7. Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Shares Detail (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

Changes to Bio-Rad's common stock shares are as follows (in thousands):

	Class A Shares	Class B Shares
Balance at January 1, 2011	22,677	5,175
B to A conversions	39	(39	)
Issuance of common stock	304	28
Balance at December 31, 2011	23,020	5,165
B to A conversions	59	(59	)
Issuance of common stock	253	44
Balance at December 31, 2012	23,333	5,150
B to A conversions	80	(80	)
Issuance of common stock	269	27
Balance at December 31, 2013	23,681	5,097