XML 44 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jul. 31, 2012
Common Class A [Member]
Jul. 31, 2012
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Registrant Name BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000012208    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   23,193,829 5,105,222
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes