Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 77,811	$ 165,546	$ 178,813
Foreign currency translation adjustments	16,682	23,668	(12,494)
Reclassification of realized portion of cumulative translation adjustment due to liquidaiton, net of tax	(20)	70	(1,055)
Other post-employment benefits adjustments, net of tax	(510)	(8,531)	1,286
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss, Net of Tax	546	253	355
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	49,459	65,448	12,663
Reclassification adjustments for gains (losses) included in Net income including noncontrolling interests, net of tax	192	(5,045)	104
Comprehensive income	144,160	241,409	179,672
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	66,349	75,863	859
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(185)	(90)	11
Comprehensive income attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 143,975	$ 241,319	$ 179,683