2. Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	2.ACQUISITIONS Propel Labs, Inc. In January 2016, we acquired a high performance analytical flow cytometer platform from Propel Labs (Propel) that will enable advanced and novice users to perform basic and multi-parameter cytometry for a wide range of applications and chemistries. This asset acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, as the new analytical flow cytometer platform represented an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of the acquisition-related cost was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in our Life Science segment’s results of operations from the acquisition date. The preliminary fair value of the consideration as of the acquisition date was $38.8 million, which included $9.5 million paid in cash at the closing date and $29.3 million in contingent consideration potentially payable to Propel’s shareholders. The contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach related to the achievement of certain sales milestones, and was recognized at its estimated fair value of $29.3 million as of March 31, 2016. (See Note 3, "Fair Value Measurements" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of the contingent consideration valuation and underlying assumptions.) The purchase accounting for this acquisition is preliminary and subject to revision, as more time is needed to transfer information necessary from the seller and include it into a comprehensive valuation of certain assets and compensatory services. The preliminary fair values of the net assets acquired from Propel as of the acquisition date were determined to be $36.0 million of definite-lived intangible assets and $2.8 million of goodwill. Measurement-period adjustments will be recorded as soon as they are determined in accordance with ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments." We expect the goodwill recorded to be deductible for income tax purposes. The acquired analytical flow cytometer platform fits well into Bio-Rad’s existing Life Science segment product offerings and may offer researchers greater access to this technology. In addition to the sales milestones, Bio-Rad and Propel negotiated development milestone payments concurrent with and included in the purchase agreement. Bio-Rad is receiving future manufacturing, engineering and marketing support from Propel on which payments of the milestones are upon the successful completion of all contracted services. As a result, these development milestones are not included in the total purchase consideration and a majority will be expensed in future periods.

2. Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

2.ACQUISITIONS

Propel Labs, Inc.

In January 2016, we acquired a high performance analytical flow cytometer platform from Propel Labs (Propel) that will enable advanced and novice users to perform basic and multi-parameter cytometry for a wide range of applications and chemistries. This asset acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, as the new analytical flow cytometer platform represented an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return and therefore constitutes a business in accordance with GAAP. The amount of the acquisition-related cost was minimal as Bio-Rad primarily represented itself during the acquisition process. This business acquisition is included in our Life Science segment’s results of operations from the acquisition date.

The preliminary fair value of the consideration as of the acquisition date was $38.8 million, which included $9.5 million paid in cash at the closing date and $29.3 million in contingent consideration potentially payable to Propel’s shareholders. The contingent consideration was based on a probability-weighted income approach related to the achievement of certain sales milestones, and was recognized at its estimated fair value of $29.3 million as of March 31, 2016. (See Note 3, "Fair Value Measurements" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of the contingent consideration valuation and underlying assumptions.)

The purchase accounting for this acquisition is preliminary and subject to revision, as more time is needed to transfer information necessary from the seller and include it into a comprehensive valuation of certain assets and compensatory services. The preliminary fair values of the net assets acquired from Propel as of the acquisition date were determined to be $36.0 million of definite-lived intangible assets and $2.8 million of goodwill. Measurement-period adjustments will be recorded as soon as they are determined in accordance with ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments." We expect the goodwill recorded to be deductible for income tax purposes. The acquired analytical flow cytometer platform fits well into Bio-Rad’s existing Life Science segment product offerings and may offer researchers greater access to this technology.

In addition to the sales milestones, Bio-Rad and Propel negotiated development milestone payments concurrent with and included in the purchase agreement. Bio-Rad is receiving future manufacturing, engineering and marketing support from Propel on which payments of the milestones are upon the successful completion of all contracted services. As a result, these development milestones are not included in the total purchase consideration and a majority will be expensed in future periods.