Segment Reporting Detail 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales	$ 697,428	$ 629,100	$ 608,834	$ 550,621	$ 684,250	$ 591,687	$ 578,680	$ 524,355	$ 2,485,983	$ 2,378,972	$ 2,341,528
Laboratory Product and Service Sales [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales									1,161,207	1,100,632	1,071,299
Industrial Product and Service Sales [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales									1,107,606	1,065,605	1,063,653
Retail Product and Service Sales [Member]
Segment Sales Information
Total Net Sales									$ 217,170	$ 212,735	$ 206,576