Enovis (ENOV) 10-Q 23 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Colfax CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0001420800
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	'cfx
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	123,686,331
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	26-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net sales	$1,164,453		$1,014,570		$3,418,120		$3,035,831
Cost of sales	791,258		694,276		2,331,122		2,086,990
Gross profit	373,195		320,294		1,086,998		948,841
Selling, general and administrative expense	245,441		208,759		756,052		644,636
Restructuring and other related charges	8,948	[1]	8,737	[1]	28,734	[1]	17,428	[1]
Operating income	118,806		102,798		302,212		286,777
Interest expense	14,935	[1]	17,536	[1]	40,881	[1]	58,879	[1]
Income before income taxes	103,871	[1]	85,262	[1]	261,331	[1]	227,898	[1]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	22,568		19,787		-73,153		62,948
Net income	81,303		65,475		334,484		164,950
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	7,914		10,000		22,520		23,448
Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation	73,389		55,475		311,964		141,502
Dividends on preferred stock	0		5,086		2,348		15,254
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	0		0		19,565		0
Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$73,389		$50,389		$290,051		$126,248
Net income per share - basic	$0.59		$0.49		$2.41		$1.25
Net income per share - diluted	$0.59		$0.48		$2.38		$1.23
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$81,303	$65,475	$334,484	$164,950
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0, $(179), $0 and $(803)	-203,135	120,961	-162,253	-52,992
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, net of tax of $3,226, $808, $3,351 and $165	16,315	-8,001	19,439	-4,576
Changes in deferred tax related to pension and other postretirement benefit cost	0	0	1,934	0
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of tax of $2,153, $183, $2,458 and $537	-289	2,583	3,345	7,740
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-187,109	115,543	-137,535	-49,828
Comprehensive (loss) income	-105,806	181,018	196,949	115,122
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,844	6,645	15,354	7,595
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Colfax Corporation	($107,650)	$174,373	$181,595	$107,527

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME [Parenthetical] (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation, tax	$0		($179)		$0		($803)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, tax	3,226		808		3,351		165
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, tax	$2,153	[1]	$183	[1]	$2,458	[1]	$537	[1]
[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost. See Note 11, “Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$286,620	$311,301
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $28,221 and $31,282	1,099,494	1,029,718
Inventories, net	522,361	445,153
Other current assets	309,597	351,124
Total current assets	2,218,072	2,137,296
Property, plant and equipment, net	772,115	756,507
Goodwill	2,947,286	2,391,270
Intangible assets, net	1,106,884	832,553
Other assets	484,958	471,423
Total assets	7,529,315	6,589,049
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	73,695	29,449
Accounts payable	778,846	862,125
Accrued liabilities	516,244	489,221
Total current liabilities	1,368,785	1,380,795
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,608,165	1,457,642
Other liabilities	1,015,270	1,009,489
Total liabilities	3,992,220	3,847,926
Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; none and 13,877,552 issued and outstanding	0	14
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 123,686,331 and 101,921,613 issued and outstanding	124	102
Additional paid-in capital	3,194,896	2,541,005
Retained earnings	309,427	19,376
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-177,911	-46,600
Total Colfax Corporation equity	3,326,536	2,513,897
Noncontrolling interest	210,559	227,226
Total equity	3,537,095	2,741,123
Total liabilities and equity	$7,529,315	$6,589,049

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$28,221	$31,282
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	13,877,552
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	13,877,552
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	123,686,331	101,921,613
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	123,686,331	101,921,613

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,741,123	$102	$14	$2,541,005	$19,376	($46,600)	$227,226
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2013	'	101,921,613	13,877,552	'	'	'	'
Net Income Attributable to Parent	311,964	'	'	'	311,964	'	'
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	22,520	'	'	'	'	'	22,520
Net Income	334,484	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	-6,639	'	'	'	'	'	-6,639
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	-10,338	'	'	15,986	'	-942	-25,382
Preferred stock dividend	-2,348	'	'	'	-2,348	'	'
Common Shares, Converted from Preferred, Value	'	12	'	2	'	'	'
Common Shares, Converted from Preferred	'	12,173,291	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Shares, Converted into Common, Value	'	'	-14	'	'	'	'
Preferred Shares, Converted into Common	'	'	-13,877,552	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	-19,565	'	'	'	-19,565	'	'
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $3.9 million	-137,535	'	'	'	'	-130,369	-7,166
Common stock issuance, net of costs of $22.1 million	610,363	9	'	610,354	'	'	'
Common stock issuance, shares	9,200,000	9,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock-based award activity	15,700	'	'	15,700	'	'	'
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)	'	208,427	'	'	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	11,850	1	'	11,849	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	183,000	183,000	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Sep. 26, 2014	$3,537,095	$124	$0	$3,194,896	$309,427	($177,911)	$210,559
Shares, Outstanding at Sep. 26, 2014	'	123,686,331	0	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Parenthetical] (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Parenthetical] [Abstract]	'
Equity issuance costs	$22.10
Other comprehensive loss, tax	$3.90

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$334,484	$164,950
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	129,448	86,624
Stock-based compensation expense	13,081	9,788
Non-cash interest expense	6,990	15,024
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	-151,788	4,780
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Trade receivables, net	-38,666	-114,731
Inventories, net	5,200	22,492
Accounts payable	-82,874	46,841
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	-14,353	-48,923
Net cash provided by operating activities	201,522	186,845
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of fixed assets, net	-59,050	-50,915
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	-948,800	-13,722
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,007,850	-64,637
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings under term credit facility	150,000	50,861
Payments under term credit facility	0	-274,695
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities	1,093,151	182,688
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities	-1,023,565	-192,393
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	612,982	323,289
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	-19,565	0
Payments of dividend on preferred stock	-3,853	-15,310
Other	-22,250	-30,066
Net cash provided by financing activities	786,900	44,374
Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents	-5,253	-9,776
(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents	-24,681	156,806
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	311,301	482,449
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$286,620	$639,255

General_Text_Block

General (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	General
	Colfax Corporation (the “Company” or “Colfax”) is a diversified global industrial manufacturing and engineering company that provides gas- and fluid-handling and fabrication technology products and services to customers around the world under the Howden, ESAB and Colfax Fluid Handling brand names.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements.
	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements. During the nine months ended September 26, 2014, adjustments were made retrospectively to provisional amounts recorded as of December 31, 2013, primarily due to the Company’s valuation of specific items related to acquisitions that occurred in the three months ended December 31, 2013. See Note 3, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding these adjustments. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the SEC’s rules and regulations for interim financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”), filed with the SEC on February 12, 2014.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods indicated. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	In February 2014, the Venezuelan government introduced an additional auction-based foreign exchange system (“SICAD II”) which began operating on March 24, 2014. As there are multiple legal mechanisms in Venezuela to exchange currency, the Company has determined the SICAD II to be the most appropriate rate with which to remeasure the Company’s Venezuelan operations. The adoption of the SICAD II resulted in an 87% devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar from the previously used official rate of 6.3 bolivar fuerte to the U.S. dollar. As of and for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2014 the Company's Venezuelan operations represented less than 1% of the Company's Total assets and Net sales. The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position, primarily related to cash and cash equivalents, was $0.6 million in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 26, 2014. The change in exchange rates resulted in a foreign currency transaction loss of $6.3 million recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the full year. Quarterly results are affected by seasonal variations in the Company’s business. As our gas- and fluid-handling customers seek to fully utilize capital spending budgets before the end of the year, historically our shipments have peaked during the fourth quarter. Also, all of our European operations typically experience a slowdown during the July and August holiday season. General economic conditions may, however, impact future seasonal variations.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” (“ASU No. 2013-11”). ASU No. 2013-11 is intended to clarify the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances. To the extent a carryforward is not available at the reporting date or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 26, 2014, $32.4 million of unrecognized tax benefit was presented as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax asset, which is included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As ASU No. 2013-11 was not adopted retrospectively, $9.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits are included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360)—Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU No. 2014-08”). ASU No. 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under ASU No. 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations and have a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, ASU No. 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU No. 2014-08 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company will apply the provisions of ASU No. 2014-08 to future reporting of discontinued operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU No. 2014-09”). ASU No. 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance affects entities that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services, and supersedes prior GAAP guidance, namely Accounting Standards Codification Topic 605—Revenue Recognition. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, or on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU No. 2014-09 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisitions_Text_Block

