11. Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 536,832	$ 525,321	$ 1,046,176	$ 1,024,993
Income before income taxes	48,797	49,044	63,335	73,091
Life Science [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	170,300	170,400	331,800	326,600
Income before income taxes	(7,200)	(7,700)	(13,900)	(20,600)
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	362,900	351,500	707,200	691,400
Income before income taxes	50,100	49,900	82,600	87,600
All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,600	3,400	7,200	7,000
Income before income taxes	$ 100	$ 100	$ 100	$ 200