Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 15. Subsequent Event On July 16, 2012, the company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire One Lambda, a provider of transplant diagnostics, for approximately $866 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment. The total cash outlay associated with the acquisition could aggregate up to approximately $925 million including contingent consideration based on One Lambda's results in the year following the acquisition and obligations under three-year retention agreements established by One Lambda for key employees. The acquisition of One Lambda, which will become part of the Specialty Diagnostics segment, will enhance the segment's presence in specialty in vitro diagnostics and add new capabilities to the company's transplant-testing workflow. Revenues of One Lambda were $182 million in 2011. The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.

Subsequent Event

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Note 15. Subsequent Event

On July 16, 2012, the company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire One Lambda, a provider of transplant diagnostics, for approximately $866 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment. The total cash outlay associated with the acquisition could aggregate up to approximately $925 million including contingent consideration based on One Lambda's results in the year following the acquisition and obligations under three-year retention agreements established by One Lambda for key employees. The acquisition of One Lambda, which will become part of the Specialty Diagnostics segment, will enhance the segment's presence in specialty in vitro diagnostics and add new capabilities to the company's transplant-testing workflow. Revenues of One Lambda were $182 million in 2011. The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.