Acquisitions (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Acquisitions
	Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc.
	On April 14, 2014, Colfax completed the acquisition of the common stock of Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc. (“Victor”) for total net cash consideration of $948.8 million, including the assumption of debt, subject to certain adjustments (the “Victor Acquisition”). Victor is a global manufacturer of cutting, gas control and specialty welding solutions. The acquisition will complement the geographic footprint of our fabrication technology segment, as well as expand our product portfolio into new segments and applications.
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Victor Acquisition. The amounts represent the Company’s best estimate of the aggregate fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These amounts are based upon certain valuations, studies and analyses that have yet to be finalized, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as detailed below, are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed. During the measurement period, the Company has made aggregate retrospective adjustments of $9.7 million during the three months ended September 27, 2014, to provisional amounts that were recognized at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. The aggregate adjustments decreased the Goodwill balance and primarily relate to the Company’s valuation of intangible assets. Substantially all of the Goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
		April 14, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Trade receivables	$	76,778
	Inventories	112,277
	Property, plant and equipment	59,281
	Goodwill	610,167
	Intangible assets	389,700
	Accounts payable	(34,271		)
	Other assets and liabilities, net	(265,132		)
	Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	948,800
	The following table summarizes Intangible assets acquired, excluding Goodwill, as of April 14, 2014:
			Intangible Asset		Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years)
			(In thousands)
	Customer relationships		$	291,800	12.83
	Acquired technology		18,600		10
	Other intangible assets		26,000		9.28
	Total amortizable intangible assets		$	336,400	12.4
	Trade names – indefinite life		$	53,300	n/a
	During the period from April 14, 2014 through September 26, 2014, the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations included $229.0 million and $25.1 million of Net sales and Net income, respectively, associated with the Victor Acquisition. In connection with the Victor Acquisition, the Company incurred advisory, legal, valuation and other professional service fees of $2.7 million included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and $2.7 million of termination payments to Victor executives included in Restructuring and other related charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	Other
	During the nine months ended September 26, 2014, the Company completed the $9.5 million acquisition of the remaining ownership of ESAB-SVEL (“Svel”) and the $0.8 million acquisition of the remaining ownership of Howden Thomassen Middle East FCZO (“Howden Middle East”), both of which were less than wholly owned subsidiaries in which the Company increased its controlling interest. As a result of these transactions, the Company increased its ownership of Svel, which is included in the fabrication technology segment, from 51% to 100%, and increased its ownership of Howden Middle East, which is included in the gas- and fluid-handling segment, from 90% to 100%.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed four acquisitions: the global infrastructure and industry division of Fläkt Woods Group, Sistemas Centrales de Lubrication S.A. de C.V., ČKD Kompresory a.s., and certain business units of The New York Blower Company, including TLT-Babcock Inc. and Alphair Ventilating Systems Inc. These four acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for which the Company is continuing to evaluate the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the measurement period, as certain valuations, studies and analyses are yet to be finalized. During the nine months ended September 26, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to these four acquisitions that were recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, that if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. The aggregate adjustments for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 of $6.7 million increased the Goodwill balance.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The following table summarizes the activity in Goodwill, by segment, during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 :
		Gas and Fluid			Fabrication			Total
		Handling			Technology
					(In thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,513,772		$	877,498		$	2,391,270
	Goodwill attributable to Victor Acquisition	—			610,167			610,167
	Impact of foreign currency translation and other	(43,130		)	(11,021		)	(54,151		)
	Balance, September 26, 2014	$	1,470,642		$	1,476,644		$	2,947,286
	The following table summarizes the Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:
		26-Sep-14						December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Amortization
		Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Trade names – indefinite life	$	430,219		$	—		$	412,341		$	—
	Acquired customer relationships	615,627			(75,583		)	353,337			(51,675		)
	Acquired technology	118,504			(26,265		)	114,647			(22,757		)
	Acquired backlog	68,272			(66,558		)	73,476			(65,919		)
	Other intangible assets	53,272			(10,604		)	26,061			(6,958		)
		$	1,285,894		$	(179,010	)	$	979,862		$	(147,309	)
	See Note 3, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding the activity in Goodwill and intangible assets associated with the Victor Acquisition.
	During the nine months ended September 26, 2014, an analysis was performed to evaluate certain long-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets related to a specific operation within the gas- and fluid-handling segment due to the decision to substantially reduce its operations. The analysis determined the long-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily consisting of trade names, acquired customer relationships, and acquired technology, were no longer recoverable based upon relief from royalty measurements and projected undiscounted net cash flows. The analysis resulted in a $12.1 million impairment loss, included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	As of September 26, 2014, total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is expected to be $58.5 million, $66.9 million, $63.6 million, $59.7 million, $56.6 million and $53.4 million for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Net_Income_Per_Share_Text_Bloc

Net Income Per Share (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Net Income Per Share
	Net income per share available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was computed as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
		(In thousands, except share data)
	Computation of Net income per share - basic:
	Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	73,389	$	50,389	$	290,051	$	126,248
	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		—		—		(3,740		)
		$	73,389	$	50,389	$	290,051	$	122,508
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,841,699		101,977,511		120,163,945		98,185,166
	Net income per share - basic	$	0.59	$	0.49	$	2.41	$	1.25
	Computation of Net income per share - diluted:
	Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	73,389	$	50,389	$	290,051	$	126,248
	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		—		—		(3,740		)
	Add: dividends on preferred stock(1)	—		5,086		—		—
		$	73,389	$	55,475	$	290,051	$	122,508
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,841,699		101,977,511		120,163,945		98,185,166
	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,538,867		1,233,867		1,605,381		1,096,504
	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - convertible preferred stock(1)	—		12,173,291		—		—
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted	125,380,566		115,384,669		121,769,326		99,281,670
	Net income per share - diluted	$	0.59	$	0.48	$	2.38	$	1.23
	(1) Net income per share - diluted for periods prior to April 23, 2013 was calculated consistently with the two-class method in accordance with GAAP as the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were considered participating securities. Subsequent to April 23, 2013 and prior to February 12, 2014, Net income per share - diluted was calculated consistently with the if-converted method in accordance with GAAP until the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were converted to Common stock. However, for the nine months ended September 27, 2013, the calculation under this method was anti-dilutive. In addition, weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 excludes the weighted average effect of 1.9 million Common stock equivalents for the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. See Note 7, “Equity” for further discussion of the Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock conversion.
	The weighted-average computation of the dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares of Common stock under the treasury stock method for the three months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013 excludes approximately 1.0 million and 0.6 million of outstanding stock-based compensation awards, respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The weighted-average computation of the dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares of Common stock under the treasury stock method for both the nine months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013 excludes approximately 0.7 million of outstanding stock-based compensation awards as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Equity_Text_Block

Equity (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	Equity
	Common Stock
	On January 15, 2014, the Company contributed 183,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan.
	On February 20, 2014, the Company sold 9,200,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to underwriters for public resale pursuant to a shelf registration statement for an aggregate purchase price of $632.5 million. In conjunction with this issuance, the Company recognized $22.1 million in equity issuance costs, which were recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital during the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	Preferred Stock
	The Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the “BDT Investor”), pursuant to which the BDT Investor exercised its option to convert 13,877,552 shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock into 12,173,291 shares of the Company’s Common stock plus cash in lieu of a .22807018 share interest, which conversion occurred on February 12, 2014. As consideration for the BDT Investor’s agreement to exercise its optional conversion right, the Company paid approximately $23.4 million to the BDT Investor, of which $19.6 million represents the Preferred stock conversion inducement payment in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables present the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013. All amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interest.
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
		Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(159,795	)	$	127,604		$	(14,409	)	$	(46,600	)
	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—			(942		)	—			(942		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			(156,168		)	—			(156,168		)
	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			1,083			—			1,083
	Gain on net investment hedges	—			—			25,013			25,013
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—			—			(5,576		)	(5,576		)
	Other	1,934			—			—			1,934
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,934			(155,085		)	19,437			(133,714		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,345			—			—			3,345
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,279			(155,085		)	19,437			(130,369		)
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	(154,516	)	$	(28,423	)	$	5,028		$	(177,911	)
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
		Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Loss On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(247,332	)	$	104,718		$	(3,980	)	$	(146,594	)
	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—			(381		)	—			(381		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			(42,706		)	—			(42,706		)
	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			5,546			—			5,546
	Loss on net investment hedges	—			—			(6,299		)	(6,299		)
	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	—			—			1,744			1,744
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(37,160		)	(4,555		)	(41,715		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,740			—			—			7,740
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	7,740			(37,160		)	(4,555		)	(33,975		)
	Balance at September 27, 2013	$	(239,592	)	$	67,177		$	(8,535	)	$	(180,950	)
	The effect on Net income of amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 26, 2014									Nine Months Ended September 26, 2014
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total			Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	1,801		$	(2,153	)	$	(352	)	$	5,616		$	(2,458	)	$	3,158
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	63			—			63			187			—			187
		$	1,864		$	(2,153	)	$	(289	)	$	5,803		$	(2,458	)	$	3,345
		Three Months Ended September 27, 2013									Nine Months Ended September 27, 2013
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total			Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	2,704		$	(183	)	$	2,521		$	8,091		$	(537	)	$	7,554
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	62			—			62			186			—			186
		$	2,766		$	(183	)	$	2,583		$	8,277		$	(537	)	$	7,740
	(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost. See Note 11, “Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.
	During the nine months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, Noncontrolling interest decreased by $7.2 million and $15.9 million, respectively, as a result of Other comprehensive loss, primarily due to foreign currency translation adjustment.

Income_Taxes_Text_Block

Income Taxes (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	During the three months ended September 26, 2014, Income before income taxes was $103.9 million and the Provision for income taxes was $22.6 million. The effective tax rate of 21.7% for the three months ended September 26, 2014 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to international tax rates, which are lower than the U.S. tax rate, and a decrease in the valuation allowance against U.S. pre-tax income during the period.
	Income before income taxes was $261.3 million and the Benefit from income taxes was $73.2 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2014. The Benefit from income taxes for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 was impacted by the reassessment of the realizability of certain deferred tax assets as a result of the effect of the Victor Acquisition on expected future income. This reassessment resulted in a decrease in the Company’s valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets. The reduction in the valuation allowance created a non-cash income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 of approximately $120 million. Additionally, a tax benefit of $22.7 million was included in Benefit from income taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 associated with the resolution of a liability for unrecognized tax benefits. These items are the principal reasons for a tax benefit rather than a tax provision, which would result from the application of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the reported Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	During the three months ended September 27, 2013, Income before income taxes was $85.3 million and the Provision for income taxes was $19.8 million. The effective tax rate of 23.2% for the three months ended September 27, 2013 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to international tax rates, which are lower than the U.S. tax rate, and a discrete credit to income tax expense of $5.1 million from a reduction to deferred tax balances in certain territories associated with the enactment of lower corporate tax rates, which were offset in part by losses in certain jurisdictions where a tax benefit was not expected to be recognized in 2013.
	During the nine months ended September 27, 2013, Income before income taxes was $227.9 million and the Provision for income taxes was $62.9 million. The effective tax rate of 27.6% for the nine months ended September 27, 2013 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to international tax rates, which are lower than the U.S. tax rate, and a discrete credit to income tax expense of $5.1 million from a reduction to deferred tax balances in certain territories associated with the enactment of lower corporate tax rates and the resolution of a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which resulted in a gain of $2.3 million, all of which were offset in part by other discrete tax items and losses in certain jurisdictions where a tax benefit was not expected to be recognized in 2013.

Inventories_Net_Text_Block

Inventories, Net (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Inventories, Net
	Inventories, net consisted of the following:
		26-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	182,592		$	145,689
	Work in process	93,423			114,206
	Finished goods	285,269			222,109
		561,284			482,004
	Less: customer progress payments	(5,183		)	(4,078		)
	Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(33,740		)	(32,773		)
	Inventories, net	$	522,361		$	445,153

Debt_Text_Block

Debt (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		26-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Term loans	$	1,242,145		$	1,115,238
	Revolving credit facilities and other	439,715			371,853
	Total Debt	1,681,860			1,487,091
	Less: current portion	(73,695		)	(29,449		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,608,165		$	1,457,642
	The Company is party to a credit agreement by and among the Company, Colfax UK Holdings Ltd, the other subsidiaries of the Company party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, as amended (the “Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement”).
	On May 14, 2014, the Company entered into an Incremental Amendment to the Term A-1 facility under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, as amended. Pursuant to the Incremental Amendment, the borrowing capacity of the Term A-1 facility was increased by $150.0 million to an aggregate of $558.7 million, upon the same terms as the existing Term A-1 facility.
	The Company had an original issue discount of $13.7 million and deferred financing fees of $10.5 million included in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 26, 2014, which will be accreted to Interest expense primarily using the effective interest method, over the life of the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. As of September 26, 2014, the weighted-average interest rate of borrowings under the amended Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement was 1.94%, excluding accretion of original issue discount, and there was $484.9 million available on the revolving credit subfacilities, including $199.9 million available on a letter of credit subfacility.
	The Company is also party to additional letter of credit facilities with total capacity of $773.1 million. Total letters of credit of $382.4 million were outstanding as of September 26, 2014.
	As of September 26, 2014, the Company is in compliance with the covenants under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.

Accrued_Liabilities_Text_Block

Accrued Liabilities (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		September 26, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Accrued payroll	$	137,362		$	136,645
	Advance payment from customers	45,932			53,280
	Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	104,372			75,274
	Accrued asbestos-related liability	54,707			51,142
	Warranty liability - current portion	49,701			54,977
	Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	6,816			12,856
	Accrued third-party commissions	12,131			13,095
	Other	105,223			91,952
	Accrued liabilities	$	516,244		$	489,221
	Warranty Liability
	The activity in the Company’s warranty liability consisted of the following:
		Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	61,472		$	40,437
	Accrued warranty expense	14,814			16,633
	Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(4,612		)	(693		)
	Cost of warranty service work performed	(20,111		)	(14,862		)
	Acquisitions	4,488			—
	Foreign exchange translation effect	(2,741		)	(476		)
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	53,310		$	41,039
	Accrued Restructuring Liability
	The Company’s restructuring programs include a series of restructuring actions to reduce the structural costs of the Company.
	A summary of the activity in the Company’s restructuring liability included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		Nine Months Ended September 26, 2014
		Balance at Beginning of Period			Provisions			Payments			Foreign Currency Translation			Balance at End of Period(3)
		(In thousands)
	Restructuring and other related charges:
	Gas and Fluid Handling:
	Termination benefits(1)	$	3,638		$	5,864		$	(8,213	)	$	(130	)	$	1,159
	Facility closure costs(2)	756			2,889			(3,496		)	(37		)	112
		4,394			8,753			(11,709		)	(167		)	1,271
	Non-cash impairment				2,863
					11,616
	Fabrication Technology:
	Termination benefits(1)	7,033			15,698			(17,116		)	(257		)	5,358
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,429			1,420			(2,412		)	(131		)	306
		8,462			17,118			(19,528		)	(388		)	5,664
	Corporate and Other:
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,259			—			(252		)	(21		)	986
		1,259			—			(252		)	(21		)	986
		$	14,115		25,871			$	(31,489	)	$	(576	)	$	7,921
	Non-cash impairment				2,863
					$	28,734
	(1) Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services. The Company recognizes the cost of involuntary
	termination benefits at the communication date or ratably over any remaining expected future service period. Voluntary termination benefits
	are recognized as a liability and an expense when employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
	(2) Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities.
	(3) As of September 26, 2014, $6.8 million and $1.1 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and
	Other liabilities, respectively.
	The Company expects to incur Restructuring and other related charges of approximately $20 million during the remainder of 2014 related to these restructuring activities.

