Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 31,631	$ 34,602	$ 38,299	$ 54,774
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,107	(1,198)	7,634	(35,590)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	118	(18)	179	291
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments net of tax expense	(23,538)	(827)	2,755	28,325
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	(21,313)	(2,043)	10,568	(6,974)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	10,318	32,559	48,867	47,800
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(185)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad net of tax	$ 10,318	$ 32,559	$ 48,867	$ 47,615