Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 28,125	$ 113,093	$ 88,845
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(32,394)	(37,536)	(118,142)
Other post-employment benefits adjustments, net of tax	2,086	(4,403)	(8,186)
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	65,936	205,132	4,556
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	35,628	163,193	(121,772)
Comprehensive income attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 63,753	$ 276,286	$ (32,927)