Segment Reporting Detail 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales	$ 657,292	$ 648,360	$ 578,553	$ 570,283	$ 535,400	$ 601,114	$ 561,088	$ 498,766	$ 2,341,528	$ 2,309,328	$ 1,968,178
Laboratory Product and Service Sales [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales									1,071,299	1,047,319	914,419
Industrial Product and Service Sales [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales									1,063,653	1,038,871	841,057
Retail Product and Service Sales [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales									$ 206,576	$ 223,138	$ 212,702