Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) 10-K 18 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 05, 2014	Mar. 05, 2014
			Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	'BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000012208	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	23,702,410	5,091,990
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$2,263,875,530	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$331,551	$463,388
Short-term investments	277,369	457,685
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	422,660	398,739
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	105,708	93,009
Work in process	129,894	124,737
Finished goods	265,689	237,374
Total inventories	501,291	455,120
Prepaid expenses	135,969	92,490
Other current assets	79,016	69,260
Total current assets	1,747,856	1,936,682
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'
Land and improvements	19,066	18,898
Buildings and leasehold improvements	284,299	268,217
Equipment	783,950	724,919
Total property, plant and equipment	1,087,315	1,012,034
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-657,960	-595,096
Property, plant and equipment, net	429,355	416,938
Goodwill, net	517,770	495,418
Purchased intangibles, net	266,188	260,939
Other investments	377,870	293,613
Other assets	49,751	39,913
Total assets	3,388,790	3,443,503
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Accounts payable	148,510	130,867
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	130,658	135,955
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	1,786	1,750
Income and other taxes payable	33,555	34,779
Accrued royalties	19,556	29,718
Deferred revenue	26,390	26,288
Estimated loss contingency	30,000	0
Other current liabilities	97,017	113,043
Total current liabilities	487,472	472,400
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	435,615	732,414
Deferred income taxes	162,110	115,054
Other long-term liabilities	116,871	108,095
Total liabilities	1,202,068	1,427,963
Commitments and contingent liabilities	'	'
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	239,986	212,244
Retained earnings	1,606,117	1,528,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	340,717	274,532
Total Bio-Rad stockholders' equity	2,186,722	2,015,005
Noncontrolling interests	0	535
Total stockholders' equity	2,186,722	2,015,540
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,388,790	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)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$32,471	$29,202
Preferred stock par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock authorized	7,500,000	7,500,000
Preferred stock issued	0	0
Preferred stock outstanding	0	0
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock issued	23,680,749	23,332,532
Common stock outstanding	23,680,627	23,332,410
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock issued	5,096,780	5,149,771
Common stock outstanding	5,095,863	5,148,854
Treasury Class-A [Member]	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	122	122
Treasury Class B [Member]	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	917	917

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net sales	$2,132,694	$2,069,235	$2,073,529
Cost of goods sold	954,216	914,077	894,700
Gross profit	1,178,478	1,155,158	1,178,829
Selling, general and administrative expense	798,070	681,778	695,984
Research and development expense	210,952	209,204	177,604
Income from operations	169,456	264,176	305,241
Interest expense	61,271	51,112	53,135
Foreign exchange losses, net	8,566	5,040	13,842
Other (income) expense, net	-12,766	-21,883	-7,583
Income before income taxes	112,385	229,907	245,847
Provision for income taxes	-34,574	-64,361	-67,034
Net income including noncontrolling interests	77,811	165,546	178,813
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-21	-69	200
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	$77,790	$165,477	$179,013
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'
Net income per share basic attributable to Bio-Rad	$2.72	$5.85	$6.39
Weighted average common shares - basic	28,586	28,290	28,031
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'
Net income per share diluted attributable to Bio-Rad	$2.69	$5.78	$6.29
Weighted average common shares - diluted	28,906	28,642	28,468

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Cash received from customers	$2,090,030	$2,063,805	$2,018,755
Cash paid to suppliers and employees	-1,797,688	-1,654,943	-1,639,848
Interest paid	-61,233	-46,369	-56,859
Income tax payments	-71,144	-93,697	-68,750
Investment proceeds and miscellaneous receipts, net	16,760	12,991	9,686
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-2,720	-2,889	-3,168
Proceeds from (payments for) forward foreign exchange contracts, net	1,471	-2,870	2,919
Net cash provided by operating activities	175,476	276,028	262,735
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-112,998	-152,417	-102,888
Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment	1,214	6,325	234
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received, and long-term investments	-72,054	-39,443	-158,538
Payments for purchases of intangible assets	-700	-1,780	-436
Payments for purchases of marketable securities and investments	-386,714	-680,966	-509,310
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments	289,779	131,295	48,825
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities and investments	276,052	327,052	335,781
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,421	-409,934	-386,332
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Net payments on line-of-credit arrangements and notes payable	48	-191	-3,900
Payments on long-term borrowings	-300,228	-620	-226,835
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	11,237	10,611	14,249
Payments of contingent consideration	-25,474	0	0
Debt issuance costs on long-term borrowings	0	0	-242
Purchase of treasury stock	0	-101	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	2,720	2,889	3,168
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-311,697	12,588	-213,560
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	9,805	10,475	4,837
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-131,837	-110,843	-332,320
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	463,388	574,231	906,551
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$331,551	$463,388	$574,231

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Bio Rad [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,540,519	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,823
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	'	3	156,986	0	1,181,687	198,020	1,536,696	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	179,013	'	'	'	179,013	'	179,013	'
Net Income	-200	'	'	'	'	'	'	-200
Net income	178,813	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	670	670	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	189
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	859	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	14,249	'	14,249	'	'	'	14,249	'
Stock compensation expense	10,738	'	10,738	'	'	'	10,738	'
Tax benefit-exercise stock options	3,582	'	3,582	'	'	'	3,582	'
Purchase of additional controlling interests and other	-3,588	'	-221	'	'	'	-221	-3,367
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,747,322	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	445
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	'	3	185,334	0	1,362,850	198,690	1,746,877	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	165,477	'	'	'	165,477	'	165,477	'
Net Income	69	'	'	'	'	'	'	69
Net income	165,546	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	75,842	75,842	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	75,863	'	'	'	'	75,800	75,800	0
Issuance of common stock	10,611	'	10,611	'	'	'	10,611	'
Stock compensation expense	12,936	'	12,936	'	'	'	12,936	'
Tax benefit-exercise stock options	3,363	'	3,363	'	'	'	3,363	'
Purchase of treasury stock	101	'	'	101	'	'	101	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,015,540	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	535	'	'	'	'	'	'	535
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,015,005	3	212,244	-101	1,528,327	274,532	2,015,005	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	77,790	'	'	'	77,790	'	77,790	'
Net Income	21	'	'	'	'	'	'	21
Net income	77,811	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	66,185	66,185	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	164
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	66,349	'	'	'	'	66,400	66,200	200
Issuance of common stock	11,237	'	11,237	'	'	'	11,237	'
Stock compensation expense	13,657	'	13,657	'	'	'	13,657	'
Tax benefit-exercise stock options	3,135	'	3,135	'	'	'	3,135	'
Purchase of additional controlling interests and other	-1,007	'	-287	'	'	'	-287	-720
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	2,186,722	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,186,722	$3	$239,986	($101)	$1,606,117	$340,717	$2,186,722	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$77,811	$165,546	$178,813
Foreign currency translation adjustments	16,682	23,668	-12,494
Reclassification of realized portion of cumulative translation adjustment due to liquidaiton, net of tax	-20	70	-1,055
Other post-employment benefits adjustments, net of tax	-510	-8,531	1,286
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss, Net of Tax	546	253	355
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	49,459	65,448	12,663
Reclassification adjustments for gains (losses) included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of tax	192	-5,045	104
Comprehensive income	144,160	241,409	179,672
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	66,349	75,863	859
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-185	-90	11
Comprehensive income attributable to Bio-Rad	$143,975	$241,319	$179,683

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification of realized portion of cumulative translation adjustment due to liquidation, TAX	$0	$0	$0
Other post-employment benefits adjustments, tax	0.2	2.8	-0.4
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	-0.2	-0.1	-0.1
Net unrealized holding gains, tax	-28.8	-38.1	-7.4
Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income, tax	($0.10)	$2.90	($0.10)

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic

1. Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and all of our wholly and majority owned subsidiaries (referred to in this report as “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us” and “our”) after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	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.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less which are readily convertible into cash.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Available-for-Sale Investments
	Available-for-sale investments consist of corporate obligations, municipal securities, asset backed securities, U.S. government sponsored agencies and marketable equity securities.  Management classifies investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date.  Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations.  Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices and other observable market data.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of any related tax effect.  Unrealized losses are charged against income when a decline in the fair value of an individual security is determined to be other-than-temporary.  We review our available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary losses on a quarterly basis.  Realized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included in Other (income) expense, net (see Note 10).
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, foreign exchange contracts and trade accounts receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents and investments are placed with various highly rated major financial institutions located in different geographic regions. Bio-Rad has not sustained significant losses from instruments held at financial institutions.
	The forward contracts used in managing our foreign currency exposures have an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements.  We attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated domestic and international financial institutions.  In the event of non-performance by these counterparties, the carrying values of our financial instruments represent the maximum amount of loss we would have incurred as of our fiscal year-end.  However, we do not expect to record any losses as a result of counterparty default.
	We perform credit evaluation procedures related to our trade receivables and with the exception of certain developing countries, generally do not require collateral.  As a result of increased risk in certain developing countries, some Bio-Rad sales are subject to collateral letters of credit from our customers.  Credit risk for trade accounts receivable is generally limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many geographic areas.  However, a significant amount of trade receivables are with national healthcare systems in countries within the European Union.
	Accounts Receivable
	We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments.  The amount of the allowance is determined by analyzing known uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ country or industry, historical losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this allowance.
	Inventory
	Inventories are valued at the lower of actual cost or market (net realizable value) and include material, labor and overhead costs.  The first-in, first-out method is used to relieve inventory for products sold.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Included in property, plant and equipment are buildings and equipment acquired under capital lease arrangements, reagent rental equipment and capitalized software, including costs for software developed or obtained for internal use. Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
	Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Buildings and leasehold improvements are amortized over 15-30 years or the term of the leases or life of the improvements, whichever is shorter.  With the exception of reagent rental equipment, which is amortized over a 1-5 year period, equipment and capitalized software is depreciated over 3-12 years.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill is assessed for impairment by applying fair value based tests annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments.  Our reporting units are identified as components for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by management.  Goodwill amounts are assigned to reporting units at the time of acquisition.
	The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We use a projected discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of a reporting unit.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is not required.  The second step, if required, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  The fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
	Long-Lived Assets
	For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets (including identifiable intangible assets) quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Factors that we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include:
	•	significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results;
	•	significant changes in the manner of use of the long-lived assets, intangible assets or the strategy for our overall business;
	•	a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of at a loss before the end of its previously estimated useful life; and
	•	significant negative industry, legal, regulatory or economic trends.
	When management determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we test for any impairment based on a projected undiscounted cash flow method.  Projected future operating results and cash flows of the asset or asset group are used to establish the fair value used in evaluating the carrying value of long-lived and intangible assets.  We estimate the future cash flows of the long-lived assets using current and long-term financial forecasts.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If this is the case, an impairment loss would be recognized.  The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value.
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of losses, credits, and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. They are determined using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized.  In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. To the extent we determine that we are able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which may reduce the provision for income taxes. When we establish or reduce the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, our provision for income taxes will increase or decrease, respectively, in the period that determination to change the valuation allowance is made.
	We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements on a particular tax position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.  The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a tax examination, or resolution of an examination.  We recognize both accrued interest and penalties, where appropriate, related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and title has passed to the customer or product has been delivered absent specific contractual specifications.  Revenue associated with equipment that requires factory installation is not recorded until installation is complete and customer acceptance, if required contractually, has occurred.  At the time revenue is recognized, a provision is recognized for estimated product returns. Service revenues on extended warranty contracts are recognized ratably over the life of the service agreement, or as services are performed if not under contract.
	Reagent agreements are a diagnostic industry sales method that provides use of an instrument and consumables (reagents) to a customer on a per test basis.  We evaluate our reagent agreements and account for these contracts under the guidance pertaining to accounting for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Our reagent agreements represent one unit of accounting as the instrument and consumables are interdependent in producing a diagnostic result that neither has a stand-alone value with respect to these agreements. All revenues that we earn under our reagent agreements are recognized pursuant to the terms of each agreement and are based and entirely contingent upon either (i) when the consumables to conduct a fixed number of tests are delivered or (ii) as reported by the customer on a per test basis.
	Shipping and Handling
	We classify all freight costs billed to customers as Net sales.  Related freight costs are included in Cost of goods sold.
	Warranty
	We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, mostly 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.
	Changes in the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, were as follows (in millions):
			2013				2012
	1-Jan		$	16.4			$	16.4
	Provision for warranty		15.6				19.8
	Actual warranty costs		(16.4		)		(19.8		)
	31-Dec		$	15.6			$	16.4
	Research and Development
	Internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Third-party research and development costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed.
	Foreign Currency
	Balance sheet accounts of international subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rates as of the end of each accounting period.  Income statement items are translated at average exchange rates for the period.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Transaction gains and losses result primarily from fluctuations in exchange rates when intercompany receivables and payables are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiary that recorded the transaction.
	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 exchange rates that affect foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and payables.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we seek hedge accounting treatment for any of our contracts. As a result, these contracts, generally with maturity dates of 90 days or less and denominated primarily in currencies of industrial countries, are recorded as an asset or liability measured at their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gains or losses offset exchange gains or losses, on the related receivables and payables, all of which are recorded as Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	A noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in a consolidated entity that is reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from Bio-Rad’s equity.  In addition, net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reported separately from net income attributable to Bio-Rad in the consolidated financial statements.  Our consolidated statements presented the full amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses of all of our consolidated subsidiaries, with a partially offsetting amount shown in noncontrolling interests for the portion of assets and liabilities that were not controlled by us.
	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, and therefore there are no noncontrolling interests in Bio-Rad.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted is determined based on the grant-date fair value.  We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the share-based payment awards.  We estimated the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.  These plans are described more fully in Note 9.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Bio-Rad by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for that period.  Diluted 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 earnings per share calculation if the effect would be anti-dilutive.
	Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class method.  As our unvested restricted shares qualify as participating securities, we have included these shares in the computation of EPS.
	The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share and the anti-dilutive shares are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		28,586			28,290			28,031
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options
and restricted stock awards		320			352			437
Diluted weighted average common shares		28,906			28,642			28,468
Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards
excluded from the computation of diluted EPS		107			83			63
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
For certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, marketable securities, notes payable, accounts payable and foreign exchange contracts, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.
The estimated fair value of financial instruments is based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  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 (see Note 3).
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 2011 and 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 inappropriately expensing inventory in amounts greater than actual costs for non-sales transactions, primarily related to inventory being used for demonstration purposes and product samples that are recorded to Selling, general and administrative expense. In addition, the Life Science segment inventory error affected cost of goods sold as we relieved inventory at a higher cost than incurred on limited sales to third parties produced in a non-U.S. manufacturing facility. The effect of correcting these errors in the 2011 and 2012 consolidated financial statements were increases to net income of $0.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit
During the third quarter of 2013, we revised the classification of one item for all periods presented from “Provision for income taxes” to “Research and development expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Income to conform to the current year presentation. The item reclassified pertains to a refundable French R&D tax credit, which after the reclassification reduces Research and development expense. We believe this presentation is appropriate as we are not required to have taxable income in order to earn the credits. The effect of the reclassifications from Provision for income taxes to Research and development expense for 2011 and 2012 was $8.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
The impact of the immaterial error correction, and the reclassification, both described above on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		31-Dec-12
		As reported				Adjustment			As revised
Inventories: finished goods		$	230,624			$	6,750		$	237,374
Total inventories		448,370				6,750			455,120
Total current assets		1,929,932				6,750			1,936,682
Total assets		3,436,753				6,750			3,443,503
Income and other taxes payable		32,299				2,480			34,779
Total current liabilities		469,920				2,480			472,400
Total liabilities		1,425,483				2,480			1,427,963
Total stockholders' equity		2,011,270				4,270			2,015,540
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	3,436,753			$	6,750		$	3,443,503
	Year ended December 31,
	2012									2011
	As reported			Adjustment			As revised			As reported		Adjustment			As revised
Cost of goods sold	$	915,097		$	(1,020	)	$	914,077		$	895,640	$	(940	)	$	894,700
Gross profit	1,154,138			1,020			1,155,158			1,177,889		940			1,178,829
Selling, general and administrative expense	682,898			(1,120		)	681,778			696,294		(310		)	695,984
Research and development expense	214,040			(4,836		)	209,204			186,439		(8,835		)	177,604
Income from operations	257,200			6,976			264,176			295,156		10,085			305,241
Income before income taxes	222,931			6,976			229,907			235,762		10,085			245,847
Provision for income taxes	59,084			5,277			64,361			57,739		9,295			67,034
Net income including noncontrolling interests	163,847			1,699			165,546			178,023		790			178,813
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	$	163,778		$	1,699		$	165,477		$	178,223	$	790		$	179,013
Net income per basic share attributable to Bio-Rad	$	5.79		$	0.06		$	5.85		$	6.36	$	0.03		$	6.39
Net income per diluted share attributable to Bio-Rad	$	5.72		$	0.06		$	5.78		$	6.26	$	0.03		$	6.29
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:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012	2011
Net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, net of income tax, understated by $10,090 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.		$65,448	$12,663
Income taxes on net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, understated by $5,874 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.		$38,108	$7,373
Reclassification adjustments for net holding (gains) losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of income tax, understated by $10,090 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.		($5,045)	$104
Income taxes on reclassification adjustments for net holding gains/losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, understated by $5,874 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.		($2,937)	$61
Management evaluated the materiality of all the errors described above from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Based on such evaluation, we have concluded that while the accumulation of these errors was significant to the year ended December 31, 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 are correcting these errors in every affected period in the 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
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. This guidance is related to disclosure only and therefore did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

2_Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [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.
	We do not consider this business combination to be material and therefore have not disclosed the pro forma results of operations as required for material business combinations.
	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 is 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 cost 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. The contingent consideration was recognized at its estimated fair value of $20.8 million as of December 31, 2013. (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.
	In July 2012, we acquired 100% 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 cost 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 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 our 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 is 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 cost 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 at the acquisition date 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 was expensed over two years from the date of acquisition. We believe this acquisition will allow us to secure the supply of critical raw materials and lower our overall costs in the Clinical Diagnostics segment.

3_Fair_Value_Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 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	$	—			$	7	$	—			$	7
	Foreign time deposits	11.1				—		—				11.1
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				1.2		—				1.2
	Money market funds	1.2				—		—				1.2
	Total cash equivalents	12.3				8.2		—				20.5
	Available-for-sale investments (b):
	Corporate debt securities	—				132.5		—				132.5
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	—				8.9		—				8.9
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				39.1		—				39.1
	Foreign government obligations	—				5.6		—				5.6
	Municipal obligations	—				11		—				11
	Marketable equity securities	325.2				—		—				325.2
	Asset-backed securities	—				48.6		—				48.6
	Total available-for-sale investments	325.2				245.7		—				570.9
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	—				0.6		—				0.6
	Total financial assets carried at fair value	$	337.5			$	254.5	$	—			$	592
	Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$	—			$	1.1	$	—			$	1.1
	Contingent consideration (e)	—				—		20.8				20.8
	Total financial liabilities carried at fair value	$	—			$	1.1	$	20.8			$	21.9
	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 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(b)	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		December 31,				December 31, 2012
		2013
	Short-term investments	$	277.4			$	457.7
	Other investments	293.5				218
	Total	$	570.9			$	675.7
	(c)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(d)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(e)	The contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):
	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
Other current liabilities	$	6.1			$	27.3
Other long-term liabilities	14.7				25.3
Total	$	20.8			$	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. The development milestone was met as of December 31, 2012, resulting in a payment of $6.0 million in January 2013. During 2012, the first three short-term sales milestones were not met and therefore the fair value of the contingent consideration was lowered by $16.1 million and credited to Selling, general and administrative expense. During 2013, we did not expect that any of the remaining sales milestones would be met and therefore $2.0 million of the remaining contingent consideration liability was credited to Selling, general and administrative expense.
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 fair value of the contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach related to the achievement of certain development and sales milestones and was recorded at $44.6 million in 2012. The development milestones have been achieved and payments totaling $20.0 million were made in 2013. 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 contingent consideration was revalued by a net reduction of $3.8 million in 2013 to Selling, general and administrative expense to its estimated fair value of $20.8 million as of December 31, 2013.
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 year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
	2013
1-Jan	$	52.6
Payment of development milestone - QuantaLife	(6.0		)
Payment of development milestone - Cell sorting system	(20.0		)
Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - QuantaLife	(2.0		)
Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - Cell sorting system	(3.8		)
31-Dec	$	20.8
The following table provides quantitative information about Level 3 inputs for fair value measurement of our contingent consideration liabilities as of December 31, 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 milestone:
		Credit adjusted discount rates	0.97%	1.93%
		Projected volatility of growth rates	13.00%	15.00%
		Market price of risk	1.00%	N/A
To estimate the fair value of Level 2 debt securities as of December 31, 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 December 31, 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 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):
	December 31, 2013
	Amortized				Unrealized		Unrealized				Estimated
	Cost				Gains		Losses				Fair
											Value
Short-term investments:
Corporate debt securities	$	132.6			$	0.3	$	(0.4	)		$	132.5
Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	8.9				—		—				8.9
Municipal obligations	11.1				—		(0.1		)		11
Asset-backed securities	48.4				0.1		(0.2		)		48.3
U.S. government sponsored agencies	39.1				0.1		(0.1		)		39.1
Foreign government obligations	5.6				—		—				5.6
Marketable equity securities	26.6				5.4		—				32
	272.3				5.9		(0.8		)		277.4
Long-term investments:
Marketable equity securities	54.5				238.7		—				293.2
Asset-backed securities	0.4				—		(0.1		)		0.3
	54.9				238.7		(0.1		)		293.5
Total	$	327.2			$	244.6	$	(0.9	)		$	570.9
	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):
	December 31,				December 31, 2012
	2013
Fair value of investments in a loss position 12 months or more	$	2.3			$	0.3
Fair value of investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$	73.9			$	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 December 31, 2013 or at 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 denominated primarily in 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 December 31, 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 Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following is a summary of our forward foreign currency exchange contracts (in millions):
	December 31,
	2013
Contracts maturing in January through March 2014 to sell foreign currency:
Notional value	$	83.8
Unrealized loss	$	—
Contracts maturing in January through March 2014 to purchase foreign currency:
Notional value	$	409.4
Unrealized loss	$	0.5
The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at December 31, 2013 by contractual maturity date (in millions):
	Amortized				Estimated Fair
	Cost				Value
Mature in less than one year	$	97.5			$	97.6
Mature in one to five years	109.1				109.2
Mature in more than five years	39.5				38.9
Total	$	246.1			$	245.7
The estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are included in Other investments, are presented in the table below. Fair value has been determined using 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 financial instruments, the majority of which has fair value based on similar, actively traded stock adjusted for various discounts, including a discount for marketability.  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 the financial instruments discussed above and the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized are as follows (in millions):
	December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
	Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level
	Amount				Fair				Amount				Fair
					Value								Value
Other investments	$	77.5			$	382.9	2		$	68.4			$	272.5	2
Total long-term debt, excluding leases	$	423.2			$	433	2		$	720			$	778.4	2
and current maturities
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 December 31, 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. We account for this investment using the cost method.  The carrying value of this investment is included in Other investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Historically, we classified the estimated fair value of Sartorius ordinary voting stock as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy. However, because the stock is thinly traded and in conjunction with the valuation method discussed above, we believe the classification as Level 1 was inappropriate and have classified the estimated fair value as Level 2 for all periods presented in conjunction with this filing. The Level 2 classification is appropriate given the valuation method employed, which incorporates an observable input of the fair value of the Sartorius’ actively traded preferred stock.

4_Intangible_Assets_Goodwill_a

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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):
			2013										2012
			Life			Clinical				Total			Life			Clinical			Total
			Science			Diagnostics							Science			Diagnostics
	Balances as of January 1:
	Goodwill		$	193.6		$	330			$	523.6		$	176.8		$	319.3		$	496.1
	Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs		(27.2		)	(1.0		)		(28.2		)	(27.2		)	—			(27.2		)
	Goodwill, net		166.4			329				495.4			149.6			319.3			468.9
	Acquisitions		14.9			—				14.9			17.4			4.1			21.5
	Purchase adjustment		—			—				—			(0.6		)	—			(0.6		)
	Goodwill written off related to excess property		—			—				—			—			(1.0		)	(1.0		)
	Currency fluctuations		0.5			7				7.5			—			6.6			6.6
	Balances as of December 31:
	Goodwill		209			337				546			193.6			330			523.6
	Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs		(27.2		)	(1.0		)		(28.2		)	(27.2		)	(1.0		)	(28.2		)
	Goodwill, net		$	181.8		$	336			$	517.8		$	166.4		$	329		$	495.4
	In conjunction with the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of AbD Serotec in our Life Science segment in January 2013, we 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. The weighted average useful lives of the definite-lived intangible assets as of the acquisition date were 13.9, 13, 12, 2 and 1 years, respectively, with a total weighted average useful life of 13.7 years.
	In December 2012, we sold a building for $6.4 million in our Clinical Diagnostics segment that was associated with a 1999 acquisition. We recognized a gain on the sale of $4.3 million and a portion of the goodwill recorded in a 1999 acquisition was written off of $1.0 million.
	In conjunction with the purchase of certain assets from Propel Labs, Inc. in our Life Science segment in August 2012, we recorded $17.4 million of goodwill and $32.1 million of definite-lived intangible assets: $27.3 million of developed product technology, $4.7 million of covenants not to compete and $0.1 million of other intangible assets.
	In conjunction with the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of DiaMed Benelux in our Clinical Diagnostics segment in July 2012, we recorded $3.0 million of goodwill and $4.9 million of definite-lived intangible assets: $3.8 million of customer relationships/lists and $1.1 million of tradenames.
	In conjunction with the acquisition of certain assets from a raw material supplier in our Clinical Diagnostics segment in January 2012, we recorded $1.1 million of goodwill and $5.1 million of definite-lived intangible assets considered developed product technology.
	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):
		December 31, 2013
		Average		Purchase			Accumulated				Net
		Remaining		Price			Amortization				Carrying
		Life (years)									Amount
	Customer relationships/lists	11-Jan		$	99.8		$	(41.1	)		$	58.7
	Know how	12-Feb		194.6			(89.3		)		105.3
	Developed product technology	13-Jan		109.5			(36.2		)		73.3
	Licenses	12-Jan		44.9			(22.4		)		22.5
	Tradenames	9-Jan		4.3			(2.1		)		2.2
	Covenants not to compete	9-May		4.9			(0.7		)		4.2
	Other	—		0.6			(0.6		)		—
				$	458.6		$	(192.4	)		$	266.2
		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
	No material impairment losses related to intangible assets were recorded in 2013 or 2012.
	Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $45.0 million, $42.8 million and $39.1 million, respectively.  Estimated future amortization expense (based on existing intangible assets) for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and thereafter is $42.0 million, $39.0 million, $35.6 million, $27.0 million, $24.1 million, and $98.5 million, respectively.

5_Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_D

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable and Long-term Debt	'
	5.NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
	Notes payable includes amounts borrowed against credit lines maintained locally by our international subsidiaries, under which the borrowing capacity was approximately $20.1 million, of which $15.8 million was unused at December 31, 2013.  At December 31, 2012, borrowing capacity aggregated approximately $27.9 million, of which $23.8 million was unused.  The weighted average interest rate on these lines was 3.0% and 3.2% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Bio-Rad guaranteed eight of these credit lines at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,			December 31, 2012
		2013
	8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016	$	—		$	296.9
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2020, net of discount	423.2			423
	Capital leases and other debt	12.6			12.7
		435.8			732.6
	Less current maturities	(0.2		)	(0.2		)
	Long-term debt	$	435.6		$	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. The total expense for the redemption was $15.6 million and is included in Interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Senior Notes due 2020
	In December 2010, Bio-Rad sold $425.0 million principal amount of Senior Notes due 2020 (4.875% Notes).  The sale yielded net cash proceeds of $422.6 million at an effective rate of 4.946%.  The 4.875% Notes pay a fixed rate of interest of 4.875% per year.  We have the option to redeem any or all of the 4.875% Notes at any time at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount (plus a specified make-whole premium as defined in the indenture governing the 4.875% Notes) and accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.  Our obligations under the 4.875% Notes are not secured and rank equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness.  Certain covenants apply to the 4.875% Notes including limitations on the following: liens, sale and leaseback transactions, mergers, consolidations or sales of assets and other covenants. There are no restrictive covenants relating to total indebtedness, interest coverage, stock repurchases, recapitalizations, dividends and distributions to shareholders or current ratios. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 4.875% Notes were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem all $200.0 million of our 6.125% Notes for $204.3 million, including a call premium of $4.1 million in December 2010 and all $225.0 million of our 7.5% Notes for $234.6 million, including a call premium of $2.8 million in January 2011.
	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 December 31, 2013 or 2012. If we had borrowed against our Credit Agreement, the borrowing rate would have been 2.0% at December 31, 2013. 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 December 31, 2013.
	Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2013 are as follows: 2014 - $0.2 million; 2015 - $0.2 million; 2016 - $0.2 million; 2017 - $0.2 million; 2018 - $0.2 million; thereafter - $434.8 million.

6_Income_Taxes

6. Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes [Text Block]	'
	6. INCOME TAXES
	The U.S. and international components of income before taxes are as follows (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	U.S.	$	5.7			$	110.6			$	111.8
	International	106.7				119.3				134
	Income before taxes	$	112.4			$	229.9			$	245.8
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. Federal	$	(5.0	)		$	34.4			$	29
	State	0.6				4.1				3.5
	International	38.3				37.3				42
	Current tax expense	33.9				75.8				74.5
	Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
	U.S. Federal	4.8				(3.1		)		6.7
	State	(0.1		)		(0.9		)		0.4
	International	(9.4		)		(6.3		)		(9.1		)
	Deferred tax benefit	(4.7		)		(10.3		)		(2.0		)
	Non-current tax expense (benefit)	5.4				(1.1		)		(5.5		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	34.6			$	64.4			$	67
	The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income before taxes and the statutory tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U. S. statutory tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Impact of foreign operations	(6	)		(3	)		(4	)
	Research tax credits	(6	)		—			(1	)
	Nontaxable subsidies	(2	)		(1	)		(1	)
	Tax settlements and changes to unrecognized tax benefits	5			—			(2	)
	Contingent consideration	(1	)		(2	)		—
	Other	6			(1	)		—
	Provision for income taxes	31	%		28	%		27	%
	The effective tax rate for 2013 included a significant tax benefit related to the 2012 U.S. federal research credit, which was retroactively reinstated on January 2, 2013. The effective tax rate for 2013 was higher than 2012 primarily due to an increase in tax liabilities and audit settlements in our foreign jurisdictions, and a lower domestic production activities deduction as a result of lower U.S. taxable income in 2013. The effective tax rates for 2013 and 2012 reflected tax benefits related to adjustments to the fair value of the QuantaLife contingent consideration. The effective tax rate for 2011 reflected tax benefits from nontaxable dividend income and the release of tax liabilities.
	The effective tax rates for all three periods 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 income is earned primarily in France and Switzerland. Switzerland's statutory tax rate is significantly lower than our U.S. statutory tax rate of 35%. Our effective tax rates are also significantly reduced by French tax incentives related to our research and development activities.
	Our effective tax rate may be impacted in the future, either favorably or unfavorably, by many factors including, but not limited to, changes to statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws or regulations, tax audits and settlements, and generation of tax credits.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of losses, credits, and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals	$	27.5			$	24.1
	Legal reserves	12				—
	Other post-employment benefits, vacation and other reserves	22.2				26.5
	Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards	62.3				62.1
	Other	19				18.3
	Valuation allowance	(64.0		)		(52.9		)
		79				78.1
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	17.2				8.6
	Investments and intangible assets	147				119.3
		164.2				127.9
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(85.2	)		$	(49.8	)
	At December 31, 2013, Bio-Rad’s international subsidiaries had combined net operating loss carryforwards of $116.6 million.  Of these loss carryforwards, $114.6 million have no expiration date.  We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from most of these net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized. We have provided a valuation allowance of $28.0 million relating to these net operating loss carryforwards.
	At December 31, 2013, Bio-Rad had U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $17 million as a result of acquisitions. These carryforwards are subject to limitation on their utilization and will expire between 2018 and 2030. At December 31, 2013, Bio-Rad had U.S. Federal research tax credit carryforwards of $1.5 million, which are subject to limitations on their utilization.
	At December 31, 2013, Bio-Rad had approximately $53 million of California net operating loss carryforwards related to the acquisition of QuantaLife. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from these net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized and have recorded a full valuation allowance against these losses. At December 31, 2013, Bio-Rad had a deferred tax asset of $21.4 million relating to California research tax credit carryforwards, including $2.0 million from the acquisition of QuantaLife, which may be carried forward indefinitely.  Based on our judgment and consistent with prior years, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset.
	We believe that it is more likely than not that certain of these deferred tax assets described above will not be realized in the foreseeable future. If or when recognized, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013 will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.
	The tax years subject to examination by tax authorities in major jurisdictions that Bio-Rad operates in include the years 2009 and forward for the U.S., and the years 2008 and forward for certain foreign jurisdictions, including France, Switzerland and Germany.
	The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
		2013				2012				2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits – January 1	$	12.6			$	11.3			$	16.6
	Additions to tax positions related to prior years	4.7				1.3				1.2
	Reductions to tax positions related to prior years	(0.8		)		(0.8		)		(0.4		)
	Additions to tax positions related to the current year	2				1.6				1.5
Settlements	(0.3		)		—				(2.2		)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(1.7		)		(3.0		)		(5.1		)
Acquisitions	—				2.2				—
Currency translation	(0.3		)		—				(0.3		)
Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31	$	16.2			$	12.6			$	11.3
Substantially all our unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.
Bio-Rad recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, Bio-Rad has accrued interest of $3.4 million , $1.9 million and $2.0 million as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
At December 31, 2013, we believe that it is reasonably possible that $1.5 million of our unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized by the end of 2014 as a result of statute lapses.  These benefits are related to uncertainty regarding sustainability of certain deductions and credits for tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities.
In general, it is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in their operations. As of December 31, 2013, Bio-Rad had not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes on approximately $537 million of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration.  Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances.  If these earnings were repatriated to the U.S., the deferred tax liability associated with these temporary differences would be approximately $108 million.

7_Stockholders_Equity

7. Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	7.    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Bio-Rad’s issued and outstanding stock consists of Class A Common Stock (Class A) and Class B Common Stock (Class B).  Each share of Class A and Class B participates equally in the earnings of Bio-Rad, and is identical in all respects except as follows. Class A has limited voting rights.  Each share of Class A is entitled to one tenth of a vote on most matters, and each share of Class B is entitled to one vote.  Additionally, Class A stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors and Class B stockholders are entitled to elect 75% of the directors. Cash dividends may be paid on Class A shares without paying a cash dividend on Class B shares but no cash dividend may be paid on Class B shares unless at least an equal cash dividend is paid on Class A shares.  Class B shares are convertible at any time into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis at the option of the stockholder.  The founders of Bio-Rad, the Schwartz family, collectively hold a majority of Bio-Rad’s voting stock.  As a result, the Schwartz family is able to exercise significant influence over Bio-Rad.
	Changes to Bio-Rad's common stock shares are as follows (in thousands):
		Class A Shares	Class B Shares
	Balance at January 1, 2011	22,677	5,175
	B to A conversions	39	(39	)
	Issuance of common stock	304	28
	Balance at December 31, 2011	23,020	5,165
	B to A conversions	59	(59	)
	Issuance of common stock	253	44
	Balance at December 31, 2012	23,333	5,150
	B to A conversions	80	(80	)
	Issuance of common stock	269	27
	Balance at December 31, 2013	23,681	5,097
	Treasury Shares
	The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $18.0 million of Bio-Rad's common stock, of which $3.3 million has yet to be repurchased in the open market as of December 31, 2013. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) limits our ability to repurchase our stock. In accordance with the terms of awards under the 2007 Incentive Award Plan, in June 2012, we withheld 122 shares of our Class A common stock and 917 shares of our Class B common stock to satisfy the minimum statutory tax obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock of certain of our employees, which is considered a repurchase of our stock. All of the restricted stock has vested as of December 31, 2013, and therefore we do not anticipate any repurchasing of shares for this purpose. We had no other repurchases of our stock during 2013 or 2012.

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
accumulated other comprehensive income [Text Block]	'
	8.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Accumulated other comprehensive income included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity consists of the following components, all net of income taxes (in millions):
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Foreign 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 January 1, 2012	$	149.2		$	0.2		$	49.3		$	198.7		$	(0.2	)	$	198.5
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax before reclassifications	23.6			(8.5		)	65.4			80.5			—			80.5
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	0.1			0.2			(5.0		)	(4.7		)	—			(4.7		)
	Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23.7			(8.3		)	60.4			75.8			—			75.8
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	172.9		$	(8.1	)	$	109.7		$	274.5		$	(0.2	)	$	274.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax before reclassifications	16.7			(0.5		)	49.5			65.7			—			65.7
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(0.2		)	0.5			0.2			0.5			0.2			0.7
	Net current-period Other comprehensive income, net of tax	16.5			—			49.7			66.2			0.2			66.4
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	189.4		$	(8.1	)	$	159.4		$	340.7		$	—		$	340.7
	The effects on the Consolidated Statements of Income of amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income for the period ended December 31, 2012 are summarized in the following table:
	Details about Accumulated other comprehensive income components		Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income				Affected line item
	Amortization of foreign other post-employment benefit items		(0.3		)		Selling, general and administrative expense
			0.1				Income tax expense
			$	(0.2	)		Net of income taxes
	Net holding gains on available-for-sale investments		7.9				Other (income) expense, net
			(2.9		)		Income tax expense
			5				Net of income taxes
	The effects on the Consolidated Statements of Income of amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income for the period ended December 31, 2013 are summarized in the following table:
	Details about Accumulated other comprehensive income components		Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income				Affected line item
	Amortization of foreign other post-employment benefit items		(0.7		)		Selling, general and administrative expense
			0.2				Income tax expense
			$	(0.5	)		Net of income taxes
	Net holding losses on available-for-sale investments		(0.3		)		Other (income) expense, net
			0.1				Income tax expense
			(0.2		)		Net of income taxes

9_Sharebased_Compensation

9. Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments	'
	9. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION/STOCK OPTION AND PURCHASE PLANS
	Description of Share-Based Compensation Plans
	Stock Option and Award Plans
	We have three stock option plans for officers and certain other employees: the 1994 Stock Option Plan (1994 Plan); the 2003 Stock Option Plan (2003 Plan); and the 2007 Incentive Award Plan (2007 Plan).  The 1994 Plan and 2003 Plan authorized the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to employees. The 2007 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and other types of equity awards to employees.  We no longer grant stock option grants under the 1994 Plan or 2003 Plan.  Since 2007, all share-based compensation grants have been from the 2007 Plan. A total of 1,650,360 shares have been reserved for issuance of equity awards under the 2007 Plan and may be of either Class A or Class B common stock.  At December 31, 2013, there were 492,310 shares available to be granted in the future.
	Under the above plans, Class A and Class B options are granted at prices not less than fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.  Generally, options granted have a term of 10 years and vest in increments of 20% per year over a five-year period on the yearly anniversary date of the grant.  Stock awards issued under the 2007 Plan generally vest in increments of 20% per year over a five-year period on the yearly anniversary date of the grant.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plans
	Our Amended and Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1988 ESPP) and our 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2011 ESPP) provides that eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of their compensation up to $25,000 annually toward the quarterly purchase of our Class A common stock.  The employees’ purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the stock on the first business day or the last business day of each calendar quarter.  As of January 1, 2012, we no longer issue shares from the 1988 ESPP.
	The 2011 ESPP includes two components: a Code Section 423 Component that we intend to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and a Non-423 Component, which authorizes the grant of purchase rights that does not qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code. We have authorized the sale of 600,000 shares of Class A common stock under the 2011 ESPP.
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	Included in our share-based compensation expense is the cost related to stock option grants, ESPP stock purchases, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards.  Share-based compensation expense is allocated to Cost of goods sold, Research and development expense, and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	For 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $13.7 million, $13.2 million and $10.7 million, respectively.  We did not capitalize any share-based compensation expense in inventory.
	For options and awards, we amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis.  All stock compensation awards are amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity:
			Shares			Weighted-				Weighted-		Aggregate
						Average				Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise Price				Remaining		Value
										Contractual		(in millions)
										Term (in years)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011		1,057,819			$	57.12
	Granted		58,500			$	99.49
	Exercised		(220,372	)		$	42.44
	Forfeited/expired		(7,197	)		$	62.98
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011		888,750			$	63.5
	Granted		55,250			$	107.32
	Exercised		(181,707	)		$	44.66
	Forfeited/expired		(15,000	)		$	87.78
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		747,293			$	70.83
	Granted		55,050			$	117.67
	Exercised		(159,450	)		$	54.16
	Forfeited/expired		(13,250	)		$	91.32
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		629,643			$	78.72			4.53		$	28.3
	Vested and expected to vest,
	December 31, 2013		612,946			$	77.91			4.41		$	28
	Exercisable, December 31, 2013		472,193			$	70.14			3.23		$	25.2
	The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of		Number			Weighted-Average		Weighted -Average				Number			Weighted -
	Exercise Prices		Outstanding			Remaining		Exercise				Exercisable			Average
						Contractual Term		Price							Exercise Price
						(in years)
	$ 53.75 - $ 62.47		191,930			1.41		$	58.4			191,930			$	58.4
	$ 63.00 - $ 75.38		178,413			3.53		$	69.87			168,313			$	69.56
	$ 84.57 - $107.32		204,250			6.93		$	95.03			111,950			$	91.11
	$117.00 - $122.36		55,050			9.71		$	117.67			—			$	—
	Totals		629,643									472,193
	Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price. The total intrinsic value on the date of exercise of stock options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $11 million, $11 million and $14 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2.2 million, $2.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
	Cash received from stock options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.1 million, $3.4 million and $7.7 million, respectively.  The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised totaled $6.6 million, $6.5 million and $6.0 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $6.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock options. This amount is expected to be recognized in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.
	The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Expected volatility		28		%		30		%		32		%
	Risk-free interest rate		2.65		%		1.53		%		1.71		%
	Expected life (in years)		8.9				9				8.6
	Expected dividend		—				—				—
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	47.25			$	41.82			$	40.81
	Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of our common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected life.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life represents the number of years that we estimate, based primarily on historical experience, that the options will be outstanding prior to exercise.  We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero.
	Restricted Stock
	Under the 2007 Plan, restricted stock was last granted in 2008 and there will be no further grants.  The fair value of each share of restricted stock is the market value as determined by the closing price of the stock on the day of grant.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013							2012							2011
		Restricted			Weighted-				Restricted			Weighted-				Restricted		Weighted-
		Stock			Average				Stock			Average				Stock		Average
		Shares			Grant-Date				Shares			Grant-Date				Shares		Grant-Date
					Fair Value							Fair Value						Fair Value
Nonvested shares, at
beginning of year		12,957			$	88.09			39,629			$	84.07			68,893		$	83.21
Vested		(12,610	)		$	88.09			(25,124	)		$	81.98			(26,179	)	$	81.98
Cancelled/forfeited		(347	)		$	88			(1,548	)		$	84.2			(3,085	)	$	82.63
Nonvested shares, at
end of year		—			$	—			12,957			$	88.09			39,629		$	84.07
As of December 31, 2013, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units, which are rights to receive shares of company stock, were granted from 2007 through 2013 under the 2007 Plan.  The fair value of each restricted stock unit is the market value as determined by the closing price of the stock on the day of grant.
The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity:
		Restricted			Weighted-				Weighted-Average		Aggregate
		Stock			Average				Remaining		Intrinsic Value
		Units			Grant-Date				Contractual Term		as of
					Fair Value				(in years)		31-Dec-13
											(in millions)
Outstanding, January 1, 2011		242,222			$	80.61
Granted		127,920			$	98.25
Vested		(54,350	)		$	79.67
Forfeited		(16,430	)		$	80.7
Outstanding, December 31, 2011		299,362			$	88.31
Granted		138,840			$	107.32
Vested		(75,466	)		$	85.52
Forfeited		(14,235	)		$	89.31
Outstanding, December 31, 2012		348,501			$	96.45
Granted		144,445			$	117.09
Vested		(92,273	)		$	92.26
Forfeited		(25,243	)		$	96.08
Outstanding, December 31, 2013		375,430			$	105.44			2.13		$	46.4
As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $30.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units.  This amount is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of approximately 4 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights under the 2011 ESPP and the 1988 ESPP was estimated using a Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013						2012						2011
Expected volatility	19		%				27		%				20		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.05		%				0.07		%				0.06		%
Expected life (in years)	0.25						0.25						0.25
Expected dividend	—						—						—
Weighted-average fair value
of purchase rights	$	21.76					$	20.7					$	20.35
The major assumptions are primarily based on historical data.  Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of our common stock for a period equal to the expected life of the purchase rights.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero.
We sold 103,669 shares for $10.0 million, 107,749 shares for $9.2 million and 96,362 shares for $8.1 million under the 2011 ESPP and 1988 ESPP to employees in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, 388,582 shares remain authorized and available for issuance under the 2011 ESPP.
We currently issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises, restricted stock issuances and ESPP stock purchases.

10_Other_Income_and_Expenses

10. Other Income and Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure	'
	10. OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE, NET
	Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest and investment income	$	(13.4	)	$	(11.4	)	$	(8.2	)
	Net realized losses (gains) on investments	0.3			(8.7		)	(0.7		)
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments	0.3			1			2.1
	Losses (gains) on disposal of property, plant and equipment	0.5			(3.8		)	0.2
	Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net	(0.5		)	1			(1.0		)
	Other (income) expense, net	$	(12.8	)	$	(21.9	)	$	(7.6	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments were recorded in 2013, 2012 and 2011 on certain of our available-for-sale investments in light of the continuing declines in their market prices at that time, primarily associated with our investment in a sovereign nation with large deficits and our decision to sell holdings in a particular adviser account.
	In December 2012, we sold a building for $6.4 million in our Clinical Diagnostics segment that was associated with a 1999 acquisition. We recognized a gain on the sale of $4.3 million and a portion of goodwill recorded in a 1999 acquisition was written off of $1.0 million.

11_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Info

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	11. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	The reconciliation of net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities is as follows (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	77.8		$	165.5		$	178.8
	Adjustments to reconcile net income including
	noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by
	operating activities (net of effects of acquisitions):
	Depreciation and amortization	147.2			130.4			121
	Share-based compensation	13.7			13.2			10.7
	Losses (gains) on dispositions of securities	0.6			(7.6		)	1.5
	Losses (gains) on dispositions of fixed assets	0.5			(4.8		)	0.2
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(2.7		)	(2.9		)	(3.2		)
	Changes in fair value of contingent consideration	(5.8		)	(16.1		)	—
	(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net	(24.2		)	4.4			(20.1		)
	Increase in inventories, net	(33.4		)	(4.3		)	(45.2		)
	Increase in other current assets	(4.2		)	(5.6		)	11.1
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
	and other current liabilities	33.2			19			(6.6		)
	(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable	(38.0		)	(18.0		)	5.4
	Decrease in deferred income taxes	(4.0		)	(10.3		)	(1.6		)
	Write-off of goodwill	—			1			—
	Net increase/decrease in other long-term liabilities/assets	14.8			12.1			10.7
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	175.5		$	276		$	262.7
	Non-cash investing activities:
	Purchased intangible assets	$	12		$	0.5		$	—
	Purchased marketable securities and investments	$	0.4		$	1.6		$	11.6

12_Commitments_Contingent_Liab

12. Commitments & Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	Rents and Leases
	Net rental expense under operating leases was $45.5 million, $41.4 million and $42.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Leases are principally for facilities and automobiles.
	Annual future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2013 under operating leases are as follows: 2014 - $39.1 million; 2015 - $30.1 million; 2016 - $24.0 million; 2017 - $18.6 million; and 2018 and beyond - $49.8 million.
	Deferred Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
	We have a profit sharing plan covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Contributions are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Bio-Rad has no liability other than for the current year’s contribution.  Contribution expense was $13.5 million, $12.1 million and $12.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Other Post-Employment Benefits
	In several foreign locations we are statutorily required to provide a lump sum severance or termination indemnity to our employees.  Under these plans, the vested benefit obligation at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $46.3 million and $39.5 million, respectively, and has been included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These plans are not required to be funded, and as such, there is no trust or other device used to accumulate assets to settle these obligations.
	Purchase Obligations
	As of December 31, 2013, we had obligations that have been recognized on our balance sheet of $99.0 million, which include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding to Bio-Rad and that specify all significant terms and exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.
	The annual future fixed and determinable portion of our purchase obligations that have been recognized on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 are as follows: 2015 to 2016 - $32.3 million, 2017 to 2018 - $7.3 million and after 2018 - $59.4 million.
	As of December 31, 2013, we had purchase obligations that have not been recognized on our balance sheet of $65.4 million, which include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding to Bio-Rad and that specify all significant terms and exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.
	The annual future fixed and determinable portion of our purchase obligations that have not been recognized on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 are as follows: 2014 - $57.4 million, 2015 - $7.2 million, 2016 - $0.4 million and 2017 - $0.4 million.
	Letters of Credit
	In the ordinary course of business, we are at times required to post letters of credit.  The letters of credit are issued by our banks to guarantee our obligations to various parties including insurance companies. We were contingently liable for $8.2 million of standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2013.
	Contingent Consideration
	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. The development milestone was met as of December 31, 2012, resulting in a payment of $6.0 million in January 2013. During 2012, the first three short-term sales milestones were not met and therefore the fair value of the contingent consideration was lowered by $16.1 million and credited to Selling, general and administrative expense. During 2013, we did not expect that any of the remaining sales milestones would be met and therefore $2.0 million of the remaining contingent consideration liability was credited to Selling, general and administrative expense.
	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 fair value of the contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach related to the achievement of certain development and sales milestones and was recorded at $44.6 million in 2012. The development milestones have been achieved and payments totaling $20.0 million were made in 2013. 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 contingent consideration was revalued by a net reduction of $3.8 million to Selling, general and administrative expense to its estimated fair value of $20.8 million as of December 31, 2013.
	Concentrations of Labor Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements
	At December 31, 2013, approximately seven percent of Bio-Rad's approximately 3,000 U.S. employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, which will expire on November 8, 2016.  Many of Bio-Rad's non-U.S. full-time employees, especially in France, are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

13_Legal_Proceedings

13. Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]	'
Legal Matters and Contingencies	'
	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 been engaged in 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 Estimated loss contingency recorded in the latter half of 2013 of $35.0 million, including $5.0 million of accrued 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.

14_Segment_Reporting

14. Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	14. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Bio-Rad is a multinational manufacturer and worldwide distributor of its own life science research products and clinical diagnostics products.  We have two reportable segments:  Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics.  These reportable segments are strategic business lines that offer more than 8,000 different products and services and require different marketing strategies. We do not disclose quantitative information about our different products and services as it is impractical to do so based primarily on the numerous products and services that we sell and the global markets that we serve.
	The Life Science segment develops, manufactures, sells and services reagents, apparatus and instruments used for biological research.  These products are sold to university and medical school laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, food testing laboratories and government and industrial research facilities.
	The Clinical Diagnostics segment develops, manufactures, sells and services automated test systems, informatics systems, test kits and specialized quality controls for the healthcare market.  These products are sold to reference laboratories, hospital laboratories, state newborn screening facilities, physicians’ office laboratories, transfusion laboratories and insurance and forensic testing laboratories.
	Other Operations include the remainder of our former Analytical Instruments segment.
	Segment results are presented in the same manner as we present our operations internally to make operating decisions and assess performance. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Significant Accounting Policies (see Note 1).  Segment profit or loss includes an allocation of corporate expense based upon sales and an allocation of interest expense based upon accounts receivable and inventories.  The difference between total segment allocated interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures and the corresponding consolidated amounts is attributable to our corporate headquarters.  Segments are expected to manage only assets completely under their control.  Accordingly, segment assets include primarily accounts receivable, inventories and gross machinery and equipment.  Goodwill balances have been included in corporate for segment reporting purposes.
	Information regarding industry segments at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and for the years then ended is as follows (in millions):
			Life				Clinical				Other
			Science				Diagnostics				Operations
	Segment net sales	2013	$	710			$	1,408.00			$	14.7
		2012	688.4				1,365.50				15.3
		2011	694.7				1,363.80				15
	Allocated interest expense	2013	$	10.4			$	30.1			$	0.1
		2012	13.4				37.8				0.2
		2011	14.2				38.9				0.2
	Depreciation and amortization	2013	$	32.6			$	91.5			$	0.1
		2012	26.3				92.9				0.1
		2011	17.3				93.2				0.2
	Segment (loss) profit	2013	$	(13.7	)		$	176.2			$	1.1
		2012	13.2				202.6				1.6
		2011	46.7				206.7				1.3
	Segment assets	2013	$	389.1			$	980.9			$	5.1
		2012	359.9				917				4.3
	Capital expenditures	2013	$	19.8			$	72.8			$	0.2
		2012	17.3				76.8				0.1
	Net corporate operating expense 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. In 2013, this included the accrual of $35.0 million in connection with our initial efforts to resolve the SEC and DOJ investigations relating to the FCPA that was recorded in the latter half of 2013 (see Note 13), and the $15.6 million expense for the redemption of our 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes (see Note 5). The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Total segment profit	$	163.6			$	217.4			$	254.7
	Foreign exchange losses	(8.6		)		(5.0		)		(13.8		)
	Net corporate operating, interest and other expense, net not allocated to segments	(55.4		)		(4.4		)		(2.7		)
	Other income (expense), net	12.8				21.9				7.6
	Consolidated income before taxes	$	112.4			$	229.9			$	245.8
	The following reconciles total segment assets to consolidated total assets (in millions):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Total segment assets		$	1,375.10			$	1,281.20
	Cash and other current assets		835.1				1,092.00
	Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding
	segment specific gross machinery and equipment		(14.9		)		(4.2		)
	Goodwill, net		517.8				495.4
	Other long-term assets		675.7				579.1
	Total assets		$	3,388.80			$	3,443.50
	The following presents net sales to external customers by geographic region based primarily on the location of the use of the product or service (in millions):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Europe		$	886.1			$	837			$	896.4
	Pacific Rim		413.3				425.7				398.4
	United States		677.7				656.7				631
	Other (primarily Canada and Latin America)		155.6				149.8				147.7
	Total net sales		$	2,132.70			$	2,069.20			$	2,073.50
	The following presents Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic region based upon the location of the asset (in millions):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Europe		$	217.4			$	199.1
	Pacific Rim		28.2				30
	United States		579.9				487.8
	Other (primarily Canada and Latin America)		13.4				18.1
	Total Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net		$	838.9			$	735

15_Quarterly_Financial_Data

15. Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data [Text Block]	'
	15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	During the third quarter of 2013, we identified errors in the consolidated financial statements for the years 2011 and 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 inappropriately expensing inventory in amounts greater than actual costs for non-sales transactions, primarily related to inventory being used for demonstration purposes and product samples that are recorded to Selling, general and administrative expense. In addition, the Life Science segment inventory error affected cost of goods sold as we relieved inventory at a higher cost than incurred on limited sales to third parties produced in a non-U.S. manufacturing facility.
	During the third quarter of 2013, we revised the classification of one item for all periods presented from “Provision for income taxes” to “Research and development expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Income to conform to the current year presentation. The item reclassified pertains to a refundable French R&D tax credit, which after the reclassification reduces Research and development expense. We believe this presentation is appropriate as we are not required to have taxable income in order to earn the credits.
	Management evaluated the materiality of all the errors described above 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 are correcting these errors in every affected period in the 2013 Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
	The impact of the immaterial error correction, and the reclassification, both described above are presented on a as reported, adjustment and as revised basis in the following summarized quarterly financial data for 2013 and 2012 (in millions, except per share data):
	As reported:	First		Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	499.7	$	525.3		$	505.1		$	602.6
	Gross profit	271.4		300.1			284.2			322.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	19.5		34.7			(7.1		)	30.1
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.68	$	1.22		$	(0.25	)	$	1.05
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.68	$	1.2		$	(0.25	)	$	1.04
	2012
	Net sales	$	486.3	$	510.4		$	498.7		$	573.8
	Gross profit	278.6		287.9			273.5			314.1
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	31		48.3			42.4			42
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.1	$	1.71		$	1.5		$	1.48
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.09	$	1.69		$	1.48		$	1.46
	Adjustments:	First		Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Gross profit	—		—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	0.7		(0.1		)	—			—
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.03	$	(0.01	)	$	—		$	—
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.02	$	—		$	—		$	—
	2012
	Net sales	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Gross profit	0.1		0.2			0.3			0.4
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	0.5		(0.2		)	0.2			1.2
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.02	$	(0.01	)	$	0.01		$	0.04
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.01	$	(0.01	)	$	0.01		$	0.05
	As revised:	First		Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	499.7	$	525.3		$	505.1		$	602.6
	Gross profit	271.4		300.1			284.2			322.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	20.2		34.6			(7.1		)	30.1
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.71	$	1.21		$	(0.25	)	$	1.05
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.7	$	1.2		$	(0.25	)	$	1.04
	2012
	Net sales	$	486.3	$	510.4		$	498.7		$	573.8
	Gross profit	278.7		288.1			273.8			314.5
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	31.5		48.1			42.6			43.2
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.12	$	1.7		$	1.51		$	1.52
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.1	$	1.68		$	1.49		$	1.51
	During the first quarter of 2012, we identified an error in the consolidated financial statements for the years 2007 through 2011, related to a foreign supplemental tax associated with social benefits. We incorrectly interpreted and applied the local statutes to our circumstances. We accrued $6.1 million for these foreign supplemental taxes, including penalties and interest, during the first quarter of 2012, all of which has been paid. The foreign supplemental tax, and the related penalties and interest, were not deductible for income tax purposes, and as such this error did not have an impact on Bio-Rad's provision for income taxes.
	We evaluated the materiality of this error from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Based on such evaluation, we concluded that while the accumulation of this error was significant to the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, the correction was not material to any individual prior period or for the year ended December 31, 2012, nor did it 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).

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accoutns	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011
	(in thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
		Balance at		Additions		Deductions			Balance at
		Beginning		Charged to Costs					End of Year
		of Year		and Expenses
	2013	$	29,202	$	9,181	$	(5,912	)	$	32,471
	2012	$	33,259	$	7,597	$	(11,654	)	$	29,202
	2011	$	25,052	$	15,112	$	(6,905	)	$	33,259
	Valuation allowance for current and long-term deferred tax assets
		Balance at		Additions Charged		Deductions			Other (A)		Balance at
		Beginning		(Credited) to Income							End of Year
		of Year		Tax Expense
	2013	$	52,856	$	11,155	$	—		$	—	$	64,011
	2012	$	48,926	$	3,700	$	—		$	230	$	52,856
	2011	$	37,015	$	6,356	$	—		$	5,555	$	48,926
	(A)  Due to acquisitions.

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic1

1. Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Research and Development
	Internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Third-party research and development costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and all of our wholly and majority owned subsidiaries (referred to in this report as “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us” and “our”) after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less which are readily convertible into cash.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Available-for-sale Investments	'
	Available-for-Sale Investments
	Available-for-sale investments consist of corporate obligations, municipal securities, asset backed securities, U.S. government sponsored agencies and marketable equity securities.  Management classifies investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date.  Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations.  Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices and other observable market data.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of any related tax effect.  Unrealized losses are charged against income when a decline in the fair value of an individual security is determined to be other-than-temporary.  We review our available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary losses on a quarterly basis.  Realized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included in Other (income) expense, net (see Note 10).
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, foreign exchange contracts and trade accounts receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents and investments are placed with various highly rated major financial institutions located in different geographic regions. Bio-Rad has not sustained significant losses from instruments held at financial institutions.
	The forward contracts used in managing our foreign currency exposures have an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements.  We attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated domestic and international financial institutions.  In the event of non-performance by these counterparties, the carrying values of our financial instruments represent the maximum amount of loss we would have incurred as of our fiscal year-end.  However, we do not expect to record any losses as a result of counterparty default.
	We perform credit evaluation procedures related to our trade receivables and with the exception of certain developing countries, generally do not require collateral.  As a result of increased risk in certain developing countries, some Bio-Rad sales are subject to collateral letters of credit from our customers.  Credit risk for trade accounts receivable is generally limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many geographic areas.  However, a significant amount of trade receivables are with national healthcare systems in countries within the European Union.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments.  The amount of the allowance is determined by analyzing known uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ country or industry, historical losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this allowance.
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	Inventories are valued at the lower of actual cost or market (net realizable value) and include material, labor and overhead costs.  The first-in, first-out method is used to relieve inventory for products sold.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Included in property, plant and equipment are buildings and equipment acquired under capital lease arrangements, reagent rental equipment and capitalized software, including costs for software developed or obtained for internal use. Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
	Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Buildings and leasehold improvements are amortized over 15-30 years or the term of the leases or life of the improvements, whichever is shorter.  With the exception of reagent rental equipment, which is amortized over a 1-5 year period, equipment and capitalized software is depreciated over 3-12 years.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill is assessed for impairment by applying fair value based tests annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments.  Our reporting units are identified as components for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by management.  Goodwill amounts are assigned to reporting units at the time of acquisition.
	The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We use a projected discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of a reporting unit.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is not required.  The second step, if required, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  The fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Long-Lived Assets	'
	Long-Lived Assets
	For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets (including identifiable intangible assets) quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Factors that we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include:
	•	significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results;
	•	significant changes in the manner of use of the long-lived assets, intangible assets or the strategy for our overall business;
	•	a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of at a loss before the end of its previously estimated useful life; and
	•	significant negative industry, legal, regulatory or economic trends.
	When management determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we test for any impairment based on a projected undiscounted cash flow method.  Projected future operating results and cash flows of the asset or asset group are used to establish the fair value used in evaluating the carrying value of long-lived and intangible assets.  We estimate the future cash flows of the long-lived assets using current and long-term financial forecasts.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If this is the case, an impairment loss would be recognized.  The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of losses, credits, and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. They are determined using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized.  In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. To the extent we determine that we are able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which may reduce the provision for income taxes. When we establish or reduce the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, our provision for income taxes will increase or decrease, respectively, in the period that determination to change the valuation allowance is made.
	We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements on a particular tax position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.  The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a tax examination, or resolution of an examination.  We recognize both accrued interest and penalties, where appropriate, related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and title has passed to the customer or product has been delivered absent specific contractual specifications.  Revenue associated with equipment that requires factory installation is not recorded until installation is complete and customer acceptance, if required contractually, has occurred.  At the time revenue is recognized, a provision is recognized for estimated product returns. Service revenues on extended warranty contracts are recognized ratably over the life of the service agreement, or as services are performed if not under contract.
	Reagent agreements are a diagnostic industry sales method that provides use of an instrument and consumables (reagents) to a customer on a per test basis.  We evaluate our reagent agreements and account for these contracts under the guidance pertaining to accounting for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Our reagent agreements represent one unit of accounting as the instrument and consumables are interdependent in producing a diagnostic result that neither has a stand-alone value with respect to these agreements. All revenues that we earn under our reagent agreements are recognized pursuant to the terms of each agreement and are based and entirely contingent upon either (i) when the consumables to conduct a fixed number of tests are delivered or (ii) as reported by the customer on a per test basis.
Shipping and Handling	'
	Shipping and Handling
	We classify all freight costs billed to customers as Net sales.  Related freight costs are included in Cost of goods sold.
Warranty	'
	Warranty
	We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, mostly 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.
	Changes in the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, were as follows (in millions):
			2013				2012
	1-Jan		$	16.4			$	16.4
	Provision for warranty		15.6				19.8
	Actual warranty costs		(16.4		)		(19.8		)
	31-Dec		$	15.6			$	16.4
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency
	Balance sheet accounts of international subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rates as of the end of each accounting period.  Income statement items are translated at average exchange rates for the period.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Transaction gains and losses result primarily from fluctuations in exchange rates when intercompany receivables and payables are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiary that recorded the transaction.
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts	'
	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 exchange rates that affect foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and payables.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we seek hedge accounting treatment for any of our contracts. As a result, these contracts, generally with maturity dates of 90 days or less and denominated primarily in currencies of industrial countries, are recorded as an asset or liability measured at their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gains or losses offset exchange gains or losses, on the related receivables and payables, all of which are recorded as Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Noncontrolling Interests
	A noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in a consolidated entity that is reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from Bio-Rad’s equity.  In addition, net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reported separately from net income attributable to Bio-Rad in the consolidated financial statements.  Our consolidated statements presented the full amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses of all of our consolidated subsidiaries, with a partially offsetting amount shown in noncontrolling interests for the portion of assets and liabilities that were not controlled by us.
	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, and therefore there are no noncontrolling interests in Bio-Rad.
Share-based Compensation Plans	'
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted is determined based on the grant-date fair value.  We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the share-based payment awards.  We estimated the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.  These plans are described more fully in Note 9.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Bio-Rad by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for that period.  Diluted 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 earnings per share calculation if the effect would be anti-dilutive.
	Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class method.  As our unvested restricted shares qualify as participating securities, we have included these shares in the computation of EPS.
	The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share and the anti-dilutive shares are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		28,586			28,290			28,031
	Effect of potentially dilutive stock options
	and restricted stock awards		320			352			437
	Diluted weighted average common shares		28,906			28,642			28,468
	Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards
	excluded from the computation of diluted EPS		107			83			63
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	For certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, marketable securities, notes payable, accounts payable and foreign exchange contracts, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.
	The estimated fair value of financial instruments is based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  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 (see Note 3).
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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. This guidance is related to disclosure only and therefore did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic2

1. Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatements Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	'
	The impact of the immaterial error correction, and the reclassification, both described above on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
			31-Dec-12
			As reported				Adjustment			As revised
	Inventories: finished goods		$	230,624			$	6,750		$	237,374
	Total inventories		448,370				6,750			455,120
	Total current assets		1,929,932				6,750			1,936,682
	Total assets		3,436,753				6,750			3,443,503
	Income and other taxes payable		32,299				2,480			34,779
	Total current liabilities		469,920				2,480			472,400
	Total liabilities		1,425,483				2,480			1,427,963
	Total stockholders' equity		2,011,270				4,270			2,015,540
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	3,436,753			$	6,750		$	3,443,503
		Year ended December 31,
		2012									2011
		As reported			Adjustment			As revised			As reported		Adjustment			As revised
	Cost of goods sold	$	915,097		$	(1,020	)	$	914,077		$	895,640	$	(940	)	$	894,700
	Gross profit	1,154,138			1,020			1,155,158			1,177,889		940			1,178,829
	Selling, general and administrative expense	682,898			(1,120		)	681,778			696,294		(310		)	695,984
	Research and development expense	214,040			(4,836		)	209,204			186,439		(8,835		)	177,604
	Income from operations	257,200			6,976			264,176			295,156		10,085			305,241
	Income before income taxes	222,931			6,976			229,907			235,762		10,085			245,847
	Provision for income taxes	59,084			5,277			64,361			57,739		9,295			67,034
	Net income including noncontrolling interests	163,847			1,699			165,546			178,023		790			178,813
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	$	163,778		$	1,699		$	165,477		$	178,223	$	790		$	179,013
	Net income per basic share attributable to Bio-Rad	$	5.79		$	0.06		$	5.85		$	6.36	$	0.03		$	6.39
	Net income per diluted share attributable to Bio-Rad	$	5.72		$	0.06		$	5.78		$	6.26	$	0.03		$	6.29
	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:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2012	2011
	Net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, net of income tax, understated by $10,090 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.		$65,448	$12,663
	Income taxes on net unrealized holding gains on AFS investments, understated by $5,874 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.		$38,108	$7,373
	Reclassification adjustments for net holding (gains) losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of income tax, understated by $10,090 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $208 for the year ended 2011.		($5,045)	$104
	Income taxes on reclassification adjustments for net holding gains/losses on AFS investments included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, understated by $5,874 for the year ended 2012, and overstated by $121 for the year ended 2011.		($2,937)	$61
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	'
	Changes in the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, were as follows (in millions):
			2013				2012
	1-Jan		$	16.4			$	16.4
	Provision for warranty		15.6				19.8
	Actual warranty costs		(16.4		)		(19.8		)
	31-Dec		$	15.6			$	16.4
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	'
	The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share and the anti-dilutive shares are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		28,586			28,290			28,031
	Effect of potentially dilutive stock options
	and restricted stock awards		320			352			437
	Diluted weighted average common shares		28,906			28,642			28,468
	Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards
	excluded from the computation of diluted EPS		107			83			63

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Tabl

3. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'
Discussion of Current Derivative Risk Management [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of our forward foreign currency exchange contracts (in millions):
		December 31,
		2013
	Contracts maturing in January through March 2014 to sell foreign currency:
	Notional value	$	83.8
	Unrealized loss	$	—
	Contracts maturing in January through March 2014 to purchase foreign currency:
	Notional value	$	409.4
	Unrealized loss	$	0.5
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 year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
		2013
	1-Jan	$	52.6
	Payment of development milestone - QuantaLife	(6.0		)
	Payment of development milestone - Cell sorting system	(20.0		)
	Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - QuantaLife	(2.0		)
	Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense - Cell sorting system	(3.8		)
	31-Dec	$	20.8
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 liabilities as of December 31, 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 milestone:
			Credit adjusted discount rates	0.97%	1.93%
			Projected volatility of growth rates	13.00%	15.00%
			Market price of risk	1.00%	N/A
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 December 31, 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	$	—			$	7	$	—			$	7
	Foreign time deposits	11.1				—		—				11.1
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				1.2		—				1.2
	Money market funds	1.2				—		—				1.2
	Total cash equivalents	12.3				8.2		—				20.5
	Available-for-sale investments (b):
	Corporate debt securities	—				132.5		—				132.5
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	—				8.9		—				8.9
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	—				39.1		—				39.1
	Foreign government obligations	—				5.6		—				5.6
	Municipal obligations	—				11		—				11
	Marketable equity securities	325.2				—		—				325.2
	Asset-backed securities	—				48.6		—				48.6
	Total available-for-sale investments	325.2				245.7		—				570.9
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	—				0.6		—				0.6
	Total financial assets carried at fair value	$	337.5			$	254.5	$	—			$	592
	Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$	—			$	1.1	$	—			$	1.1
	Contingent consideration (e)	—				—		20.8				20.8
	Total financial liabilities carried at fair value	$	—			$	1.1	$	20.8			$	21.9
	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 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(b)	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		December 31,				December 31, 2012
		2013
	Short-term investments	$	277.4			$	457.7
	Other investments	293.5				218
	Total	$	570.9			$	675.7
	(c)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(d)	Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(e)	The contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Other current liabilities	$	6.1			$	27.3
	Other long-term liabilities	14.7				25.3
	Total	$	20.8			$	52.6
Schedule of available-for-sale investments	'
	Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions):
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized				Unrealized		Unrealized				Estimated
		Cost				Gains		Losses				Fair
												Value
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate debt securities	$	132.6			$	0.3	$	(0.4	)		$	132.5
	Foreign brokered certificates of deposit	8.9				—		—				8.9
	Municipal obligations	11.1				—		(0.1		)		11
	Asset-backed securities	48.4				0.1		(0.2		)		48.3
	U.S. government sponsored agencies	39.1				0.1		(0.1		)		39.1
	Foreign government obligations	5.6				—		—				5.6
	Marketable equity securities	26.6				5.4		—				32
		272.3				5.9		(0.8		)		277.4
	Long-term investments:
	Marketable equity securities	54.5				238.7		—				293.2
	Asset-backed securities	0.4				—		(0.1		)		0.3
		54.9				238.7		(0.1		)		293.5
	Total	$	327.2			$	244.6	$	(0.9	)		$	570.9
		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 investments with gross unrealized losses and the associated fair value	'
	The following is a summary of investments with gross unrealized losses and the associated fair value (in millions):
		December 31,				December 31, 2012
		2013
	Fair value of investments in a loss position 12 months or more	$	2.3			$	0.3
	Fair value of investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$	73.9			$	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 December 31, 2013 by contractual maturity date (in millions):
		Amortized				Estimated Fair
		Cost				Value
	Mature in less than one year	$	97.5			$	97.6
	Mature in one to five years	109.1				109.2
	Mature in more than five years	39.5				38.9
	Total	$	246.1			$	245.7
Estimated fair value of financial instruments	'
	The estimated fair value of the financial instruments discussed above and the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized are as follows (in millions):
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying				Estimated		Fair Value Hierarchy Level
		Amount				Fair				Amount				Fair
						Value								Value
	Other investments	$	77.5			$	382.9	2		$	68.4			$	272.5	2
	Total long-term debt, excluding leases	$	423.2			$	433	2		$	720			$	778.4	2
	and current maturities

4_Intangible_Assets_Goodwill_a1

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes to goodwill by segment	'
	Changes to goodwill by segment were as follows (in millions):
			2013										2012
			Life			Clinical				Total			Life			Clinical			Total
			Science			Diagnostics							Science			Diagnostics
	Balances as of January 1:
	Goodwill		$	193.6		$	330			$	523.6		$	176.8		$	319.3		$	496.1
	Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs		(27.2		)	(1.0		)		(28.2		)	(27.2		)	—			(27.2		)
	Goodwill, net		166.4			329				495.4			149.6			319.3			468.9
	Acquisitions		14.9			—				14.9			17.4			4.1			21.5
	Purchase adjustment		—			—				—			(0.6		)	—			(0.6		)
	Goodwill written off related to excess property		—			—				—			—			(1.0		)	(1.0		)
	Currency fluctuations		0.5			7				7.5			—			6.6			6.6
	Balances as of December 31:
	Goodwill		209			337				546			193.6			330			523.6
	Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs		(27.2		)	(1.0		)		(28.2		)	(27.2		)	(1.0		)	(28.2		)
	Goodwill, net		$	181.8		$	336			$	517.8		$	166.4		$	329		$	495.4
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major-Class	'
	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):
		December 31, 2013
		Average		Purchase			Accumulated				Net
		Remaining		Price			Amortization				Carrying
		Life (years)									Amount
	Customer relationships/lists	11-Jan		$	99.8		$	(41.1	)		$	58.7
	Know how	12-Feb		194.6			(89.3		)		105.3
	Developed product technology	13-Jan		109.5			(36.2		)		73.3
	Licenses	12-Jan		44.9			(22.4		)		22.5
	Tradenames	9-Jan		4.3			(2.1		)		2.2
	Covenants not to compete	9-May		4.9			(0.7		)		4.2
	Other	—		0.6			(0.6		)		—
				$	458.6		$	(192.4	)		$	266.2
		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

5_Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_D1

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Principal components of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	'
	The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,			December 31, 2012
		2013
	8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016	$	—		$	296.9
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2020, net of discount	423.2			423
	Capital leases and other debt	12.6			12.7
		435.8			732.6
	Less current maturities	(0.2		)	(0.2		)
	Long-term debt	$	435.6		$	732.4

6_Income_Taxes_Tables

6. Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
U.S. and international components of income before taxes [Table Text Block]	'
	The U.S. and international components of income before taxes are as follows (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	U.S.	$	5.7			$	110.6			$	111.8
	International	106.7				119.3				134
	Income before taxes	$	112.4			$	229.9			$	245.8
Provision for income taxes [Table Text Block]	'
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. Federal	$	(5.0	)		$	34.4			$	29
	State	0.6				4.1				3.5
	International	38.3				37.3				42
	Current tax expense	33.9				75.8				74.5
	Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
	U.S. Federal	4.8				(3.1		)		6.7
	State	(0.1		)		(0.9		)		0.4
	International	(9.4		)		(6.3		)		(9.1		)
	Deferred tax benefit	(4.7		)		(10.3		)		(2.0		)
	Non-current tax expense (benefit)	5.4				(1.1		)		(5.5		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	34.6			$	64.4			$	67
Reconcilation of effective tax rate on inocme before taxes and statutory rate [Table Text Block]	'
	The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income before taxes and the statutory tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U. S. statutory tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Impact of foreign operations	(6	)		(3	)		(4	)
	Research tax credits	(6	)		—			(1	)
	Nontaxable subsidies	(2	)		(1	)		(1	)
	Tax settlements and changes to unrecognized tax benefits	5			—			(2	)
	Contingent consideration	(1	)		(2	)		—
	Other	6			(1	)		—
	Provision for income taxes	31	%		28	%		27	%
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals	$	27.5			$	24.1
	Legal reserves	12				—
	Other post-employment benefits, vacation and other reserves	22.2				26.5
	Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards	62.3				62.1
	Other	19				18.3
	Valuation allowance	(64.0		)		(52.9		)
		79				78.1
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	17.2				8.6
	Investments and intangible assets	147				119.3
		164.2				127.9
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(85.2	)		$	(49.8	)
Tabular reconcilation of total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
		2013				2012				2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits – January 1	$	12.6			$	11.3			$	16.6
	Additions to tax positions related to prior years	4.7				1.3				1.2
	Reductions to tax positions related to prior years	(0.8		)		(0.8		)		(0.4		)
	Additions to tax positions related to the current year	2				1.6				1.5
	Settlements	(0.3		)		—				(2.2		)
	Lapse of statute of limitations	(1.7		)		(3.0		)		(5.1		)
	Acquisitions	—				2.2				—
	Currency translation	(0.3		)		—				(0.3		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31	$	16.2			$	12.6			$	11.3

7_Stockholders_Equity_Stockhol

7. Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Shares Detail (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes to Bio-Rad's common stock shares are as follows (in thousands):
		Class A Shares	Class B Shares
	Balance at January 1, 2011	22,677	5,175
	B to A conversions	39	(39	)
	Issuance of common stock	304	28
	Balance at December 31, 2011	23,020	5,165
	B to A conversions	59	(59	)
	Issuance of common stock	253	44
	Balance at December 31, 2012	23,333	5,150
	B to A conversions	80	(80	)
	Issuance of common stock	269	27
	Balance at December 31, 2013	23,681	5,097

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens1

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive income included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity consists of the following components, all net of income taxes (in millions):
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Foreign 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 January 1, 2012	$	149.2		$	0.2		$	49.3		$	198.7		$	(0.2	)	$	198.5
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax before reclassifications	23.6			(8.5		)	65.4			80.5			—			80.5
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	0.1			0.2			(5.0		)	(4.7		)	—			(4.7		)
	Net current-period Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23.7			(8.3		)	60.4			75.8			—			75.8
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	172.9		$	(8.1	)	$	109.7		$	274.5		$	(0.2	)	$	274.3
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax before reclassifications	16.7			(0.5		)	49.5			65.7			—			65.7
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income	(0.2		)	0.5			0.2			0.5			0.2			0.7
	Net current-period Other comprehensive income, net of tax	16.5			—			49.7			66.2			0.2			66.4
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	189.4		$	(8.1	)	$	159.4		$	340.7		$	—		$	340.7

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens2

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income for the period ended December 31, 2012 are summarized in the following table:
	Details about Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item
	Amortization of foreign other post-employment benefit items	(0.3		)	Selling, general and administrative expense
		0.1			Income tax expense
		$	(0.2	)	Net of income taxes
	Net holding gains on available-for-sale investments	7.9			Other (income) expense, net
		(2.9		)	Income tax expense
		5			Net of income taxes
	The effects on the Consolidated Statements of Income of amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income for the period ended December 31, 2013 are summarized in the following table:
	Details about Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item
	Amortization of foreign other post-employment benefit items	(0.7		)	Selling, general and administrative expense
		0.2			Income tax expense
		$	(0.5	)	Net of income taxes
	Net holding losses on available-for-sale investments	(0.3		)	Other (income) expense, net
		0.1			Income tax expense
		(0.2		)	Net of income taxes

9_Sharebased_Compensation_Tabl

9. Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock Options Activity	'
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity:
			Shares			Weighted-				Weighted-		Aggregate
						Average				Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise Price				Remaining		Value
										Contractual		(in millions)
										Term (in years)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011		1,057,819			$	57.12
	Granted		58,500			$	99.49
	Exercised		(220,372	)		$	42.44
	Forfeited/expired		(7,197	)		$	62.98
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011		888,750			$	63.5
	Granted		55,250			$	107.32
	Exercised		(181,707	)		$	44.66
	Forfeited/expired		(15,000	)		$	87.78
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		747,293			$	70.83
	Granted		55,050			$	117.67
	Exercised		(159,450	)		$	54.16
	Forfeited/expired		(13,250	)		$	91.32
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		629,643			$	78.72			4.53		$	28.3
	Vested and expected to vest,
	December 31, 2013		612,946			$	77.91			4.41		$	28
	Exercisable, December 31, 2013		472,193			$	70.14			3.23		$	25.2
Stock Options Outstanding	'
	The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of		Number			Weighted-Average		Weighted -Average				Number			Weighted -
	Exercise Prices		Outstanding			Remaining		Exercise				Exercisable			Average
						Contractual Term		Price							Exercise Price
						(in years)
	$ 53.75 - $ 62.47		191,930			1.41		$	58.4			191,930			$	58.4
	$ 63.00 - $ 75.38		178,413			3.53		$	69.87			168,313			$	69.56
	$ 84.57 - $107.32		204,250			6.93		$	95.03			111,950			$	91.11
	$117.00 - $122.36		55,050			9.71		$	117.67			—			$	—
	Totals		629,643									472,193
Stock Options Valuation Assumptions	'
	The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Expected volatility		28		%		30		%		32		%
	Risk-free interest rate		2.65		%		1.53		%		1.71		%
	Expected life (in years)		8.9				9				8.6
	Expected dividend		—				—				—
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	47.25			$	41.82			$	40.81
Resticted Stock Activity	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013							2012							2011
			Restricted			Weighted-				Restricted			Weighted-				Restricted		Weighted-
			Stock			Average				Stock			Average				Stock		Average
			Shares			Grant-Date				Shares			Grant-Date				Shares		Grant-Date
						Fair Value							Fair Value						Fair Value
	Nonvested shares, at
	beginning of year		12,957			$	88.09			39,629			$	84.07			68,893		$	83.21
	Vested		(12,610	)		$	88.09			(25,124	)		$	81.98			(26,179	)	$	81.98
	Cancelled/forfeited		(347	)		$	88			(1,548	)		$	84.2			(3,085	)	$	82.63
	Nonvested shares, at
	end of year		—			$	—			12,957			$	88.09			39,629		$	84.07
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity:
			Restricted			Weighted-				Weighted-Average		Aggregate
			Stock			Average				Remaining		Intrinsic Value
			Units			Grant-Date				Contractual Term		as of
						Fair Value				(in years)		31-Dec-13
												(in millions)
	Outstanding, January 1, 2011		242,222			$	80.61
	Granted		127,920			$	98.25
	Vested		(54,350	)		$	79.67
	Forfeited		(16,430	)		$	80.7
	Outstanding, December 31, 2011		299,362			$	88.31
	Granted		138,840			$	107.32
	Vested		(75,466	)		$	85.52
	Forfeited		(14,235	)		$	89.31
	Outstanding, December 31, 2012		348,501			$	96.45
	Granted		144,445			$	117.09
	Vested		(92,273	)		$	92.26
	Forfeited		(25,243	)		$	96.08
	Outstanding, December 31, 2013		375,430			$	105.44			2.13		$	46.4
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights under the 2011 ESPP and the 1988 ESPP was estimated using a Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013						2012						2011
	Expected volatility	19		%				27		%				20		%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.05		%				0.07		%				0.06		%
	Expected life (in years)	0.25						0.25						0.25
	Expected dividend	—						—						—
	Weighted-average fair value
	of purchase rights	$	21.76					$	20.7					$	20.35

10_Other_Income_and_Expenses_T

10. Other Income and Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expense [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other income (expense), net	'
	Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest and investment income	$	(13.4	)	$	(11.4	)	$	(8.2	)
	Net realized losses (gains) on investments	0.3			(8.7		)	(0.7		)
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments	0.3			1			2.1
	Losses (gains) on disposal of property, plant and equipment	0.5			(3.8		)	0.2
	Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net	(0.5		)	1			(1.0		)
	Other (income) expense, net	$	(12.8	)	$	(21.9	)	$	(7.6	)

11_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Info1

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	11. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	The reconciliation of net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities is as follows (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	77.8		$	165.5		$	178.8
	Adjustments to reconcile net income including
	noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by
	operating activities (net of effects of acquisitions):
	Depreciation and amortization	147.2			130.4			121
	Share-based compensation	13.7			13.2			10.7
	Losses (gains) on dispositions of securities	0.6			(7.6		)	1.5
	Losses (gains) on dispositions of fixed assets	0.5			(4.8		)	0.2
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(2.7		)	(2.9		)	(3.2		)
	Changes in fair value of contingent consideration	(5.8		)	(16.1		)	—
	(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net	(24.2		)	4.4			(20.1		)
	Increase in inventories, net	(33.4		)	(4.3		)	(45.2		)
	Increase in other current assets	(4.2		)	(5.6		)	11.1
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
	and other current liabilities	33.2			19			(6.6		)
	(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable	(38.0		)	(18.0		)	5.4
	Decrease in deferred income taxes	(4.0		)	(10.3		)	(1.6		)
	Write-off of goodwill	—			1			—
	Net increase/decrease in other long-term liabilities/assets	14.8			12.1			10.7
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	175.5		$	276		$	262.7
	Non-cash investing activities:
	Purchased intangible assets	$	12		$	0.5		$	—
	Purchased marketable securities and investments	$	0.4		$	1.6		$	11.6

14_Segment_Reporting_Tables

14. Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information regarding industry segments	'
	Information regarding industry segments at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and for the years then ended is as follows (in millions):
			Life				Clinical				Other
			Science				Diagnostics				Operations
	Segment net sales	2013	$	710			$	1,408.00			$	14.7
		2012	688.4				1,365.50				15.3
		2011	694.7				1,363.80				15
	Allocated interest expense	2013	$	10.4			$	30.1			$	0.1
		2012	13.4				37.8				0.2
		2011	14.2				38.9				0.2
	Depreciation and amortization	2013	$	32.6			$	91.5			$	0.1
		2012	26.3				92.9				0.1
		2011	17.3				93.2				0.2
	Segment (loss) profit	2013	$	(13.7	)		$	176.2			$	1.1
		2012	13.2				202.6				1.6
		2011	46.7				206.7				1.3
	Segment assets	2013	$	389.1			$	980.9			$	5.1
		2012	359.9				917				4.3
	Capital expenditures	2013	$	19.8			$	72.8			$	0.2
		2012	17.3				76.8				0.1
Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated income before taxes	'
	The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Total segment profit	$	163.6			$	217.4			$	254.7
	Foreign exchange losses	(8.6		)		(5.0		)		(13.8		)
	Net corporate operating, interest and other expense, net not allocated to segments	(55.4		)		(4.4		)		(2.7		)
	Other income (expense), net	12.8				21.9				7.6
	Consolidated income before taxes	$	112.4			$	229.9			$	245.8
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	'
	The following reconciles total segment assets to consolidated total assets (in millions):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Total segment assets		$	1,375.10			$	1,281.20
	Cash and other current assets		835.1				1,092.00
	Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding
	segment specific gross machinery and equipment		(14.9		)		(4.2		)
	Goodwill, net		517.8				495.4
	Other long-term assets		675.7				579.1
	Total assets		$	3,388.80			$	3,443.50
Net sales and assets to external customers by geographic area	'
	The following presents net sales to external customers by geographic region based primarily on the location of the use of the product or service (in millions):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Europe		$	886.1			$	837			$	896.4
	Pacific Rim		413.3				425.7				398.4
	United States		677.7				656.7				631
	Other (primarily Canada and Latin America)		155.6				149.8				147.7
	Total net sales		$	2,132.70			$	2,069.20			$	2,073.50
	The following presents Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic region based upon the location of the asset (in millions):
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Europe		$	217.4			$	199.1
	Pacific Rim		28.2				30
	United States		579.9				487.8
	Other (primarily Canada and Latin America)		13.4				18.1
	Total Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net		$	838.9			$	735

15_Quarterly_Financial_Data_Ta

15. Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data [Table Text Block]	'
	As reported:	First		Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	499.7	$	525.3		$	505.1		$	602.6
	Gross profit	271.4		300.1			284.2			322.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	19.5		34.7			(7.1		)	30.1
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.68	$	1.22		$	(0.25	)	$	1.05
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.68	$	1.2		$	(0.25	)	$	1.04
	2012
	Net sales	$	486.3	$	510.4		$	498.7		$	573.8
	Gross profit	278.6		287.9			273.5			314.1
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	31		48.3			42.4			42
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.1	$	1.71		$	1.5		$	1.48
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.09	$	1.69		$	1.48		$	1.46
	Adjustments:	First		Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Gross profit	—		—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	0.7		(0.1		)	—			—
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.03	$	(0.01	)	$	—		$	—
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.02	$	—		$	—		$	—
	2012
	Net sales	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Gross profit	0.1		0.2			0.3			0.4
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	0.5		(0.2		)	0.2			1.2
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.02	$	(0.01	)	$	0.01		$	0.04
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.01	$	(0.01	)	$	0.01		$	0.05
	As revised:	First		Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013
	Net sales	$	499.7	$	525.3		$	505.1		$	602.6
	Gross profit	271.4		300.1			284.2			322.7
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	20.2		34.6			(7.1		)	30.1
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.71	$	1.21		$	(0.25	)	$	1.05
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.7	$	1.2		$	(0.25	)	$	1.04
	2012
	Net sales	$	486.3	$	510.4		$	498.7		$	573.8
	Gross profit	278.7		288.1			273.8			314.5
	Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	31.5		48.1			42.6			43.2
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.12	$	1.7		$	1.51		$	1.52
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.1	$	1.68		$	1.49		$	1.51

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic3

1. Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'15 years
Minimum [Member] | Reagent Rental Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'1 year
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years
Maximum [Member] | Software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'12 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'30 years
Maximum [Member] | Reagent Rental Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'12 years

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic4

1. Significant Accounting Policies Warranty rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'
Warranty accrual, beginning of period	$16.40	$16.40
Provision for warranty	15.6	19.8
Actual warranty costs	-16.4	-19.8
Warranty accrual, end of period	$15.60	$16.40

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic5

1. Significant Accounting Policies Earnings per share (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	28,586	28,290	28,031
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards	320	352	437
Diluted weighted average common shares	28,906	28,642	28,468
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted EPS	107	83	63

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic6

1. Significant Accounting Policies Noncontrolling Interests (Details)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 14, 2013	Feb. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	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	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-1,007,000	-3,588,000	'	'	-600,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance	'	'	'	'	($300,000)

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic7

1. Significant Accounting Policies Immaterial Error & Reclassifications (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

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Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [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]

Cost of goods sold, immaterial error [Member]

Gross Profit, Immaterial Error [Member]

Gross Profit, Immaterial Error [Member]

Gross Profit, Immaterial Error [Member]

Gross Profit, Immaterial Error [Member]

Gross Profit, Immaterial Error [Member]

Gross Profit, 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]

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]

Research and development expense, reclassification [Member]

Income From Operations [Member]

Income From Operations [Member]

Income From Operations [Member]

Income From Operations [Member]

Income From Operations [Member]

Income From Operations [Member]

Income Before Income Taxes [Member]

Income Before Income Taxes [Member]

Income Before Income Taxes [Member]

Income Before Income Taxes [Member]

Income Before Income Taxes [Member]

Income Before Income Taxes [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]

Provision for income taxes [Member]

Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Net Income Including Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Net Income Attributable To Bio-Rad [Member]

Net Income Attributable To Bio-Rad [Member]

Net Income Attributable To Bio-Rad [Member]

Net Income Attributable To Bio-Rad [Member]

Net Income Attributable To Bio-Rad [Member]

Net Income Attributable To Bio-Rad [Member]

Net Income Per Basic Share [Member]

Net Income Per Basic Share [Member]

Net Income Per Basic Share [Member]

Net Income Per Basic Share [Member]

Net Income Per Basic Share [Member]

Net Income Per Basic Share [Member]

Net Income Per Diluted Share [Member]

Net Income Per Diluted Share [Member]

Net Income Per Diluted Share [Member]

Net Income Per Diluted Share [Member]

Net Income Per Diluted Share [Member]

Net Income Per Diluted Share [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

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Scenario, Actual [Member]

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Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Adjustment [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Scenario, Actual [Member]

Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finished goods

$265,689,000

$237,374,000

'

'

$230,624,000

$6,750,000

$237,374,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

915,097,000

895,640,000

-1,020,000

-940,000

914,077,000

894,700,000

1,154,138,000

1,177,889,000

1,020,000

940,000

1,155,158,000

1,178,829,000

682,898,000

696,294,000

-1,120,000

-310,000

681,778,000

695,984,000

214,040,000

186,439,000

-4,836,000

-8,835,000

209,204,000

177,604,000

257,200,000

295,156,000

6,976,000

10,085,000

264,176,000

305,241,000

222,931,000

235,762,000

6,976,000

10,085,000

229,907,000

245,847,000

59,084,000

57,739,000

5,277,000

9,295,000

64,361,000

67,034,000

163,847,000

178,023,000

1,699,000

790,000

165,546,000

178,813,000

163,778,000

178,223,000

1,699,000

790,000

165,477,000

179,013,000

5.79

6.36

0.06

0.03

5.85

6.39

5.72

6.26

0.06

0.03

5.78

6.29

Inventory, Net

501,291,000

455,120,000

'

'

448,370,000

6,750,000

455,120,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets, Current

1,747,856,000

1,936,682,000

'

'

1,929,932,000

6,750,000

1,936,682,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

3,388,790,000

3,443,503,000

'

'

3,436,753,000

6,750,000

3,443,503,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income and other taxes payable

33,555,000

34,779,000

'

'

32,299,000

2,480,000

34,779,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities, Current

487,472,000

472,400,000

'

'

469,920,000

2,480,000

472,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities

1,202,068,000

1,427,963,000

'

'

1,425,483,000

2,480,000

1,427,963,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

2,186,722,000

2,015,540,000

1,747,322,000

1,540,519,000

2,011,270,000

4,270,000

2,015,540,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities and Equity

$3,388,790,000

$3,443,503,000

'

'

$3,436,753,000

$6,750,000

$3,443,503,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic8

1. Significant Accounting Policies Immaterial Errors Inventory Costing (Details) (Net Income For Inventory Costing [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
2011 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$800,000
2012 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$1,700,000

1_Significant_Accounting_Polic9

1. Significant Accounting Policies Reclassification R&D Credits (Details) (Research and Development Expense [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
2011 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$8,800,000
2012 [Member]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$4,800,000

Recovered_Sheet1

1. Significant Accounting Policies Immaterial Errors Related to Presentation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$65,448,000	$12,663,000
Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	38,108,000	7,373,000
Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-5,045,000	104,000
Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-2,937,000	61,000
Income Tax on Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-5,874,000	121,000
Reclassification Adjustments For Net Holding (Gain) Loss Net Of Income Tax [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-10,090,000	208,000
Income Tax On Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	-5,874,000	121,000
Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Net Of Income Tax [Member]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	($10,090,000)	$208,000

2_Acquisitions_Details

2. Acquisitions (Details)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 10, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jan. 18, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

AbD Serotec [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Portland [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]

Development [Member]

Sales [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

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]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

'

'

'

$62,200,000

'

'

$49,600,000

$5,600,000

€ 4,600,000

$12,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

7,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Purchase Accounting Adjustments

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments

0

-600,000

'

'

-2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

bio_NetAssetPurchaseAccountingAdjustment

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,600,000

19,900,000

24,700,000

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,800,000

[1]

52,600,000

[1]

20,800,000

44,600,000

'

'

'

Goodwill

517,770,000

495,418,000

468,900,000

14,900,000

'

'

17,400,000

3,000,000

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employment agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

3,300,000

'

'

100,000

-2,300,000

'

6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

'

'

'

$44,000,000

'

'

$32,100,000

$4,900,000

'

$5,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):B DecemberB 31, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012 Other current liabilities$6.1B $27.3Other long-term liabilities14.7B 25.3 Total$20.8B $52.6

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Deta

3. Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	$570.90		$675.70
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	12.3	[1]	15.6	[1]
Available-for-sale investments	325.2	[2]	242.1	[2]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	0	[3]	0	[3]
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value	337.5		257.7
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	325.2	[2]	242.1	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Time Deposits [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	11.1	[1]	10.1	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	1.2	[1]	5.5	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	8.2	[1]	54.1	[1]
Available-for-sale investments	245.7	[2]	433.6	[2]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	0.6	[3]	1.1	[3]
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value	254.5		488.8
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	1.1	[4]	0.8	[4]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0	[5]	0	[5]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1.1		0.8
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	132.5	[2]	240.6	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	8.9	[2]	0.4	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	39.1	[2]	92.7	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	5.6	[2]	5.6	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	11	[2]	12.1	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	48.6	[2]	82.2	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	7	[1]	52.8	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Time Deposits [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	1.2	[1]	1.3	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	0	[3]	0	[3]
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value	0		0
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	20.8	[5]	52.6	[5]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	20.8		52.6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Time Deposits [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	0	[1]	0	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	20.5	[1]	69.7	[1]
Available-for-sale investments	570.9	[2]	675.7	[2]
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	0.6	[3]	1.1	[3]
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value	592		746.5
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	1.1	[4]	0.8	[4]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	20.8	[5]	52.6	[5]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	21.9		53.4
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	132.5	[2]	240.6	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	8.9	[2]	0.4	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	39.1	[2]	92.7	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	5.6	[2]	5.6	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	11	[2]	12.1	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	325.2	[2]	242.1	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	48.6	[2]	82.2	[2]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	7	[1]	52.8	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Foreign Time Deposits [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	11.1	[1]	10.1	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	1.2	[1]	1.3	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash equivalents	1.2	[1]	5.5	[1]
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	6.1		27.3
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	132.5		240.6
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	8.9		0.4
Short-term Investments [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	39.1		92.7
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	5.6		5.4
Short-term Investments [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	11		12.1
Short-term Investments [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	32		24.6
Short-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	48.3		81.9
Short-term Investments [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	277.4		457.7
Other Investments [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale investments	293.5		218
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$14.70		$25.30
[1]	Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):B DecemberB 31, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012 Short-term investments$277.4B $457.7Other investments293.5B 218.0Total$570.9B $675.7
[3]	Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[5]	The contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):B DecemberB 31, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012 Other current liabilities$6.1B $27.3Other long-term liabilities14.7B 25.3 Total$20.8B $52.6

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Fore

3. Fair Value Measurements Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Unrealized loss	$0
Unrealized loss	0.5
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts [Member]	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	83.8
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts [Member]	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$409.40

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Shor

3. Fair Value Measurements Short-term Investments (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	$327.20		$510.40
Unrealized Gains	244.6		165.9
Unrealized Losses	-0.9		-0.6
Estimated Fair Value	570.9		675.7
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	132.6		239.3
Unrealized Gains	0.3		1.4
Unrealized Losses	-0.4		-0.1
Estimated Fair Value	132.5		240.6
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	8.9		0.4
Unrealized Gains	0		0
Unrealized Losses	0		0
Estimated Fair Value	8.9		0.4
Short-term Investments [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	11.1		12
Unrealized Gains	0		0.1
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		0
Estimated Fair Value	11		12.1
Short-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	48.4		81.6
Unrealized Gains	0.1		0.4
Unrealized Losses	-0.2		-0.1
Estimated Fair Value	48.3		81.9
Short-term Investments [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	26.6		24.1
Unrealized Gains	5.4		0.7
Unrealized Losses	0		-0.2
Estimated Fair Value	32		24.6
Short-term Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	272.3		455.3
Unrealized Gains	5.9		2.9
Unrealized Losses	-0.8		-0.5
Estimated Fair Value	277.4		457.7
Short-term Investments [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	39.1		92.5
Unrealized Gains	0.1		0.3
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		-0.1
Estimated Fair Value	39.1		92.7
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	5.6		5.4
Unrealized Gains	0		0
Unrealized Losses	0		0
Estimated Fair Value	5.6		5.4
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	0.4		0.4
Unrealized Gains	0		0
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		-0.1
Estimated Fair Value	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
Unrealized Gains	238.7		163
Unrealized Losses	0		0
Estimated Fair Value	293.2		217.5
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	54.9		55.1
Unrealized Gains	238.7		163
Unrealized Losses	-0.1		-0.1
Estimated Fair Value	293.5		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
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	325.2	[1]	242.1	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	325.2	[1]	242.1	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):B DecemberB 31, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012 Short-term investments$277.4B $457.7Other investments293.5B 218.0Total$570.9B $675.7

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Amor

3. Fair Value Measurements Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Mature in less than one year	$97.50
Mature in one to five years	109.1
Mature in more than five years	39.5
Total Amortized Cost	246.1
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Mature in less than one year	97.6
Mature in one to five years	109.2
Mature in more than five years	38.9
Estimated Fair Value	$245.70

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair

3. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses with Unrealized Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tolerable variance Level 2 debt security pricing	1.00%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	$2.30	$0.30
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	73.9	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	$0.80	$0.50
Cost Method Investment, Percentage Owned	35.00%	'

3_Fair_Value_Investments_Detai

3. Fair Value Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$77.50	$68.40
Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and current maturities	423.2	720
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Other Investments	382.9	272.5
Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and current maturities	$433	$778.40

3_Fair_Value_Measurements_Cont

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

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 04, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Development [Member]

Sales [Member]

Credit Adjusted Discount Rates Lower [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]

Sales Milestone year 1 purchase orders [Member]

Sales milestone year 2 purchase orders [Member]

Sales milestone year 3 purchase orders [Member]

Credit Adjusted Discount Rate Higher [Member]

Projected Volatility of Growth Rates Lower [Member]

Projected Volatility of Growth Rates Higher [Member]

Market Price of Risk [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]

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]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$24,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

$44,600,000

$19,900,000

$24,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

'

'

'

20,800,000

[1]

52,600,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,800,000

44,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

30,000,000

45,000,000

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'.0097

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'.0193

'0.13

'.150

'.01

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

16,100,000

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

-5,800,000

-16,100,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Percentage Payout

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

51.32%

50.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):B DecemberB 31, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012 Other current liabilities$6.1B $27.3Other long-term liabilities14.7B 25.3 Total$20.8B $52.6

4_Goodwill_and_other_Purchased

4. Goodwill and other Purchased Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Life Science [Member]	Life Science [Member]	Life Science [Member]	Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment - Diagnostics	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,300,000	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill period start	'	523,600,000	496,100,000	'	'	193,600,000	176,800,000	'	'	330,000,000	319,300,000
Accumulated impairment loss period start	'	-28,200,000	-27,200,000	'	'	-27,200,000	-27,200,000	'	'	-1,000,000	0
Goodwill, net period start	'	495,418,000	468,900,000	'	'	166,400,000	149,600,000	'	'	329,000,000	319,300,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	14,900,000	21,500,000	'	'	14,900,000	17,400,000	'	'	0	4,100,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	'	0	-600,000	'	'	0	-600,000	'	'	0	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	0	-1,000,000	0	0	'	0	0	-1,000,000	'	-1,000,000
Currency fluctuations	'	7,500,000	6,600,000	'	'	500,000	0	'	'	7,000,000	6,600,000
Goodwill period end	546,000,000	546,000,000	523,600,000	496,100,000	209,000,000	209,000,000	193,600,000	337,000,000	330,000,000	337,000,000	330,000,000
Accumulated impairment loss period end	-28,200,000	-28,200,000	-28,200,000	-27,200,000	-27,200,000	-27,200,000	-27,200,000	-1,000,000	-1,000,000	-1,000,000	-1,000,000
Goodwill, net period end	$517,770,000	$517,770,000	$495,418,000	$468,900,000	$181,800,000	$181,800,000	$166,400,000	$336,000,000	$329,000,000	$336,000,000	$329,000,000

4_Goodwill_and_other_Purchased1

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

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 10, 2013

Jan. 10, 2013

Jan. 10, 2013

Jan. 10, 2013

Jan. 10, 2013

Jan. 10, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Jan. 18, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

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]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Benelux [Member]

Portland [Member]

Clinical Diagnostics [Member]

Clinical Diagnostics [Member]

Clinical Diagnostics [Member]

Clinical Diagnostics [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]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Trade Names [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, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, net

$517,770,000

$517,770,000

$495,418,000

$468,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

$17,400,000

'

'

'

$3,000,000

'

'

$1,100,000

$336,000,000

$329,000,000

$329,000,000

$319,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consideration for sale of building

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit

0

0

1,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,000,000

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'1 year

'2 years

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'1 year

'5 years

'1 year

'0 years

'1 year

'11 years

'12 years

'12 years

'13 years

'13 years

'10 years

'12 years

'8 years

'9 years

'10 years

'9 years

'10 years

'0 years

'1 year

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross

458,600,000

458,600,000

414,700,000

'

99,800,000

102,800,000

194,600,000

189,300,000

109,500,000

74,600,000

44,900,000

35,600,000

4,300,000

7,400,000

4,900,000

4,900,000

600,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Amortization Expense, Year One

42,000,000

42,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Amortization

-192,400,000

-192,400,000

-153,800,000

'

-41,100,000

-38,400,000

-89,300,000

-67,100,000

-36,200,000

-25,100,000

-22,400,000

-18,700,000

-2,100,000

-4,300,000

-700,000

-200,000

-600,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Carrying Amount

266,188,000

266,188,000

260,939,000

'

58,700,000

64,400,000

105,300,000

122,200,000

73,300,000

49,500,000

22,500,000

16,900,000

2,200,000

3,100,000

4,200,000

4,700,000

0

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense

'

45,000,000

42,800,000

39,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Amortization Expense, Year Two

39,000,000

39,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Amortization Expense, Year Three

35,600,000

35,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Amortization Expense, Year Four

27,000,000

27,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future Amortization Expense, Year Five

24,100,000

24,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,000,000

1,300,000

33,000,000

8,800,000

400,000

500,000

32,100,000

27,300,000

4,700,000

100,000

4,900,000

3,800,000

1,100,000

5,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'13 years 8 months

'12 years

'13 years 11 months

'13 years

'2 years

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five

$98,500,000

$98,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5_Notes_Payable_and_LongTerm_D2

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Unsecured 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 7.5% [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 8.0% [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 8.0% [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 8.0% [Member]

Senior Subordinated Notes 6.125% [Member]

Senior Notes 4.875% [Member]

Senior Notes 4.875% [Member]

Senior Notes 4.875% [Member]

Capital leases and other debt [Member]

Capital leases and other debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

$435,800,000

$732,600,000

'

'

'

'

$0

$296,900,000

$294,800,000

'

$423,200,000

$423,000,000

$422,600,000

$12,600,000

$12,700,000

'

'

Less current maturities

'

'

'

-200,000

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

'

'

'

435,615,000

732,414,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.95%

'

'

'

'

Face amount of debt sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

425,000,000

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

6.13%

'

'

4.88%

'

'

'

'

Repayments of subordinated debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early repayment of Subordinated Notes

312,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

234,600,000

'

'

'

204,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption Premium

12,000,000

2,800,000

4,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt

'

'

'

-15,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

'

Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five

'

'

'

434,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,100,000

27,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,800,000

$23,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

3.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

6_Income_Taxes_Details

6. Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S.	$5,700,000	$110,600,000	$111,800,000
International	106,700,000	119,300,000	134,000,000
Income before income taxes	112,385,000	229,907,000	245,847,000
U.S. Federal	-5,000,000	34,400,000	29,000,000
State	600,000	4,100,000	3,500,000
International	38,300,000	37,300,000	42,000,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	33,900,000	75,800,000	74,500,000
U.S. Federal	4,800,000	-3,100,000	6,700,000
State	-100,000	-900,000	400,000
International	-9,400,000	-6,300,000	-9,100,000
Deferred tax benefit	-4,700,000	-10,300,000	-2,000,000
Non-current tax expense (benefit)	5,400,000	-1,100,000	-5,500,000
Provision for income taxes	34,574,000	64,361,000	67,034,000
U.S. statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impact of foreign operations	-6.00%	-3.00%	-4.00%
Research tax credits	-6.00%	0.00%	-1.00%
Nontaxable subsidies	-2.00%	-1.00%	-1.00%
Tax settlements and changes to unrecognized tax benefits	5.00%	0.00%	-2.00%
Contingent consideration	-1.00%	-2.00%	0.00%
Other	6.00%	-1.00%	0.00%
Provision for income taxes	31.00%	28.00%	27.00%
Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals	27,500,000	24,100,000	'
Legal reserves	12,000,000	0	'
Other post-employment benefits, vacation and other reserves	22,200,000	26,500,000	'
Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards	62,300,000	62,100,000	'
Other	19,000,000	18,300,000	'
Valuation allowance	-64,000,000	-52,900,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	79,000,000	78,100,000	'
Property and equipment	17,200,000	8,600,000	'
Investments and intangible assets	147,000,000	119,300,000	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities	164,200,000	127,900,000	'
Net deferred tax liabilities	-85,200,000	-49,800,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits period start	12,600,000	11,300,000	16,600,000
Additions to tax positions related to prior years	4,700,000	1,300,000	1,200,000
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years	-800,000	-800,000	-400,000
Additions to tax positions related to the current year	2,000,000	1,600,000	1,500,000
Settlements	-300,000	0	-2,200,000
Lapse of statute of limitations	-1,700,000	-3,000,000	-5,100,000
Acquisitions	0	2,200,000	0
Currency translation	300,000	0	300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits period end	16,200,000	12,600,000	11,300,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	3,400,000	1,900,000	2,000,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	1,500,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	537,000,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Cumulative Amount of Temporary Difference	108,000,000	'	'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforward, Valuation Allowance	28,000,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforward With No Expiration Date	114,600,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	116,600,000	'	'
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	17,000,000	'	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	53,000,000	'	'
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	1,500,000	'	'
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	21,400,000	'	'
QuantaLife [Member] | Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	$2,000,000	'	'

7_Stockholders_Equity_Details

7. Stockholders' Equity (Details)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Treasury Class-A [Member]	Treasury Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares, Issued	23,681,000	23,333,000	23,020,000	22,677,000	5,097,000	5,150,000	5,165,000	5,175,000	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	80,000	59,000	39,000	'	-80,000	-59,000	-39,000	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	269,000	253,000	304,000	'	27,000	44,000	28,000	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	122	917
Voting Rights, Number of Vote Entitled Per Share	0.1	'	'	'	1	'	'	'	'	'
Election Percentage for Board of Directors	25.00%	'	'	'	75.00%	'	'	'	'	'

7_Stockholders_Equity_Treasury

7. Stockholders' Equity Treasury Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Treasury Class-A [Member]	Treasury Class-A [Member]	Treasury Class B [Member]	Treasury Class B [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	'	122	122	917	917
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$18	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$3.30	'	'	'	'

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens3

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$340,717,000	$274,532,000	$198,500,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	65,700,000	80,500,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	700,000	-4,700,000	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	66,349,000	75,863,000	859,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	189,400,000	172,900,000	149,200,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	16,700,000	23,600,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-200,000	100,000	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	16,500,000	23,700,000	'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-8,100,000	-8,100,000	200,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-500,000	-8,500,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	500,000	200,000	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	-8,300,000	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	159,400,000	109,700,000	49,300,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	49,500,000	65,400,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	200,000	-5,000,000	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	49,700,000	60,400,000	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	340,700,000	274,500,000	198,700,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	65,700,000	80,500,000	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	500,000	-4,700,000	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	66,200,000	75,800,000	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-200,000	-200,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0	0	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	200,000	0	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	200,000	0	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	340,700,000	274,300,000	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	$66,400,000	$75,800,000	'

8_Accumulated_Other_Comprehens4

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	($798,070,000)	($681,778,000)	($695,984,000)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-34,574,000	-64,361,000	-67,034,000
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	77,790,000	165,477,000	179,013,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	-700,000	-300,000	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	200,000	100,000	'
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	-500,000	-200,000	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	100,000	-2,900,000	'
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	-200,000	5,000,000	'
Other Nonoperating Income	($300,000)	$7,900,000	'

9_Sharebased_Compensation_Deta

9. Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsFairValueVested	$2,200,000	$2,300,000	$3,300,000	'
Share-based Compensation Expense	13,700,000	13,200,000	10,700,000	'
2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Shares Authorized	600,000	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost from stock options	30,500,000	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted, period for recognition	'4 years	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding beginning of period	348,501	'	'	242,222
Outstanding end of period	375,430	'	299,362	242,222
Stock Option and Award Plans [Member] | Incentive Award Plan (2007) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Shares Authorized	1,650,360	'	'	'
Number of Shares Available for Grant	492,310	'	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options Granted Term	'P10Y	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Outstanding	'4 years 6 months 11 days	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) - Outstanding	28.3	'	'	'
Options - Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$78.72	$70.83	$63.50	$57.12
Options Granted - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$117.67	$107.32	$99.49	'
Options Exercised - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$54.16	$44.66	$42.44	'
Options Forfeitured/expired - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$91.32	$87.78	$62.98	'
Options - Shares Vested and Expected to Vest	612,946	'	'	'
Options Vested and Expected to Vest - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$77.91	'	'	'
Options Vested and Expected to Vest - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'4 years 4 months 28 days	'	'	'
Options Vested and Expected to Vest - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)	28	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercisable	$70.14	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Exercisable	'3 years 2 months 23 days	'	'	'
Options Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)	25.2	'	'	'
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	11,000,000	11,000,000	14,000,000	'
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	4,100,000	3,400,000	7,700,000	'
Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	6,600,000	6,500,000	6,000,000	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost from stock options	6,100,000	'	'	'
Options Number Exercisable	472,193	'	'	'
Options Vesting Period	'5 years	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	20.00%	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted, period for recognition	'3 years	'	'	'
Expected Volatility	28.00%	30.00%	32.00%	'
Risk Free Interest Rate	2.65%	1.53%	1.71%	'
Expected life (in years)	'8 years 10 months 24 days	'9 years	'8 years 7 months 6 days	'
Expected dividend	0	0	0	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$47.25	$41.82	$40.81	'
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding beginning of period	747,293	888,750	1,057,819	'
Options - Shares Granted	55,050	55,250	58,500	'
Options - Shares Exercised	-159,450	-181,707	-220,372	'
Options - Shares Forfeitures/expired	-13,250	-15,000	-7,197	'
Outstanding end of period	629,643	747,293	888,750	'
Employee Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee Contribution Rate - Maximum	10.00%	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Contribution Amount	25,000	'	'	'
Employee Purchase Price Discount from Market Price	85.00%	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	'	'	'
Employee Stock [Member] | 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Shares Available for Grant	388,582	'	'	'
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	10,000,000	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	103,669	'	'	'
Expected Volatility	19.00%	'	'	'
Risk Free Interest Rate	0.05%	'	'	'
Expected life (in years)	'3 months	'	'	'
Expected dividend	0	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased	$21.76	'	'	'
Employee Stock [Member] | 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	'	9,200,000	8,100,000	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	'	107,749	96,362	'
Expected Volatility	'	27.00%	20.00%	'
Risk Free Interest Rate	'	0.07%	0.06%	'
Expected life (in years)	'	'3 months	'3 months	'
Expected dividend	'	$0	$0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased	'	$20.70	$20.35	'
Stock Award Plans [Member] | Incentive Award Plan (2007) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options Vesting Period	'5 years	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	20.00%	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Group One [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Outstanding	'1 year 4 months 28 days	'	'	'
Options - Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$58.40	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercisable	$58.40	'	'	'
Options Number Exercisable	191,930	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding end of period	191,930	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Group Two [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Outstanding	'3 years 6 months 11 days	'	'	'
Options - Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$69.87	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercisable	$69.56	'	'	'
Options Number Exercisable	168,313	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding end of period	178,413	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Group Three [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Outstanding	'6 years 11 months 5 days	'	'	'
Options - Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$95.03	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercisable	$91.11	'	'	'
Options Number Exercisable	111,950	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding end of period	204,250	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Group Four [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Outstanding	'9 years 8 months 16 days	'	'	'
Options - Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$117.67	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercisable	$0	'	'	'
Options Number Exercisable	0	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding end of period	55,050	'	'	'

9_Sharebased_Compensation_Rest

9. Share-based Compensation Restricted Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost from restricted stock	$0	'	'	'
Nonvested shares - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$88.09	$84.07	$83.21	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding beginning of period	12,957	39,629	68,893	'
Restricted Stock Units - Vested	-12,610	-25,124	-26,179	'
Restricted Stock Units - Forfeited	-347	-1,548	-3,085	'
Outstanding end of period	0	12,957	39,629	'
Restricted Stock Units Vested - Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$88.09	$81.98	$81.98	'
Resticted Stock Units Cancelled/forfeited - Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$88	$84.20	$82.63	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost from restricted stock	$30.50	'	'	'
Nonvested shares - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$96.45	$88.31	$80.61	$105.44
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding beginning of period	348,501	299,362	242,222	'
Restricted Stock Units Granted	144,445	138,840	127,920	'
Restricted Stock Units - Vested	-92,273	-75,466	-54,350	'
Restricted Stock Units - Forfeited	-25,243	-14,235	-16,430	'
Outstanding end of period	375,430	348,501	299,362	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted	$117.09	$107.32	$98.25	'
Restricted Stock Units Vested - Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$92.26	$85.52	$79.67	'
Resticted Stock Units Cancelled/forfeited - Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$96.08	$89.31	$80.70	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'2 years 1 month 17 days	'	'	'
Resticted Stock Units Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)	$46.40	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'4 years	'	'	'

10_Other_Income_and_Expenses_D

10. Other Income and Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
					Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Consideration for sale of building	'	'	'	'	'	$6,400,000	'
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment - Diagnostics	'	'	'	'	'	4,300,000	'
Interest and investment income	'	-13,400,000	-11,400,000	-8,200,000	'	'	'
Net realized losses (gains) on investments	'	300,000	-8,700,000	-700,000	'	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments	'	300,000	1,000,000	2,100,000	'	'	'
Loss (gain) on disposal of property plant equipment	'	500,000	'	200,000	'	'	'
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment - consolidated	'	'	-3,800,000	'	'	'	'
Miscellaneous Other (Income) Expense Items, Net	'	-500,000	1,000,000	-1,000,000	'	'	'
Other (income) expense, net	'	12,766,000	21,883,000	7,583,000	'	'	'
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	$0	$0	$1,000,000	$0	$0	$1,000,000	$1,000,000

11_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Info2

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interests	'	$77,811,000	$165,546,000	$178,813,000
Depreciation and amortization	'	147,200,000	130,400,000	121,000,000
Share-based compensation	'	13,700,000	13,200,000	10,700,000
Loss (gain) on disposition of securities	'	600,000	-7,600,000	1,500,000
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment without goodwill writeoff	'	'	-4,800,000	'
Loss (gain) on disposition of property, plant and equipment	'	500,000	'	200,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	-2,720,000	-2,889,000	-3,168,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	'	-5,800,000	-16,100,000	0
(Increase) decrease in Accounts Receivable	'	-24,200,000	4,400,000	-20,100,000
Increase in inventories	'	-33,400,000	-4,300,000	-45,200,000
Increase in Other Current Assets	'	-4,200,000	-5,600,000	11,100,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	'	33,200,000	19,000,000	-6,600,000
(Decrease) Increase in Income Taxes Payable	'	-38,000,000	-18,000,000	5,400,000
Decrease in deferred income taxes	'	-4,000,000	-10,300,000	-1,600,000
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	0	1,000,000	0
Net increase/decrease in other long-term liabilities/assets	'	14,800,000	12,100,000	10,700,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	175,476,000	276,028,000	262,735,000
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Intangible Assets Acquired	'	12,000,000	500,000	0
Noncash Purchased Marketable Securities and Investments	'	$400,000	$1,600,000	$11,600,000

12_Commitments_Contingent_Liab1

12. Commitments & Contingent Liabilities (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 04, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

UNITED STATES

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]

Development [Member]

Sales [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]

Sales Milestone year 1 purchase orders [Member]

Sales milestone year 2 purchase orders [Member]

Sales milestone year 3 purchase orders [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]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

QuantaLife [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

CellSorter [Member]

Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,800,000

[1]

$52,600,000

[1]

'

'

$20,800,000

$44,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating leases, due next twelve months

39,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating leases, due in two years

30,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating leases, due in three years

24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating leases, due in four years

18,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating leases, due thereafter

49,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Post-Employment Benefits Liability

46,300,000

39,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation

99,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Second to Third Year

32,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Fourth to Fifth Year

7,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due after Fifth Year

59,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation

65,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Twelve Months

57,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years

7,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding Amount

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

'

'

6,000,000

6,000,000

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Percentage Payout

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

51.32%

50.38%

'

'

'

Employees Covered By Collective Bargaining Agreements U.S., Percentage

7.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Entity Number of Employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

16,100,000

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

24,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,600,000

19,900,000

24,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

48,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

30,000,000

45,000,000

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The contingent consideration liability is included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):B DecemberB 31, 2013B DecemberB 31, 2012 Other current liabilities$6.1B $27.3Other long-term liabilities14.7B 25.3 Total$20.8B $52.6

12_Commitments_Contingent_Liab2

12. Commitments & Contingent Liabilities Period Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Lease - Rent Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$45.50	$41.40	$42.40
Contribution expense	$13.50	$12.10	$12.10

13_Legal_Proceedings_Legal_Pro

13. Legal Proceedings Legal Proceedings (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated loss contingency	$30,000,000	$0
Interest Payable, Current	5,000,000	'
Including Interest [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated loss contingency	$35,000,000	'

14_Segment_Reporting_Details

14. Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Products And Services	8,000	'	'
Net sales	$2,132,694,000	$2,069,235,000	$2,073,529,000
Interest expense	61,271,000	51,112,000	53,135,000
Depreciation and amortization	147,200,000	130,400,000	121,000,000
Segment profit	169,456,000	264,176,000	305,241,000
Total assets	3,388,790,000	3,443,503,000	'
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	112,998,000	152,417,000	102,888,000
Life Science [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	710,000,000	688,400,000	694,700,000
Interest expense	10,400,000	13,400,000	14,200,000
Depreciation and amortization	32,600,000	26,300,000	17,300,000
Segment profit	-13,700,000	13,200,000	46,700,000
Total assets	389,100,000	359,900,000	'
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	19,800,000	17,300,000	'
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	1,408,000,000	1,365,500,000	1,363,800,000
Interest expense	30,100,000	37,800,000	38,900,000
Depreciation and amortization	91,500,000	92,900,000	93,200,000
Segment profit	176,200,000	202,600,000	206,700,000
Total assets	980,900,000	917,000,000	'
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	72,800,000	76,800,000	'
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	14,700,000	15,300,000	15,000,000
Interest expense	100,000	200,000	200,000
Depreciation and amortization	100,000	100,000	200,000
Segment profit	1,100,000	1,600,000	1,300,000
Total assets	5,100,000	4,300,000	'
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	$200,000	$100,000	'

14_Segment_Information_Segment

14. Segment Information Segment Profit Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	31-May-09
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$112,385,000	$229,907,000	$245,847,000	'
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	-15,600,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	8.00%
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	163,600,000	217,400,000	254,700,000	'
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-8,600,000	-5,000,000	-13,800,000	'
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-55,400,000	-4,400,000	-2,700,000	'
Other Income and Expense Non Operating [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	12,800,000	21,900,000	7,600,000	'
Including Interest [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	$35,000,000	'	'	'

14_Segment_Information_Segment1

14. Segment Information Segment Asset Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$3,388,790	$3,443,503
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	675,700	579,100
Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	517,800	495,400
Property, Plant and Equipment excluding segment specific [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	-14,900	-4,200
Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	835,100	1,092,000
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$1,375,100	$1,281,200

14_Segment_Information_Segment2

14. Segment Information Segment Information by Geographical Location (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	$2,132,694,000	$2,069,235,000	$2,073,529,000
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	838,900,000	735,000,000	'
Segement Geographical Group Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	886,100,000	837,000,000	896,400,000
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	217,400,000	199,100,000	'
Segment Geographcial Group Pacific Rim [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	413,300,000	425,700,000	398,400,000
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	28,200,000	30,000,000	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	677,700,000	656,700,000	631,000,000
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	579,900,000	487,800,000	'
Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	155,600,000	149,800,000	147,700,000
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	$13,400,000	$18,100,000	'

15_Quarterly_Financial_Data_De

15. Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
				2007 through 2011 [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$2,132,694,000	$2,069,235,000	$2,073,529,000	'	$602,600,000	$505,100,000	$525,300,000	$499,700,000	$573,800,000	$498,700,000	$510,400,000	$486,300,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$602,600,000	$505,100,000	$525,300,000	$499,700,000	$573,800,000	$498,700,000	$510,400,000	$486,300,000
Gross profit	1,178,478,000	1,155,158,000	1,178,829,000	'	322,700,000	284,200,000	300,100,000	271,400,000	314,500,000	273,800,000	288,100,000	278,700,000	0	0	0	0	400,000	300,000	200,000	100,000	322,700,000	284,200,000	300,100,000	271,400,000	314,100,000	273,500,000	287,900,000	278,600,000
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	77,790,000	165,477,000	179,013,000	'	30,100,000	-7,100,000	34,600,000	20,200,000	43,200,000	42,600,000	48,100,000	31,500,000	0	0	-100,000	700,000	1,200,000	200,000	-200,000	500,000	30,100,000	-7,100,000	34,700,000	19,500,000	42,000,000	42,400,000	48,300,000	31,000,000
Basic earnings per share	$2.72	$5.85	$6.39	'	$1.05	($0.25)	$1.21	$0.71	$1.52	$1.51	$1.70	$1.12	$0	$0	($0.01)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.01	($0.01)	$0.02	$1.05	($0.25)	$1.22	$0.68	$1.48	$1.50	$1.71	$1.10
Diluted earnings per share	$2.69	$5.78	$6.29	'	$1.04	($0.25)	$1.20	$0.70	$1.51	$1.49	$1.68	$1.10	$0	$0	$0	$0.02	$0.05	$0.01	($0.01)	$0.01	$1.04	($0.25)	$1.20	$0.68	$1.46	$1.48	$1.69	$1.09
Quantifying Misstatement Amount	'	'	'	$6,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accoutns (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'		'		'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period Start	$52,856		$48,926		$37,015
Additions Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses	11,155		3,700		6,356
Deductions	0		0		0
Other	0	[1]	230	[1]	5,555	[1]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period End	64,011		52,856		48,926
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'		'		'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period Start	29,202		33,259		25,052
Additions Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses	9,181		7,597		15,112
Deductions	-5,912		-11,654		-6,905
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period End	$32,471		$29,202		$33,259
[1]	Due to acquisitions.