Net_Periodic_Benefit_CostDefin

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plans (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit (income) cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013			September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension Benefits-U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	4,796			4,352			14,118			13,126
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,180		)	(6,192		)	(18,114		)	(18,611		)
	Amortization	1,298			1,964			3,894			5,891
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(86	)	$	124		$	(102	)	$	406
	Pension Benefits-Non U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	1,127		$	598		$	3,039		$	2,420
	Interest cost	12,717			11,089			37,804			33,293
	Expected return on plan assets	(10,937		)	(8,295		)	(32,580		)	(24,785		)
	Amortization	456			626			1,579			1,857
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,363		$	4,018		$	9,842		$	12,785
	Other Post-Retirement Benefits:
	Service cost	$	21		$	32		$	94		$	122
	Interest cost	288			229			871			731
	Amortization	110			176			330			529
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	419		$	437		$	1,295		$	1,382

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block]	'
	Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying values of financial instruments, including Trade receivables and Accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt of $1.7 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 26, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, was based on current interest rates for similar types of borrowings and is in Level Two of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could be realized as of the balance sheet date or that will be realized in the future.
	A summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows:
		September 26, 2014
		Level			Level			Level			Total
		One			Two			Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	23,263		$	—		$	—		$	23,263
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—			6,611			—			6,611
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			1,033			—			1,033
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			1,661			—			1,661
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			515			—			515
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,798			—			2,798
		$	23,263		$	12,618		$	—		$	35,881
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—		$	4,216		$	—		$	4,216
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			2,591			—			2,591
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			969			—			969
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			3,125			—			3,125
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,798			—			2,798
	Liability for contingent payments	—			—			2,948			2,948
		$	—		$	13,699		$	2,948		$	16,647
		December 31, 2013
		Level			Level			Level			Total
		One			Two			Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	22,032		$	—		$	—		$	22,032
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—			11,241			—			11,241
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			3,642			—			3,642
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			428			—			428
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			2,543			—			2,543
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,414			—			2,414
		$	22,032		$	20,268		$	—		$	42,300
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—		$	1,126		$	—		$	1,126
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			3,625			—			3,625
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			742			—			742
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			846			—			846
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,414			—			2,414
	Liability for contingent payments	—			—			6,176			6,176
		$	—		$	8,753		$	6,176		$	14,929
	There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	Foreign Currency Contracts
	As of September 26, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values:
		September 26, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges	$	180,181		$	244,755
	Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges	190,919			206,220
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges	79,831			273,714
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges	62,396			46,728
	Total foreign currency derivatives	$	513,327		$	771,417
	The Company recognized the following in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13			26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Contracts Designated as Hedges:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	$	(1,054	)	$	3,248		$	(2,212	)	$	2,658
	Realized (loss) gain	(3,566		)	3,355			(3,821		)	(116		)
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,661		)	908			(1,910		)	(145		)
Realized gain (loss)	2,389			(1,425		)	2,497			76
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges	20,240			(13,562		)	25,013			(6,299		)
Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:
Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,539		)	2,765			(1,575		)	1,495
Realized (loss) gain	(1,312		)	1,940			(3,026		)	1,162
Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts:
Unrealized gain (loss)	594			63			(1,863		)	513
Realized gain (loss)	77			(1,121		)	1,851			579
Liability for Contingent Payments
The Company’s liability for contingent payments represents the fair value of estimated additional cash payments related to its acquisitions of COT-Puritech, Inc. (“COT-Puritech”) in December 2011 and Clarus Fluid Intelligence, LLC in July 2013, which are subject to the achievement of certain performance goals.The fair value of the liability for contingent payments represents the present value of probability weighted expected cash flows based upon the Company’s internal model and projections. During the nine months ended September 26, 2014, the Company made the final cash payment, totaling $3.5 million, to settle the COT-Puritech contingent payment liability.
A summary of activity in the Company’s liability for contingent payments during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2014	$	6,176
Interest accretion	272
Cash payment	(3,500		)
Balance at September 26, 2014	$	2,948

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	For further description of the Company’s litigation and contingencies, reference is made to Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2013 Form 10-K.
	Asbestos and Other Product Liability Contingencies
	Claims activity since December 31 related to asbestos claims is as follows(1):
		Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
		(Number of claims)
	Claims unresolved, beginning of period	22,393		23,523
	Claims filed(2)	3,586		3,298
	Claims resolved(3)	(2,916	)	(3,875	)
	Claims unresolved, end of period	23,063		22,946
	(1) Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been “administratively dismissed.”
	(2) Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.
	(3) Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based
	upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.
	The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:
		26-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$	35,018		$	32,872
	Current asbestos insurance receivable(1)	33,237			41,943
	Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	289,347			299,057
	Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	45,215			21,411
	Accrued asbestos liability(3)	54,707			51,142
	Long-term asbestos liability(4)	352,922			358,288
	(1) Included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(2) Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(3) Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries
	will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against
	asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Company’s insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed
	Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(4) Included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the three months ended September 26, 2014, the Company received judicial rulings in two of our subsidiaries’ coverage litigation matters. In the New Jersey case, the Appellate Division affirmed the trial court rulings. In the Delaware case, the Superior Court issued a final judgment concerning the payment obligations of the excess insurers related to a trial that concluded during the year ended December 31, 2012. Appeals have been entered in both of these matters. These rulings did not impact the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Due to a higher number of asbestos claims settlements, and a decline in the insurance recovery rate that have occurred for one of the Company’s subsidiaries, the Company recorded a $5.0 million pre-tax charge during the three and nine months ended September 26, 2014. This was partially offset by a reduction of allowances for collectibility of $4.1 million related to insurance receivables of another subsidiary during the three and nine months ended September 26, 2014.
	Management’s analyses are based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of resolving each claim, coverage issues among layers of insurers, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies, interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships, the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, the amount of remaining insurance available, as well as the numerous uncertainties inherent in asbestos litigation could cause the actual liabilities and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded which could materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
	Other Litigation Matters
	In March 2014, two alleged stockholders of the Company filed derivative complaints against our directors, the BDT Investor and BDT Capital Partners, LLC in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware alleging that the individual defendants engaged in waste and breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the cash payment and conversion pursuant to the Conversion Agreement. The complaints also allege claims against the BDT Investor and BDT Capital Partners, LLC for unjust enrichment and aiding and abetting the individual defendants’ alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. The complaints, which have been consolidated, seek compensatory damages plus interest, and an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses to the plaintiffs. After defendants answered the consolidated complaint, denying all material allegations of wrongdoing, the plaintiffs amended it to dismiss certain of their claims relating to breach of fiduciary duties. Defendants have moved to dismiss the new consolidated complaint. The litigation is in an early stage and is not currently expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company and the defendants intend to continue to vigorously defend against the claims.
	The Company is also involved in various other pending legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s business. None of these legal proceedings are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company. With respect to these proceedings and the litigation and claims described in the preceding paragraphs, management of the Company believes that it will either prevail, has adequate insurance coverage or has established appropriate accruals to cover potential liabilities. Any costs that management estimates may be paid related to these proceedings or claims are accrued when the liability is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. There can be no assurance, however, as to the ultimate outcome of any of these matters, and if all or substantially all of these legal proceedings were to be determined adverse to the Company, there could be a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company.

Segment_Information_Text_Block

Segment Information (Text Block)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Segment Information
	The Company conducts its operations through three operating segments: gas handling, fluid handling and fabrication technology. The gas-handling and fluid-handling operating segments are aggregated into a single reportable segment. A description of the Company’s reportable segments is as follows:
	▪	Gas & Fluid Handling - a global supplier of a broad range of gas- and fluid-handling products, including pumps, fluid-handling systems and controls, specialty valves, heavy-duty centrifugal and axial fans, rotary heat exchangers and gas compressors, which serves customers in the power generation, oil, gas and petrochemical, mining, marine (including defense) and general industrial and other end markets; and
	▪	Fabrication Technology - a global supplier of welding equipment and consumables, cutting equipment and consumables and automated welding and cutting systems.
	Certain amounts not allocated to the two reportable segments and intersegment eliminations are reported under the heading “Corporate and other.” The Company’s management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon Net sales and segment operating income (loss), which represents Operating income (loss) before Restructuring and other related charges.
	The Company’s segment results were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13			26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	564,650		$	511,360		$	1,707,539		$	1,453,228
	Fabrication technology	599,803			503,210			1,710,581			1,582,603
		$	1,164,453		$	1,014,570		$	3,418,120		$	3,035,831
	Segment operating income (loss)(1):
	Gas and fluid handling	$	67,261		$	67,413		$	168,949		$	179,341
	Fabrication technology	72,152			57,583			203,103			161,478
	Corporate and other	(11,659		)	(13,461		)	(41,106		)	(36,614		)
		$	127,754		$	111,535		$	330,946		$	304,205
	(1) The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13			26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Income before income taxes	$	103,871		$	85,262		$	261,331		$	227,898
	Interest expense	14,935			17,536			40,881			58,879
	Restructuring and other related charges	8,948			8,737			28,734			17,428
	Segment operating income	$	127,754		$	111,535		$	330,946		$	304,205
	The detail of the Company’s Net sales by product type is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013			September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Gas handling	$	402,872		$	349,485		$	1,228,050		$	977,016
	Fluid handling	161,778			161,875			479,489			476,212
	Welding and cutting	599,803			503,210			1,710,581			1,582,603
	Total Net sales	$	1,164,453		$	1,014,570		$	3,418,120		$	3,035,831
	The detail of the Company’s Total assets by segment is as follows:
		September 26, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Total Assets:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	3,790,173		$	4,014,002
	Fabrication technology	3,730,910			2,526,245
	Corporate and other	8,232			48,802
		$	7,529,315		$	6,589,049

