Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) 10-Q 12 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	'BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000012208	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,605,496	5,089,371
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$291,793	$463,388
Short-term investments	270,027	457,685
Accounts Receivable, Net	383,471	398,739
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	105,246	93,009
Work in process	132,111	124,737
Finished goods	286,146	237,374
Total inventories	523,503	455,120
Prepaid Expenses	131,357	92,489
Other current assets	74,392	69,261
Total current assets	1,674,543	1,936,682
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,065,684	1,012,034
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-640,608	-595,096
Property, plant and equipment, net	425,076	416,938
Goodwill, net	513,705	495,418
Purchased intangibles, net	276,054	260,939
Other investments	354,733	293,613
Other assets	36,297	39,913
Total assets	3,280,408	3,443,503
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Accounts payable	131,899	130,867
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	133,218	135,955
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	1,705	1,750
Income and other taxes payable	32,424	34,779
Accrued royalties	19,860	29,718
Other current liabilities	143,779	139,331
Total current liabilities	462,885	472,400
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	435,541	732,414
Other long-term liabilities	257,742	223,149
Total liabilities	1,156,168	1,427,963
Bio-Rad stockholders' equity:	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	232,031	212,244
Retained earnings	1,575,981	1,528,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	316,326	274,532
Total Bio-Rad stockholders' equity	2,124,240	2,015,005
Noncontrolling interests	0	535
Total stockholders' equity	2,124,240	2,015,540
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,280,408	3,443,503
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Bio-Rad stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	2	2
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Bio-Rad stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	1	1
Treasury Class A [Member]	'	'
Bio-Rad stockholders' equity:	'	'
Treasury Stock, Value	-12	-12
Treasury Class B [Member]	'	'
Bio-Rad stockholders' equity:	'	'
Treasury Stock, Value	($89)	($89)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	23,578,766	23,332,532
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	23,578,644	23,332,410
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	5,087,888	5,149,771
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	5,086,971	5,148,854
Treasury Class A [Member]	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	122	122
Treasury Class B [Member]	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	917	917

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$505,066	$498,697	$1,530,059	$1,495,396
Cost of goods sold	220,850	224,927	674,330	654,784
Gross profit	284,216	273,770	855,729	840,612
Selling, general and administrative expense	202,238	160,134	583,486	492,913
Research and development expense	52,920	47,795	155,104	150,637
Segment profit (loss)	29,058	65,841	117,139	197,062
Interest expense	31,611	11,901	54,252	37,498
Foreign exchange losses, net	3,330	448	5,723	3,508
Other (income) expense, net	-667	-1,511	-10,711	-14,692
Income before income taxes	-5,216	55,003	67,875	170,748
Provision for income taxes	-1,883	-12,383	-20,200	-48,375
Net income including noncontrolling interests	-7,099	42,620	47,675	122,373
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	13	-21	-148
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	($7,099)	$42,633	$47,654	$122,225
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income per share basic attributable to Bio-Rad	($0.25)	$1.51	$1.67	$4.33
Weighted average common shares - basic	28,603	28,312	28,545	28,255
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income per share diluted attributable to Bio-Rad	($0.25)	$1.49	$1.65	$4.27
Weighted average common shares - diluted	28,603	28,645	28,870	28,609

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income including noncontrolling interests	($7,099)	$42,620	$47,675	$122,373
Foreign currency translation adjustments	41,037	14,218	5,078	2,568
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	0	0	0	70
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-246	35	45	216
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments net of tax expense	8,216	21,023	36,688	52,219
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income including noncontrolling interests, net of tax expense	294	-719	147	-4,973
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	49,301	34,557	41,958	50,100
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	42,202	77,177	89,633	172,473
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	4	-185	-155
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad net of tax	$42,202	$77,181	$89,448	$172,318

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax	$0	$0	$0	$0
Other post-employment benefit adjustment, tax	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	4.8	12.2	21.4	30.4
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income including noncontrolling interests, tax	$0.20	($0.40)	$0.10	($2.90)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Cash received from customers	$1,531,251	$1,512,991
Cash paid to suppliers and employees	-1,331,426	-1,227,911
Interest paid	-50,188	-35,929
Income tax payments	-59,720	-77,411
Investment proceeds and miscellaneous receipts, net	12,926	9,429
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-808	-925
Net cash provided by operating activities	102,035	180,244
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-83,356	-112,366
Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment	1,252	231
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received, and long-term investments	-68,510	-38,479
Payments for purchases of intangible assets	-500	-1,724
Payments for purchases of marketable securities and investments	-325,036	-547,529
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments	277,389	89,371
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities and investments	234,707	271,150
Proceeds from (payments for) forward foreign exchange contracts, net	969	-1,418
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	36,915	-340,764
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net payments on line-of-credit arrangements and notes payable	-18	-213
Payments on long-term borrowings	-300,178	-496
Payments of contingent consideration	-25,474	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	9,397	8,958
Purchase of treasury stock	0	-101
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	808	925
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-315,465	9,073
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	4,920	3,673
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-171,595	-147,774
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	463,388	574,231
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	291,793	426,457
Reconciliation of net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interests	47,675	122,373
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities excluding the effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	105,181	94,885
Share-based compensation	9,894	9,248
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net	-969	1,418
Losses (gains) on dispositions of securities	408	-7,515
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-808	-925
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration	-1,347	-15,984
Decrease in accounts receivable	14,803	24,880
Increase in inventories	-57,162	-18,979
Increase in other current assets	-5,748	-4,367
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities	19,272	-5,916
Decrease in income taxes payable	-30,710	-26,719
Net increase in other long-term liabilities	1,546	7,845
Net cash provided by operating activities	$102,035	$180,244

1_Organization_Consolidation_a

1. Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure	'
	1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND USE OF ESTIMATES
	Basis of Presentation
	In this report, “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us,” "the Company" and “our” refer to Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Bio-Rad have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results of the interim periods presented.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, with the exception to the adjustments noted below.  Results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements (and taking into account the corrections and reclassification discussed below) at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	We evaluate subsequent events and the evidence they provide about conditions existing at the date of the balance sheet as well as conditions that arose after the balance sheet date but through the date the financial statements are issued.  The effects of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date are recognized in the financial statements. Events and conditions arising after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued are evaluated to determine if disclosure is required to keep the financial statements from being misleading.  To the extent such events and conditions exist, disclosures are made regarding the nature of events and the estimated financial effects for those events and conditions.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.   Bio-Rad bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other market-specific and other relevant assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	CORRECTION OF IMMATERIAL ERRORS, AND RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN AMOUNTS
	Inventory Costing
	During the third quarter of 2013, we identified errors in the consolidated financial statements for the years 2008 through 2012 (and for all interim periods therein) and in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, related to the valuation of finished goods inventory in our Life Science segment. We were expensing inventory in amounts greater than actual costs for non-sales transactions, such as expensed inventory used for demonstration purposes and product samples.
	The effect of correcting these errors in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 consolidated financial statements were increases to net income of $0.6 million, $0.8 million, $0.7 million, $0.8 million, $1.3 million, $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
	Research and Development (R&D) Credit
	During the third quarter of 2013, we revised the classification of certain amounts for all periods presented from “Provision for income taxes” to “Research and development expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations to conform to the current year presentation. The amounts reclassified pertain to a refundable French R&D tax credit, which after the reclassification reduces Research and development expense. The effect of the reclassifications from Provision for income taxes to Research and development expense for 2010, 2011, 2012, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.8 million, $8.8 million, $4.8 million, $1.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
	Following are the amounts in thousands that should have been reported for the Consolidated Statements of Operations giving effect to the errors and the reclassification described above:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Year Ended December 31,
		30-Sep-12			30-Sep-12			2012		2011		2010
	Cost of goods sold	$	224,927		$	654,784		$	914,077	$	894,700	$	835,310
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	160,134		$	492,913		$	681,778	$	695,984	$	634,413
	Research and development expense	$	47,795		$	150,637		$	209,204	$	177,604	$	166,486
	Provision for income taxes	$	12,383		$	48,375		$	64,729	$	67,034	$	39,533
	Presentation and Disclosure of the Statements of Comprehensive Income
	During the first quarter of 2013, we identified errors in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for 2012, 2011 and 2010, and in the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for all three quarters of 2012, which affected two line items within this financial statement. Specifically, we incorrectly calculated the 1) net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale (AFS) investments, net of tax, and 2) reclassification adjustments for net holding gains/losses on AFS investments included in net income including noncontrolling interests, net of tax.
	Following are the amounts in thousands that should have been reported for the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income giving effect to the errors described above:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended	Year Ended December 31,
		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12	2012	2011	2010
	Net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, net of income tax; understated by $1,438, $9,946, $10,090 and $770 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.	$21,023		$52,219	$65,448	$12,663	$15,495
	Income taxes on net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments; understated by $836, $5,790, $5,874 and $448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.	$12,240		$30,405	$38,108	$7,373	$9,022
	Reclassification adjustments for net holding (gains) losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of income tax; understated by $1,438, $9,946, $10,090 and $770 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.	($719)		($4,973)	($5,045)	$104	($385)
	Income taxes on reclassification adjustments for net holding gains/losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests; understated by $836, $5,790, $5,874 and $448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.	($418)		($2,895)	($2,937)	$61	($224)
	Management evaluated the materiality of the errors from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Based on such evaluation, we have concluded that while the accumulation of these errors was significant to the three months ended September 30, 2013, their correction would not be material to any individual prior period, nor did they have an effect on the trend of financial results, taking into account the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (SAB 108). Accordingly, we will correct these errors prospectively when the 2013 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are included in future filings.
	Recent Accounting Standards Updates
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance requiring that companies present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, companies would instead cross reference to the related footnote for additional information. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2013 and present it in a single note.

2_Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	2.ACQUISITIONS
	In January 2013, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of AbD Serotec, a division of MorphoSys AG, for total consideration of $62.2 million (net of cash received of $7.3 million). This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination as AbD Serotec represented an integrated set of activities and assets that was capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of acquisition-related costs was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in our Life Science segment's results of operations from the acquisition date. We believe that with AbD Serotec's comprehensive catalog of antibodies, we are able to offer our customers total assay solutions that can be validated on many of our research platforms for western blotting, multiplex protein expression, ELISA and cell sorting.
	During the second quarter of 2013, we finalized the determination of fair values of certain acquired intangible assets and adjusted the preliminary carrying values of goodwill and certain other assets and liabilities to include final information received, and an update to the weighted average tax rate applied to our valuation model and changes in the determination of fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These factors that existed as of the acquisition date resulted in an overall increase to intangible assets of $1.7 million, a reduction of goodwill of $2.1 million and an increase to net tangible assets of $0.4 million. These measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on our previously reported condensed consolidated financial statements and, therefore, we have not retrospectively adjusted those financial statements.
	The final fair values of the net assets acquired consist of definite-lived intangible assets of $44.0 million, goodwill of $14.9 million and net tangible assets of $3.3 million. A portion of the goodwill recorded may be deductible for income tax purposes.
	In August 2012, we acquired from Propel Labs, Inc. a new cell sorting system, an automated, easy-to-use benchtop cell sorting flow cytometer. The new system will be sold exclusively under the Bio-Rad brand as the S3TM Cell Sorter. This asset acquisition was accounted for as a business combination as the new cell sorting system represented an integrated set of activities and assets that was capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of acquisition-related costs was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in our Life Science segment's results of operations from the acquisition date.
	The fair value of the consideration as of the acquisition date was $49.6 million, which included $5.0 million paid in cash at the closing date and $44.6 million in contingent consideration potentially payable to Propel Labs' shareholders. The contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach related to the achievement of certain development and sales milestones. The contingent consideration for the development milestones was valued at $19.9 million based on assumptions regarding the probability of achieving the milestones, with such amounts discounted to present value. The contingent consideration for the sales milestones was valued at $24.7 million based on a statistically significant number of simulations for each potential outcome. (See Note 3 for further discussion of the contingent consideration valuation and underlying assumptions.)
	The fair values of the net assets acquired from Propel Labs, Inc. as of the acquisition date were determined to be $17.4 million of goodwill, $32.1 million of definite-lived intangible assets and $0.1 million of net tangible assets. We expect the goodwill recorded to be deductible for income tax purposes. The acquired cell sorting system fits well into Bio-Rad's existing Life Science segment product offerings and may offer researchers greater access to this technology.
	In July 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of DiaMed Benelux for 4.6 million Euros (approximately $5.6 million) in cash. This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination as DiaMed Benelux represented an integrated set of activities and assets that was capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of acquisition-related costs was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in our Clinical Diagnostics segment's results of operations from the acquisition date.
	We acquired net tangible liabilities with a fair value of $2.3 million and the fair values of the assets acquired as of the acquisition date were determined to be $3.0 million of goodwill and $4.9 million of definite-lived intangible assets. The goodwill recorded will not be deductible for income tax purposes. DiaMed Benelux became the exclusive distributor of certain Bio-Rad immunohematology products in the Benelux market as a result of the 2007 acquisition of DiaMed Holding AG. This distributor acquisition is consistent with our stated objective to control the distribution of our own products and services.
	In January 2012, we purchased, for cash, certain assets from a raw material supplier for approximately $12.5 million. This asset acquisition was accounted for as a business combination as the certain assets acquired represented an integrated set of activities and assets that was capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of acquisition-related costs was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in the Clinical Diagnostics segment's results of operations from the acquisition date. The fair value of the assets acquired was determined to be $6.3 million of net tangible assets, $5.1 million of intangible assets and $1.1 million of goodwill. We expect the goodwill recorded to be deductible for income tax purposes. In addition, we paid $2.0 million for employment agreements as an incentive to certain employees of the acquired business to remain with Bio-Rad. Such amount will be expensed over two years from the acquisition date and was recorded in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets, and Other assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. We believe this acquisition allows us to secure the supply of critical raw materials and lower our overall costs in the Clinical Diagnostics segment.
	We do not consider any of these business combinations in 2013 and 2012, individually, or when aggregated, to be material and therefore have not disclosed the pro forma results of operations as required for material business combinations.

