11. Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 530,644	$ 505,066	$ 1,576,820	$ 1,530,059
Income before income taxes	22,476	(5,216)	85,811	67,875
Life Science [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	172,800	162,900	504,600	489,500
Income before income taxes	(10,600)	(8,500)	(24,500)	(28,900)
Clinical Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	354,700	338,800	1,062,000	1,030,200
Income before income taxes	47,800	43,000	130,300	130,600
All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,100	3,400	10,200	10,400
Income before income taxes	$ 100	$ 0	$ 400	$ 300