Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 11,509	$ (7,099)	$ 49,808	$ 47,675
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(77,956)	40,668	(70,322)	5,078
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	716	(246)	895	45
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments net of tax expense	(13,007)	8,510	(10,252)	36,835
Total other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	(90,247)	48,932	(79,679)	41,958
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(78,738)	41,833	(29,871)	89,633
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	(185)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad net of tax	$ (78,738)	$ 41,833	$ (29,871)	$ 89,448