3_Fair_Value_Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measures And Disclosures	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	3.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	We determine the fair value of an asset or liability based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The identification of market participant assumptions provides a basis for determining what inputs are to be used for pricing each asset or liability.  A fair value hierarchy has been established which gives precedence to fair value measurements calculated using observable inputs over those using unobservable inputs. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:
	•	Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments
	•	Level 2: Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments)
	•	Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs (including assumptions in determining the fair value of certain investments)
	Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 are classified in the hierarchy as follows (in millions):
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3				Total
	Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value:
	Cash equivalents (a):
	Commercial paper	$	—			$	14	$	—			$	14
	Foreign time deposits	11.4				—		—				11.4
	Money market funds	0.2				—		—				0.2
	Total cash equivalents	11.6				14		—				25.6
	Available-for-sale investments (b):
	Corporate debt securities	—				120.3		—				120.3
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	—				8.9		—				8.9
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				42.3		—				42.3
	Foreign government obligations	—				6.9		—				6.9
	Municipal obligations	—				10.6		—				10.6
	Marketable equity securities	303.5				—		—				303.5
	Asset-backed securities	—				51.6		—				51.6
	Total available-for-sale investments	303.5				240.6		—				544.1
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	—				0.9		—				0.9
	Total financial assets carried at fair value	$	315.1			$	255.5	$	—			$	570.6
	Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$	—			$	1.1	$	—			$	1.1
	Contingent consideration (e)	—				—		25.2				25.2
	Total financial liabilities carried at fair value	$	—			$	1.1	$	25.2			$	26.3
	Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 are classified in the hierarchy as follows (in millions):
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3				Total
	Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value:
	Cash equivalents (a):
	Commercial paper	$	—			$	52.8	$	—			$	52.8
	Foreign time deposits	10.1				—		—				10.1
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				1.3		—				1.3
	Money market funds	5.5				—		—				5.5
	Total cash equivalents	15.6				54.1		—				69.7
	Available-for-sale investments (b):
	Corporate debt securities	—				240.6		—				240.6
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	—				0.4		—				0.4
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				92.7		—				92.7
	Foreign government obligations	—				5.6		—				5.6
	Municipal obligations	—				12.1		—				12.1
	Marketable equity securities	242.1				—		—				242.1
	Asset-backed securities	—				82.2		—				82.2
	Total available-for-sale investments	242.1				433.6		—				675.7
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	—				1.1		—				1.1
	Total financial assets carried at fair value	$	257.7			$	488.8	$	—			$	746.5
	Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$	—			$	0.8	$	—			$	0.8
	Contingent consideration (e)	—				—		52.6				52.6
	Total financial liabilities carried at fair value	$	—			$	0.8	$	52.6			$	53.4
	(a)	Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(b)	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		September 30,				December 31, 2012
		2013
	Short-term investments	$	270			$	457.7
	Other investments	274.1				218
	Total	$	544.1			$	675.7
	(c)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(d)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(e)	Contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
Other current liabilities	$	6.9			$	27.3
Other long-term liabilities	18.3				25.3
Total	$	25.2			$	52.6
During the fourth quarter of 2011 we recognized a contingent consideration liability upon our acquisition of QuantaLife related to potential future payments due upon the achievement of certain sales and development milestones. The contingent consideration was initially recognized at its estimated fair value of $24.1 million, based on a probability-weighted income approach. As of the acquisition date of October 4, 2011, total contingent consideration could have originally reached a maximum of $48 million upon the achievement of all sales milestones and a development milestone. However, we do not expect that the sales milestones will be met and therefore the remaining contingent consideration of $0.7 million was credited to Selling, general and administrative expense during the third quarter of 2013. The development milestone was met as of December 31, 2012, resulting in a payment of $6.0 million in January 2013.
During the third quarter of 2012, we recognized a contingent consideration liability upon our acquisition of a new cell sorting system from Propel Labs, Inc. The contingent consideration was revalued to its estimated fair value of $25.2 million and $44.6 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The fair value of the contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach related to the achievement of certain development and sales milestones. The development milestones have been achieved and payments totaling $20 million were made in 2013. This form of payment guarantees that the seller transitions the manufacturing of the product to Bio-Rad. Based on the most recent valuation, the sales milestones could potentially range from $0 to a maximum of 60.0%, 51.32% and 50.38% of annual cell sorting system purchase orders, with payment to occur upon the anniversary of the completion of a certain number of cell sorting systems for three consecutive years, respectively. These maximum payout ratios begin at annual cell sorting system purchase orders in excess of $20 million, $30 million and $45 million for the three consecutive years, respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the Level 3 contingent consideration liabilities measured at estimated fair value based on original valuations and updated quarterly for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in millions):
1-Jan	$	52.6
Payment of development milestone - QuantaLife	(6.0		)
Payment of development milestone - Cell sorting system	(20.0		)
Decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - QuantaLife	(2.0		)
Increase in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - Cell sorting system	0.6
30-Sep	$	25.2
The following table provides quantitative information about Level 3 inputs for fair value measurement of our contingent consideration liability as of September 30, 2013. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
			Range
	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	From	To
Cell sorting system	Probability-weighted income approach	Sales milestones:
		Credit adjusted discount rates	1.10%	2.00%
		Projected volatility of growth rate	15.00%	N/A
		Market price of risk	1.30%	N/A
To estimate the fair value of Level 2 debt securities as of September 30, 2013, our primary pricing provider simplified its process during the first quarter of 2013 by eliminating certain pricing sources and established S&P Capital IQ as the primary pricing source. The new pricing process allows us to select a hierarchy of pricing sources for securities held. The chosen pricing hierarchy for our Level 2 securities, other than certificates of deposit and commercial paper, is S&P Capital IQ as the primary pricing source and then our custodian as the secondary pricing source. If S&P Capital IQ does not price a Level 2 security that we hold, then the pricing provider will utilize our custodian supplied pricing.
For commercial paper as of September 30, 2013, pricing is determined by a straight-line calculation, starting with the purchase price on the date of purchase and increasing to par at maturity. Interest bearing certificates of deposit and commercial paper are priced at par.
In addition to the above, our primary pricing provider performed daily reasonableness testing of the S&P Capital IQ prices to custodian reported prices. Prices outside a tolerable variance of approximately 1% are investigated and resolved.
To estimate the fair value of Level 2 debt securities as of December 31, 2012, our primary pricing service relied on inputs from multiple industry-recognized pricing sources to determine the price for each investment. In addition, our pricing service performed reasonableness testing of their prices on a daily basis by comparing them to the prices reported by our custodians as well as prior day prices. If the price difference fell outside of predetermined tolerable levels, they investigated the cause and resolved the pricing issue. Based on a review of the results of this analysis, we utilized our primary pricing service for all Level 2 debt securities as none of these securities tested outside of the tolerable levels.
As of December 31, 2012, our primary pricing service inputs for Level 2 U.S. government sponsored agencies, municipal obligations, corporate and foreign government bonds, asset-backed securities and related cash equivalents consisted of market prices from a variety of industry standard data providers, security master files from large financial institutions and other third-party sources.  These multiple market prices were used by our primary pricing service as inputs into a distribution-curve based algorithm to determine the daily market value.
As of December 31, 2012, our primary pricing service inputs for Level 2 corporate debt securities (commercial paper), bank deposits and related cash equivalents consisted of dynamic and static security characteristics information obtained from several independent sources of security data.  The dynamic inputs such as credit rating, factor and variable-rate, were updated daily.  The static characteristics included inputs such as day count and first coupon upon initial security creation. These securities were typically priced utilizing mathematical calculations reliant on these observable inputs. Other available-for-sale foreign government obligations were based on indicative bids from market participants.
Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions):
	September 30, 2013
	Amortized				Unrealized		Unrealized				Estimated
	Cost				Gains		Losses				Fair
											Value
Short-term investments:
Corporate debt securities	$	120.4			$	0.3	$	(0.4	)		$	120.3
Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	8.9				—		—				8.9
Municipal obligations	10.7				—		(0.1		)		10.6
Asset-backed securities	51.5				—		(0.2		)		51.3
U.S. government sponsored agencies	42.2				0.1		—				42.3
Foreign government obligations	6.9				—		—				6.9
Marketable equity securities	25.1				4.7		(0.1		)		29.7
	265.7				5.1		(0.8		)		270
Long-term investments:
Marketable equity securities	54.5				219.3		—				273.8
Asset-backed securities	0.4				—		(0.1		)		0.3
	54.9				219.3		(0.1		)		274.1
Total	$	320.6			$	224.4	$	(0.9	)		$	544.1
	December 31, 2012
	Amortized				Unrealized		Unrealized				Estimated
	Cost				Gains		Losses				Fair
											Value
Short-term investments:
Corporate debt securities	$	239.3			$	1.4	$	(0.1	)		$	240.6
Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	0.4				—		—				0.4
Municipal obligations	12				0.1		—				12.1
Asset-backed securities	81.6				0.4		(0.1		)		81.9
U.S. government sponsored agencies	92.5				0.3		(0.1		)		92.7
Foreign government obligations	5.4				—		—				5.4
Marketable equity securities	24.1				0.7		(0.2		)		24.6
	455.3				2.9		(0.5		)		457.7
Long-term investments:
Marketable equity securities	54.5				163		—				217.5
Asset-backed securities	0.4				—		(0.1		)		0.3
Foreign government obligations	0.2				—		—				0.2
	55.1				163		(0.1		)		218
Total	$	510.4			$	165.9	$	(0.6	)		$	675.7
The following is a summary of investments with gross unrealized losses and the associated fair value (in millions):
	September 30,				December 31, 2012
	2013
Fair value of investments in a loss position 12 months or more	$	2.1			$	0.3
Fair value of investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$	92.3			$	99
Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position 12 months or more	$	0.1			$	0.1
Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$	0.8			$	0.5
The unrealized losses on these securities are due to a number of factors, including changes in interest rates, changes in economic conditions and changes in market outlook for various industries, among others.  Because Bio-Rad has the ability and intent to hold these investments with unrealized losses until a recovery of fair value, or for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
Forward foreign exchange contracts: As part of distributing our products, we regularly enter into intercompany transactions.  We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage foreign exchange risk of future movements in foreign exchange rates that affect foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and payables.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  We do not seek hedge accounting treatment for these contracts.  As a result, these contracts, generally with maturity dates of 90 days or less and related primarily to currencies of industrial countries, are recorded at their fair value at each balance sheet date.  The notional principal amounts provide one measure of the transaction volume outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and do not represent the amount of Bio-Rad's exposure to loss. The estimated fair value of these contracts was derived using the spot rates from Reuters on the last business day of the quarter and the points provided by counterparties.  The resulting gains or losses offset exchange gains or losses on the related receivables and payables, both of which are included in Foreign exchange losses, net in the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is a summary of our forward foreign exchange contracts (in millions):
	September 30,
	2013
Contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to sell foreign currency:
Notional value	$	75.1
Unrealized loss	$	(0.4	)
Contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to purchase foreign currency:
Notional value	$	401.4
Unrealized gain	$	0.2
The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at September 30, 2013 by contractual maturity date (in millions):
	Amortized				Estimated Fair
	Cost				Value
Mature in less than one year	$	86.1			$	86.2
Mature in one to five years	113				113
Mature in more than five years	41.9				41.4
Total	$	241			$	240.6
The estimated fair value of financial instruments in the table below has been determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments or other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments.  Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange as considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data used to develop estimates of fair value.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation techniques could have a material effect on the estimated fair value.  Other investments include some financial instruments that have fair values based on market quotations.  Long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities, has an estimated fair value based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues.
The estimated fair value of our financial instruments and the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized are as follows (in millions):
	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
	Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level
	Amount				Fair				Amount				Fair
					Value								Value
Other investments	$	354.7			$	635	1		$	293.6			$	497.8	1
Total long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities	$	423.2			$	440	2		$	720			$	778.4	2
We own shares of ordinary voting stock of Sartorius AG (Sartorius), of Goettingen, Germany, a process technology supplier to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and food and beverage industries.  We own over 35% of the outstanding voting shares (excluding treasury shares) of Sartorius as of September 30, 2013.  The Sartorius family trust and Sartorius family members hold a controlling interest of the outstanding voting shares. We do not have any representative or designee on Sartorius’ Board of Directors, nor do we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Sartorius.  In addition, the ordinary voting stock of Sartorius is thinly traded. Therefore, we account for this investment using the cost method.  The carrying value of this investment is included in Other investments in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

