Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 574,231	$ 906,551
Restricted cash	0	6,422
Short-term investments	238,884	118,636
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	398,674	387,996
Inventories:
Raw materials	99,326	82,270
Work in process	120,191	110,527
Finished goods	213,993	205,303
Total inventories	433,510	398,100
Deferred tax assets	53,777	48,021
Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets	99,079	109,620
Total current assets	1,798,155	1,975,346
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and improvements	19,044	18,456
Buildings and leasehold improvements	249,615	232,959
Equipment	613,253	560,718
Total property, plant and equipment	881,912	812,133
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(532,411)	(478,516)
Property, plant and equipment, net	349,501	333,617
Goodwill, net	468,933	363,981
Purchased intangibles, net	259,497	203,881
Long-term deferred tax assets	11,189	12,976
Other assets	209,528	172,963
Total assets	3,096,803	3,062,764
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Accounts payable	129,124	113,440
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	112,564	131,381
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	814	233,181
Income and other taxes payable	52,285	50,935
Accrued royalties	25,219	23,944
Deferred revenue	24,322	20,642
Other current liabilities	114,787	93,104
Total current liabilities	459,115	666,627
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	731,698	731,100
Deferred income taxes	85,522	59,738
Other long-term liabilities	76,086	64,780
Total liabilities	1,352,421	1,522,245
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	185,334	156,986
Retained earnings	1,359,910	1,181,687
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Currency translation and other	198,690	198,020
Total Bio-Rad stockholders' equity	1,743,937	1,536,696
Noncontrolling interests	445	3,823
Total stockholders' equity	1,744,382	1,540,519
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,096,803	3,062,764
Common Class A [Member]
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	2	2
Common Class B [Member]
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 1	$ 1