XML 12 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Oct. 25, 2018
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 Sep. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business false  
Common Class A [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   24,859,577
Common Class B [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,102,627