4_Intangible_Assets_Goodwill_a

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure	'
	4.GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Changes to goodwill by segment were as follows (in millions):
		Life				Clinical				Total
		Science				Diagnostics
	Balances as of January 1, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	193.6			$	330			$	523.6
	Accumulated impairment losses	(27.2		)		(1.0		)		(28.2		)
	Goodwill, net	166.4				329				495.4
	Acquisitions	14.9				—				14.9
	Currency fluctuations	0.2				3.2				3.4
	Balances as of September 30, 2013:
	Goodwill	208.7				333.2				541.9
	Accumulated impairment losses	(27.2		)		(1.0		)		(28.2		)
	Goodwill, net	$	181.5			$	332.2			$	513.7
	In conjunction with the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of AbD Serotec (see Note 2), we have recorded $14.9 million of goodwill and $44.0 million of definite-lived intangible assets: $33.0 million of developed product technology, $8.8 million of licenses, $1.3 million of customer relationships/lists, $0.4 million of tradenames and $0.5 million of other purchased intangibles.
	Other than goodwill, we have no intangible assets with indefinite lives.  Information regarding our identifiable purchased intangible assets with definite lives is as follows (in millions):
		September 30, 2013
		Average		Purchase				Accumulated				Net
		Remaining		Price				Amortization				Carrying
		Life (years)										Amount
	Customer relationships/lists	11-Jan		$	105.2			$	(44.6	)		$	60.6
	Know how	12-Feb		193.3				(83.2		)		110.1
	Developed product technology	13-Jan		108.4				(33.3		)		75.1
	Licenses	12-Jan		44.7				(21.4		)		23.3
	Tradenames	10-Jan		7.6				(5.0		)		2.6
	Covenants not to compete	9-Jul		4.9				(0.6		)		4.3
	Other	—		0.6				(0.5		)		0.1
				$	464.7			$	(188.6	)		$	276.1
		December 31, 2012
		Average		Purchase				Accumulated				Net
		Remaining		Price				Amortization				Carrying
		Life (years)										Amount
	Customer relationships/lists	12-Jan		$	102.8			$	(38.4	)		$	64.4
	Know how	13-Jan		189.3				(67.1		)		122.2
	Developed product technology	10-Jan		74.6				(25.1		)		49.5
	Licenses	8-Jan		35.6				(18.7		)		16.9
	Tradenames	10-Jan		7.4				(4.3		)		3.1
	Covenants not to compete	10-Jan		4.9				(0.2		)		4.7
	Other	1		0.1				—				0.1
				$	414.7			$	(153.8	)		$	260.9
	Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets is as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Amortization expense	$	11.3			$	10.7			$	33.5			$	32.2

5_Product_Warranty_Liability

5. Product Warranty Liability	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty Liability	'
	5.PRODUCT WARRANTY LIABILITY
	We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, generally for a period of one year.  Upon delivery of that equipment, we establish, as part of Cost of goods sold, a provision for the expected costs of such warranty based on historical experience, specific warranty terms and customer feedback.  A review is performed on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of our warranty accrual.
	Components of the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows (in millions):
	1-Jan-13	$	16.4
	Provision for warranty	10.6
	Actual warranty costs	(12.1		)
	September 30, 2013	$	14.9

6_LongTerm_Debt

6. Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	6. LONG-TERM DEBT
	The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31, 2012
		2013
	8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016	$	—		$	296.9
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2020	423.2			423
	Capital leases and other debt	12.5			12.7
		435.7			732.6
	Less current maturities	(0.2		)	(0.2		)
	Long-term debt	$	435.5		$	732.4
	Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016
	In May 2009, Bio-Rad sold $300.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016 (8.0% Notes). The sale yielded net cash proceeds of $294.8 million. In September 2013, we redeemed all of the 8.0% Notes for $312.0 million, including a call premium of $12.0 million, and expensed the remaining original issuance bond discount of $2.5 million and unamortized bond issuance costs of $1.1 million. This total loss on extinguishment is $15.6 million and is included in Interest expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement)
	In June 2010, Bio-Rad entered into a $200.0 million Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are on a revolving basis and can be used for acquisitions, for working capital and for other general corporate purposes. We had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012. The Credit Agreement expires on June 21, 2014.
	The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our personal property assets, the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain of our foreign subsidiaries.  It is guaranteed by all of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries.  The Credit Agreement requires Bio-Rad to comply with certain financial ratios and covenants, among other things.  These ratios and covenants include a leverage ratio test and an interest coverage test, as well as restrictions on our ability to declare or pay dividends, incur debt, guarantee debt, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make investments, create liens and prepay subordinated debt.  We were in compliance with all of these ratios and covenants as of September 30, 2013.

7_Noncontrolling_Interest

7. Noncontrolling Interest	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	7.NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Activity in noncontrolling interests is as follows (in millions):
	1-Jan-13	$	0.5
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—
	Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(0.6		)
	Currency fluctuations	0.1
	September 30, 2013	$	—
	In February 2013, we acquired the remaining outstanding shares of Distribuidora de Analitica para Medicina Iberica S.A. (DiaMed Spain) from the remaining noncontrolling shareholder for approximately 0.6 million Euros or $0.9 million in cash. This acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction, which reduced Bio-Rad's noncontrolling interests and additional paid-in capital by $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
accumulated other comprehensive income [Text Block]	'
	8.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Changes to Accumulated other comprehensive income components are shown in the following table:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Other post-employment benefits adjustments			Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments		Bio-Rad Accumulated other comprehensive income		Non-controlling interests			Total Accumulated other comprehensive income
	Balance at	$	172.9		$	(8.1	)	$	109.7	$	274.5	$	(0.2	)	$	274.3
	1-Jan-13
	Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes before reclassifications	5.1			—			36.7		41.8		—			41.8
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(0.2		)	—			0.2		—		0.2			0.2
	Net Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	4.9			—			36.9		41.8		0.2			42
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	177.8		$	(8.1	)	$	146.6	$	316.3	$	—		$	316.3
	Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income for the period ended September 30, 2013 are summarized in the following table:
	Details about Accumulated other comprehensive income components		Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income				Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
	Net holding losses on available-for-sale investments		$	0.2			Other (income) expense, net
			—				Income tax expense
			$	0.2			Net of income taxes

9_Earnings_Per_Share

9. Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	9.    (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to Bio-Rad by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for that period.  Diluted (loss) earnings per share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, and uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of potential common shares that are to be added to the weighted average number of shares outstanding.  Potential common shares are excluded from the diluted (loss) earnings per share calculation if the effect of including such securities would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, net loss per basic share was the same as net loss per diluted share because all potentially dilutive shares were anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the period.
	The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share, and the anti-dilutive shares that are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	28,603	28,312	28,545	28,255
	Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards	—	333	325	354
	Diluted weighted average common shares	28,603	28,645	28,870	28,609
	Anti-dilutive shares	416	94	95	106

10_Other_Income_and_Expenses

10. Other Income and Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure	'
	10.    OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
	Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest and investment income	$	(1.1	)	$	(1.0	)	$	(10.2	)	$	(7.9	)
	Net realized losses (gains) on investments	0.5			(1.1		)	0.2			(8.5		)
	Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net	(0.1		)	0.6			(0.7		)	1.7
	Other (income) expense, net	$	(0.7	)	$	(1.5	)	$	(10.7	)	$	(14.7	)

11_Income_Taxes

11. Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11.    INCOME TAXES
	Our effective income tax rate was (36)% and 23% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was higher than expected due to discrete items related primarily to tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and audit settlements in our foreign jurisdictions. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2013 was negative because of the pretax loss incurred in the third quarter of 2013. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2012 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to tax benefits from differences between U.S. and foreign statutory tax rates, and research and development tax credits.
	Our effective income tax rate was 30% and 28% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 reflected a significant tax benefit related to the 2012 U.S. federal research credit, which was retroactively reinstated on January 2, 2013, as well as discrete items related primarily to our foreign operations. The effective income tax rates for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012 were lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to tax benefits from differences between U.S. and foreign statutory tax rates, and research and development tax credits.
	Our foreign taxes for all periods resulted primarily from taxable income earned in France and Switzerland. Switzerland's statutory tax rate is significantly lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35%. Also, our effective tax rates for all periods were reduced by French tax incentives related to our research and development activities.
	We file federal, state and foreign income tax returns in many jurisdictions in the United States and abroad. Our income tax returns are audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2009 and 2010 tax years and by various state and foreign jurisdictions. There are differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations, and as a result, significant disputes may arise with these tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. We periodically evaluate our exposures associated with our tax filing positions.
	As of September 30, 2013, based on the expected outcome of certain examinations or as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations for certain jurisdictions, we believe that within the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that our previously unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $1.4 million. Substantially all such amounts will impact our effective income tax rate.
	We record liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions. We do not believe any currently pending uncertain tax positions will have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements, although an adverse resolution of one or more of these uncertain tax positions in any period may have a material impact on the results of operations for that period.
	In September of 2013, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released final regulations regarding the deductibility and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. Compliance with these final regulations will be required with companies’ federal income tax returns for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, although early adoption is available. We are currently assessing these rules and the impact to the financial statements, if any. We do not anticipate that these regulations will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

12_Segment_Information

12. Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	12.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Information regarding industry segments for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in millions):
			Life				Clinical			Other
			Science				Diagnostics			Operations
	Segment net sales	2013	$	162.9			$	338.8		$	3.4
		2012	$	167			$	328.4		$	3.3
	Segment (loss) profit	2013	$	(8.5	)		$	43		$	—
		2012	$	6.8			$	48.2		$	—
	Information regarding industry segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in millions):
			Life				Clinical			Other
			Science				Diagnostics			Operations
	Segment net sales	2013	$	489.5			$	1,030.20		$	10.4
		2012	$	484.2			$	999.6		$	11.6
	Segment (loss) profit	2013	$	(28.9	)		$	130.6		$	0.3
		2012	$	9.4			$	151.8		$	1.8
	Segment results are presented in the same manner as we present our operations internally to make operating decisions and assess performance.  Net corporate operating, interest and other expense for segment results consists of receipts and expenditures that are not the primary responsibility of segment operating management and therefore are not allocated to the segments for performance assessment by our chief operating decision maker.  For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, this includes the accrual of $20.0 million in connection with our initial efforts to resolve the SEC and DOJ investigations relating to the FCPA that was recorded in the third quarter of 2013 (see Note 13) and the $15.6 million loss on extinguishment of our 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes (see Note 6). Interest expense, excluding the loss on extinguishment of the bonds, is charged to segments based on the carrying amount of inventory and receivables employed by that segment.  The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated (loss) income before taxes (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Total segment profit	$	34.5			$	55		$	102		$	163
	Foreign exchange losses, net	(3.3		)		(0.4		)	(5.7		)	(3.5		)
	Net corporate operating, interest and other expense not allocated to segments	(37.1		)		(1.1		)	(39.1		)	(3.5		)
	Other income (expense), net	0.7				1.5			10.7			14.7
	Consolidated (loss) income before income taxes	$	(5.2	)		$	55		$	67.9		$	170.7