Acquisitions_Assets_and_Liabil

Acquisitions Assets and Liabilities Acquired - Victor (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Victor Acquisition. The amounts represent the Company’s best estimate of the aggregate fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These amounts are based upon certain valuations, studies and analyses that have yet to be finalized, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as detailed below, are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed. During the measurement period, the Company has made aggregate retrospective adjustments of $9.7 million during the three months ended September 27, 2014, to provisional amounts that were recognized at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. The aggregate adjustments decreased the Goodwill balance and primarily relate to the Company’s valuation of intangible assets. Substantially all of the Goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
		April 14, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Trade receivables	$	76,778
	Inventories	112,277
	Property, plant and equipment	59,281
	Goodwill	610,167
	Intangible assets	389,700
	Accounts payable	(34,271		)
	Other assets and liabilities, net	(265,132		)
	Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	948,800
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes Intangible assets acquired, excluding Goodwill, as of April 14, 2014:
			Intangible Asset		Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years)
			(In thousands)
	Customer relationships		$	291,800	12.83
	Acquired technology		18,600		10
	Other intangible assets		26,000		9.28
	Total amortizable intangible assets		$	336,400	12.4
	Trade names – indefinite life		$	53,300	n/a

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the activity in Goodwill, by segment, during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 :
		Gas and Fluid			Fabrication			Total
		Handling			Technology
					(In thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,513,772		$	877,498		$	2,391,270
	Goodwill attributable to Victor Acquisition	—			610,167			610,167
	Impact of foreign currency translation and other	(43,130		)	(11,021		)	(54,151		)
	Balance, September 26, 2014	$	1,470,642		$	1,476,644		$	2,947,286
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:
		26-Sep-14						December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Amortization
		Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Trade names – indefinite life	$	430,219		$	—		$	412,341		$	—
	Acquired customer relationships	615,627			(75,583		)	353,337			(51,675		)
	Acquired technology	118,504			(26,265		)	114,647			(22,757		)
	Acquired backlog	68,272			(66,558		)	73,476			(65,919		)
	Other intangible assets	53,272			(10,604		)	26,061			(6,958		)
		$	1,285,894		$	(179,010	)	$	979,862		$	(147,309	)

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	Net income per share available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was computed as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
		(In thousands, except share data)
	Computation of Net income per share - basic:
	Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	73,389	$	50,389	$	290,051	$	126,248
	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		—		—		(3,740		)
		$	73,389	$	50,389	$	290,051	$	122,508
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,841,699		101,977,511		120,163,945		98,185,166
	Net income per share - basic	$	0.59	$	0.49	$	2.41	$	1.25
	Computation of Net income per share - diluted:
	Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	73,389	$	50,389	$	290,051	$	126,248
	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		—		—		(3,740		)
	Add: dividends on preferred stock(1)	—		5,086		—		—
		$	73,389	$	55,475	$	290,051	$	122,508
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,841,699		101,977,511		120,163,945		98,185,166
	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,538,867		1,233,867		1,605,381		1,096,504
	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - convertible preferred stock(1)	—		12,173,291		—		—
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted	125,380,566		115,384,669		121,769,326		99,281,670
	Net income per share - diluted	$	0.59	$	0.48	$	2.38	$	1.23
	(1) Net income per share - diluted for periods prior to April 23, 2013 was calculated consistently with the two-class method in accordance with GAAP as the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were considered participating securities. Subsequent to April 23, 2013 and prior to February 12, 2014, Net income per share - diluted was calculated consistently with the if-converted method in accordance with GAAP until the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were converted to Common stock. However, for the nine months ended September 27, 2013, the calculation under this method was anti-dilutive. In addition, weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 excludes the weighted average effect of 1.9 million Common stock equivalents for the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. See Note 7, “Equity” for further discussion of the Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock conversion.

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013. All amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interest.
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
		Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(159,795	)	$	127,604		$	(14,409	)	$	(46,600	)
	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—			(942		)	—			(942		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			(156,168		)	—			(156,168		)
	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			1,083			—			1,083
	Gain on net investment hedges	—			—			25,013			25,013
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—			—			(5,576		)	(5,576		)
	Other	1,934			—			—			1,934
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,934			(155,085		)	19,437			(133,714		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,345			—			—			3,345
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,279			(155,085		)	19,437			(130,369		)
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	(154,516	)	$	(28,423	)	$	5,028		$	(177,911	)
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
		Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Loss On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(247,332	)	$	104,718		$	(3,980	)	$	(146,594	)
	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—			(381		)	—			(381		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—			(42,706		)	—			(42,706		)
	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			5,546			—			5,546
	Loss on net investment hedges	—			—			(6,299		)	(6,299		)
	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	—			—			1,744			1,744
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(37,160		)	(4,555		)	(41,715		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,740			—			—			7,740
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	7,740			(37,160		)	(4,555		)	(33,975		)
	Balance at September 27, 2013	$	(239,592	)	$	67,177		$	(8,535	)	$	(180,950	)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Table Text Block]	'
	The effect on Net income of amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 26, 2014									Nine Months Ended September 26, 2014
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total			Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	1,801		$	(2,153	)	$	(352	)	$	5,616		$	(2,458	)	$	3,158
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	63			—			63			187			—			187
		$	1,864		$	(2,153	)	$	(289	)	$	5,803		$	(2,458	)	$	3,345
		Three Months Ended September 27, 2013									Nine Months Ended September 27, 2013
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total			Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	2,704		$	(183	)	$	2,521		$	8,091		$	(537	)	$	7,554
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	62			—			62			186			—			186
		$	2,766		$	(183	)	$	2,583		$	8,277		$	(537	)	$	7,740
	(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost. See Note 11, “Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories, net consisted of the following:
		26-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	182,592		$	145,689
	Work in process	93,423			114,206
	Finished goods	285,269			222,109
		561,284			482,004
	Less: customer progress payments	(5,183		)	(4,078		)
	Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(33,740		)	(32,773		)
	Inventories, net	$	522,361		$	445,153

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		26-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Term loans	$	1,242,145		$	1,115,238
	Revolving credit facilities and other	439,715			371,853
	Total Debt	1,681,860			1,487,091
	Less: current portion	(73,695		)	(29,449		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,608,165		$	1,457,642

