XML 12 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.4.0.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Apr. 28, 2016
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 Mar. 31, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Common Class A [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   24,271,918
Common Class B [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,125,441