13_Legal_Proceedings

13. Legal Proceedings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings.	'
	13.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
	Based on an internal investigation, we identified conduct in certain of our overseas operations that may have violated the anti-bribery provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and is likely to have violated the FCPA's books and records and internal controls provisions and our own internal policies.  In May 2010, we voluntarily disclosed these matters to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), each of which commenced an investigation.  The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors (Audit Committee) assumed direct responsibility for reviewing these matters and hired experienced independent counsel to conduct an investigation and provide legal advice.  We provided additional information to the DOJ and the SEC as the Audit Committee's investigation progressed. We continue to cooperate with the DOJ and SEC investigations and to provide information to them.
	The DOJ and SEC investigations are continuing and we are presently unable to predict the duration, scope or results of these investigations or whether either agency will commence any legal actions.  The DOJ and the SEC have a broad range of civil and criminal sanctions under the FCPA and other laws and regulations including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties, modifications to business practices including the termination or modification of existing business relationships, the imposition of compliance programs and the retention of a monitor to oversee compliance with the FCPA.  While we have recently begun discussions with the DOJ and SEC concerning a resolution of these matters, we are unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible
	outcomes of this matter that differs from our aggregate accrual recorded in the third quarter of 2013 of $20.0 million, including interest. The imposition of any of these sanctions or remedial measures could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.  We have not to date determined whether any of the activities in question violated the laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which they took place.
	On April 13, 2011, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against each of our directors in the Superior Court for Contra Costa County, California.  The case, which also names the Company as a nominal defendant, is captioned City of Riviera Beach General Employees' Retirement System v. David Schwartz, et al., Case No. MSC11-00854. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that our directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to ensure that we had sufficient internal controls and systems for compliance with the FCPA.  Purportedly seeking relief on our behalf, the plaintiff seeks an award of unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees), and a declaration that our directors have breached their fiduciary duties. We and the individual defendants filed a demurrer requesting dismissal of the complaint in this case, as well as a motion to stay this matter pending resolution of the above-referenced investigations by the DOJ and SEC. Following a hearing on September 30, 2011, the court sustained our demurrer and dismissed the complaint, without prejudice, and granted the plaintiff additional time to file an amended complaint.   The court denied our motion to stay this matter because it dismissed the complaint. The parties have agreed to a stipulated dismissal of this case, without prejudice, and to a tolling of the statute of limitations pending the resolution of the DOJ and SEC investigations.
	In addition, we are party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business.  We do not believe, at this time, that any ultimate liability resulting from any of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.  However, we cannot give any assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these other matters and their resolution could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending on the level of income for the period.

1_Basis_of_Presentation_and_Us

1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates Immaterial Errors Correction Associated With Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatements Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	'
	Following are the amounts in thousands that should have been reported for the Consolidated Statements of Operations giving effect to the errors and the reclassification described above:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Year Ended December 31,
		30-Sep-12			30-Sep-12			2012		2011		2010
	Cost of goods sold	$	224,927		$	654,784		$	914,077	$	894,700	$	835,310
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	160,134		$	492,913		$	681,778	$	695,984	$	634,413
	Research and development expense	$	47,795		$	150,637		$	209,204	$	177,604	$	166,486
	Provision for income taxes	$	12,383		$	48,375		$	64,729	$	67,034	$	39,533
	Following are the amounts in thousands that should have been reported for the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income giving effect to the errors described above:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended	Year Ended December 31,
		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12	2012	2011	2010
	Net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, net of income tax; understated by $1,438, $9,946, $10,090 and $770 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.	$21,023		$52,219	$65,448	$12,663	$15,495
	Income taxes on net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments; understated by $836, $5,790, $5,874 and $448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.	$12,240		$30,405	$38,108	$7,373	$9,022
	Reclassification adjustments for net holding (gains) losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of income tax; understated by $1,438, $9,946, $10,090 and $770 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.	($719)		($4,973)	($5,045)	$104	($385)
	Income taxes on reclassification adjustments for net holding gains/losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests; understated by $836, $5,790, $5,874 and $448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.	($418)		($2,895)	($2,937)	$61	($224)

1_Basis_of_Presentation_and_Us1

1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates Immaterial Errors and Reclassification (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatements Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	'
	Following are the amounts in thousands that should have been reported for the Consolidated Statements of Operations giving effect to the errors and the reclassification described above:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Year Ended December 31,
		30-Sep-12			30-Sep-12			2012		2011		2010
	Cost of goods sold	$	224,927		$	654,784		$	914,077	$	894,700	$	835,310
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	160,134		$	492,913		$	681,778	$	695,984	$	634,413
	Research and development expense	$	47,795		$	150,637		$	209,204	$	177,604	$	166,486
	Provision for income taxes	$	12,383		$	48,375		$	64,729	$	67,034	$	39,533
	Following are the amounts in thousands that should have been reported for the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income giving effect to the errors described above:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended	Year Ended December 31,
		30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12	2012	2011	2010
	Net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, net of income tax; understated by $1,438, $9,946, $10,090 and $770 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.	$21,023		$52,219	$65,448	$12,663	$15,495
	Income taxes on net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments; understated by $836, $5,790, $5,874 and $448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.	$12,240		$30,405	$38,108	$7,373	$9,022
	Reclassification adjustments for net holding (gains) losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of income tax; understated by $1,438, $9,946, $10,090 and $770 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.	($719)		($4,973)	($5,045)	$104	($385)
	Income taxes on reclassification adjustments for net holding gains/losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests; understated by $836, $5,790, $5,874 and $448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and for the years ended 2012 and 2010, respectively, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.	($418)		($2,895)	($2,937)	$61	($224)

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Tabl

3. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 are classified in the hierarchy as follows (in millions):
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3				Total
	Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value:
	Cash equivalents (a):
	Commercial paper	$	—			$	14	$	—			$	14
	Foreign time deposits	11.4				—		—				11.4
	Money market funds	0.2				—		—				0.2
	Total cash equivalents	11.6				14		—				25.6
	Available-for-sale investments (b):
	Corporate debt securities	—				120.3		—				120.3
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	—				8.9		—				8.9
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				42.3		—				42.3
	Foreign government obligations	—				6.9		—				6.9
	Municipal obligations	—				10.6		—				10.6
	Marketable equity securities	303.5				—		—				303.5
	Asset-backed securities	—				51.6		—				51.6
	Total available-for-sale investments	303.5				240.6		—				544.1
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	—				0.9		—				0.9
	Total financial assets carried at fair value	$	315.1			$	255.5	$	—			$	570.6
	Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$	—			$	1.1	$	—			$	1.1
	Contingent consideration (e)	—				—		25.2				25.2
	Total financial liabilities carried at fair value	$	—			$	1.1	$	25.2			$	26.3
	Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 are classified in the hierarchy as follows (in millions):
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3				Total
	Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value:
	Cash equivalents (a):
	Commercial paper	$	—			$	52.8	$	—			$	52.8
	Foreign time deposits	10.1				—		—				10.1
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				1.3		—				1.3
	Money market funds	5.5				—		—				5.5
	Total cash equivalents	15.6				54.1		—				69.7
	Available-for-sale investments (b):
	Corporate debt securities	—				240.6		—				240.6
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	—				0.4		—				0.4
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				92.7		—				92.7
	Foreign government obligations	—				5.6		—				5.6
	Municipal obligations	—				12.1		—				12.1
	Marketable equity securities	242.1				—		—				242.1
	Asset-backed securities	—				82.2		—				82.2
	Total available-for-sale investments	242.1				433.6		—				675.7
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	—				1.1		—				1.1
	Total financial assets carried at fair value	$	257.7			$	488.8	$	—			$	746.5
	Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$	—			$	0.8	$	—			$	0.8
	Contingent consideration (e)	—				—		52.6				52.6
	Total financial liabilities carried at fair value	$	—			$	0.8	$	52.6			$	53.4
	(a)	Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(b)	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		September 30,				December 31, 2012
		2013
	Short-term investments	$	270			$	457.7
	Other investments	274.1				218
	Total	$	544.1			$	675.7
	(c)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(d)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(e)	Contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Other current liabilities	$	6.9			$	27.3
	Other long-term liabilities	18.3				25.3
	Total	$	25.2			$	52.6
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the Level 3 contingent consideration liabilities measured at estimated fair value based on original valuations and updated quarterly for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in millions):
	1-Jan	$	52.6
	Payment of development milestone - QuantaLife	(6.0		)
	Payment of development milestone - Cell sorting system	(20.0		)
	Decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - QuantaLife	(2.0		)
	Increase in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - Cell sorting system	0.6
	30-Sep	$	25.2
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides quantitative information about Level 3 inputs for fair value measurement of our contingent consideration liability as of September 30, 2013. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
				Range
		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	From	To
	Cell sorting system	Probability-weighted income approach	Sales milestones:
			Credit adjusted discount rates	1.10%	2.00%
			Projected volatility of growth rate	15.00%	N/A
			Market price of risk	1.30%	N/A
Discussion of current derivative risk management	'
	The following is a summary of our forward foreign exchange contracts (in millions):
		September 30,
		2013
	Contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to sell foreign currency:
	Notional value	$	75.1
	Unrealized loss	$	(0.4	)
	Contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to purchase foreign currency:
	Notional value	$	401.4
	Unrealized gain	$	0.2
Schedule of available-for-sale investments	'
	Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions):
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized				Unrealized		Unrealized				Estimated
		Cost				Gains		Losses				Fair
												Value
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate debt securities	$	120.4			$	0.3	$	(0.4	)		$	120.3
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	8.9				—		—				8.9
	Municipal obligations	10.7				—		(0.1		)		10.6
	Asset-backed securities	51.5				—		(0.2		)		51.3
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	42.2				0.1		—				42.3
	Foreign government obligations	6.9				—		—				6.9
	Marketable equity securities	25.1				4.7		(0.1		)		29.7
		265.7				5.1		(0.8		)		270
	Long-term investments:
	Marketable equity securities	54.5				219.3		—				273.8
	Asset-backed securities	0.4				—		(0.1		)		0.3
		54.9				219.3		(0.1		)		274.1
	Total	$	320.6			$	224.4	$	(0.9	)		$	544.1
		December 31, 2012
		Amortized				Unrealized		Unrealized				Estimated
		Cost				Gains		Losses				Fair
												Value
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate debt securities	$	239.3			$	1.4	$	(0.1	)		$	240.6
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	0.4				—		—				0.4
	Municipal obligations	12				0.1		—				12.1
	Asset-backed securities	81.6				0.4		(0.1		)		81.9
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	92.5				0.3		(0.1		)		92.7
	Foreign government obligations	5.4				—		—				5.4
	Marketable equity securities	24.1				0.7		(0.2		)		24.6
		455.3				2.9		(0.5		)		457.7
	Long-term investments:
	Marketable equity securities	54.5				163		—				217.5
	Asset-backed securities	0.4				—		(0.1		)		0.3
	Foreign government obligations	0.2				—		—				0.2
		55.1				163		(0.1		)		218
	Total	$	510.4			$	165.9	$	(0.6	)		$	675.7
Summary of fair value of gross unrealized losses for investments with unrealized losses	'
	The following is a summary of investments with gross unrealized losses and the associated fair value (in millions):
		September 30,				December 31, 2012
		2013
	Fair value of investments in a loss position 12 months or more	$	2.1			$	0.3
	Fair value of investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$	92.3			$	99
	Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position 12 months or more	$	0.1			$	0.1
	Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$	0.8			$	0.5
Summary of amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity date	'
	The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at September 30, 2013 by contractual maturity date (in millions):
		Amortized				Estimated Fair
		Cost				Value
	Mature in less than one year	$	86.1			$	86.2
	Mature in one to five years	113				113
	Mature in more than five years	41.9				41.4
	Total	$	241			$	240.6
Estimated fair value of financial instruments	'
	The estimated fair value of our financial instruments and the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized are as follows (in millions):
		30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level
		Amount				Fair				Amount				Fair
						Value								Value
	Other investments	$	354.7			$	635	1		$	293.6			$	497.8	1
	Total long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities	$	423.2			$	440	2		$	720			$	778.4	2

4_Intangible_Assets_Goodwill_a1

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes to goodwill by segment	'
	Changes to goodwill by segment were as follows (in millions):
		Life				Clinical				Total
		Science				Diagnostics
	Balances as of January 1, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	193.6			$	330			$	523.6
	Accumulated impairment losses	(27.2		)		(1.0		)		(28.2		)
	Goodwill, net	166.4				329				495.4
	Acquisitions	14.9				—				14.9
	Currency fluctuations	0.2				3.2				3.4
	Balances as of September 30, 2013:
	Goodwill	208.7				333.2				541.9
	Accumulated impairment losses	(27.2		)		(1.0		)		(28.2		)
	Goodwill, net	$	181.5			$	332.2			$	513.7
Schedule of identifiable purchased intangible assets with definite lives	'
	Other than goodwill, we have no intangible assets with indefinite lives.  Information regarding our identifiable purchased intangible assets with definite lives is as follows (in millions):
		September 30, 2013
		Average		Purchase				Accumulated				Net
		Remaining		Price				Amortization				Carrying
		Life (years)										Amount
	Customer relationships/lists	11-Jan		$	105.2			$	(44.6	)		$	60.6
	Know how	12-Feb		193.3				(83.2		)		110.1
	Developed product technology	13-Jan		108.4				(33.3		)		75.1
	Licenses	12-Jan		44.7				(21.4		)		23.3
	Tradenames	10-Jan		7.6				(5.0		)		2.6
	Covenants not to compete	9-Jul		4.9				(0.6		)		4.3
	Other	—		0.6				(0.5		)		0.1
				$	464.7			$	(188.6	)		$	276.1
		December 31, 2012
		Average		Purchase				Accumulated				Net
		Remaining		Price				Amortization				Carrying
		Life (years)										Amount
	Customer relationships/lists	12-Jan		$	102.8			$	(38.4	)		$	64.4
	Know how	13-Jan		189.3				(67.1		)		122.2
	Developed product technology	10-Jan		74.6				(25.1		)		49.5
	Licenses	8-Jan		35.6				(18.7		)		16.9
	Tradenames	10-Jan		7.4				(4.3		)		3.1
	Covenants not to compete	10-Jan		4.9				(0.2		)		4.7
	Other	1		0.1				—				0.1
				$	414.7			$	(153.8	)		$	260.9
Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets	'
	Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets is as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Amortization expense	$	11.3			$	10.7			$	33.5			$	32.2

5_Product_Warranty_Liability_T

5. Product Warranty Liability (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Components of warranty accrual	'
	Components of the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows (in millions):
	1-Jan-13	$	16.4
	Provision for warranty	10.6
	Actual warranty costs	(12.1		)
	September 30, 2013	$	14.9

6_LongTerm_Debt_Tables

6. Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31, 2012
		2013
	8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016	$	—		$	296.9
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2020	423.2			423
	Capital leases and other debt	12.5			12.7
		435.7			732.6
	Less current maturities	(0.2		)	(0.2		)
	Long-term debt	$	435.5		$	732.4

7_Noncontrolling_Interest_Tabl

7. Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Activity in noncontrolling interests	'
	Activity in noncontrolling interests is as follows (in millions):
	1-Jan-13	$	0.5
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—
	Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(0.6		)
	Currency fluctuations	0.1
	September 30, 2013	$	—

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens1

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes to Accumulated other comprehensive income components are shown in the following table:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Other post-employment benefits adjustments			Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments		Bio-Rad Accumulated other comprehensive income		Non-controlling interests			Total Accumulated other comprehensive income
	Balance at	$	172.9		$	(8.1	)	$	109.7	$	274.5	$	(0.2	)	$	274.3
	1-Jan-13
	Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes before reclassifications	5.1			—			36.7		41.8		—			41.8
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(0.2		)	—			0.2		—		0.2			0.2
	Net Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes	4.9			—			36.9		41.8		0.2			42
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	177.8		$	(8.1	)	$	146.6	$	316.3	$	—		$	316.3
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income for the period ended September 30, 2013 are summarized in the following table:
	Details about Accumulated other comprehensive income components		Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income				Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
	Net holding losses on available-for-sale investments		$	0.2			Other (income) expense, net
			—				Income tax expense
			$	0.2			Net of income taxes

9_Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

9. Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of weighted-average common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per shares and the anti-dilutive shares	'
	The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share, and the anti-dilutive shares that are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	28,603	28,312	28,545	28,255
	Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards	—	333	325	354
	Diluted weighted average common shares	28,603	28,645	28,870	28,609
	Anti-dilutive shares	416	94	95	106

10_Other_Income_and_Expenses_T

10. Other Income and Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other income (expense), net	'
	Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest and investment income	$	(1.1	)	$	(1.0	)	$	(10.2	)	$	(7.9	)
	Net realized losses (gains) on investments	0.5			(1.1		)	0.2			(8.5		)
	Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net	(0.1		)	0.6			(0.7		)	1.7
	Other (income) expense, net	$	(0.7	)	$	(1.5	)	$	(10.7	)	$	(14.7	)

12_Segment_Information_Tables

12. Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information regarding industry segments	'
	Information regarding industry segments for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in millions):
			Life				Clinical			Other
			Science				Diagnostics			Operations
	Segment net sales	2013	$	162.9			$	338.8		$	3.4
		2012	$	167			$	328.4		$	3.3
	Segment (loss) profit	2013	$	(8.5	)		$	43		$	—
		2012	$	6.8			$	48.2		$	—
	Information regarding industry segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in millions):
			Life				Clinical			Other
			Science				Diagnostics			Operations
	Segment net sales	2013	$	489.5			$	1,030.20		$	10.4
		2012	$	484.2			$	999.6		$	11.6
	Segment (loss) profit	2013	$	(28.9	)		$	130.6		$	0.3
		2012	$	9.4			$	151.8		$	1.8
Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated income before taxes	'
	The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated (loss) income before taxes (in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Total segment profit	$	34.5			$	55		$	102		$	163
	Foreign exchange losses, net	(3.3		)		(0.4		)	(5.7		)	(3.5		)
	Net corporate operating, interest and other expense not allocated to segments	(37.1		)		(1.1		)	(39.1		)	(3.5		)
	Other income (expense), net	0.7				1.5			10.7			14.7
	Consolidated (loss) income before income taxes	$	(5.2	)		$	55		$	67.9		$	170.7