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		September 26, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Accrued payroll	$	137,362		$	136,645
	Advance payment from customers	45,932			53,280
	Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	104,372			75,274
	Accrued asbestos-related liability	54,707			51,142
	Warranty liability - current portion	49,701			54,977
	Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	6,816			12,856
	Accrued third-party commissions	12,131			13,095
	Other	105,223			91,952
	Accrued liabilities	$	516,244		$	489,221
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	The activity in the Company’s warranty liability consisted of the following:
		Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	61,472		$	40,437
	Accrued warranty expense	14,814			16,633
	Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(4,612		)	(693		)
	Cost of warranty service work performed	(20,111		)	(14,862		)
	Acquisitions	4,488			—
	Foreign exchange translation effect	(2,741		)	(476		)
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	53,310		$	41,039
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the activity in the Company’s restructuring liability included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		Nine Months Ended September 26, 2014
		Balance at Beginning of Period			Provisions			Payments			Foreign Currency Translation			Balance at End of Period(3)
		(In thousands)
	Restructuring and other related charges:
	Gas and Fluid Handling:
	Termination benefits(1)	$	3,638		$	5,864		$	(8,213	)	$	(130	)	$	1,159
	Facility closure costs(2)	756			2,889			(3,496		)	(37		)	112
		4,394			8,753			(11,709		)	(167		)	1,271
	Non-cash impairment				2,863
					11,616
	Fabrication Technology:
	Termination benefits(1)	7,033			15,698			(17,116		)	(257		)	5,358
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,429			1,420			(2,412		)	(131		)	306
		8,462			17,118			(19,528		)	(388		)	5,664
	Corporate and Other:
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,259			—			(252		)	(21		)	986
		1,259			—			(252		)	(21		)	986
		$	14,115		25,871			$	(31,489	)	$	(576	)	$	7,921
	Non-cash impairment				2,863
					$	28,734
	(1) Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services. The Company recognizes the cost of involuntary
	termination benefits at the communication date or ratably over any remaining expected future service period. Voluntary termination benefits
	are recognized as a liability and an expense when employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
	(2) Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities.
	(3) As of September 26, 2014, $6.8 million and $1.1 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and
	Other liabilities, respectively.

Net_Periodic_Benefit_CostDefin1

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit (income) cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013			September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension Benefits-U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	4,796			4,352			14,118			13,126
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,180		)	(6,192		)	(18,114		)	(18,611		)
	Amortization	1,298			1,964			3,894			5,891
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(86	)	$	124		$	(102	)	$	406
	Pension Benefits-Non U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	1,127		$	598		$	3,039		$	2,420
	Interest cost	12,717			11,089			37,804			33,293
	Expected return on plan assets	(10,937		)	(8,295		)	(32,580		)	(24,785		)
	Amortization	456			626			1,579			1,857
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,363		$	4,018		$	9,842		$	12,785
	Other Post-Retirement Benefits:
	Service cost	$	21		$	32		$	94		$	122
	Interest cost	288			229			871			731
	Amortization	110			176			330			529
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	419		$	437		$	1,295		$	1,382

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair1

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value for each fair value hierarchy level [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows:
		September 26, 2014
		Level			Level			Level			Total
		One			Two			Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	23,263		$	—		$	—		$	23,263
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—			6,611			—			6,611
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			1,033			—			1,033
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			1,661			—			1,661
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			515			—			515
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,798			—			2,798
		$	23,263		$	12,618		$	—		$	35,881
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—		$	4,216		$	—		$	4,216
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			2,591			—			2,591
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			969			—			969
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			3,125			—			3,125
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,798			—			2,798
	Liability for contingent payments	—			—			2,948			2,948
		$	—		$	13,699		$	2,948		$	16,647
		December 31, 2013
		Level			Level			Level			Total
		One			Two			Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	22,032		$	—		$	—		$	22,032
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—			11,241			—			11,241
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			3,642			—			3,642
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			428			—			428
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			2,543			—			2,543
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,414			—			2,414
		$	22,032		$	20,268		$	—		$	42,300
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—		$	1,126		$	—		$	1,126
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			3,625			—			3,625
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			742			—			742
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			846			—			846
	Deferred compensation plans	—			2,414			—			2,414
	Liability for contingent payments	—			—			6,176			6,176
		$	—		$	8,753		$	6,176		$	14,929
Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Notional Values	'
	As of September 26, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values:
		September 26, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges	$	180,181		$	244,755
	Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges	190,919			206,220
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges	79,831			273,714
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges	62,396			46,728
	Total foreign currency derivatives	$	513,327		$	771,417
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company recognized the following in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13			26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Contracts Designated as Hedges:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	$	(1,054	)	$	3,248		$	(2,212	)	$	2,658
	Realized (loss) gain	(3,566		)	3,355			(3,821		)	(116		)
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,661		)	908			(1,910		)	(145		)
	Realized gain (loss)	2,389			(1,425		)	2,497			76
	Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges	20,240			(13,562		)	25,013			(6,299		)
	Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,539		)	2,765			(1,575		)	1,495
	Realized (loss) gain	(1,312		)	1,940			(3,026		)	1,162
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts:
	Unrealized gain (loss)	594			63			(1,863		)	513
	Realized gain (loss)	77			(1,121		)	1,851			579
Liability for contingent payment related to acquisitions [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of activity in the Company’s liability for contingent payments during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 is as follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	6,176
	Interest accretion	272
	Cash payment	(3,500		)
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	2,948

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Loss Contingencies By Claims Quantities [Table Text Block]	'
	Claims activity since December 31 related to asbestos claims is as follows(1):
		Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
		(Number of claims)
	Claims unresolved, beginning of period	22,393		23,523
	Claims filed(2)	3,586		3,298
	Claims resolved(3)	(2,916	)	(3,875	)
	Claims unresolved, end of period	23,063		22,946
	(1) Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been “administratively dismissed.”
	(2) Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.
	(3) Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based
	upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.
Schedule Of Asbestos Related Litigation [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:
		26-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$	35,018		$	32,872
	Current asbestos insurance receivable(1)	33,237			41,943
	Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	289,347			299,057
	Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	45,215			21,411
	Accrued asbestos liability(3)	54,707			51,142
	Long-term asbestos liability(4)	352,922			358,288
	(1) Included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(2) Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(3) Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries
	will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against
	asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Company’s insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed
	Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(4) Included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company’s segment results were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13			26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	564,650		$	511,360		$	1,707,539		$	1,453,228
	Fabrication technology	599,803			503,210			1,710,581			1,582,603
		$	1,164,453		$	1,014,570		$	3,418,120		$	3,035,831
	Segment operating income (loss)(1):
	Gas and fluid handling	$	67,261		$	67,413		$	168,949		$	179,341
	Fabrication technology	72,152			57,583			203,103			161,478
	Corporate and other	(11,659		)	(13,461		)	(41,106		)	(36,614		)
		$	127,754		$	111,535		$	330,946		$	304,205
	(1) The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13			26-Sep-14			27-Sep-13
		(In thousands)
	Income before income taxes	$	103,871		$	85,262		$	261,331		$	227,898
	Interest expense	14,935			17,536			40,881			58,879
	Restructuring and other related charges	8,948			8,737			28,734			17,428
	Segment operating income	$	127,754		$	111,535		$	330,946		$	304,205
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
	The detail of the Company’s Net sales by product type is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013			September 26, 2014			September 27, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Gas handling	$	402,872		$	349,485		$	1,228,050		$	977,016
	Fluid handling	161,778			161,875			479,489			476,212
	Welding and cutting	599,803			503,210			1,710,581			1,582,603
	Total Net sales	$	1,164,453		$	1,014,570		$	3,418,120		$	3,035,831
Schedule of Total Assets, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The detail of the Company’s Total assets by segment is as follows:
		September 26, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Total Assets:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	3,790,173		$	4,014,002
	Fabrication technology	3,730,910			2,526,245
	Corporate and other	8,232			48,802
		$	7,529,315		$	6,589,049

General_Details_Textual

General (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Foreign Currency Devaluation [Abstract]	'
Foreign Exchange Rate Used to Remeasure Venezuelan Operations	'SICAD II
Devaluation of Foreign Currency	87.00%
Official Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Bolivar Fuerte Previously Used	6.3
Net Monetary Assets Of Subsidiary	$0.60
Loss Recognized Due to Inflationary Accounting	$6.30

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro1

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Details Textual (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits presented as a reduction to deferred tax assets	$32.40	'
Unrecognized tax benefits included in Other liabilities	'	$9.20

Acquisitions_Assets_and_Liabil1

Acquisitions Assets and Liabilities Acquired - Victor (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 14, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Trade Receivables	'	'	$76,778
Inventories	'	'	112,277
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	59,281
Goodwill	2,947,286	2,391,270	610,167
Intangible assets	'	'	389,700
Accounts payable	'	'	-34,271
Other assets and liabilities, net	'	'	-265,132
Consideration, net of cash acquired	'	'	$948,800

Acquisitions_Intangible_Assets

Acquisitions Intangible Assets Acquired Excluding Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Apr. 14, 2014
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	'	$336,400
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'12 years 4 months 24 days	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	'	291,800
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'12 years 9 months 30 days	'
Acquired Technology [Member]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	'	18,600
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'10 years	'
Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	'	26,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'9 years 3 months 11 days	'
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	$53,300

Acquisitions_Details_Textual

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014	Apr. 14, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	$28,734,000	'
Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Of Acquired Entity	'	948,800,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	229,000,000	'
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	25,100,000	'
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	2,700,000	'
Business Combination, Acquired Entity Retrospective Adjustments	9,700,000	'
Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc. [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	2,700,000	'
ESAB-SVEL [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Of Acquired Entity	9,500,000	'
Ownership Percentage of Subsidiary Before Additional Acquisition	51.00%	'
Ownership Percentage of Subsidiary After Additional Acquisition	100.00%	'
Howden Thomassen Middle East FCZO [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Of Acquired Entity	800,000	'
Ownership Percentage of Subsidiary Before Additional Acquisition	90.00%	'
Ownership Percentage of Subsidiary After Additional Acquisition	100.00%	'
Q4 2013 Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business Combination, Acquired Entity Retrospective Adjustments	$6,700,000	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill by Segment (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill Balance, December 31, 2013	$2,391,270
Goodwill attributable to Victor Acquisition	610,167
Impact of foreign currency translation and other	-54,151
Goodwill Balance, September 26, 2014	2,947,286
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill Balance, December 31, 2013	1,513,772
Goodwill attributable to Victor Acquisition	0
Impact of foreign currency translation and other	-43,130
Goodwill Balance, September 26, 2014	1,470,642
Fabrication Technology [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill Balance, December 31, 2013	877,498
Goodwill attributable to Victor Acquisition	610,167
Impact of foreign currency translation and other	-11,021
Goodwill Balance, September 26, 2014	$1,476,644

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	$430,219	$412,341
Total Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	1,285,894	979,862
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-179,010	-147,309
Acquired Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	615,627	353,337
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-75,583	-51,675
Acquired Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	118,504	114,647
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-26,265	-22,757
Acquired Backlog [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	68,272	73,476
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-66,558	-65,919
Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	53,272	26,061
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($10,604)	($6,958)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$12.10
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2014	58.5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	66.9
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	63.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	59.7
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	56.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$53.40

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$73,389		$50,389		$290,051		$126,248
Less: net income attributable to participating securities	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	-3,740	[1]
Net income - basic	73,389		50,389		290,051		122,508
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,841,699		101,977,511		120,163,945		98,185,166
Net income per share - basic	$0.59		$0.49		$2.41		$1.25
Less: net income attributable to participating securities	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	-3,740	[1]
Add: dividends on preferred stock	0	[1]	5,086	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net Income - Diluted	$73,389		$55,475		$290,051		$122,508
Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,538,867		1,233,867		1,605,381		1,096,504
Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - convertible preferred stock	0	[1]	12,173,291	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted	125,380,566		115,384,669		121,769,326		99,281,670
Net income per share - diluted	$0.59		$0.48		$2.38		$1.23
[1]	Net income per share - diluted for periods prior to April 23, 2013 was calculated consistently with the two-class method in accordance with GAAP as the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were considered participating securities. Subsequent to April 23, 2013 and prior to February 12, 2014, Net income per share - diluted was calculated consistently with the if-converted method in accordance with GAAP until the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were converted to Common stock. However, for the nine months ended September 27, 2013, the calculation under this method was anti-dilutive. In addition, weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted for the nine months ended September 26, 2014 excludes the weighted average effect of 1.9 million Common stock equivalents for the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. See Note 7, bEquityb for further discussion of the Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock conversion.

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details_T

Net Income Per Share (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Preferred, Amount	'	'	1.9	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1	0.6	0.7	0.7

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Income before income taxes	$103,871,000	[1]	$85,262,000	[1]	$261,331,000	[1]	$227,898,000	[1]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	22,568,000		19,787,000		-73,153,000		62,948,000
Deferred Other Tax Expense (Benefit)	'		'		120,000,000		'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	'		'		22,700,000		2,300,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	21.70%		23.20%		'		27.60%
Discrete tax benefit	'		$5,100,000		'		$5,100,000
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	($46,600)	($146,594)
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	'	'	-942	-381
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-156,168	-42,706
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	'	'	1,083	5,546
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges	'	'	25,013	-6,299
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	'	'	-5,576	1,744
Other	0	0	1,934	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	'	'	-133,714	-41,715
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	3,345	7,740
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	-130,369	-33,975
Ending balance	-177,911	-180,950	-177,911	-180,950
Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost [Member]	'	'	'	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	-159,795	-247,332
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	0	0
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	'	'	0	0
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges	'	'	0	0
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	'	'	0	0
Other	'	'	1,934	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	'	'	1,934	0
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	3,345	7,740
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	5,279	7,740
Ending balance	-154,516	-239,592	-154,516	-239,592
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	127,604	104,718
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	'	'	-942	-381
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-156,168	-42,706
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	'	'	1,083	5,546
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges	'	'	0	0
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	'	'	0	0
Other	'	'	0	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	'	'	-155,085	-37,160
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	-155,085	-37,160
Ending balance	-28,423	67,177	-28,423	67,177
Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Hedging Activities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	-14,409	-3,980
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	0	0
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	'	'	0	0
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges	'	'	25,013	-6,299
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	'	'	-5,576	1,744
Other	'	'	0	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	'	'	19,437	-4,555
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	19,437	-4,555
Ending balance	$5,028	($8,535)	$5,028	($8,535)

Equity_Details_1

Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Amortization of net loss, before tax	$1,801	[1]	$2,704	[1]	$5,616	[1]	$8,091	[1]
Amortization of net loss, tax	-2,153	[1]	-183	[1]	-2,458	[1]	-537	[1]
Amortization of net loss, net of tax	-352	[1]	2,521	[1]	3,158	[1]	7,554	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, before tax	63	[1]	62	[1]	187	[1]	186	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, tax	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax	63	[1]	62	[1]	187	[1]	186	[1]
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	1,864		2,766		5,803		8,277
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	-2,153		-183		-2,458		-537
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	($289)		$2,583		$3,345		$7,740
[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost. See Note 11, bNet Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plansb for additional details.

Equity_Textuals_Details

Equity Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Equity Text [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	'	'	183,000	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	'	9,200,000	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	'	'	$632,500,000	'
Equity Issuance Costs	'	'	22,100,000	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fractional Share, Cash in Lieu, Share Amount	'	'	0.22807018	'
Preferred Stock Conversions, Cash Payment Upon Conversion	'	'	23,400,000	'
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	0	0	19,565,000	0
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	($7,200,000)	($15,900,000)
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted	'	'	13,877,552	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity Text [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	'	'	183,000	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	'	9,200,000	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	'	'	12,173,291	'

Inventories_Net_Details

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$182,592	$145,689
Work in process	93,423	114,206
Finished goods	285,269	222,109
Inventory, Gross	561,284	482,004
Less: customer progress payments	-5,183	-4,078
Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	-33,740	-32,773
Inventories, net	$522,361	$445,153

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Debt	$1,681,860	$1,487,091
Less: current portion	-73,695	-29,449
Long-term debt	1,608,165	1,457,642
Term loans [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Debt	1,242,145	1,115,238
Revolving credit facilities and other [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Debt	$439,715	$371,853

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	14-May-14
			Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Increase to Borrowing Capacity Under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement	'	'	$150,000,000
Long-term Debt	1,681,860,000	1,487,091,000	558,700,000
Debt discount	13,700,000	'	'
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	10,500,000	'	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.94%	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	484,900,000	'	'
DB Letter of Credit Subfacility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	199,900,000	'	'
Letters of Credit, Maximum Capacity	773,100,000	'	'
Letters of Credit, Amount Outstanding	$382,400,000	'	'

Accrued_Liabilities_Chart_Deta

Accrued Liabilities Chart (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'		'
Accrued payroll	$137,362		$136,645
Advance payment from customers	45,932		53,280
Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	104,372		75,274
Accrued asbestos-related liability	54,707	[1]	51,142	[1]
Warranty liability - current portion	49,701		54,977
Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	6,816		12,856
Accrued third-party commissions	12,131		13,095
Other	105,223		91,952
Accrued liabilities	$516,244		$489,221
[1]	Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Companybs insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranty_Liability_Rollforward

