7. Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Shares Detail (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

Changes to Bio-Rad's issued common stock shares are as follows (in thousands):

	Class A Shares	Class B Shares
Balance at January 1, 2014	23,681	5,097
B to A conversions	5	(5	)
Issuance of common stock	286	7
Balance at December 31, 2014	23,972	5,099
B to A conversions	18	(18	)
Issuance of common stock	240	50
Balance at December 31, 2015	24,230	5,131
B to A conversions	13	(13	)
Issuance of common stock	211	6
Balance at December 31, 2016	24,454	5,124