1_Basis_of_Presentation_and_Us2

1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates Immaterial Errors Related to Presentation (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]

Cost of goods sold, immaterial error [Member]

Cost of goods sold, immaterial error [Member]

Cost of goods sold, immaterial error [Member]

Cost of goods sold, immaterial error [Member]

Cost of goods sold, immaterial error [Member]

Selling, General And Administrative Expense, Immaterial Error [Member]

Selling, General And Administrative Expense, Immaterial Error [Member]

Selling, General And Administrative Expense, Immaterial Error [Member]

Selling, General And Administrative Expense, Immaterial Error [Member]

Selling, General And Administrative Expense, Immaterial Error [Member]

Research and development expense, reclassification [Member]

Research and development expense, reclassification [Member]

Research and development expense, reclassification [Member]

Research and development expense, reclassification [Member]

Research and development expense, reclassification [Member]

Provision for income taxes [Member]

Provision for income taxes [Member]

Provision for income taxes [Member]

Provision for income taxes [Member]

Provision for income taxes [Member]

Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount

$12,240

$30,405

$38,108

$7,373

$9,022

($719)

($4,973)

($5,045)

$104

($385)

($418)

($2,895)

($2,937)

$61

($224)

$21,023

$52,219

$65,448

$12,663

$15,495

($836)

($5,790)

($5,874)

$121

($448)

($1,438)

($9,946)

($10,090)

$208

($770)

($836)

($5,790)

($5,874)

$121

($448)

($1,438)

($9,946)

($10,090)

$208

($770)

$224,927

$654,784

$914,077

$894,700

$835,310

$160,134

$492,913

$681,778

$695,984

$634,413

$47,795

$150,637

$209,204

$177,604

$166,486

$12,383

$48,375

$64,729

$67,034

$39,533

1_Basis_of_Presentation_and_Us3

1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates Immaterial Errors Inventory Costing (Details) (Net Income [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
2008 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$600
2009 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	800
2010 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	700
2011 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	800
2012 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	1,300
Third Quarter 2013 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	300
September 2013 YTD [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$1,000

1_Basis_of_Presentation_and_Us4

1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates Reclassification R&D Credits (Details) (Research and Development Expense [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
2010 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	($5,800)
2011 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-8,800
2012 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-4,800
Third Quarter 2013 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-1,200
September 2013 YTD [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	($3,600)

2_Acquisitions_Details

2. Acquisitions (Details)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 10, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jan. 18, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Portland [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Development [Member]

Sales milestone minimum payment [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

'

'

'

'

$7,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Purchase Accounting Adjustments

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments

'

'

'

-2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

bio_NetAssetPurchaseAccountingAdjustment

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

'

'

62,200,000

'

'

'

49,600,000

5,600,000

4,600,000

12,500,000

'

'

'

Goodwill

513,705,000

495,418,000

14,900,000

'

'

'

17,400,000

3,000,000

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

'

'

44,000,000

'

'

'

32,100,000

4,900,000

'

5,100,000

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net

'

'

3,300,000

'

'

'

100,000

-2,300,000

'

6,300,000

'

'

'

Employment agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$44,600,000

$19,900,000

$24,700,000

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair

3. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Level Table (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Foreign Time Deposits [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]

Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Short-term Investments [Member]

Other Investments [Member]

Other Investments [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Foreign Government Obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Municipal obligations [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Marketable Equity Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Equivalents

'

'

'

'

$11,600,000

[1]

$15,600,000

[1]

$14,000,000

[1]

$54,100,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$25,600,000

[1]

$69,700,000

[1]

$1,300,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$1,300,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$14,000,000

[1]

$52,800,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$14,000,000

[1]

$52,800,000

[1]

$11,400,000

[1]

$10,100,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$11,400,000

[1]

$10,100,000

[1]

$200,000

[1]

$5,500,000

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$200,000

[1]

$5,500,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

544,100,000

675,700,000

303,500,000

[2]

242,100,000

[2]

240,600,000

[2]

433,600,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

544,100,000

[2]

675,700,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

120,300,000

[2]

240,600,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

120,300,000

[2]

240,600,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

8,900,000

[2]

400,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

8,900,000

[2]

400,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

42,300,000

[2]

92,700,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

42,300,000

[2]

92,700,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

6,900,000

[2]

5,600,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

6,900,000

[2]

5,600,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

10,600,000

[2]

12,100,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

10,600,000

[2]

12,100,000

[2]

303,500,000

[2]

242,100,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

303,500,000

[2]

242,100,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

51,600,000

[2]

82,200,000

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

51,600,000

[2]

82,200,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

270,000,000

457,700,000

120,300,000

240,600,000

8,900,000

400,000

42,300,000

92,700,000

6,900,000

5,400,000

10,600,000

12,100,000

29,700,000

24,600,000

51,300,000

81,900,000

274,100,000

218,000,000

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

0

[3]

0

[3]

900,000

[3]

1,100,000

[3]

0

[3]

0

[3]

900,000

[3]

1,100,000

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

315,100,000

257,700,000

255,500,000

488,800,000

0

0

570,600,000

746,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

0

[4]

0

[4]

1,100,000

[4]

800,000

[4]

0

[4]

0

[4]

1,100,000

[4]

800,000

[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability

-1,347,000

-15,984,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

0

0

1,100,000

800,000

25,200,000

52,600,000

26,300,000

53,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent Consideration at Fair Value

'

'

'

'

$0

[5]

$0

[5]

$0

[5]

$0

[5]

$25,200,000

[5]

$52,600,000

[5]

$25,200,000

[5]

$52,600,000

[5]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,900,000

$27,300,000

$18,300,000

$25,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[2]

Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):B SeptemberB 30, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012Short-term investments$270.0B $457.7Other investments274.1B 218.0Total$544.1B $675.7

[3]

Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[4]

Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[5]

Contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):B SeptemberB 30, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012Other current liabilities$6.9B $27.3Other long-term liabilities18.3B 25.3 Total$25.2B $52.6

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_3_Co

3. Fair Value Measurements 3. Contingent Consideration (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 04, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Development [Member]

Sales [Member]

Development milestone maximum payment [Member]

Sales milestone minimum payment [Member]

Sales milestone year 1 maximum payment percentage [Member]

Sales milestone year 2 maximum payment percentage [Member]

Sales milestone year 3 maximum payment percentage [Member]

Credit Adjusted Discount Rates Lower [Member]

Credit Adjusted Discount Rate Higher [Member]

Market Price of Risk [Member]

Projected Volatility of Sales [Member]

Sales Milestone year 1 bookings [Member]

Sales milestone year 2 bookings [Member]

Sales milestone year 3 bookings [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

'

$24,100,000

'

$19,900,000

$24,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$44,600,000

'

'

'

'

Contingent consideration milestone payments

-6,000,000

'

-20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Decrease) increase in fair value of contingent consideration included in SGA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,000,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent Consideration at Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,200,000

[1]

52,600,000

[1]

'

25,200,000

44,600,000

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

'

$48,000,000

'

'

'

$20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,000,000

$30,000,000

$45,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Percentage Payout

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

51.32%

50.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent Consideration Level 3 Inputs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0.0109

'0.0204

'0.013

'0.15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):B SeptemberB 30, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012Other current liabilities$6.9B $27.3Other long-term liabilities18.3B 25.3 Total$25.2B $52.6

3_Foreign_Exchange_Forward_Con

3. Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Unrealized (Loss) on contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to sell foreign currency	($0.40)
Unrealized Gain on contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to purchase foreign currency	0.2
Contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to sell foreign currency [Member]	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional value	75.1
Contracts maturing in October through December 2013 to purchase foreign currency [Member]	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional value	$401.40

3_AvailableforSale_Investments

3. Available-for-Sale Investments (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	$320.60		$320.60		$510.40
Unrealized Gains	224.4		165.9		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.9		-0.6		'
Estimated Fair Value	544.1		544.1		675.7
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	0.4		0.4		0.4
Unrealized Gains	0		0		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		-0.1		'
Estimated Fair Value	0.3		0.3		0.3
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	54.5		54.5		54.5
Unrealized Gains	219.3		163		'
Unrealized Losses	0		0		'
Estimated Fair Value	273.8		273.8		217.5
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	54.9		54.9		55.1
Unrealized Gains	219.3		163		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		-0.1		'
Estimated Fair Value	274.1		274.1		218
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	'		'		0.2
Unrealized Gains	'		0		'
Unrealized Losses	'		0		'
Estimated Fair Value	'		'		0.2
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	120.4		120.4		239.3
Unrealized Gains	0.3		1.4		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.4		-0.1		'
Estimated Fair Value	120.3		120.3		240.6
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	8.9		8.9		0.4
Unrealized Gains	0		0		'
Unrealized Losses	0		0		'
Estimated Fair Value	8.9		8.9		0.4
Short-term Investments [Member] | Municipal obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	10.7		10.7		12
Unrealized Gains	0		0.1		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		0		'
Estimated Fair Value	10.6		10.6		12.1
Short-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	51.5		51.5		81.6
Unrealized Gains	0		0.4		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.2		-0.1		'
Estimated Fair Value	51.3		51.3		81.9
Short-term Investments [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	25.1		25.1		24.1
Unrealized Gains	4.7		0.7		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		-0.2		'
Estimated Fair Value	29.7		29.7		24.6
Short-term Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	265.7		265.7		455.3
Unrealized Gains	5.1		2.9		'
Unrealized Losses	-0.8		-0.5		'
Estimated Fair Value	270		270		457.7
Short-term Investments [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	42.2		42.2		92.5
Unrealized Gains	0.1		0.3		'
Unrealized Losses	0		-0.1		'
Estimated Fair Value	42.3		42.3		92.7
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amortized Cost	6.9		6.9		5.4
Unrealized Gains	0		0		'
Unrealized Losses	0		0		'
Estimated Fair Value	6.9		6.9		5.4
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	544.1	[1]	544.1	[1]	675.7	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	120.3	[1]	120.3	[1]	240.6	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	8.9	[1]	8.9	[1]	0.4	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Municipal obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	10.6	[1]	10.6	[1]	12.1	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	51.6	[1]	51.6	[1]	82.2	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	303.5	[1]	303.5	[1]	242.1	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	42.3	[1]	42.3	[1]	92.7	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	6.9	[1]	6.9	[1]	5.6	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]	'		'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	$270		$270		$457.70
[1]	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):B SeptemberB 30, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012Short-term investments$270.0B $457.7Other investments274.1B 218.0Total$544.1B $675.7

3_Amortized_Cost_and_Fair_Valu

3. Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Mature in less than one year	$86.10
Mature in one to five years	113
Mature in more than five years	41.9
Total Amortized Cost	241
Mature in less than one year	86.2
Mature in one to five years	113
Mature in more than five years	41.4
Estimated Fair Value	$240.60

3_Fair_Value_and_Gross_Unreali

3. Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses with Unrealized Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tolerable variance Level 2 debt security pricing	'	1.00%	'
Fair Value of Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses in loss position 12 months or more	$2.10	$2.10	$0.30
Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position 12 months or more	0.1	'	0.1
Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position less than 12 months	0.8	'	0.5
Cost Method Investment, Percentage Owned	35.00%	35.00%	'
Fair Value of Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses in loss position less than 12 months	$92.30	$92.30	$99

3_Fair_Value_Financial_Instrum

3. Fair Value Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Other Investments	$354.70	$293.60
Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and current maturities	423.2	720
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Other Investments	635	497.8
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and current maturities	$440	$778.40

4_Intangible_Assets_Goodwill_a2

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$541,900,000	$523,600,000
Accumulated impairment loss	-28,200,000	-28,200,000
Goodwill, net	513,705,000	495,418,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	14,900,000	'
Currency fluctuations	3,400,000	'
Life Science [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	208,700,000	193,600,000
Accumulated impairment loss	-27,200,000	-27,200,000
Goodwill, net	181,500,000	166,400,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	14,900,000	'
Currency fluctuations	200,000	'
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	333,200,000	330,000,000
Accumulated impairment loss	-1,000,000	-1,000,000
Goodwill, net	332,200,000	329,000,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	'
Currency fluctuations	$3,200,000	'

4_Intangible_Assets_Goodwill_a3

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 10, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Know how [Member]

Know how [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Know how [Member]

Know how [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Know how [Member]

Know how [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Licensing Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount

$513,705,000

'

$513,705,000

'

$495,418,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,000,000

1,300,000

33,000,000

8,800,000

400,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average Remaining Life (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'1 year

'2 years

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'7 years

'1 year

'0 years

'1 year

'11 years

'12 years

'12 years

'13 years

'13 years

'10 years

'12 years

'8 years

'10 years

'10 years

'9 years

'10 years

'0 years

'1 year

Purchase Price

464,700,000

'

464,700,000

'

414,700,000

105,200,000

102,800,000

193,300,000

189,300,000

108,400,000

74,600,000

44,700,000

35,600,000

7,600,000

7,400,000

4,900,000

4,900,000

600,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Amortization

-188,600,000

'

-188,600,000

'

-153,800,000

-44,600,000

-38,400,000

-83,200,000

-67,100,000

-33,300,000

-25,100,000

-21,400,000

-18,700,000

-5,000,000

-4,300,000

-600,000

-200,000

-500,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Carrying Amount

276,054,000

'

276,054,000

'

260,939,000

60,600,000

64,400,000

110,100,000

122,200,000

75,100,000

49,500,000

23,300,000

16,900,000

2,600,000

3,100,000

4,300,000

4,700,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense

$11,300,000

$10,700,000

$33,500,000

$32,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5_Product_Warranty_Liability_D

5. Product Warranty Liability (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'
Accrual at beginning of period	$16.40
Provision for warranty	10.6
Actual warranty costs	-12.1
Accrual at end of period	$14.90

6_LongTerm_Debt_Details

6. Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Capital Lease Obligations [Member]

Capital Lease Obligations [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 8.0% [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 8.0% [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 8.0% [Member]

Senior Notes 4.875% [Member]

Senior Notes 4.875% [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

8.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

$435,700,000

$435,700,000

$732,600,000

$294,800,000

$0

$296,900,000

'

$423,200,000

$423,000,000

$12,500,000

$12,700,000

'

'

Less current maturities

-200,000

-200,000

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of debt sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early repayment of Subordinated Notes

312,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption Premium

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

2,500,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense

1,100,000

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

15,600,000

15,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

Percentage of capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries securing part of Credit Agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

'

Outstanding borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities

$435,541,000

$435,541,000

$732,414,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7_Noncontrolling_Interest_Deta

7. Noncontrolling Interest (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Feb. 14, 2013	Feb. 14, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	DiaMed Spain [Member]	DiaMed Spain [Member]	DiaMed Spain [Member]
					USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	'	'	'	'	$900,000	€ 600,000	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests, beginning of period	'	'	535,000	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	-13,000	21,000	148,000	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	-600,000
Currency fluctuations	'	'	100,000	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests, end of period	0	'	0	'	'	'	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	($300,000)

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens2

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other (income) expense, net	($667,000)	($1,511,000)	($10,711,000)	($14,692,000)	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	316,326,000	'	316,326,000	'	274,532,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	49,301,000	34,557,000	41,958,000	50,100,000	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,883,000	12,383,000	20,200,000	48,375,000	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	7,099,000	-42,633,000	-47,654,000	-122,225,000	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	177,800,000	'	177,800,000	'	172,900,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	5,100,000	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	-200,000	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	'	'	4,900,000	'	'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-8,100,000	'	-8,100,000	'	-8,100,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	0	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	0	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	'	'	0	'	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	146,600,000	'	146,600,000	'	109,700,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	36,700,000	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	200,000	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	'	'	36,900,000	'	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other (income) expense, net	'	'	200,000	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	0	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	200,000	'	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	316,300,000	'	316,300,000	'	274,500,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	41,800,000	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	0	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	'	'	41,800,000	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'	-200,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	0	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	200,000	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	'	'	200,000	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	316,300,000	'	316,300,000	'	274,300,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax	'	'	41,800,000	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	200,000	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	'	'	$42,000,000	'	'

9_Earnings_Per_Share_Details

9. Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	28,603	28,312	28,545	28,255
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards	0	333	325	354
Diluted weighted average common shares	28,603	28,645	28,870	28,609
Anti-dilutive shares	416	94	95	106

10_Other_Income_and_Expenses_D

10. Other Income and Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest and investment income	($1,100,000)	($1,000,000)	($10,200,000)	($7,900,000)
Net realized losses (gains) on investments	500,000	-1,100,000	200,000	-8,500,000
Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net	-100,000	600,000	-700,000	1,700,000
Other (income) expense, net	$667,000	$1,511,000	$10,711,000	$14,692,000

11_Income_Taxes_Details

11. Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Effective tax rate	-36.00%	23.00%	30.00%	28.00%
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$1.40	'	$1.40	'
U.S. Federal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Statutory Rates	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

12_Segment_Information_Details

12. Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$505,066	$498,697	$1,530,059	$1,495,396
Income before income taxes	-5,216	55,003	67,875	170,748
Life Science [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	162,900	167,000	489,500	484,200
Income before income taxes	-8,500	6,800	-28,900	9,400
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	338,800	328,400	1,030,200	999,600
Income before income taxes	43,000	48,200	130,600	151,800
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	3,400	3,300	10,400	11,600
Income before income taxes	$0	$0	$300	$1,800

12_Segment_Profit_Reconciliati

12. Segment Profit Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-09
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	$5,216,000	($55,003,000)	($67,875,000)	($170,748,000)	'
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	15,600,000	'	15,600,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	'	8.00%
NonAllocated Expense Loss Contingency [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	20,000,000	'	20,000,000	'	'
Other Income and Expense Non Operating [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	-700,000	-1,500,000	-10,700,000	-14,700,000	'
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	3,300,000	400,000	5,700,000	3,500,000	'
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	-37,100,000	-1,100,000	-39,100,000	-3,500,000	'
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	($34,500,000)	($55,000,000)	($102,000,000)	($163,000,000)	'

13_Legal_Proceedings_Contingen

13. Legal Proceedings Contingent Liability (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
13. Legal Proceedings [Abstract]	'
Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current	$20