Warranty Liability Rollforward (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'
Warranty liability, beginning of period	$61,472	$40,437
Accrued warranty expense	14,814	16,633
Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	-4,612	-693
Cost of warranty service work performed	-20,111	-14,862
Acquisitions	4,488	0
Foreign exchange translation effect	-2,741	-476
Warranty liability, end of period	$53,310	$41,039

Restructuring_Rollforward_Deta

Restructuring Rollforward (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Balance at Beginning of Period	$14,115
Non-cash impairment	2,863
Restructuring, settlement and impairment before non-cash charges	25,871
Provisions	28,734
Payments	-31,489
Foreign Currency Translation	-576
Balance at End of Period	7,921	[1]
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	4,394
Non-cash impairment	2,863
Restructuring, settlement and impairment before non-cash charges	8,753
Provisions	11,616
Payments	-11,709
Foreign Currency Translation	-167
Balance at End of Period	1,271
Fabrication Technology [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	8,462
Provisions	17,118
Payments	-19,528
Foreign Currency Translation	-388
Balance at End of Period	5,664
Corporate and Other [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,259
Provisions	0
Payments	-252
Foreign Currency Translation	-21
Balance at End of Period	986
Termination benefits [Member] | Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	3,638	[2]
Provisions	5,864	[2]
Payments	-8,213	[2]
Foreign Currency Translation	-130	[2]
Balance at End of Period	1,159	[2]
Termination benefits [Member] | Fabrication Technology [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	7,033	[2]
Provisions	15,698	[2]
Payments	-17,116	[2]
Foreign Currency Translation	-257	[2]
Balance at End of Period	5,358	[2]
Facility closure costs [Member] | Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	756	[3]
Provisions	2,889	[3]
Payments	-3,496	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-37	[3]
Balance at End of Period	112	[3]
Facility closure costs [Member] | Fabrication Technology [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,429	[3]
Provisions	1,420	[3]
Payments	-2,412	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-131	[3]
Balance at End of Period	306	[3]
Facility closure costs [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,259	[3]
Provisions	0	[3]
Payments	-252	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-21	[3]
Balance at End of Period	$986	[3]
[1]	As of SeptemberB 26, 2014, $6.8 million and $1.1 million of the Companybs restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.
[2]	Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services. The Company recognizes the cost of involuntary termination benefits at the communication date or ratably over any remaining expected future service period. Voluntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability and an expense when employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
[3]	Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities.

Accrued_Liabilities_Details_Te

Accrued Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$6,816,000	$12,856,000
Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent	1,100,000	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	$20,000,000	'

Net_Periodic_Benefit_CostDefin2

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Pension Benefits-U.S. Plans: [Member]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$0	$0	$0
Interest cost	4,796	4,352	14,118	13,126
Expected return on plan assets	-6,180	-6,192	-18,114	-18,611
Amortization	1,298	1,964	3,894	5,891
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	-86	124	-102	406
Pension Benefits-Non U.S. Plans: [Member]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,127	598	3,039	2,420
Interest cost	12,717	11,089	37,804	33,293
Expected return on plan assets	-10,937	-8,295	-32,580	-24,785
Amortization	456	626	1,579	1,857
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	3,363	4,018	9,842	12,785
Other Post-Retirement Benefits: [Member]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	21	32	94	122
Interest cost	288	229	871	731
Amortization	110	176	330	529
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$419	$437	$1,295	$1,382

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash equivalents	$23,263	$22,032
Deferred compensation plans	2,798	2,414
Deferred compensation plans liability	2,798	2,414
Liability for contingent payment	2,948	6,176
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	35,881	42,300
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	16,647	14,929
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	23,263	22,032
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	23,263	22,032
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	2,798	2,414
Deferred compensation plans liability	2,798	2,414
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	12,618	20,268
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,699	8,753
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liability for contingent payment	2,948	6,176
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,948	6,176
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts	'	'
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	6,611	11,241
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	1,033	3,642
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	4,216	1,126
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	2,591	3,625
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	6,611	11,241
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	1,033	3,642
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	4,216	1,126
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	2,591	3,625
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts	'	'
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	1,661	428
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	515	2,543
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	969	742
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	3,125	846
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	1,661	428
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	515	2,543
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	969	742
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	$3,125	$846

Foreign_Currency_Contracts_Not

Foreign Currency Contracts Notional Values (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative, Notional Amount	$513,327	$771,417
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	180,181	244,755
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	190,919	206,220
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	79,831	273,714
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$62,396	$46,728

Gain_Loss_On_Derivative_Instru

Gain (Loss) On Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax	'	'	$25,013	($6,299)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax	20,240	-13,562	'	-6,299
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts	'	'	'	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,054	3,248	-2,212	2,658
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	-3,566	3,355	-3,821	-116
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts	'	'	'	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,661	908	-1,910	-145
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	2,389	-1,425	2,497	76
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts	'	'	'	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,539	2,765	-1,575	1,495
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,312	1,940	-3,026	1,162
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts	'	'	'	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	594	63	-1,863	513
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	$77	($1,121)	$1,851	$579

Liability_For_Contingent_Payme

Liability For Contingent Payments (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Liability for contingent payment, beginning of period	$6,176
Interest Accretion	272
Cash payment	-3,500
Liability for contingent payment, end of period	$2,948

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'	'
Payments Of Contingent Consideration Liability	$3,500,000	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$1,700,000,000	$1,500,000,000

Claims_Rollforward_Details

Claims Rollforward (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013
	Asbestos_claims		Asbestos_claims
Claims unresolved, beginning of period	22,393	[1]	23,523	[1]
Claims filed(2)	3,586	[1],[2]	3,298	[1],[2]
Claims resolved(3)	-2,916	[1],[3]	-3,875	[1],[3]
Claims unresolved, end of period	23,063	[1]	22,946	[1]
[1]	Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been badministratively dismissed.b
[2]	Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.
[3]	Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.

Asbestos_Litigation_Details_1

Asbestos Litigation (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$35,018	[1]	$32,872	[1]
Current asbestos insurance receivable(1)	33,237	[1]	41,943	[1]
Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	289,347	[2]	299,057	[2]
Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	45,215	[2]	21,411	[2]
Accrued asbestos liability(3)	54,707	[3]	51,142	[3]
Long-term asbestos liability(4)	$352,922	[4]	$358,288	[4]
[1]	Included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Companybs insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	Included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Future Claims Period	'15 years
Incremental Asbestos Expense	$5
Reduction of Asbestos Allowances for Collectibility	$4.10

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 26, 2014		Sep. 27, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales	$1,164,453		$1,014,570		$3,418,120		$3,035,831		'
Income before income taxes	103,871	[1]	85,262	[1]	261,331	[1]	227,898	[1]	'
Interest expense	14,935	[1]	17,536	[1]	40,881	[1]	58,879	[1]	'
Restructuring and other related charges	8,948	[1]	8,737	[1]	28,734	[1]	17,428	[1]	'
Segment operating income (loss)	127,754	[1]	111,535	[1]	330,946	[1]	304,205	[1]	'
Assets	7,529,315		'		7,529,315		'		6,589,049
Gas Handling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Net sales	402,872		349,485		1,228,050		977,016		'
Fluid Handling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Net sales	161,778		161,875		479,489		476,212		'
Welding and Cutting [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Net sales	599,803		503,210		1,710,581		1,582,603		'
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Net sales	564,650		511,360		1,707,539		1,453,228		'
Segment operating income (loss)	67,261		67,413		168,949		179,341		'
Assets	3,790,173		'		3,790,173		'		4,014,002
Fabrication Technology [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Net sales	599,803		503,210		1,710,581		1,582,603		'
Segment operating income (loss)	72,152		57,583		203,103		161,478		'
Assets	3,730,910		'		3,730,910		'		2,526,245
Corporate and Other [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment operating income (loss)	-11,659		-13,461		-41,106		-36,614		'
Assets	$8,232		'		$8,232		'		$48,802
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income: