	-24,846
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	778	6,905
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested	1,081	0
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Cash received from (paid for) investments	-278
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	0
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	43
(Increase) decrease in other assets	140	-675
Cash received from equity method investments		0
Net cash used in continuing operations	-27,477	-18,616
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-8,853	-21,289
Net cash used in investing activities	-36,330	-39,905
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	0	0
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	0	0
Cash paid for dividends	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	0
Payments on long-term debt	-223	-224
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	0	0
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	282	181
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-2,246	-2,406
Other		0
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	-2,187	-2,449
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-496	-316
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-2,683	-2,765
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-179	-28
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,238	8,550
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations	78,976	56,074	56,074
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations	6,476	11,855	11,855
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	104,690	76,479
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period	13,502	9,477
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	91,188	67,002
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	73,862	62,947
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	23,196	-1,618
Income (loss) from continuing operations	50,666	64,565
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of tax	0	0
Non-cash interest expense, including amortization of original issue discounts and deferred financing costs	217	45
Depreciation and amortization	114,218	132,014
Non-cash charges for sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition		1,880
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	2,659	4,980
Tax benefit related to discontinued operations retained by Alere Inc.	0	0
Impairment of inventory	1,536	216
Impairment of long-lived assets	5,739	1,147
Loss on disposition of fixed assets	601	731
Equity earnings of unconsolidated entities, net of tax	-12,516	-11,932
Deferred income taxes	-7,320	-26,992
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0
Loss related to impairment and net gain on dispositions	0	5,885
Bargain purchase gain		-5,707
Other non-cash items	1,826	1,481
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	22,779	-41,762
Inventories, net	-3,495	-30,038
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-65,138	-1,314
Accounts payable	10,312	11,410
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	52,277	8,966
Other non-current liabilities	362	11,366
Cash paid for contingent consideration	-112	-211
Intercompany payable (receivable)	-79,645	-133,950
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	94,966	-7,220
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	62	46
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	95,028	-7,174
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-3,262	-28,812
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-29,805	-58,491
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	2,853	11,186
Cash received from disposition, net of cash divested	4,373	32,000
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	-8,823
Cash received from (paid for) investments	-1
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	9,526
Cash received from sales of marketable securities	4
(Increase) decrease in other assets	931	2,910
Cash received from equity method investments		10,772
Net cash used in continuing operations	-15,381	-39,258
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	-27
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,381	-39,285
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash paid for financing costs	0	0
Cash paid for contingent purchase price consideration	-323	-331
Cash paid for dividends	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	41	34,152
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	806
Payments on long-term debt	-2,079	-7,099
Net proceeds (payments) under revolving credit facilities	498	-8,732
Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options	68	48
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-2,393	-2,619
Other		25
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	-3,382	15,444
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-3,382	15,444
Foreign exchange effect on cash and cash equivalents	-9,225	3,884
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	67,040	-27,131
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - continuing operations	261,654	256,782	256,782
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period - discontinued operations	1	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	328,695	229,651
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period	1	1
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period	$328,694	$229,650

Subsequent_Event_Additional_In

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Events [Member], Optum [Member], USD $)	Oct. 27, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Subsequent Events [Member] | Optum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business acquisition sales price	$600