Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 331,551	$ 463,388
Short-term investments	277,369	457,685
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	422,660	398,739
Inventories:
Raw materials	105,708	93,009
Work in process	129,894	124,737
Finished goods	265,689	237,374
Total inventories	501,291	455,120
Prepaid expenses	135,969	92,490
Other current assets	79,016	69,260
Total current assets	1,747,856	1,936,682
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and improvements	19,066	18,898
Buildings and leasehold improvements	284,299	268,217
Equipment	783,950	724,919
Total property, plant and equipment	1,087,315	1,012,034
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(657,960)	(595,096)
Property, plant and equipment, net	429,355	416,938
Goodwill, net	517,770	495,418
Purchased intangibles, net	266,188	260,939
Other investments	377,870	293,613
Other assets	49,751	39,913
Total assets	3,388,790	3,443,503
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Accounts payable	148,510	130,867
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	130,658	135,955
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	1,786	1,750
Income and other taxes payable	33,555	34,779
Accrued royalties	19,556	29,718
Deferred revenue	26,390	26,288
Estimated loss contingency	30,000	0
Other current liabilities	97,017	113,043
Total current liabilities	487,472	472,400
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	435,615	732,414
Deferred income taxes	162,110	115,054
Other long-term liabilities	116,871	108,095
Total liabilities	1,202,068	1,427,963
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	239,986	212,244
Retained earnings	1,606,117	1,528,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	340,717	274,532
Total Bio-Rad stockholders' equity	2,186,722	2,015,005
Noncontrolling interests	0	535
Total stockholders' equity	2,186,722	2,015,540
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,388,790	3,443,503
Common Class A [Member]
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	2	2
Common Class B [Member]
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1	1
Treasury Class-A [Member]
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Treasury Stock, Value	(12)	(12)
Treasury Class B [Member]
Bio-Rad Stockholders' equity:
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (89)	$ (89)