Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accoutns

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

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, 2011, 2010, and 2009

(in thousands)

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Year
2011	$	25,052	$	15,112	$	(6,905	)	$	33,259
2010	$	23,100	$	7,984	$	(6,032	)	$	25,052
2009	$	19,567	$	7,783	$	(4,250	)	$	23,100

Valuation allowance for current and long-term deferred tax assets

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged (Credited) to Income Tax Expense			Deductions			Other (A)		Balance at  End of Year
2011	$	37,015	$	6,356		$	—		$	5,555	$	48,926
2010	$	37,926	$	(2,631	)	$	—		$	1,720	$	37,015
2009	$	40,663	$	6,602		$	(9,339	)	$	—	$	37,926

(A)  Due to acquisitions.