Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) 10-K 29 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 16, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	12,208
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
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	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Public Float			$ 3,126,144,749
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,236,681
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,125,441

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 457,549	$ 413,251
Short-term investments	328,718	284,384
Restricted investments	4,210	0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	391,485	377,640
Inventories:
Raw materials	109,928	106,028
Work in process	114,438	131,783
Finished goods	265,858	233,186
Total inventories	490,224	470,997
Prepaid expenses	94,369	108,348
Other current assets	11,041	61,747
Total current assets	1,777,596	1,716,367
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and improvements	17,823	18,165
Buildings and leasehold improvements	276,070	282,792
Equipment	823,193	788,141
Total property, plant and equipment	1,117,086	1,089,098
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(679,396)	(660,262)
Property, plant and equipment, net	437,690	428,836
Goodwill, net	495,948	500,441
Purchased intangibles, net	214,026	254,228
Other investments	719,840	389,309
Other assets	66,442	52,097
Total assets	3,711,542	3,341,278
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Accounts payable	122,391	128,608
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	157,857	153,426
Current maturities of long-term debt	298	265
Income and other taxes payable	29,339	35,165
Deferred revenue	29,683	26,716
Other current liabilities	101,783	102,581
Total current liabilities	441,351	446,761
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	435,707	435,710
Deferred income taxes	233,475	154,917
Other long-term liabilities	110,506	118,735
Total liabilities	$ 1,221,039	$ 1,156,123
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in capital	300,408	271,346
Retained earnings	1,808,055	1,694,962
Accumulated other comprehensive income	382,138	218,945
Total stockholders' equity	2,490,503	2,185,155
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,711,542	3,341,278
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	2	2
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1	1
Treasury Class-A [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Treasury Stock, Value	(12)	(12)
Treasury Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (89)	$ (89)

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 24,418	$ 27,973
Preferred stock par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
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	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock issued	24,230,448	23,971,808
Common stock outstanding	24,230,326	23,971,686
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock issued	5,130,558	5,098,799
Common stock outstanding	5,129,641	5,097,882
Treasury Class-A [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares	122	122
Treasury Class B [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares	917	917

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales	$ 2,019,441	$ 2,175,044	$ 2,132,694
Cost of goods sold	897,771	996,527	954,216
Gross profit	1,121,670	1,178,517	1,178,478
Selling, general and administrative expense	761,990	808,200	798,070
Research and development expense	192,972	220,333	210,952
Income from operations	166,708	149,984	169,456
Interest expense	21,692	22,131	61,271
Foreign exchange losses, net	10,249	9,305	8,566
Other (income) expense, net	(11,080)	(13,009)	(12,766)
Income before income taxes	145,847	131,557	112,385
Provision for income taxes	(32,754)	(42,712)	(34,574)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	113,093	88,845	77,811
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	(21)
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 113,093	$ 88,845	$ 77,790
Basic earnings per share:
Net income per share basic attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 3.87	$ 3.08	$ 2.72
Weighted average common shares - basic	29,186	28,876	28,586
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income per share diluted attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 3.85	$ 3.05	$ 2.69
Weighted average common shares - diluted	29,409	29,133	28,906

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers	$ 1,956,084	$ 2,162,520	$ 2,090,030
Cash paid to suppliers and employees	(1,730,062)	(1,806,526)	(1,804,028)
Interest paid	(20,793)	(20,793)	(61,233)
Income tax payments	(31,715)	(28,939)	(71,144)
Settlement with the SEC and DOJ relating to the FCPA, including interest	0	(55,050)	0
Investment proceeds and miscellaneous receipts, net	11,953	15,671	16,760
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(3,610)	(1,349)	(2,720)
Proceeds from forward foreign exchange contracts, net	4,353	7,778	1,471
Net cash provided by operating activities	186,210	273,312	169,136
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(112,000)	(120,999)	(106,658)
Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment	79	225	1,214
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received, and long-term investments	(4,356)	(44,627)	(72,054)
Payments for purchases of intangible assets	(1,372)	(15,479)	(700)
Payment for purchase of restricted investment	(4,210)	0	0
Payments for purchases of marketable securities and investments	(294,497)	(205,746)	(386,714)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments	78,664	75,725	289,779
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities and investments	170,823	120,390	276,052
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(166,869)	(190,511)	919
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net (payments) borrowings on line-of-credit arrangements and notes payable	0	(1,560)	48
Payments on long-term borrowings	(282)	(253)	(300,228)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	8,236	15,051	11,237
Payments of contingent consideration	(2,983)	(2,374)	(25,474)
Debt issuance costs on long-term borrowings	0	(524)	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	3,610	1,349	2,720
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	8,581	11,689	(311,697)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	16,376	(12,790)	9,805
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	44,298	81,700	(131,837)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	413,251	331,551	463,388
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 457,549	$ 413,251	$ 331,551

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total Bio Rad [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 3	$ 212,244	$ (101)	$ 1,528,327	$ 274,532	$ 2,015,005
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012								$ 535
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 2,015,540
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
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 treasury stock	(1,007)			0			(287)	(720)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		3	239,986	(101)	1,606,117	340,717	2,186,722
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013								0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	2,186,722
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	88,845				88,845		88,845
Net Income	0							0
Net income	88,845
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						(121,772)	(121,772)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax								0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(121,772)						(121,800)
Issuance of common stock	15,051		15,051				15,051
Stock compensation expense	14,888		14,888				14,888
Tax benefit-exercise stock options	1,421		1,421				1,421
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	2,185,155	3	271,346	(101)	1,694,962	218,945	2,185,155
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014								0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	2,185,155
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	113,093				113,093		113,093
Net Income	0							0
Net income	113,093
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						163,193	163,193
Other comprehensive income, net of tax								0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	163,193						163,200
Issuance of common stock	8,236		8,236				8,236
Stock compensation expense	16,983		16,983				16,983
Tax benefit-exercise stock options	3,843		3,843				3,843
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	2,490,503	$ 3	$ 300,408	$ (101)	$ 1,808,055	$ 382,138	$ 2,490,503
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015								$ 0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2,490,503

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 113,093	$ 88,845	$ 77,811
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(37,536)	(118,142)	16,662
Other post-employment benefits adjustments, net of tax	(4,403)	(8,186)	36
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	205,132	4,556	49,651
Comprehensive income	276,286	(32,927)	144,160
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	163,193	(121,772)	66,349
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	(185)
Comprehensive income attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 276,286	$ (32,927)	$ 143,975

1. Significant Accounting Polic

1. Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. Short-term Restricted Investments Short-term restricted investments of $4.21 million at December 31, 2015 represent a money market fund for collateral that secures worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Investment income accrues to Bio-Rad and is recorded in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as noncurrent for each tax-paying jurisdiction in the Balance Sheet as a result of our early adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” We record 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. Net sales are the actual selling price of products to customers. Any taxes billed to the customer (sales tax, value added tax, etc.) shall be credited to the tax liability accounts and excluded from net sales. 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): 2015 2014 January 1 $ 17.8 $ 15.6 Provision for warranty 30.6 28.6 Actual warranty costs (31.0 ) (26.4 ) December 31 $ 17.4 $ 17.8 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 in 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 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 since that date 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. 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, 2015 2014 2013 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,186 28,876 28,586 Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards 223 257 320 Diluted weighted average common shares 29,409 29,133 28,906 Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the computation of diluted EPS 109 122 107 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). Recent Accounting Standards Updates In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (“ASU”) 2016-02, "Leases," which will require, among other items, lessees to recognize most leases as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Qualitative and quantitative disclosures will be enhanced to better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis, with elective reliefs, which requires application of ASU 2016-02 for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the effect ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." Amendments under ASU 2016-01, among other items, require that all equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) will generally be measured at fair value through earnings. There will no longer be an available-for-sale classification, for which changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income, for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the cost method is also eliminated. However, entities will be able to elect to record equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. Changes in the basis of these equity investments will be reported in current earnings. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the effect ASU 2016-01 will have, if any, on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent for each tax-paying jurisdiction in the Balance Sheet. Previous disclosures required entities to separate deferred tax assets and liabilities into a current amount and a noncurrent amount for each tax-paying jurisdiction. ASU 2015-17 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. ASU 2015-17 can be early adopted for any period that has not been issued on a prospective or retrospective basis. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 during the fourth quarter of 2015 on a prospective basis as a change in accounting policy and therefore prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under current guidance, an entity subsequently measures inventory at the lower of cost or market, with market defined as replacement cost, net realizable value (NRV), or NRV less a normal profit margin. An entity uses current replacement cost provided that it is not above NRV (i.e., the ceiling) or below NRV less an “approximately normal profit margin” (i.e., the floor). ASU 2015-11 eliminates this analysis and requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and NRV.” ASU 2015-11 is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect ASU 2015-11 will have, if any, on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 was issued to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. This will make the presentation of debt issuance costs consistent with the presentation of debt discounts or premiums. Under current U.S. GAAP, debt issuance costs are reported on the balance sheet as assets and amortized as interest expense. Under ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs will continue to be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, "Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements" to clarify the SEC staff’s position that it would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, which is our current practice. ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We will not early adopt. Debt issuance costs were not material as of December 31, 2015. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date in ASU 2014-09, which is annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, we do not plan to early adopt. The new standard is to be applied retrospectively and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and we have not yet selected a transition method.

2. Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	2. ACQUISITIONS GnuBIO, Inc. In April 2014, we acquired 100.0% of the issued and outstanding stock of GnuBIO, Inc. (GnuBIO). This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination as GnuBIO represents an integrated set of activities and assets capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of acquisition-related costs was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in our Clinical Diagnostics segment's results of operations from the acquisition date. We believe that GnuBIO's innovative DNA workflow is well-suited for the clinical diagnostics sequencing market and will leverage our leadership role in the area of droplet digital PCR. The final fair values of the net assets acquired from GnuBIO as of the acquisition date were determined to be $46.4 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets (specifically in-process research and development or "IPR&D"), $13.5 million of goodwill and $9.5 million of net tangible liabilities. The goodwill recorded will not be deductible for income tax purposes. The fair value of the consideration as of the acquisition date was $50.4 million , which included $39.7 million paid in cash at the closing date and $10.7 million in contingent consideration potentially payable to GnuBIO's shareholders. The contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach that could reach $70.0 million upon the achievement of all development/regulatory and sales milestones. The contingent consideration for the development/regulatory milestones was valued at $10.7 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 determined to be negligible, using the risk-neutral probability of being in the money based on a Black-Scholes framework. The sales that are required under the purchase agreement have a low probability of obtaining the thresholds. See Note 3 for further discussion.

3. Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
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, 2015 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 $ — $ 33.2 $ — $ 33.2 Foreign government obligations — 0.6 — $ 0.6 Foreign time deposits 11.9 — — 11.9 U.S. government sponsored agencies — 14.6 — 14.6 Money market funds 11.3 — — 11.3 Total cash equivalents 23.2 48.4 — 71.6 Restricted investment: 4.2 — — 4.2 Available-for-sale investments (b): Corporate debt securities — 156.9 — 156.9 U.S. government sponsored agencies — 74.8 — 74.8 Foreign government obligations — 4.6 — 4.6 Municipal obligations — 6.4 — 6.4 Marketable equity securities 660.1 — — 660.1 Asset-backed securities — 54.8 — 54.8 Total available-for-sale investments 660.1 297.5 — 957.6 Forward foreign exchange contracts (c) — 0.9 — 0.9 Total financial assets carried at fair value $ 687.5 $ 346.8 $ — $ 1,034.3 Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value: Forward foreign exchange contracts (d) $ — $ 1.1 $ — $ 1.1 Contingent consideration (e) — — 19.1 19.1 Total financial liabilities carried at fair value $ — $ 1.1 $ 19.1 $ 20.2 Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 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 $ — $ 4.0 — $ 4.0 Foreign time deposits 16.5 — — 16.5 Money market funds 2.2 — — 2.2 Total cash equivalents 18.7 4.0 — 22.7 Available-for-sale investments (b): Corporate debt securities — 139.9 — 139.9 Foreign brokered certificates of deposit — 5.2 — 5.2 U.S. government sponsored agencies — 47.5 — 47.5 Foreign government obligations — 4.0 — 4.0 Municipal obligations — 6.5 — 6.5 Marketable equity securities 334.4 — — 334.4 Asset-backed securities — 48.4 — 48.4 Total available-for-sale investments 334.4 251.5 — 585.9 Forward foreign exchange contracts (c) — 0.6 — 0.6 Total financial assets carried at fair value $ 353.1 $ 256.1 — $ 609.2 Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value: Forward foreign exchange contracts (d) $ — $ 1.7 — $ 1.7 Contingent consideration (e) — — 27.7 27.7 Total financial liabilities carried at fair value $ — $ 1.7 $ 27.7 $ 29.4 (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, 2014 Short-term investments $ 328.7 $ 284.4 Other investments 628.9 301.5 Total $ 957.6 $ 585.9 (c) Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in 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) Contingent consideration liabilities are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other current liabilities $ 13.5 $ 13.1 Other long-term liabilities 5.6 14.6 Total $ 19.1 $ 27.7 During the third quarter of 2012, we recognized a contingent consideration liability of $44.6 million 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. The development milestone was achieved and paid in 2013. The first sales milestone was reached, resulting in payments of $2.4 million and $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, respectively. During 2015, the contingent consideration was revalued by a decrease of $5.6 million to its estimated fair value of $9.1 million as of December 31, 2015 . During the second quarter of 2014, we recognized a contingent consideration liability upon our acquisition of GnuBIO. At the acquisition date, the contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach that could reach $70.0 million upon the achievement of all development/regulatory and sales milestones. The contingent consideration for the development/regulatory milestones was valued at $10.7 million at the acquisition date based on assumptions regarding the probability of achieving the milestones, with such amounts discounted to present value. The contingent consideration related to the development/regulatory milestones was revalued to a fair value of $10.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The contingent consideration for the sales milestones at the acquisition date and at December 31, 2015 was determined to be negligible, using the risk-neutral probability of being in the money based on a Black-Scholes framework. The sales that are required under the purchase agreement have a low probability of obtaining the thresholds. 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, 2015 (in millions): 2015 Cell sorting system: January 1 $ 17.7 Payment of sales milestone (3.0 ) Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense (5.6 ) December 31 $ 9.1 The following table provides quantitative information about Level 3 inputs for fair value measurement of our contingent consideration liabilities as of December 31, 2015 . 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 0.29% 0.83% Projected volatility of growth rates 10.0% N/A Market price of risk 1.30% N/A To estimate the fair value of Level 2 debt securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our primary pricing provider uses S&P Capital IQ as the primary pricing source. Our 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, 2015 and 2014 , 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. Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions): December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Short-term investments: Corporate debt securities $ 157.2 $ 0.1 $ (0.4 ) $ 156.9 Municipal obligations 6.4 — — 6.4 Asset-backed securities 54.8 — (0.2 ) 54.6 U.S. government sponsored agencies 74.9 0.1 (0.2 ) 74.8 Foreign government obligations 4.6 — — 4.6 Marketable equity securities 29.4 2.7 (0.7 ) 31.4 327.3 2.9 (1.5 ) 328.7 Long-term investments: Marketable equity securities 54.5 574.2 — 628.7 Asset-backed securities 0.3 — (0.1 ) 0.2 54.8 574.2 (0.1 ) 628.9 Total $ 382.1 $ 577.1 $ (1.6 ) $ 957.6 December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Short-term investments: Corporate debt securities $ 139.7 $ 0.4 $ (0.2 ) $ 139.9 Foreign brokered certificates of deposit 5.2 — — 5.2 Municipal obligations 6.5 — — 6.5 Asset-backed securities 48.2 — (0.2 ) 48.0 U.S. government sponsored agencies 47.4 0.1 — 47.5 Foreign government obligations 4.0 — — 4.0 Marketable equity securities 29.0 4.5 (0.2 ) 33.3 280.0 5.0 (0.6 ) 284.4 Long-term investments: Marketable equity securities 54.5 246.6 — 301.1 Asset-backed securities 0.4 — — 0.4 54.9 246.6 — 301.5 Total $ 334.9 $ 251.6 $ (0.6 ) $ 585.9 The unrealized gains of our long-term marketable equity securities are primarily due to our investment in Sartorius AG preferred shares. The following is a summary of investments with gross unrealized losses and the associated fair value (in millions): December 31, December 31, 2014 Fair value of investments in a loss position 12 months or more $ 10.4 $ 8.4 Fair value of investments in a loss position less than 12 months $ 204.0 $ 90.7 Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position 12 months or more $ 0.4 $ 0.2 Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position less than 12 months $ 1.2 $ 0.4 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, 2015 or at December 31, 2014 . 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, 2015 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, 2015 Contracts maturing in January through April 2016 to sell foreign currency: Notional value $ 28.1 Unrealized loss $ 0.1 Contracts maturing in January through April 2016 to purchase foreign currency: Notional value $ 287.4 Unrealized loss $ 0.1 The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at December 31, 2015 by contractual maturity date (in millions): Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Mature in less than one year $ 104.9 $ 104.8 Mature in one to five years 143.0 142.7 Mature in more than five years 50.3 50.0 Total $ 298.2 $ 297.5 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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Fair Value Hierarchy Level Other investments $ 86.5 $ 843.2 2 $ 82.6 $ 401.1 2 Total long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities $ 423.7 $ 454.3 2 $ 423.5 $ 454.9 2 We own shares of ordinary voting stock of Sartorius AG (Sartorius), of Goettingen, Germany, a process technology supplier to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and food and beverage industries. We own over 35% of the outstanding voting shares (excluding treasury shares) of Sartorius as of December 31, 2015 . 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. As the stock is thinly traded and in conjunction with the valuation method discussed above, we have classified the estimated fair value as Level 2. 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

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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): 2015 2014 Life Clinical Total Life Clinical Total Balances as of January 1: Goodwill $ 207.7 $ 320.9 $ 528.6 $ 209.0 $ 337.0 $ 546.0 Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) Goodwill, net 180.5 319.9 500.4 181.8 336.0 517.8 Acquisitions — — — — 13.5 13.5 Currency fluctuations (0.5 ) (4.0 ) (4.5 ) (1.3 ) (29.6 ) (30.9 ) Balances as of December 31: Goodwill 207.2 316.9 524.1 207.7 320.9 528.6 Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) Goodwill, net $ 180.0 $ 315.9 $ 495.9 $ 180.5 $ 319.9 $ 500.4 In conjunction with the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of GnuBIO, Inc. in our Clinical Diagnostics segment in April 2014, we recorded $13.5 million of goodwill and $46.4 million of in-process research and development, an indefinite-lived intangible asset. Information regarding our identifiable purchased intangible assets with definite and indefinite lives is as follows (in millions): December 31, 2015 Average Remaining Life (years) Purchase Price Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships/lists 2-10 $ 84.7 $ (46.8 ) $ 37.9 Know how 1-10 184.0 (121.6 ) 62.4 Developed product technology 4-12 101.3 (48.9 ) 52.4 Licenses 3-10 39.2 (28.5 ) 10.7 Tradenames 5-9 3.5 (2.4 ) 1.1 Covenants not to compete 3-7 4.8 (1.7 ) 3.1 Total definite-lived intangible assets 417.5 (249.9 ) 167.6 In-process research and development 46.4 — 46.4 Total purchased intangible assets $ 463.9 $ (249.9 ) $ 214.0 December 31, 2014 Average Remaining Life (years) Purchase Price Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships/lists 3-10 $ 89.4 $ (43.0 ) $ 46.4 Know how 1-11 184.7 (102.5 ) 82.2 Developed product technology 5-12 103.9 (42.8 ) 61.1 Licenses 1-11 39.4 (26.5 ) 12.9 Tradenames 1-10 3.6 (2.1 ) 1.5 Covenants not to compete 3-8 4.9 (1.2 ) 3.7 Total definite-lived intangible assets 425.9 (218.1 ) 207.8 In-process research and development 46.4 — 46.4 Total purchased intangible assets $ 472.3 $ (218.1 ) $ 254.2 No material impairment losses related to purchased intangible assets were recorded in 2015. In 2014, we impaired licenses of a discontinued product line in the amount of $6.4 million . The impairment charge included $5.8 million in Cost of goods sold and $0.6 million in Research and development expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $36.5 million , $47.8 million and $45.0 million , respectively. Estimated future amortization expense (based on existing purchased intangible assets, not including IPR&D) for the years ending December 31, 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 and thereafter is $33.3 million , $25.0 million , $22.1 million , $19.3 million , $17.3 million , and $53.9 million , respectively.

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable and Long-term Debt	5. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT Under domestic and international lines of credit, standby letters of credit and guarantee arrangements, we had $201.2 million available for borrowing and usage as of December 31, 2015, which was reduced by $2.6 million that was utilized for standby letters of credit and guarantee arrangements issued by our banks to support our obligations. The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions): December 31, December 31, 2014 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020, net of discount $ 423.7 $ 423.5 Capital leases and other debt 12.3 12.5 436.0 436.0 Less current maturities (0.3 ) (0.3 ) Long-term debt $ 435.7 $ 435.7 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 at each year end to the 4.875% Notes including limitations on the following: liens, sale and leaseback transactions, mergers, consolidations or sales of assets and other covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2015 . There are no restrictive covenants relating to total indebtedness, interest coverage, stock repurchases, recapitalizations, dividends and distributions to shareholders or current ratios. Credit Agreement In June 2014, Bio-Rad entered into a $200.0 million unsecured Credit Agreement, replacing the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement of June 2010, which expired on June 21, 2014. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are on a revolving basis and can be used to make permitted acquisitions, for working capital and for other general corporate purposes. We had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015 or 2014 , however, $0.8 million was utilized for domestic standby letters of credit that reduced our borrowing availability. The Credit Agreement matures in June 2019 . If we had borrowed against our Credit Agreement, the borrowing rate would have been 1.86% at December 31, 2015 . 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 and create liens. We were in compliance with all of these ratios and covenants as of December 31, 2015 . Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 are as follows: 2016 - $0.3 million ; 2017 - $0.3 million ; 2018 - $0.3 million ; 2019 - $0.2 million ; 2020 - $425.3 million ; thereafter - $10.9 million .

6. Income Taxes

6. Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 48.4 $ 30.6 $ 5.7 International 97.4 101.0 106.7 Income before taxes $ 145.8 $ 131.6 $ 112.4 The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense (benefit): U.S. Federal $ 8.7 $ 9.6 $ (5.0 ) State 1.7 3.8 0.6 International 34.1 35.6 38.3 Current tax expense 44.5 49.0 33.9 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: U.S. Federal (0.2 ) 1.5 4.8 State 1.2 (0.2 ) (0.1 ) International (7.1 ) (7.3 ) (9.4 ) Deferred tax benefit (6.1 ) (6.0 ) (4.7 ) Non-current tax expense (benefit) (5.6 ) (0.3 ) 5.4 Provision for income taxes $ 32.8 $ 42.7 $ 34.6 The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income before taxes and the statutory tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 U.S. statutory tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % Impact of foreign operations (4 ) (4 ) (6 ) Research tax credits (2 ) (3 ) (6 ) Nontaxable subsidies (1 ) (2 ) (2 ) Tax settlements and changes to unrecognized tax benefits (4 ) (1 ) 5 Fines and penalties — 3 1 Foreign dividends, net (4 ) — 1 Other 2 4 3 Provision for income taxes 22 % 32 % 31 % Our effective income tax rate was 22% , 32% and 31% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2015 included a significant tax benefit from expected utilization of foreign tax credits in the U.S. The effective tax rate for 2014 included nondeductible penalties and losses that were nonrecurring. The effective tax rate for 2013 included a significant tax benefit related to the reinstated 2012 U.S. federal research credit, partially offset by an increase in tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and audit settlements in our foreign jurisdictions. Our foreign taxes result primarily from income earned in France and Switzerland. Many jurisdictions in which we operate, including Switzerland, Russia, the U.K. and Singapore, have statutory tax rates that are significantly lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% . 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, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals $ 26.3 $ 25.3 Other post-employment benefits, vacation and other reserves 28.1 25.6 Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards 80.2 60.5 Other 23.2 28.4 Total gross deferred tax assets 157.8 139.8 Valuation allowance (58.3 ) (58.6 ) Total deferred tax assets 99.5 81.2 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment 30.2 12.9 Investments and intangible assets 271.8 158.2 Total deferred tax liabilities 302.0 171.1 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (202.5 ) $ (89.9 ) At December 31, 2015 , Bio-Rad’s international subsidiaries had combined net operating loss carryforwards of $116.2 million . Of these loss carryforwards, $115.7 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 $26.5 million relating to these net operating loss carryforwards. At December 31, 2015 , Bio-Rad had U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $5.5 million as a result of acquisitions. These carryforwards are subject to limitation on their utilization and will expire between 2018 and 2034. At December 31, 2015 , Bio-Rad had U.S. Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards of $13.1 million and U.S. Federal research tax credit carryforwards of $8.2 million , $1.9 million of which are subject to limitations on their utilization. At December 31, 2015 , 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, 2015 , Bio-Rad had a deferred tax asset of $22.8 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, 2015 will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. Our income tax returns are audited by U.S. federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We are currently under examination by many of these tax authorities. The tax years open to examination include the years 2012 and forward for the U.S., and the years 2008 and forward for certain foreign jurisdictions, including France, Switzerland and Germany. There are differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations, and as a result, significant disputes may arise with these tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. We evaluate our exposures associated with our tax filing positions on a quarterly basis. We record liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions. We do not believe any currently pending uncertain tax positions will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, although an adverse resolution of one or more of these uncertain tax positions in any period may have a material impact on the results of operations for that period. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions): 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized tax benefits – January 1 $ 14.2 $ 16.2 $ 12.6 Additions to tax positions related to prior years 0.7 1.7 4.7 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (0.2 ) (1.5 ) (0.8 ) Additions to tax positions related to the current year 1.5 1.6 2.0 Settlements (0.5 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (6.3 ) (2.6 ) (1.7 ) Currency translation (0.5 ) (0.8 ) (0.3 ) Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31 $ 8.9 $ 14.2 $ 16.2 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 $3.0 million , $3.8 million and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , based on the expected outcome of certain examinations or as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitation for certain jurisdictions, we believe that within the next twelve months it is reasonably possible that our previously unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $4.0 million . Substantially all such amounts will impact our effective income tax rate if recognized. 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, 2015 , Bio-Rad had not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes on approximately $392 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 $82 million .

7. Stockholders' Equity

7. Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 issued common stock shares are as follows (in thousands): Class A Shares Class B Shares Balance at January 1, 2013 23,333 5,150 B to A conversions 80 (80 ) Issuance of common stock 268 27 Balance at December 31, 2013 23,681 5,097 B to A conversions 5 (5 ) Issuance of common stock 286 7 Balance at December 31, 2014 23,972 5,099 B to A conversions 18 (18 ) Issuance of common stock 240 50 Balance at December 31, 2015 24,230 5,131 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, 2015 . 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 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 2015 or 2014 .

8. Accumulated Other Comprehens

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 (in millions): Foreign currency translation adjustments Foreign other post-employment benefits adjustments Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments Total Accumulated other comprehensive income Balances as of January 1, 2014 $ 189.4 $ (8.1 ) $ 159.4 $ 340.7 Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications (117.0 ) (11.4 ) 7.3 (121.1 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (1.2 ) 0.7 — (0.5 ) Income tax effects — 2.5 (2.7 ) (0.2 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (118.2 ) (8.2 ) 4.6 (121.8 ) Balances as of December 31, 2014 $ 71.2 $ (16.3 ) $ 164.0 $ 218.9 Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications (37.5 ) (6.8 ) 325.4 281.1 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income — 1.1 (0.9 ) 0.2 Income tax effects — 1.3 (119.4 ) (118.1 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (37.5 ) (4.4 ) 205.1 163.2 Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 33.7 $ (20.7 ) $ 369.1 $ 382.1 The increase in 2015 for net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments was primarily from our ownership in the preferred shares of Sartorius. The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income into the Consolidated Statements of Income, with presentation location, were as follows: Income before taxes impact (in millions): December 31, Components of Comprehensive income 2015 2014 Location Liquidation of entity $ — $ 1.2 Cost of goods sold Amortization of foreign other post-employment benefit items $ (1.1 ) $ (0.7 ) Selling, general and administrative expense Net holding gains on available for sale investments $ 0.9 $ — Other (income) expense, net Reclassification adjustments are calculated using the specific identification method.

9. Share-based Compensation

9. Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2,250,360 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 as specified within the plan. At December 31, 2015 , there were 770,094 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 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. 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recognized share-based compensation expense of $17.0 million , $14.9 million and $13.7 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- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 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 Granted 54,000 $ 119.71 Exercised (91,387 ) $ 63.66 Forfeited/expired (10,450 ) $ 100.29 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 581,806 $ 84.50 Granted 40,500 $ 139.56 Exercised (195,221 ) $ 61.29 Forfeited/expired (380 ) $ 62.47 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 426,705 $ 100.36 5.46 $ 16.4 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2015 417,883 $ 99.75 5.41 $ 16.3 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 282,895 $ 89.43 4.23 $ 13.9 Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price. The total intrinsic value on the date of exercise of stock options exercised during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was approximately $13 million , $5 million and $11 million , respectively. The total grant date fair value of options vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $2.2 million , $2.1 million and $2.2 million , respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $2.9 million , $5.8 million and $4.1 million , respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised totaled $9.3 million , $5.3 million and $6.6 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , there was $5.5 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, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 23 % 25 % 28 % Risk-free interest rate 1.90 % 2.35 % 2.65 % Expected life (in years) 7.7 8.7 8.9 Expected dividend — — — Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 42.74 $ 43.96 $ 47.25 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 and Restricted Stock Units Under the 2007 Plan, restricted stock was last granted in 2008. Restricted stock units, which are rights to receive shares of company stock, were granted from 2007 through 2015 under the 2007 Plan. The fair value of each restricted stock share and 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 and restricted stock unit activity: Restricted Stock & Restricted Stock Units Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 361,458 $ 96.15 Granted 144,445 $ 117.09 Vested (104,883 ) $ 91.76 Forfeited (25,590 ) $ 95.97 Outstanding, December 31, 2013 375,430 $ 105.44 Granted 145,695 $ 119.56 Vested (107,557 ) $ 98.52 Forfeited (36,203 ) $ 108.17 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 377,365 $ 112.60 Granted 177,110 $ 139.56 Vested (113,347 ) $ 107.62 Forfeited (28,706 ) $ 116.19 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 412,422 $ 125.30 2.16 $ 57.2 The total grant date fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $12.2 million , $10.6 million and $9.6 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , there was approximately $40.1 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, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 18 % 15 % 19 % Risk-free interest rate 0.02 % 0.04 % 0.05 % Expected life (in years) 0.25 0.25 0.25 Expected dividend — — — Weighted-average fair value of purchase rights $ 25.08 $ 21.88 $ 21.76 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 96,634 shares for $10.8 million , 102,222 shares for $10.2 million and 103,669 shares for $10.0 million under the 2011 ESPP to employees in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , 189,726 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, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Interest and investment income $ (10.1 ) $ (13.5 ) $ (13.4 ) Net realized (gains) losses on investments (1.6 ) — 0.3 Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments 0.6 0.4 0.3 Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net — 0.1 — Other (income) expense, net $ (11.1 ) $ (13.0 ) $ (12.8 ) Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments were recorded in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 on certain of our available-for-sale investments and a certain equity investment in light of the continuing declines in their market prices at that time.

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Inf

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 113.1 $ 88.8 $ 77.8 Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities (net of effects of acquisitions): Depreciation and amortization 131.8 149.9 147.2 Share-based compensation 17.0 14.9 13.7 (Gains) losses on dispositions of securities (1.0 ) 0.3 0.6 Losses on dispositions of fixed assets 0.3 0.4 0.5 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (3.6 ) (1.3 ) (2.7 ) Changes in fair value of contingent consideration (5.6 ) (1.4 ) (5.8 ) (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net (39.0 ) 11.1 (24.2 ) (Increase) decrease in inventories, net (54.2 ) 5.8 (39.7 ) Decrease (increase) in other current assets 0.1 (5.7 ) (4.2 ) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities 28.6 (9.9 ) 33.2 Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 12.7 20.4 (38.0 ) Decrease in deferred income taxes (6.4 ) (6.3 ) (4.0 ) Net decrease/increase in other long-term liabilities/assets (7.6 ) 6.3 14.7 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 186.2 $ 273.3 $ 169.1 Non-cash investing activities: Purchased intangible assets $ — $ 0.2 $ 12.0 Purchased marketable securities and investments $ 2.2 $ — $ 0.4

12. Commitments & Contingent Li

12. Commitments & Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Rents and Leases Rental expense under operating leases was $45.0 million , $46.9 million and $45.5 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Leases are principally for facilities and automobiles. We had no sublease income. Annual future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2015 under operating leases are as follows: 2016 - $41.2 million ; 2017 - $33.9 million ; 2018 - $25.2 million ; 2019 - $18.7 million ; and 2020 and beyond - $43.3 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 $14.7 million , $13.7 million and $13.5 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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, 2015 and 2014 was $68.6 million and $46.1 million , respectively, and has been included in Accrued payroll and employee benefits and Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Most 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. However, some of these plans require funding based on local laws in which there is a trust or other device used to accumulate assets to assist in settling these obligations. Purchase Obligations As of December 31, 2015 , we had obligations that have been recognized on our balance sheet of $110.8 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, 2015 are as follows: 2016 - $23.8 million , 2017 - $10.9 million , 2018 - $3.2 million , 2019 - $2.1 million , 2020 - $1.7 million and after 2020 - $69.1 million . As of December 31, 2015 , we had purchase obligations that have not been recognized on our balance sheet of $35.7 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, 2015 are as follows: 2016 - $17.8 million , 2017 - $5.1 million , 2018 - $3.6 million , 2019 - $3.6 million , 2020 - $5.6 million and after 2020 - $0 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. We were contingently liable for $1.3 million of standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2015 . Contingent Consideration During the second quarter of 2014, we recognized a contingent consideration liability upon our acquisition of GnuBIO. At the acquisition date, the contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach that could reach $70.0 million upon the achievement of all development/regulatory and sales milestones. The contingent consideration for the development/regulatory milestones was valued at $10.7 million at the acquisition date based on assumptions regarding the probability of achieving the milestones, with such amounts discounted to present value. The contingent consideration related to the development/regulatory milestones was revalued to a fair value of $10.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The contingent consideration for the sales milestones at the acquisition date and at December 31, 2015 was determined to be negligible, using the risk-neutral probability of being in the money based on a Black-Scholes framework. The sales that are required under the purchase agreement have a low probability of obtaining the thresholds. During the third quarter of 2012, we recognized a contingent consideration liability of $44.6 million 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. The development milestone was achieved and paid in 2013. The first sales milestone was reached, resulting in payments of $2.4 million and $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, respectively. During 2015, the contingent consideration was revalued by a decrease of $5.6 million to its estimated fair value of $9.1 million as of December 31, 2015 . Concentrations of Labor Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements At December 31, 2015 , approximately eight percent of Bio-Rad's approximately 3,100 U.S. employees were 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, 2015
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal Matters and Contingencies	13. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On January 23, 2015, the City of Riviera Beach General Employees’ Retirement System filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County, against three of our current directors and one former director. We are also named as a nominal defendant. In the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that our directors breached their fiduciary duty of loyalty by failing to ensure that we had sufficient internal controls and systems for compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"); that we failed to provide adequate training on the FCPA; and that based on these actions, the directors have been unjustly enriched. Purportedly seeking relief on our behalf, the plaintiff seeks an award of restitution and unspecified damages, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees). On April 23, 2015, we and the individual defendants filed a demurrer requesting dismissal of the complaint in this case. The demurrer was heard on August 6, 2015, and the Court granted the demurrer for failure to make a demand on our Board of Directors on August 17, 2015, but provided leave to amend. On September 4, 2015, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint and simultaneously served a litigation demand letter on our Board of Directors via its counsel in this action. The letter demands that we investigate and bring appropriate legal action against certain individuals, including the defendants in the City of Riviera Beach case and six current and former employees. The plaintiff also moved for a temporary stay in the proceedings, purportedly to enable the Board to respond to the demand. The Board has formed a Demand Review Committee to respond to the demand. On February 24, 2016, the Demand Review Committee reported to the Board that it had concluded its investigation and unanimously determined that it is not in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to pursue litigation against any individuals named in the City of Riviera Beach’s litigation demand letter. On October 6, 2015, we and the individual defendants filed a second demurrer, seeking to dismiss the case for failure to make a timely pre-suit demand. The case has been stayed pending mediation. The caption is City of Riviera Beach General Employees’ Retirement System v. Schwartz et al., Case No. C-15-00140. On August 13, 2015 and August 18, 2015, respectively, each of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 38 Pension Fund and Wayne County Employees’ Retirement System filed a stockholder derivative complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery against four of our current directors and one former director. We are named as a nominal defendant in the complaints. The complaints allege that the defendants failed to cause us to develop internal controls sufficient to ensure our compliance with the FCPA. The plaintiffs assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment and request an award of the damages we sustained as a result of the alleged violations, among other relief. The two lawsuits were consolidated on August 27, 2015. The case has been stayed pending mediation. The caption of the consolidated case is In re Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Stockholder Litigation, Consol. C.A. No. 11387-VCN (Del. Ch.). On May 27, 2015, our former general counsel, Sanford S. Wadler, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, against us and four of our current directors and one former director. The plaintiff’s suit alleges whistleblower retaliation in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act for raising FCPA-related concerns. Mr. Wadler also alleges wrongful termination in violation of public policy, non-payment of wages and waiting time penalties in violation of the California Labor Code. The plaintiff seeks back pay, compensatory damages for lost wages, earnings, retirement benefits and other employee benefits, compensation for mental pain and anguish and emotional distress, waiting time penalties, punitive damages, litigation costs (including attorneys’ fees) and reinstatement of employment. We believe this lawsuit is without merit, and on July 28, 2015 we filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff's complaint and specifically requested dismissal of the claims alleged against us under the Dodd-Frank Act and California Labor Code 1102.5 and the claims against the directors under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act. On October 23, 2015, the District Court granted our motion with respect to the alleged violations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act against all the director defendants except Norman Schwartz with prejudice. The Court denied our motion to dismiss the claims under the Dodd-Frank Act as against both us and the director defendants. Discovery has started. A mediation is scheduled for April 19, 2016 and trial is scheduled for January 9, 2017. We are vigorously defending against the claims above. We cannot at this time reasonably estimate a range of exposure, if any, of the potential liability. 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, 2015
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, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 and for the years then ended is as follows (in millions): Life Science Clinical Diagnostics Other Operations Segment net sales 2015 $ 695.0 $ 1,310.4 $ 14.0 2014 728.3 1,432.3 14.4 2013 710.0 1,408.0 14.7 Allocated interest expense 2015 $ 6.1 $ 15.4 $ 0.1 2014 5.5 15.9 0.1 2013 10.4 30.1 0.1 Depreciation and amortization 2015 $ 30.7 $ 77.8 $ 0.1 2014 33.2 95.8 — 2013 32.6 91.5 0.1 Segment (loss) profit 2015 $ (0.7 ) $ 152.4 $ 0.7 2014 (14.7 ) 167.1 1.2 2013 (13.7 ) 176.2 1.1 Segment assets 2015 $ 390.5 $ 878.3 $ 4.4 2014 361.5 884.9 4.8 Capital expenditures 2015 $ 8.2 $ 51.3 $ 0.1 2014 14.1 60.1 — 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 2014 and 2013, this included the accrual of $20.1 million and $35.0 million , respectively, associated with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice investigations relating to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, for which a final settlement was reached in the fourth quarter of 2014. In 2013, this also included the $15.6 million expense for the redemption of our 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes. The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Total segment profit $ 152.4 $ 153.6 $ 163.6 Foreign exchange losses (10.2 ) (9.3 ) (8.6 ) Net corporate operating, interest and other expense, net not allocated to segments (7.5 ) (25.7 ) (55.4 ) Other income (expense), net 11.1 13.0 12.8 Consolidated income before taxes $ 145.8 $ 131.6 $ 112.4 The following reconciles total segment assets to consolidated total assets (in millions): December 31, 2015 2014 Total segment assets $ 1,273.2 $ 1,251.2 Cash and other current assets 926.9 888.1 Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding segment specific gross machinery and equipment 46.1 26.7 Goodwill, net 495.9 500.4 Other long-term assets 969.4 674.9 Total assets $ 3,711.5 $ 3,341.3 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, 2015 2014 2013 Europe $ 763.7 $ 901.7 $ 886.1 Pacific Rim 392.2 417.5 413.3 United States 735.0 704.9 677.7 Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 128.5 150.9 155.6 Total net sales $ 2,019.4 $ 2,175.0 $ 2,132.7 The following presents Property, plant and equipment, net, Other investments and other assets, excluding deferred income taxes, by geographic region based upon the location of the asset (in millions): December 31, 2015 2014 Europe $ 204.4 $ 194.5 Pacific Rim 15.1 19.0 United States 964.4 623.8 Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 9.1 12.1 Total Property, plant and equipment, net, Other investments and other assets, excluding deferred income taxes $ 1,193.0 $ 849.4

15. Quarterly Financial Data

15. Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data [Text Block]	15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Summarized quarterly financial data for 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in millions, except per share data): First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 Net sales $ 472.8 $ 506.1 $ 470.0 $ 570.6 Gross profit 270.1 279.6 263.5 308.5 Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 17.8 28.4 17.4 49.5 Basic earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.98 $ 0.59 $ 1.69 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.97 $ 0.59 $ 1.68 2014 Net sales $ 509.3 $ 536.8 $ 530.6 $ 598.2 Gross profit 275.3 297.2 288.6 317.4 Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 6.7 31.6 11.5 39.0 Basic earnings per share $ 0.23 $ 1.10 $ 0.40 $ 1.35 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.23 $ 1.09 $ 0.39 $ 1.34

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accoutns	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Balance at End of Year 2015 $ 27,973 $ 8,783 $ (12,338 ) $ 24,418 2014 $ 32,471 $ 7,164 $ (11,662 ) $ 27,973 2013 $ 29,202 $ 9,181 $ (5,912 ) $ 32,471 Valuation allowance for current and long-term deferred tax assets Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged (Credited) to Income Tax Expense Deductions Balance at End of Year 2015 $ 58,615 $ (338 ) $ — $ 58,277 2014 $ 64,011 $ (5,396 ) $ — $ 58,615 2013 $ 52,856 $ 11,155 $ — $ 64,011

16. Subsequent Event (Notes)

16. Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
16. Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT In January 2016, we acquired a high performance analytical flow cytometer platform from Propel Labs (Propel) that will enable advanced and novice users to perform basic and multi-parameter cytometry for a wide range of applications and chemistries. Bio-Rad expects to launch the instrument later this year. The aggregate consideration for the instrument consisted of a cash payment in January 2016 of $10.0 million , with payments of up to $20.0 million due upon the completion of certain technical milestones. Following the completion of these milestones, semi-annual performance payments to Propel will be required based on a percentage of sales through 2020. We are presently unable to report the purchase price allocation or the evaluation of the transaction, as more time is needed to complete the information transfer from the seller and include all information into a valuation of individual assets and liabilities, including contingent consideration.

1. Significant Accounting Pol25

1. Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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.
Short-term Restricted Investments [Policy Text Block]	Short-term Restricted Investments Short-term restricted investments of $4.21 million at December 31, 2015 represent a money market fund for collateral that secures worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Investment income accrues to Bio-Rad and is recorded in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as noncurrent for each tax-paying jurisdiction in the Balance Sheet as a result of our early adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” We record 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. Net sales are the actual selling price of products to customers. Any taxes billed to the customer (sales tax, value added tax, etc.) shall be credited to the tax liability accounts and excluded from net sales. 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): 2015 2014 January 1 $ 17.8 $ 15.6 Provision for warranty 30.6 28.6 Actual warranty costs (31.0 ) (26.4 ) December 31 $ 17.4 $ 17.8
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 in 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 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 since that date 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. 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, 2015 2014 2013 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,186 28,876 28,586 Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards 223 257 320 Diluted weighted average common shares 29,409 29,133 28,906 Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the computation of diluted EPS 109 122 107
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 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (“ASU”) 2016-02, "Leases," which will require, among other items, lessees to recognize most leases as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Qualitative and quantitative disclosures will be enhanced to better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis, with elective reliefs, which requires application of ASU 2016-02 for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the effect ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." Amendments under ASU 2016-01, among other items, require that all equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) will generally be measured at fair value through earnings. There will no longer be an available-for-sale classification, for which changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income, for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the cost method is also eliminated. However, entities will be able to elect to record equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. Changes in the basis of these equity investments will be reported in current earnings. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the effect ASU 2016-01 will have, if any, on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent for each tax-paying jurisdiction in the Balance Sheet. Previous disclosures required entities to separate deferred tax assets and liabilities into a current amount and a noncurrent amount for each tax-paying jurisdiction. ASU 2015-17 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. ASU 2015-17 can be early adopted for any period that has not been issued on a prospective or retrospective basis. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 during the fourth quarter of 2015 on a prospective basis as a change in accounting policy and therefore prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under current guidance, an entity subsequently measures inventory at the lower of cost or market, with market defined as replacement cost, net realizable value (NRV), or NRV less a normal profit margin. An entity uses current replacement cost provided that it is not above NRV (i.e., the ceiling) or below NRV less an “approximately normal profit margin” (i.e., the floor). ASU 2015-11 eliminates this analysis and requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and NRV.” ASU 2015-11 is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect ASU 2015-11 will have, if any, on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 was issued to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. This will make the presentation of debt issuance costs consistent with the presentation of debt discounts or premiums. Under current U.S. GAAP, debt issuance costs are reported on the balance sheet as assets and amortized as interest expense. Under ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs will continue to be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, "Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements" to clarify the SEC staff’s position that it would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, which is our current practice. ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We will not early adopt. Debt issuance costs were not material as of December 31, 2015. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date in ASU 2014-09, which is annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, we do not plan to early adopt. The new standard is to be applied retrospectively and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and we have not yet selected a transition method.

1. Significant Accounting Pol26

1. Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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): 2015 2014 January 1 $ 17.8 $ 15.6 Provision for warranty 30.6 28.6 Actual warranty costs (31.0 ) (26.4 ) December 31 $ 17.4 $ 17.8
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, 2015 2014 2013 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,186 28,876 28,586 Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards 223 257 320 Diluted weighted average common shares 29,409 29,133 28,906 Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from the computation of diluted EPS 109 122 107

3. Fair Value Measurements (Tab

3. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
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, 2015 (in millions): 2015 Cell sorting system: January 1 $ 17.7 Payment of sales milestone (3.0 ) Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in Selling, general and administrative expense (5.6 ) December 31 $ 9.1
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, 2015 . 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 0.29% 0.83% Projected volatility of growth rates 10.0% N/A Market price of risk 1.30% N/A
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of our forward foreign currency exchange contracts (in millions): December 31, 2015 Contracts maturing in January through April 2016 to sell foreign currency: Notional value $ 28.1 Unrealized loss $ 0.1 Contracts maturing in January through April 2016 to purchase foreign currency: Notional value $ 287.4 Unrealized loss $ 0.1
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, 2015 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 $ — $ 33.2 $ — $ 33.2 Foreign government obligations — 0.6 — $ 0.6 Foreign time deposits 11.9 — — 11.9 U.S. government sponsored agencies — 14.6 — 14.6 Money market funds 11.3 — — 11.3 Total cash equivalents 23.2 48.4 — 71.6 Restricted investment: 4.2 — — 4.2 Available-for-sale investments (b): Corporate debt securities — 156.9 — 156.9 U.S. government sponsored agencies — 74.8 — 74.8 Foreign government obligations — 4.6 — 4.6 Municipal obligations — 6.4 — 6.4 Marketable equity securities 660.1 — — 660.1 Asset-backed securities — 54.8 — 54.8 Total available-for-sale investments 660.1 297.5 — 957.6 Forward foreign exchange contracts (c) — 0.9 — 0.9 Total financial assets carried at fair value $ 687.5 $ 346.8 $ — $ 1,034.3 Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value: Forward foreign exchange contracts (d) $ — $ 1.1 $ — $ 1.1 Contingent consideration (e) — — 19.1 19.1 Total financial liabilities carried at fair value $ — $ 1.1 $ 19.1 $ 20.2 Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 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 $ — $ 4.0 — $ 4.0 Foreign time deposits 16.5 — — 16.5 Money market funds 2.2 — — 2.2 Total cash equivalents 18.7 4.0 — 22.7 Available-for-sale investments (b): Corporate debt securities — 139.9 — 139.9 Foreign brokered certificates of deposit — 5.2 — 5.2 U.S. government sponsored agencies — 47.5 — 47.5 Foreign government obligations — 4.0 — 4.0 Municipal obligations — 6.5 — 6.5 Marketable equity securities 334.4 — — 334.4 Asset-backed securities — 48.4 — 48.4 Total available-for-sale investments 334.4 251.5 — 585.9 Forward foreign exchange contracts (c) — 0.6 — 0.6 Total financial assets carried at fair value $ 353.1 $ 256.1 — $ 609.2 Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value: Forward foreign exchange contracts (d) $ — $ 1.7 — $ 1.7 Contingent consideration (e) — — 27.7 27.7 Total financial liabilities carried at fair value $ — $ 1.7 $ 27.7 $ 29.4 (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, 2014 Short-term investments $ 328.7 $ 284.4 Other investments 628.9 301.5 Total $ 957.6 $ 585.9 (c) Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in 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) Contingent consideration liabilities are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other current liabilities $ 13.5 $ 13.1 Other long-term liabilities 5.6 14.6 Total $ 19.1 $ 27.7
Schedule of available-for-sale investments	Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions): December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Short-term investments: Corporate debt securities $ 157.2 $ 0.1 $ (0.4 ) $ 156.9 Municipal obligations 6.4 — — 6.4 Asset-backed securities 54.8 — (0.2 ) 54.6 U.S. government sponsored agencies 74.9 0.1 (0.2 ) 74.8 Foreign government obligations 4.6 — — 4.6 Marketable equity securities 29.4 2.7 (0.7 ) 31.4 327.3 2.9 (1.5 ) 328.7 Long-term investments: Marketable equity securities 54.5 574.2 — 628.7 Asset-backed securities 0.3 — (0.1 ) 0.2 54.8 574.2 (0.1 ) 628.9 Total $ 382.1 $ 577.1 $ (1.6 ) $ 957.6 December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Short-term investments: Corporate debt securities $ 139.7 $ 0.4 $ (0.2 ) $ 139.9 Foreign brokered certificates of deposit 5.2 — — 5.2 Municipal obligations 6.5 — — 6.5 Asset-backed securities 48.2 — (0.2 ) 48.0 U.S. government sponsored agencies 47.4 0.1 — 47.5 Foreign government obligations 4.0 — — 4.0 Marketable equity securities 29.0 4.5 (0.2 ) 33.3 280.0 5.0 (0.6 ) 284.4 Long-term investments: Marketable equity securities 54.5 246.6 — 301.1 Asset-backed securities 0.4 — — 0.4 54.9 246.6 — 301.5 Total $ 334.9 $ 251.6 $ (0.6 ) $ 585.9
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, 2014 Fair value of investments in a loss position 12 months or more $ 10.4 $ 8.4 Fair value of investments in a loss position less than 12 months $ 204.0 $ 90.7 Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position 12 months or more $ 0.4 $ 0.2 Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position less than 12 months $ 1.2 $ 0.4
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, 2015 by contractual maturity date (in millions): Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Mature in less than one year $ 104.9 $ 104.8 Mature in one to five years 143.0 142.7 Mature in more than five years 50.3 50.0 Total $ 298.2 $ 297.5
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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Fair Value Hierarchy Level Other investments $ 86.5 $ 843.2 2 $ 82.6 $ 401.1 2 Total long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities $ 423.7 $ 454.3 2 $ 423.5 $ 454.9 2

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwil28

4. Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes to goodwill by segment	Changes to goodwill by segment were as follows (in millions): 2015 2014 Life Clinical Total Life Clinical Total Balances as of January 1: Goodwill $ 207.7 $ 320.9 $ 528.6 $ 209.0 $ 337.0 $ 546.0 Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) Goodwill, net 180.5 319.9 500.4 181.8 336.0 517.8 Acquisitions — — — — 13.5 13.5 Currency fluctuations (0.5 ) (4.0 ) (4.5 ) (1.3 ) (29.6 ) (30.9 ) Balances as of December 31: Goodwill 207.2 316.9 524.1 207.7 320.9 528.6 Accumulated impairment losses and write-offs (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) (27.2 ) (1.0 ) (28.2 ) Goodwill, net $ 180.0 $ 315.9 $ 495.9 $ 180.5 $ 319.9 $ 500.4
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major-Class	Information regarding our identifiable purchased intangible assets with definite and indefinite lives is as follows (in millions): December 31, 2015 Average Remaining Life (years) Purchase Price Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships/lists 2-10 $ 84.7 $ (46.8 ) $ 37.9 Know how 1-10 184.0 (121.6 ) 62.4 Developed product technology 4-12 101.3 (48.9 ) 52.4 Licenses 3-10 39.2 (28.5 ) 10.7 Tradenames 5-9 3.5 (2.4 ) 1.1 Covenants not to compete 3-7 4.8 (1.7 ) 3.1 Total definite-lived intangible assets 417.5 (249.9 ) 167.6 In-process research and development 46.4 — 46.4 Total purchased intangible assets $ 463.9 $ (249.9 ) $ 214.0 December 31, 2014 Average Remaining Life (years) Purchase Price Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships/lists 3-10 $ 89.4 $ (43.0 ) $ 46.4 Know how 1-11 184.7 (102.5 ) 82.2 Developed product technology 5-12 103.9 (42.8 ) 61.1 Licenses 1-11 39.4 (26.5 ) 12.9 Tradenames 1-10 3.6 (2.1 ) 1.5 Covenants not to compete 3-8 4.9 (1.2 ) 3.7 Total definite-lived intangible assets 425.9 (218.1 ) 207.8 In-process research and development 46.4 — 46.4 Total purchased intangible assets $ 472.3 $ (218.1 ) $ 254.2

5. Notes Payable and Long-Ter29

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2014 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020, net of discount $ 423.7 $ 423.5 Capital leases and other debt 12.3 12.5 436.0 436.0 Less current maturities (0.3 ) (0.3 ) Long-term debt $ 435.7 $ 435.7

6. Income Taxes (Tables)

6. Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 48.4 $ 30.6 $ 5.7 International 97.4 101.0 106.7 Income before taxes $ 145.8 $ 131.6 $ 112.4
Provision for income taxes [Table Text Block]	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense (benefit): U.S. Federal $ 8.7 $ 9.6 $ (5.0 ) State 1.7 3.8 0.6 International 34.1 35.6 38.3 Current tax expense 44.5 49.0 33.9 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: U.S. Federal (0.2 ) 1.5 4.8 State 1.2 (0.2 ) (0.1 ) International (7.1 ) (7.3 ) (9.4 ) Deferred tax benefit (6.1 ) (6.0 ) (4.7 ) Non-current tax expense (benefit) (5.6 ) (0.3 ) 5.4 Provision for income taxes $ 32.8 $ 42.7 $ 34.6
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, 2015 2014 2013 U.S. statutory tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % Impact of foreign operations (4 ) (4 ) (6 ) Research tax credits (2 ) (3 ) (6 ) Nontaxable subsidies (1 ) (2 ) (2 ) Tax settlements and changes to unrecognized tax benefits (4 ) (1 ) 5 Fines and penalties — 3 1 Foreign dividends, net (4 ) — 1 Other 2 4 3 Provision for income taxes 22 % 32 % 31 %
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Table Text Block]	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, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals $ 26.3 $ 25.3 Other post-employment benefits, vacation and other reserves 28.1 25.6 Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards 80.2 60.5 Other 23.2 28.4 Total gross deferred tax assets 157.8 139.8 Valuation allowance (58.3 ) (58.6 ) Total deferred tax assets 99.5 81.2 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment 30.2 12.9 Investments and intangible assets 271.8 158.2 Total deferred tax liabilities 302.0 171.1 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (202.5 ) $ (89.9 )
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): 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized tax benefits – January 1 $ 14.2 $ 16.2 $ 12.6 Additions to tax positions related to prior years 0.7 1.7 4.7 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (0.2 ) (1.5 ) (0.8 ) Additions to tax positions related to the current year 1.5 1.6 2.0 Settlements (0.5 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (6.3 ) (2.6 ) (1.7 ) Currency translation (0.5 ) (0.8 ) (0.3 ) Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31 $ 8.9 $ 14.2 $ 16.2

7. Stockholders' Equity Stockho

7. Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Shares Detail (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	Changes to Bio-Rad's issued common stock shares are as follows (in thousands): Class A Shares Class B Shares Balance at January 1, 2013 23,333 5,150 B to A conversions 80 (80 ) Issuance of common stock 268 27 Balance at December 31, 2013 23,681 5,097 B to A conversions 5 (5 ) Issuance of common stock 286 7 Balance at December 31, 2014 23,972 5,099 B to A conversions 18 (18 ) Issuance of common stock 240 50 Balance at December 31, 2015 24,230 5,131

8. Accumulated Other Comprehe32

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 (in millions): Foreign currency translation adjustments Foreign other post-employment benefits adjustments Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments Total Accumulated other comprehensive income Balances as of January 1, 2014 $ 189.4 $ (8.1 ) $ 159.4 $ 340.7 Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications (117.0 ) (11.4 ) 7.3 (121.1 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (1.2 ) 0.7 — (0.5 ) Income tax effects — 2.5 (2.7 ) (0.2 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (118.2 ) (8.2 ) 4.6 (121.8 ) Balances as of December 31, 2014 $ 71.2 $ (16.3 ) $ 164.0 $ 218.9 Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications (37.5 ) (6.8 ) 325.4 281.1 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income — 1.1 (0.9 ) 0.2 Income tax effects — 1.3 (119.4 ) (118.1 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (37.5 ) (4.4 ) 205.1 163.2 Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 33.7 $ (20.7 ) $ 369.1 $ 382.1

8. Accumulated Other Comprehe33

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income into the Consolidated Statements of Income, with presentation location, were as follows: Income before taxes impact (in millions): December 31, Components of Comprehensive income 2015 2014 Location Liquidation of entity $ — $ 1.2 Cost of goods sold Amortization of foreign other post-employment benefit items $ (1.1 ) $ (0.7 ) Selling, general and administrative expense Net holding gains on available for sale investments $ 0.9 $ — Other (income) expense, net Reclassification adjustments are calculated using the specific identification method.

9. Share-based Compensation (Ta

9. Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Options Activity	Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity: Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 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 Granted 54,000 $ 119.71 Exercised (91,387 ) $ 63.66 Forfeited/expired (10,450 ) $ 100.29 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 581,806 $ 84.50 Granted 40,500 $ 139.56 Exercised (195,221 ) $ 61.29 Forfeited/expired (380 ) $ 62.47 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 426,705 $ 100.36 5.46 $ 16.4 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2015 417,883 $ 99.75 5.41 $ 16.3 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 282,895 $ 89.43 4.23 $ 13.9
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, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 23 % 25 % 28 % Risk-free interest rate 1.90 % 2.35 % 2.65 % Expected life (in years) 7.7 8.7 8.9 Expected dividend — — — Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 42.74 $ 43.96 $ 47.25
Resticted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity: Restricted Stock & Restricted Stock Units Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding, January 1, 2013 361,458 $ 96.15 Granted 144,445 $ 117.09 Vested (104,883 ) $ 91.76 Forfeited (25,590 ) $ 95.97 Outstanding, December 31, 2013 375,430 $ 105.44 Granted 145,695 $ 119.56 Vested (107,557 ) $ 98.52 Forfeited (36,203 ) $ 108.17 Outstanding, December 31, 2014 377,365 $ 112.60 Granted 177,110 $ 139.56 Vested (113,347 ) $ 107.62 Forfeited (28,706 ) $ 116.19 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 412,422 $ 125.30 2.16 $ 57.2
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, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 18 % 15 % 19 % Risk-free interest rate 0.02 % 0.04 % 0.05 % Expected life (in years) 0.25 0.25 0.25 Expected dividend — — — Weighted-average fair value of purchase rights $ 25.08 $ 21.88 $ 21.76

10. Other Income and Expenses

10. Other Income and Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of other income (expense), net	Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest and investment income $ (10.1 ) $ (13.5 ) $ (13.4 ) Net realized (gains) losses on investments (1.6 ) — 0.3 Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments 0.6 0.4 0.3 Miscellaneous other (income) expense items, net — 0.1 — Other (income) expense, net $ (11.1 ) $ (13.0 ) $ (12.8 )

11. Supplemental Cash Flow I36

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 113.1 $ 88.8 $ 77.8 Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities (net of effects of acquisitions): Depreciation and amortization 131.8 149.9 147.2 Share-based compensation 17.0 14.9 13.7 (Gains) losses on dispositions of securities (1.0 ) 0.3 0.6 Losses on dispositions of fixed assets 0.3 0.4 0.5 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (3.6 ) (1.3 ) (2.7 ) Changes in fair value of contingent consideration (5.6 ) (1.4 ) (5.8 ) (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net (39.0 ) 11.1 (24.2 ) (Increase) decrease in inventories, net (54.2 ) 5.8 (39.7 ) Decrease (increase) in other current assets 0.1 (5.7 ) (4.2 ) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities 28.6 (9.9 ) 33.2 Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 12.7 20.4 (38.0 ) Decrease in deferred income taxes (6.4 ) (6.3 ) (4.0 ) Net decrease/increase in other long-term liabilities/assets (7.6 ) 6.3 14.7 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 186.2 $ 273.3 $ 169.1 Non-cash investing activities: Purchased intangible assets $ — $ 0.2 $ 12.0 Purchased marketable securities and investments $ 2.2 $ — $ 0.4

14. Segment Reporting (Tables)

14. Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding industry segments	Information regarding industry segments at December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 and for the years then ended is as follows (in millions): Life Science Clinical Diagnostics Other Operations Segment net sales 2015 $ 695.0 $ 1,310.4 $ 14.0 2014 728.3 1,432.3 14.4 2013 710.0 1,408.0 14.7 Allocated interest expense 2015 $ 6.1 $ 15.4 $ 0.1 2014 5.5 15.9 0.1 2013 10.4 30.1 0.1 Depreciation and amortization 2015 $ 30.7 $ 77.8 $ 0.1 2014 33.2 95.8 — 2013 32.6 91.5 0.1 Segment (loss) profit 2015 $ (0.7 ) $ 152.4 $ 0.7 2014 (14.7 ) 167.1 1.2 2013 (13.7 ) 176.2 1.1 Segment assets 2015 $ 390.5 $ 878.3 $ 4.4 2014 361.5 884.9 4.8 Capital expenditures 2015 $ 8.2 $ 51.3 $ 0.1 2014 14.1 60.1 —
Reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated income before taxes	he following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Total segment profit $ 152.4 $ 153.6 $ 163.6 Foreign exchange losses (10.2 ) (9.3 ) (8.6 ) Net corporate operating, interest and other expense, net not allocated to segments (7.5 ) (25.7 ) (55.4 ) Other income (expense), net 11.1 13.0 12.8 Consolidated income before taxes $ 145.8 $ 131.6 $ 112.4
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	The following reconciles total segment assets to consolidated total assets (in millions): December 31, 2015 2014 Total segment assets $ 1,273.2 $ 1,251.2 Cash and other current assets 926.9 888.1 Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding segment specific gross machinery and equipment 46.1 26.7 Goodwill, net 495.9 500.4 Other long-term assets 969.4 674.9 Total assets $ 3,711.5 $ 3,341.3
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, 2015 2014 2013 Europe $ 763.7 $ 901.7 $ 886.1 Pacific Rim 392.2 417.5 413.3 United States 735.0 704.9 677.7 Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 128.5 150.9 155.6 Total net sales $ 2,019.4 $ 2,175.0 $ 2,132.7 The following presents Property, plant and equipment, net, Other investments and other assets, excluding deferred income taxes, by geographic region based upon the location of the asset (in millions): December 31, 2015 2014 Europe $ 204.4 $ 194.5 Pacific Rim 15.1 19.0 United States 964.4 623.8 Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 9.1 12.1 Total Property, plant and equipment, net, Other investments and other assets, excluding deferred income taxes $ 1,193.0 $ 849.4

15. Quarterly Financial Data (T

15. Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data [Table Text Block]	First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 Net sales $ 472.8 $ 506.1 $ 470.0 $ 570.6 Gross profit 270.1 279.6 263.5 308.5 Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 17.8 28.4 17.4 49.5 Basic earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.98 $ 0.59 $ 1.69 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.97 $ 0.59 $ 1.68 2014 Net sales $ 509.3 $ 536.8 $ 530.6 $ 598.2 Gross profit 275.3 297.2 288.6 317.4 Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 6.7 31.6 11.5 39.0 Basic earnings per share $ 0.23 $ 1.10 $ 0.40 $ 1.35 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.23 $ 1.09 $ 0.39 $ 1.34

1. Significant Accounting Pol39

1. Significant Accounting Policies Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 Pol40

1. Significant Accounting Policies Warranty rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Warranty accrual, beginning of period	$ 17.8	$ 15.6
Provision for warranty	30.6	28.6
Actual warranty costs	(31)	(26.4)
Warranty accrual, end of period	$ 17.4	$ 17.8

1. Significant Accounting Pol41

1. Significant Accounting Policies Earnings per share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	29,186	28,876	28,586
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards	223	257	320
Diluted weighted average common shares	29,409	29,133	28,906
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted EPS	109	122	107

1. Significant Accounting Pol42

1. Significant Accounting Policies Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - DiaMed Spain [Member] € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 14, 2013USD ($)	Feb. 14, 2013EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 0.9	€ 0.6
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			$ (0.6)
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance			$ (0.3)

1. Significant Accounting Pol43

1. Significant Accounting Policies Details (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restricted investments	$ 4,210	$ 0

2. Acquisitions (Details)

2. Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			$ 0	$ 13,500
Goodwill			495,948	500,441		$ 517,800
GnuBIO [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired					100.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 50,400
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired		39,700
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		46,400
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 13,500
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			10,000	10,000	$ 10,700
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High					70,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net					$ (9,500)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]		$ 19,100	$ 27,700
[1]	Contingent consideration liabilities are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other current liabilities$13.5 $13.1Other long-term liabilities5.6 14.6 Total$19.1 $27.7

3. Fair Value Measurements (Det

3. Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value		$ 4.2
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	957.6	$ 585.9
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	[2]	0.9	0.6
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value		1,034.3	609.2
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	[3]	1.1	1.7
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[4]	19.1	27.7
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		20.2	29.4
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	156.9	139.9
Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]		5.2
US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	74.8	47.5
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	4.6	4
Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	6.4	6.5
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	660.1	334.4
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	54.8	48.4
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0.6
Foreign Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	11.9	16.5
US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	14.6
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	11.3	2.2
Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	33.2	4
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	71.6	22.7
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value		4.2
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	660.1	334.4
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	[2]	0	0
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value		687.5	353.1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	[3]	0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[4]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]		0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	660.1	334.4
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	[1]	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0
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	[5]	11.9	16.5
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	[5]	0
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	[5]	11.3	2.2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	23.2	18.7
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value		0
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	297.5	251.5
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	[2]	0.9	0.6
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value		346.8	256.1
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	[3]	1.1	1.7
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[4]	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		1.1	1.7
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	[1]	156.9	139.9
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	[1]		5.2
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	[1]	74.8	47.5
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	[1]	4.6	4
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	[1]	6.4	6.5
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	54.8	48.4
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0.6
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	[5]	0	0
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	[5]	14.6
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	[5]	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	33.2	4
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	48.4	4
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value		0
Available-for-sale investments	[1]	0	0
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Asset	[2]	0	0
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value		0	0
Forward foreign exchange contracts, Liability	[3]	0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[4]	19.1	27.7
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure		19.1	27.7
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]		0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
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	[1]	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0
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	[5]	0	0
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	[5]	0
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	[5]	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[5]	0	0
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		13.5	13.1
Short-term Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments		328.7	284.4
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		156.9	139.9
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			5.2
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		74.8	47.5
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		4.6	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		6.4	6.5
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		31.4	33.3
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		54.6	48
Other Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments		628.9	301.5
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		$ 5.6	$ 14.6
[1]	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Short-term investments$328.7 $284.4Other investments628.9 301.5Total$957.6 $585.9
[2]	Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	Contingent consideration liabilities are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other current liabilities$13.5 $13.1Other long-term liabilities5.6 14.6 Total$19.1 $27.7
[5]	Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

3. Fair Value Measurements Fore

3. Fair Value Measurements Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Forward foreign exchange contract to purchase foreign currency [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 287.4
Loss on foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	0.1
Forward foreign exchange contract to sell foreign currency [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	28.1
Loss on foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	$ 0.1

3. Fair Value Measurements Shor

3. Fair Value Measurements Short-term Investments (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		$ 382.1	$ 334.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		577.1	251.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1.6	0.6
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	957.6	585.9
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	156.9	139.9
Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]		5.2
Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	6.4	6.5
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	54.8	48.4
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	660.1	334.4
US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	74.8	47.5
Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	4.6	4
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value		328.7	284.4
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		157.2	139.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0.1	0.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0.4	0.2
Estimated Fair Value		156.9	139.9
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost			5.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax			0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax			0
Estimated Fair Value			5.2
Short-term Investments [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		6.4	6.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0	0
Estimated Fair Value		6.4	6.5
Short-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		54.8	48.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0.2	0.2
Estimated Fair Value		54.6	48
Short-term Investments [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		29.4	29
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		2.7	4.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0.7	0.2
Estimated Fair Value		31.4	33.3
Short-term Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		327.3	280
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		2.9	5
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1.5	0.6
Estimated Fair Value		328.7	284.4
Short-term Investments [Member] | US Government Sponsored Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		74.9	47.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0.1	0.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0.2	0
Estimated Fair Value		74.8	47.5
Short-term Investments [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		4.6	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0	0
Estimated Fair Value		4.6	4
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		0.3	0.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0.1	0
Estimated Fair Value		0.2	0.4
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		54.5	54.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		574.2	246.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0	0
Estimated Fair Value		628.7	301.1
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		54.8	54.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		574.2	246.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0.1	0
Estimated Fair Value		$ 628.9	$ 301.5
[1]	Available-for-sale investments are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Short-term investments$328.7 $284.4Other investments628.9 301.5Total$957.6 $585.9

3. Fair Value Measurements Amor

3. Fair Value Measurements Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Mature in less than one year	$ 104.9
Mature in one to five years	143
Mature in more than five years	50.3
Total Amortized Cost	298.2
Mature in less than one year	104.8
Mature in one to five years	142.7
Mature in more than five years	50
Estimated Fair Value	$ 297.5

3. Fair Value Measurements Fair

3. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses with Unrealized Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tolerable variance Level 2 debt security pricing	1.00%
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	$ 10.4	$ 8.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	204	90.7
Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position 12 months or more	0.4	0.2
Gross unrealized losses for investments in a loss position less than 12 months	$ 1.2	$ 0.4
Cost Method Investment, Percentage Owned	35.00%

3. Fair Value Investments (Deta

3. Fair Value Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other Investments	$ 86.5	$ 82.6
Total long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities	423.7	423.5
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	843.2	401.1
Total long-term debt, excluding leases and current maturities	$ 454.3	$ 454.9

3. Fair Value Measurements Cont

3. Fair Value Measurements Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 10, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability				$ (5.6)	$ (1.4)	$ (5.8)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]		$ 27.7	19.1	27.7
CellSorter [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			17.7	9.1	17.7
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability				9.1				$ 44.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements		$ 3	2.4	3
Net decrease in estimated fair value of contingent consideration included in selling, general and administrative expense				(5.6)
GnuBIO [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			$ 10	$ 10	$ 10		$ 10.7
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High							$ 70
Credit Adjusted Discount Rates Lower [Member] | CellSorter [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs				.0029
Credit Adjusted Discount Rate Higher [Member] | CellSorter [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs				.0083
Projected Volatility of Growth Rates Lower [Member] | CellSorter [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs				.1
Market Price of Risk [Member] | CellSorter [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs				.013
[1]	Contingent consideration liabilities are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other current liabilities$13.5 $13.1Other long-term liabilities5.6 14.6 Total$19.1 $27.7

4. Goodwill and other Purchased

4. Goodwill and other Purchased Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill period start	$ 528,600	$ 546,000
Accumulated impairment loss period start	(28,200)	(28,200)
Goodwill, net period start	500,441	517,800
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	13,500
Currency fluctuations	(4,500)	(30,900)
Goodwill period end	524,100	528,600
Accumulated impairment loss period end	(28,200)	(28,200)
Goodwill, net period end	495,948	500,441
Life Science [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill period start	207,700	209,000
Accumulated impairment loss period start	(27,200)	(27,200)
Goodwill, net period start	180,500	181,800
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	0
Currency fluctuations	(500)	(1,300)
Goodwill period end	207,200	207,700
Accumulated impairment loss period end	(27,200)	(27,200)
Goodwill, net period end	180,000	180,500
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill period start	320,900	337,000
Accumulated impairment loss period start	(1,000)	(1,000)
Goodwill, net period start	319,900	336,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	13,500
Currency fluctuations	(4,000)	(29,600)
Goodwill period end	316,900	320,900
Accumulated impairment loss period end	(1,000)	(1,000)
Goodwill, net period end	$ 315,900	$ 319,900

4. Goodwill and other Purchas53

4. Goodwill and other Purchased Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived		$ 6,400
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 0	13,500
Goodwill, net	495,948	500,441	$ 517,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	417,500	425,900
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	463,900	472,300
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	33,300
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(249,900)	(218,100)
Net Carrying Amount	167,600	207,800
Amortization [Abstract]
Amortization expense	36,500	47,800	45,000
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	46,400	46,400
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	25,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	22,100
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	19,300
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	17,300
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	53,900
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	214,026	254,228
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	84,700	89,400
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(46,800)	(43,000)
Net Carrying Amount	37,900	46,400
Know how [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	184,000	184,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(121,600)	(102,500)
Net Carrying Amount	62,400	82,200
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	101,300	103,900
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(48,900)	(42,800)
Net Carrying Amount	52,400	61,100
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	39,200	39,400
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(28,500)	(26,500)
Net Carrying Amount	10,700	12,900
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,500	3,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(2,400)	(2,100)
Net Carrying Amount	1,100	1,500
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	4,800	4,900
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(1,700)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Amount	3,100	3,700
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	13,500
Goodwill, net	$ 315,900	$ 319,900	$ 336,000
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	2 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Know how [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	1 year	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	4 years	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	3 years	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	5 years	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	0 years	0 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Know how [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	10 years	11 years
Maximum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	12 years	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	10 years	11 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	9 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	7 years	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	0 years	0 years
Cost of Goods, Product Line [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived		$ 5,800
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived		$ 600

5. Notes Payable and Long-Ter54

5. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2010	May. 31, 2009
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		$ 436,000	$ 436,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Remainder of Fiscal Year		300	300
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		435,707	435,710
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					8.00%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ (15,600)
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months		300
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two		300
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three		300
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four		200
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five		425,300
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five		10,900
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		201,200
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		1,300
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		2,600
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Notes 4.875% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		423,700	423,500	$ 422,600
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage				4.946%
Face amount of debt sold				$ 425,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				4.875%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member] | Capital leases and other debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities		12,300	$ 12,500
Line of Credit [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		200,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End		1.86%
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 800

6. Income Taxes (Details)

6. Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S.	$ 48,400	$ 30,600	$ 5,700
International	97,400	101,000	106,700
Income before income taxes	145,847	131,557	112,385
U.S. Federal	8,700	9,600	(5,000)
State	1,700	3,800	600
International	34,100	35,600	38,300
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	44,500	49,000	33,900
U.S. Federal	(200)	1,500	4,800
State	1,200	(200)	(100)
International	(7,100)	(7,300)	(9,400)
Deferred tax benefit	(6,100)	(6,000)	(4,700)
Non-current tax expense (benefit)	(5,600)	(300)	5,400
Provision for income taxes	$ 32,754	$ 42,712	$ 34,574
U.S. statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impact of foreign operations	(4.00%)	(4.00%)	(6.00%)
Research tax credits	(2.00%)	(3.00%)	(6.00%)
Nontaxable subsidies	(1.00%)	(2.00%)	(2.00%)
Tax settlements and changes to unrecognized tax benefits	(4.00%)	(1.00%)	5.00%
Fines and penalties	0.00%	3.00%	1.00%
Foreign dividends, net	(4.00%)	0.00%	1.00%
Other	2.00%	4.00%	3.00%
Provision for income taxes	22.00%	32.00%	31.00%
Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals	$ 26,300	$ 25,300
Other post-employment benefits, vacation and other reserves	28,100	25,600
Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards	80,200	60,500
Other	23,200	28,400
Total gross deferred tax assets	157,800	139,800
Valuation allowance	(58,300)	(58,600)
Total deferred tax assets	99,500	81,200
Property and equipment	30,200	12,900
Investments and intangible assets	271,800	158,200
Total deferred tax liabilities	302,000	171,100
Net deferred tax liabilities	(202,500)	(89,900)
Unrecognized tax benefits period start	14,200	16,200	$ 12,600
Additions to tax positions related to prior years	700	1,700	4,700
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years	(200)	(1,500)	(800)
Additions to tax positions related to the current year	1,500	1,600	2,000
Settlements	(500)	(400)	(300)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(6,300)	(2,600)	(1,700)
Currency translation	(500)	(800)	(300)
Unrecognized tax benefits period end	8,900	14,200	16,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	3,000	$ 3,800	$ 3,400
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	4,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	392,000
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Cumulative Amount of Temporary Difference	82,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforward, Valuation Allowance	26,500
Operating Loss Carryforward With No Expiration Date	115,700
Operating Loss Carryforwards	116,200
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	5,500
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	53,000
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	13,100
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	8,200
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	22,800
Limitations On Use | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	1,900
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

7. Stockholders' Equity (Detail

7. Stockholders' Equity (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares, Issued		24,230,000	23,972,000	23,681,000	23,333,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		18,000	5,000	80,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		240,000	286,000	268,000
Common Stock, Voting Rights		.10
Election Percentage for Board of Directors		25.00%
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares, Issued		5,131,000	5,099,000	5,097,000	5,150,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		(18,000)	(5,000)	(80,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		50,000	7,000	27,000
Common Stock, Voting Rights		1
Election Percentage for Board of Directors		75.00%
Treasury Class-A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	122
Treasury Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	917

7. Stockholders' Equity Treasur

7. Stockholders' Equity Treasury Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 18
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 3.3
Treasury Class-A [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares	122	122
Treasury Class B [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares	917	917

8. Accumulated Other Comprehe58

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 382,138	$ 218,945
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	163,193	(121,772)	$ 66,349
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	33,700	71,200	189,400
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(37,500)	(117,000)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	(1,200)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(37,500)	(118,200)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(20,700)	(16,300)	(8,100)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(6,800)	(11,400)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,100	700
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	1,300	2,500
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(4,400)	(8,200)
Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	369,100	164,000	159,400
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	325,400	7,300
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(900)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(119,400)	(2,700)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	205,100	4,600
Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	382,100	218,900	$ 340,700
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	281,100	(121,100)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	200	(500)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(118,100)	(200)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 163,200	$ (121,800)

8. Accumulated Other Comprehe59

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	$ 897,771	$ 996,527	$ 954,216
Selling, general and administrative expense	(761,990)	(808,200)	(798,070)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	11,080	13,009	$ 12,766
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	0	1,200
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expense	1,100	700
Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 900	$ 0

9. Share-based Compensation (De

9. Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 2,200,000	$ 2,100,000	$ 2,200,000
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 17,000,000	$ 14,900,000	$ 13,700,000
2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized	600,000
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	2,250,360
Number of Shares Available for Grant	770,094
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	5 years 5 months 16 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) - Outstanding	$ 16.4
Options - Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 100.36	$ 84.50	$ 78.72	$ 70.83
Options Granted - Weighted Average Exercise Price	139.56	119.71	117.67
Options Exercised - Weighted Average Exercise Price	61.29	63.66	54.16
Options Forfeitured/expired - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 62.47	$ 100.29	$ 91.32
Options - Shares Vested and Expected to Vest	417,883
Options Vested and Expected to Vest - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 99.75
Options Vested and Expected to Vest - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	5 years 4 months 28 days
Options Vested and Expected to Vest - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)	$ 16.3
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Options Exercisable	$ 89.43
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) - Exercisable	4 years 2 months 23 days
Options Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)	$ 13.9
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	13,000,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 11,000,000
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	2,900,000	5,800,000	4,100,000
Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	9,300,000	$ 5,300,000	$ 6,600,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost from stock options	$ 5,500,000
Options Number Exercisable	282,895
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	23.00%	25.00%	28.00%
Risk Free Interest Rate	1.90%	2.35%	2.65%
Expected life (in years)	7 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 10 months 24 days
Expected dividend	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$ 42.74	$ 43.96	$ 47.25
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning of period	581,806	629,643	747,293
Options - Shares Granted	40,500	54,000	55,050
Options - Shares Exercised	(195,221)	(91,387)	(159,450)
Options - Shares Forfeitures/expired	(380)	(10,450)	(13,250)
Outstanding end of period	426,705	581,806	629,643
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Available for Grant	189,726
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 10,800,000	$ 10,200,000	$ 10,000,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	96,634	102,222	103,669
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 Volatility	18.00%	15.00%	19.00%
Risk Free Interest Rate	0.02%	0.04%	0.05%
Expected life (in years)	3 months	3 months	3 months
Expected dividend	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased	$ 25.08	$ 21.88	$ 21.76
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%

9. Share-based Compensation Res

9. Share-based Compensation Restricted Stock (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 12.2	$ 10.6	$ 9.6
Total unrecognized compensation cost from restricted stock	$ 40.1
Nonvested shares - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 125.30	$ 112.60	$ 105.44	$ 96.15
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning of period	377,365	375,430	361,458
Restricted Stock Units Granted	177,110	145,695	144,445
Restricted Stock Units - Vested	(113,347)	(107,557)	(104,883)
Restricted Stock Units - Forfeited	(28,706)	(36,203)	(25,590)
Outstanding end of period	412,422	377,365	375,430
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted	$ 139.56	$ 119.56	$ 117.09
Restricted Stock Units Vested - Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	107.62	98.52	91.76
Resticted Stock Units Cancelled/forfeited - Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 116.19	$ 108.17	$ 95.97
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 1 month 28 days
Resticted Stock Units Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)	$ 57.2
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 years

10. Other Income and Expense62

10. Other Income and Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest and investment income	$ (10,100)	$ (13,500)	$ (13,400)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	(1,600)	0	300
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments	600	400	300
Miscellaneous Other (Income) Expense Items, Net	0	100	0
Other (income) expense, net	$ (11,080)	$ (13,009)	$ (12,766)

11. Supplemental Cash Flow I63

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 113,093	$ 88,845	$ 77,811
Depreciation and amortization	131,800	149,900	147,200
Share-based compensation	17,000	14,900	13,700
(Gain) loss on disposition of securities	(1,000)	300	600
Loss (gain) on disposition of fixed assets	300	400	500
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(3,610)	(1,349)	(2,720)
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration	(5,600)	(1,400)	(5,800)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net	(39,000)	11,100	(24,200)
(Increase) decrease in inventories, net	(54,200)	5,800	(39,700)
Decrease (increase) in Other Current Assets	100	(5,700)	(4,200)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities	28,600	(9,900)	33,200
Increase (decrease) in Income Taxes Payable	12,700	20,400	(38,000)
Decrease in deferred income taxes	(6,400)	(6,300)	(4,000)
Net increase/decrease in other long-term liabilities/assets	(7,600)	6,300	14,700
Net cash provided by operating activities	186,210	273,312	169,136
Noncash purchased intangible assets	0	200	12,000
Noncash Purchased Marketable Securities and Investments	$ 2,200	$ 0	$ 400

12. Commitments & Contingent 64

12. Commitments & Contingent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 10, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating leases, due next twelve months				$ 41.2
Operating leases, due in two years				33.9
Operating leases, due in three years				25.2
Operating leases, due in four years				18.7
Operating leases, due thereafter				43.3
Post-Employment Benefits Liability			$ 46.1	68.6
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation				110.8
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Next Twelve Months				23.8
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Second Year				10.9
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Third Year				3.2
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Fourth Year				2.1
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Fifth Year				1.7
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due after Fifth Year				69.1
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation				35.7
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Twelve Months				17.8
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years				5.1
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years				3.6
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years				3.6
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years				5.6
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years				0
Letters of Credit Outstanding Amount				$ 1.3
Employees Covered By Collective Bargaining Agreements U.S., Percentage				8.00%
GnuBIO [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			10	$ 10	$ 10.7
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High					$ 70
CellSorter [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value			17.7	9.1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements		$ 3	2.4	3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings				5.6
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability				$ 9.1		$ 44.6
UNITED STATES
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Entity Number of Employees				3,100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	[1]		$ 27.7	$ 19.1
[1]	Contingent consideration liabilities are included in the following accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other current liabilities$13.5 $13.1Other long-term liabilities5.6 14.6 Total$19.1 $27.7

12. Commitments & Contingent 65

12. Commitments & Contingent Liabilities Period Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 1.3
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	45	$ 46.9	$ 45.5
Contribution expense	$ 14.7	$ 13.7	$ 13.5

14. Segment Reporting (Details)

14. Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	May. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage												8.00%
Number Of Products And Services									8,000
Net sales	$ 570,600	$ 470,000	$ 506,100	$ 472,800	$ 598,200	$ 530,600	$ 536,800	$ 509,300	$ 2,019,441	$ 2,175,044	$ 2,132,694
Interest expense									21,692	22,131	61,271
Depreciation and amortization									131,800	149,900	147,200
Segment profit									166,708	149,984	169,456
Total assets	3,711,542				3,341,278				3,711,542	3,341,278
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									112,000	120,999	106,658
Life Science [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									695,000	728,300	710,000
Interest expense									6,100	5,500	10,400
Depreciation and amortization									30,700	33,200	32,600
Segment profit									(700)	(14,700)	(13,700)
Total assets	390,500				361,500				390,500	361,500
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									8,200	14,100
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,310,400	1,432,300	1,408,000
Interest expense									15,400	15,900	30,100
Depreciation and amortization									77,800	95,800	91,500
Segment profit									152,400	167,100	176,200
Total assets	878,300				884,900				878,300	884,900
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									51,300	60,100
All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									14,000	14,400	14,700
Interest expense									100	100	100
Depreciation and amortization									100	0	100
Segment profit									700	1,200	$ 1,100
Total assets	$ 4,400				$ 4,800				4,400	4,800
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									$ 100	$ 0

14. Segment Information Segment

14. Segment Information Segment Profit Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	May. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ (145,847)	$ (131,557)	$ (112,385)
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt			(15,600)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				8.00%
NonAllocated Expense Loss Contingency [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes		20,100	35,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	(152,400)	(153,600)	(163,600)
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	10,200	9,300	8,600
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	7,500	25,700	55,400
Other Income and Expense Non Operating [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ (11,100)	$ (13,000)	$ (12,800)

14. Segment Information Segme68

14. Segment Information Segment Asset Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,711,542	$ 3,341,278
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	969,400	674,900
Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	495,900	500,400
Property, Plant and Equipment excluding segment specific [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	46,100	26,700
Other Current Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	926,900	888,100
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,273,200	$ 1,251,200

14. Segment Information Segme69

14. Segment Information Segment Information by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 570,600	$ 470,000	$ 506,100	$ 472,800	$ 598,200	$ 530,600	$ 536,800	$ 509,300	$ 2,019,441	$ 2,175,044	$ 2,132,694
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	1,193,000				849,400				1,193,000	849,400
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									763,700	901,700	886,100
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	204,400				194,500				204,400	194,500
Pacific Rim [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									392,200	417,500	413,300
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	15,100				19,000				15,100	19,000
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									735,000	704,900	677,700
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	964,400				623,800				964,400	623,800
Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									128,500	150,900	$ 155,600
Other assets and property, plant and equipment, net	$ 9,100				$ 12,100				$ 9,100	$ 12,100

15. Quarterly Financial Data (D

15. Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 570,600	$ 470,000	$ 506,100	$ 472,800	$ 598,200	$ 530,600	$ 536,800	$ 509,300	$ 2,019,441	$ 2,175,044	$ 2,132,694
Gross profit	308,500	263,500	279,600	270,100	317,400	288,600	297,200	275,300	1,121,670	1,178,517	1,178,478
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 49,500	$ 17,400	$ 28,400	$ 17,800	$ 39,000	$ 11,500	$ 31,600	$ 6,700	$ 113,093	$ 88,845	$ 77,790
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.69	$ 0.59	$ 0.98	$ 0.61	$ 1.35	$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.23	$ 3.87	$ 3.08	$ 2.72
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.68	$ 0.59	$ 0.97	$ 0.61	$ 1.34	$ 0.39	$ 1.09	$ 0.23	$ 3.85	$ 3.05	$ 2.69

Schedule II - Valuation and Q71

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accoutns (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period Start	$ 58,615	$ 64,011	$ 52,856
Additions Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses	(338)	(5,396)	11,155
Deductions	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period End	58,277	58,615	64,011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period Start	27,973	32,471	29,202
Additions Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses	8,783	7,164	9,181
Deductions	(12,338)	(11,662)	(5,912)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Period End	$ 24,418	$ 27,973	$ 32,471

16. Subsequent Event (Details)

16. Subsequent Event (Details) - Asset acquisition [Member] $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Asset acquisition consideration transferred	$ 10
Asset acquisition, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high	$ 20