Document and Entity Information
| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 03, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Colfax CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001420800 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 3, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34045 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1887631 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 420 National Business Parkway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 5th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Annapolis Junction |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20701 |
| City Area Code | (301) |
| Local Phone Number | 323-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CFX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Capital Units [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.75% Tangible Equity Units |
| Trading Symbol | CFXA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |