Enovis (ENOV) 10-K17 Feb 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 02, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Colfax CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1420800
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	cfx
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		123,760,391
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$6,280

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$4,624,476	[1]	$4,207,209	[1]	$3,913,856	[1]
Cost of sales	3,145,631		2,900,987		2,761,731
Gross profit	1,478,845		1,306,222		1,152,125
Selling, general and administrative expense	1,011,171		864,328		908,439
Charter acquisition-related expense	0		0		43,617
Restructuring and other related charges	58,121	[2]	35,502	[2]	60,060	[2]
Operating income	409,553		406,392		140,009
Interest expense	51,305	[2]	103,597	[2]	91,570	[2]
Income before income taxes	358,248	[2]	302,795	[2]	48,439	[2]
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	-62,025		93,652		90,703
Net income (loss)	420,273		209,143		-42,264
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	28,175		30,515		22,138
Net income (loss) attributable to Colfax Corporation	392,098		178,628		-64,402
Dividends on preferred stock	2,348		20,396		18,951
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	19,565		0		0
Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$370,185		$158,232		($83,353)
Net income (loss) per share- basic	$3.06		$1.56		($0.92)
Net income (loss) per share- diluted	$3.02		$1.54		($0.92)

[1]	The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.
[2]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$420,273	$209,143	($42,264)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $1,885, $(3,634) and $(304)	-356,243	6,210	117,703
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, net of tax of $4,141, $404 and $632	30,404	-10,404	-4,008
Changes in unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefits cost, net of tax of $(20,117), $575 and $(5,835)	-89,920	77,071	-91,495
Changes in deferred tax related to pension and other postretirement benefit cost	1,934	0	0
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Realized gain on hedging activities, net of tax of $0, $0 and $0	0	0	471
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of tax of $2,063, $715 and $256	5,282	10,022	8,557
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-408,543	82,899	31,228
Comprehensive income (loss)	11,730	292,042	-11,036
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	15,781	13,039	26,523
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Colfax Corporation	($4,051)	$279,003	($37,559)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME [Parenthetical] (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, tax	$1,885		($3,634)		($304)
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, tax	4,141		404		632
Changes in unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefits cost, tax	-20,117		575		-5,835
Realized gain on hedging activities, tax	0		0		0
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, tax	$2,063	[1]	$715	[1]	$256

[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13, â€œDefined Benefit Plansâ€ for additional details.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$305,448		$311,301
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $27,256 and $31,282	1,029,150		1,023,732
Inventories, net	442,732		443,536	[1]
Other current assets	322,133		353,589
Total current assets	2,099,463		2,132,158
Property, plant and equipment, net	729,728	[2]	754,261	[1],[2]
Goodwill	2,872,903		2,409,699
Intangible assets, net	1,043,583		832,553
Other assets	499,421		472,513
Total assets	7,245,098		6,601,184
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	9,855		29,449
Accounts payable	780,287		862,125
Accrued liabilities	495,393		492,694	[1]
Total current liabilities	1,285,535		1,384,268
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,529,389		1,457,642
Other liabilities	1,077,730		1,018,151
Total liabilities	3,892,654		3,860,061
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; 123,730,578 and 101,921,613 issued and outstanding	124		102
Additional paid-in capital	3,200,832		2,541,005
Retained earnings	389,561		19,376
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-443,691		-46,600
Total Colfax Corporation equity	3,146,826		2,513,897
Noncontrolling interest	205,618		227,226
Total equity	3,352,444		2,741,123
Total liabilities and equity	$7,245,098		$6,601,184

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.
[2]	As the Company does not allocate all long-lived assets, specifically intangible assets, to each individual country, evaluation of long-lived assets in total is impracticable.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$27,256	$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	123,730,578	101,921,613
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	123,730,578	101,921,613

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$189,275	$44	$0	$415,527	($55,503)	($170,793)	$0
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011		43,697,570	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Colfax Corporation	-64,402				-64,402
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	22,138						22,138
Net income (loss)	-42,264
Acquisitions	259,229						259,229
Sale of stock of entity previously controlled	-4,414						-4,414
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	-9,721						-9,721
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	-29,292			1,035		-2,644	-27,683
Preferred stock dividend	-18,951				-18,951
Preferred Stock Conversions, Inducements	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	31,228					26,843	4,385
Common stock issuances, net of costs	1,432,971	50		1,432,921
Preferred stock issuances, net of costs	332,972		14	332,958
Stock issuances, shares		49,917,786	13,877,552
Common stock-based award activity	15,253			15,253
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)	452,062	452,062
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,156,286	94	14	2,197,694	-138,856	-146,594	243,934
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012		94,067,418	13,877,552
Net income (loss) attributable to Colfax Corporation	178,628				178,628
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	30,515						30,515
Net income (loss)	209,143
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	-14,260						-14,260
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	-14,913			955		-381	-15,487
Preferred stock dividend	-20,396				-20,396
Preferred Stock Conversions, Inducements	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	82,899					100,375	-17,476
Common stock issuances, net of costs	319,898	8		319,890
Stock issuances, shares		7,500,000
Common stock-based award activity	17,589			17,589
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)	265,995	265,995
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	4,877			4,877
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	88,200	88,200
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 (loss) attributable to Colfax Corporation	392,098				392,098
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	28,175						28,175
Net income (loss)	420,273
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	-12,007						-12,007
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	-10,338			15,986		-942	-25,382
Preferred stock dividend	-2,348				-2,348
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities		12		2
Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted			-14
Preferred Stock Conversions, Inducements	-19,565				-19,565
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-408,543					-396,149	-12,394
Common stock issuances, net of costs	610,363	9		610,354
Stock issuances, shares		9,200,000
Common stock-based award activity	21,636			21,636
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)	252,674	252,674
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 Dec. 31, 2014	$3,352,444	$124	$0	$3,200,832	$389,561	($443,691)	$205,618
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014		123,730,578	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY Consolidated Statements of Equity [Parenthetical] (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock [Member]
Equity Issuance Costs	$22.10	$12	$20.20
Preferred Stock [Member]
Equity Issuance Costs	0	0	7
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Other comprehensive income, tax	-13.8	-1.9	-5.3
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Other comprehensive income, tax	($0.20)	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$420,273	$209,143	($42,264)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	174,724	119,258	183,403
Stock-based compensation expense	17,580	13,334	9,373
Non-cash interest expense	9,094	44,377	16,997
Gain on revaluation of Sicelub investment	0	-13,784	0
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	-139,488	9,946	7,222
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Trade receivables, net	-19,916	-98,912	-37,338
Inventories, net	57,847	79,987	26,694
Accounts payable	-54,666	128,889	88,927
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	-79,690	-130,069	-78,994
Net cash provided by operating activities	385,758	362,169	174,020
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of Fixed Assets, net	-81,343	-71,482	-83,187
Acquisitions, net of cash received	-948,800	-372,476	-1,859,645
Loans to non-trade creditors	0	-31,012	0
Other, net	0	0	1,857
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,030,143	-474,970	-1,940,975
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under term credit facility	150,000	50,861	1,731,523
Payments under term credit facility	-15,542	-679,755	-531,415
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities and other	1,370,626	648,000	13,149
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities and other	-1,414,146	-328,133	-53,414
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	613,927	324,153	756,762
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net	0	0	332,969
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	-10,338	-14,913	-29,292
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	-19,565
Payments of dividend on preferred stock	-3,853	-20,396	-17,446
Other	-21,060	-24,870	-19,608
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	650,049	-45,053	2,183,228
Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents	-11,517	-13,294	-8,932
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and cash equivalents	-5,853	-171,148	407,341
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	311,301	482,449	75,108
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	305,448	311,301	482,449
Interest Payments	42,041	58,970	79,857
Income tax payments, net	$82,694	$93,856	$70,677

General

General	12 Months Ended
General	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Organization and Nature of Operations

	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.

	During the year ended December 31, 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 4, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding these adjustments.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

	Principles of Consolidation

	The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Less than wholly owned subsidiaries, including joint ventures, are consolidated when it is determined that the Company has a controlling financial interest, which is generally determined when the Company holds a majority voting interest. When protective rights, substantive rights or other factors exist, further analysis is performed in order to determine whether or not there is a controlling financial interest. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of consolidated subsidiaries and the noncontrolling parties’ ownership share is presented as a noncontrolling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

	Equity Method Investments

	Investments in joint ventures, where the Company has a significant influence but not a controlling interest, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at the amount of the Company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the Company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividends paid. All equity investments are reviewed periodically for indications of other than temporary impairment, including, but not limited to, significant and sustained decreases in quoted market prices or a series of historic and projected operating losses by investees. If the decline in fair value is considered to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded and the investment is written down to a new carrying value. Investments in joint ventures acquired in a business combination are recognized in the opening balance sheet at fair value.

	Revenue Recognition

	The Company generally recognizes revenues and costs from product sales when title passes to the buyer and all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, product delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, there are no further obligations to customers, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Product delivery occurs when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. The Company’s shipping terms vary based on the contract. If any significant obligations to the customer with respect to such sale remain to be fulfilled following shipments, typically involving obligations relating to installation and acceptance by the buyer, revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been fulfilled. Any customer allowances and discounts are recorded as a reduction in reported revenues at the time of sale because these allowances reflect a reduction in the sales price for the products sold. These allowances and discounts are estimated based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to service agreements is recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement. Progress billings are generally shown as a reduction of Inventories, net unless such billings are in excess of accumulated costs, in which case such balances are included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	The Company recognizes revenue and cost of sales on gas-handling long-term contracts using the “percentage of completion method” in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Under this method, contract revenues are recognized over the performance period of the contract in direct proportion to the costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated costs for the entirety of the contract. Any recognized revenues that have not been billed to a customer are recorded as a component of Trade receivables and any billings of customers in excess of recognized revenues are recorded as a component of Accounts payable. As of December 31, 2014, there were $190.7 million of revenues in excess of billings and $175.3 million of billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2013, there were $231.3 million of revenues in excess of billings and $214.8 million of billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

	The Company has contracts in various stages of completion. Such contracts require estimates to determine the appropriate cost and revenue recognition. Significant management judgments and estimates, including estimated costs to complete projects, must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized during each period. Current estimates may be revised as additional information becomes available. The revisions are recorded in income in the period in which they are determined using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. See Note 16, “Segment Information” for sales by major product group.

	Amounts billed for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling expenses are recorded as a component of Cost of sales.

	Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

	The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are recorded as a component of Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until remitted to the respective taxing authority.

	Research and Development Expense

	Research and development costs of $43.0 million, $27.4 million and $19.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

	Advertising Costs

	Advertising costs of $18.2 million, $17.0 million, and $15.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

	Cash and Cash Equivalents

	Cash and cash equivalents include all financial instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less.

	Trade Receivables

	Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon estimates of amounts deemed uncollectible and a specific review of significant delinquent accounts factoring in current and expected economic conditions. Estimated losses are based on historical collection experience, and are reviewed periodically by management.

	Inventories

	Inventories, net include the cost of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost (determined under various methods including average cost, last-in, first-out and first-in, first-out, but predominantly first-in, first-out) or market. For gas-handling long-term contracts, cost is primarily determined based upon actual cost. The Company periodically reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the expected usage of each particular product. The Company records as a charge to Cost of sales any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.

	Property, Plant and Equipment

	Property, plant and equipment, net are stated at historical cost, which includes the fair values of such assets acquired. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives. Assets recorded under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease terms, which range from three to 15 years. Repair and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred unless the repair extends the useful life of the asset.

	Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

	Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired associated with acquisitions by the Company. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names.

	The Company evaluates the recoverability of Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.

	In the evaluation of Goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the reporting entity’s fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that entity. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Goodwill attributable to that reporting unit is potentially impaired and step two of the impairment analysis is performed. In step two of the analysis, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s Goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise.

	The Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows or a market valuation approach. The discounted cash flows model indicates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flows model include: the weighted-average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of the Company’s business; and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison of the Company against certain market information. Significant estimates in the market approach model include identifying appropriate market multiples and assessing earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in estimating the fair value of the reporting units.

	In the evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is not likely for the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a calculation is performed and compared to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company measures the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using the “relief from royalty” method. Significant estimates in this approach include projected revenues and royalty and discount rates for each trade name evaluated.

	Prior to the annual impairment evaluation, an analysis was performed to evaluate 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 indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of trade names, were no longer recoverable based upon relief from royalty measurements. The analysis resulted in a $2.9 million impairment loss included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

	The analyses performed as of September 27, 2014, September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 resulted in no impairment charges, except for $0.2 million of an impairment loss related to an indefinite-lived intangible asset included in the gas- and fluid-handling segment for the year ended December 31, 2013. This impairment resulted from a decline in anticipated revenue related to this asset. The impairment loss is included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 and was calculated as the difference between the fair value of the asset under the relief from royalty method and its carrying value as of the date of the impairment test. The fair value of that intangible asset was $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013, there was no value of this intangible asset as of December 31, 2014, and was included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Intangibles primarily represent acquired customer relationships, acquired order backlog, acquired technology and software license agreements. Acquired order backlog is amortized in the same period the corresponding revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s acquired customer relationships is being amortized on an accelerated basis over periods ranging from seven to 30 years based on the present value of the future cash flows expected to be generated from the acquired customers. All other intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally ranging from two to 20 years.

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. The impairment loss is measured based upon the difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts or fair value less cost to sell. Management determines fair value using the discounted cash flow method or other accepted valuation techniques. The Company recorded asset impairment losses related to facility closures totaling $4.6 million, $1.9 million and $3.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a component of Restructuring and other related charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In addition, an analysis was performed during the year ended December 31, 2014 to evaluate certain long-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 intangible assets, primarily consisting of acquired customer relationships and acquired technology, were no longer recoverable based upon projected undiscounted net cash flows. Further, as a result of management’s evaluation of projected cash flows related to another operation within the gas-and fluid-handling segment, an analysis was performed to evaluate the long-lived intangible assets related to that operation. The analysis determined certain long-lived intangible assets, primarily consisting of acquired customer relationships, were impaired. The impairment was calculated as the difference between the fair value of the remaining expected future cash flows to be generated from the asset group and its carrying value as of the measurement date. The Company recorded $10.5 million of intangible asset impairment losses related to these two operations as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The fair value of these assets of $3.3 million as of December 31, 2014 are included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy and are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Derivatives

The Company is subject to foreign currency risk associated with the translation of the net assets of foreign subsidiaries to United States (“U.S.”) dollars on a periodic basis. The Company’s Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement (as defined and further discussed in Note 10, “Debt”) includes a €147.9 million term A-3 facility and a €98.8 million term A-4 facility, which have been designated as net investment hedges in order to mitigate a portion of this risk.

Derivative instruments are generally recognized on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in either Other current assets, Other assets, Accrued liabilities or Other liabilities depending upon their respective fair values and maturity dates. The Company designates a portion of its foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges. For all instruments designated as hedges, including net investment hedges, cash flow hedges and fair value hedges, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for using the hedging instrument. The Company assesses whether the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. For cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the extent that it is effective at offsetting the change in the fair value of the hedged item and realized gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consistent with the underlying hedged instrument. Gains and losses related to fair value hedges are recorded as an offset to the fair value of the underlying asset or liability, primarily Trade receivables and Accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes.

See Note 14, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.

Warranty Costs

Estimated expenses related to product warranties are accrued as the revenue is recognized on products sold to customers and included in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Estimates are established using historical information as to the nature, frequency, and average costs of warranty claims.

The activity in the Company’s warranty liability, which is included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, consisted of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	65,512		$	40,437

Accrued warranty expense	23,019			25,013

Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(9,966		)	(638		)
Cost of warranty service work performed	(27,389		)	(21,082		)
Acquisitions(1)	4,488			22,609

Foreign exchange translation effect	(4,529		)	(827		)
Warranty liability, end of period	$	51,135		$	65,512


(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the Company are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in (Benefit from) provision for income taxes in the period that includes the enactment date.

Valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. Any changes in judgment about the valuation allowance are recorded through (Benefit from) provision for income taxes and are based on changes in facts and circumstances regarding realizability of deferred tax assets.

The Company must presume that an income tax position taken in a tax return will be examined by the relevant tax authority and determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. An income tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Company establishes a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority to the extent such tax positions reduce the Company’s income tax liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in the (Benefit from) provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and Losses

The Company’s financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are generally the local currencies of the countries in which each subsidiary is located. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The amounts recorded in each year in Foreign currency translation are net of income taxes to the extent the underlying equity balances in the entities are not deemed to be permanently reinvested. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the year.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction. Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date on which it is either settled or translated for inclusion in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense or Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for that period.

The Company considers the Venezuelan bolivar fuerte (“bolivar”) a highly inflationary currency. Therefore, financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operations are remeasured into their parents’ reporting currency. During the year ended December 31, 2013, Venezuela devalued its currency to an official rate of 6.3 bolivar to the U.S. dollar, representing an approximate 32% devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. 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 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 to the U.S. dollar. Exchange gains and losses from the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements will be dependent upon movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the parents’ reporting currency and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company’s Venezuelan operations’ balance sheets. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 $0.7 million and $5.5 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in exchange rates resulted in foreign currency transaction losses of $6.3 million and $2.9 million recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $5.1 million and $5.5 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, respectively, including the $6.3 million loss related to the Company’s adoption of the SICAD II exchange rate discussed above. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $4.1 million and $5.2 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, respectively, including the $2.9 million loss related to the devaluation of the bolivar discussed above. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the net foreign currency transaction loss recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was $1.2 million.

Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount

Costs directly related to the placement of debt are capitalized and amortized to Interest expense primarily using the effective interest method over the term of the related obligation. Deferred issuance costs of $18.5 million and $18.2 million, respectively, were included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, net of $8.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of accumulated amortization. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company deferred $0.3 million, $7.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs. Further, the carrying value of Long-term debt is reduced by an original issue discount, which is accreted to Interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related obligation. See Note 10, “Debt” for additional discussion regarding the Company’s borrowing arrangements.

Use of Estimates

The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentations.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2014, $30.5 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 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 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 having 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

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions

	Charter International plc

	On January 13, 2012, Colfax completed the acquisition of Charter for a total purchase price of approximately $2.6 billion, comprised of $1.9 billion of cash consideration and $0.7 billion fair value of Colfax Common stock on the date of acquisition. Charter is a global industrial manufacturing company focused on welding, cutting and automation and air and gas handling. The acquisition has:


	•	enhanced the Company’s business profile by providing a meaningful recurring revenue stream and considerable exposure to emerging markets;

	•	enabled Colfax to benefit from strong secular growth drivers, with a balance of short- and long-cycle businesses; and

	•	provided an additional growth platform in the fragmented fabrication technology industry.

	The Charter Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position and results of operations from the date of acquisition.

	Other

	The following acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, except as otherwise noted, and, accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position and results of operations from the respective date of acquisition:

	Gas and Fluid Handling

	On May 21, 2014, the Company completed the $0.8 million acquisition of the remaining ownership of Howden Thomassen Middle East FCZO (“Howden Middle East”), which resulted in an increase in the Company’s ownership of the subsidiary from 90% to 100% and was accounted for as an equity transaction, as the Company increased its controlling interest.

	On November 29, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of the global infrastructure and industry division of Fläkt Woods Group (“GII”) for approximately $246.0 million, including the assumption of debt, subject to certain adjustments. GII has operations around the world and expanded the Company’s product offerings in the heavy duty industrial and cooling fan market.

	On November 25, 2013, the Company converted the common shares of Sistemas Centrales de Lubrication S.A. de C.V. (“Sicelub”), previously a less than wholly owned subsidiary in which the Company did not have a controlling interest, that were held by the majority owner into shares of mandatorily redeemable non-voting preferred stock of Sicelub valued at $31.7 million at the acquisition date, which resulted in an increase in the Company’s ownership from 44% to 100%. On the date of the acquisition, the Company held a $7.4 million equity investment representing the Company’s 44% investment in Sicelub and recognized a $13.8 million gain as a reduction in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations to remeasure the investment to fair value at the acquisition date based upon the total enterprise value, adjusting for a control premium. Changes in settlement value of the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock are determined, in part, by the achievement of certain performance goals. The change in the settlement value of the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock for each period will be reflected in Interest expense. During the year ended December 31, 2014, a $3.1 million reduction to Interest expense is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations due to the change in expected settlement value under the conditions specified in the contract of the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, as the performance criteria were not met.

	On November 1, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of ČKD Kompresory a.s. (“ČKDK”) for approximately $69.4 million, including the assumption of debt. ČKDK is a leading supplier of multi-stage centrifugal compressors to the oil & gas, petrochemical, power and steel industries, based in Prague, Czech Republic.

	On September 30, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of certain business units of The New York Blower Company, including TLT-Babcock Inc. (“TLT-Babcock”) and Alphair Ventilating Systems Inc. (“Alphair”) for an approximate aggregate purchase price of $55.7 million. TLT-Babcock and Alphair are suppliers of heavy duty and industrial fans in Akron, Ohio and Winnipeg, Manitoba, respectively.

	On July 9, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of the common stock of Clarus Fluid Intelligence, LLC (“Clarus”) for $13.2 million, which included the fair value of an estimated additional contingent cash payment of $2.5 million at the acquisition date. The additional contingent payment, if any, would be paid during the year ending December 31, 2016 subject to the achievement of certain performance goals. See Note 14, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for discussion regarding the Company’s liability for contingent payments. Clarus is a domestic supplier of flushing services for marine applications primarily to U.S. government agencies, with primary operations based in Bellingham, Washington.

	On September 13, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the common stock of Co-Vent Group Inc. (“Co-Vent”) for $34.6 million. Co-Vent specializes in the custom design, manufacture, and testing of industrial fans, with its primary operations based in Quebec, Canada. As a result of this acquisition, the Company has expanded its product offerings in the industrial fan market.

	Fabrication Technology

	On July 1, 2014, the Company completed the $9.5 million acquisition of the remaining ownership of ESAB-SVEL (“Svel”), which resulted in an increase in the Company’s ownership from 51% to 100% and was accounted for as an equity transaction, as the Company increased its controlling interest.

	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, subject to certain adjustments (the “Victor Acquisition”). Victor is a global manufacturer of cutting, gas control and specialty welding solutions. The acquisition complemented the geographic footprint of our fabrication technology segment and expanded our product portfolio into new segments and applications. The following table summarizes the 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


	On October 31, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of approximately 91% of the outstanding common and investment shares of Soldex S.A. (“Soldex”) for approximately $187.2 million (the “Soldex Acquisition”). Soldex is organized under the laws of Peru and complements the Company’s existing fabrication technology segment by supplying welding products from its plants in Colombia and Peru. On August 5, 2013, the Company completed a $14.9 million tender offer for additional common and investment shares of Soldex. This resulted in an increase in the Company’s ownership of the subsidiary from approximately 91% to 99% and was accounted for as an equity transaction, as the Company increased its controlling interest.

	On April 13, 2012, the Company completed a $29.3 million acquisition of shares in ESAB India Limited, a publicly traded, less than wholly owned subsidiary in which the Company acquired a controlling interest in the Charter Acquisition. This resulted in an increase in the Company’s ownership of the subsidiary from 56% to 74%. This acquisition of shares was pursuant to a statutorily mandated tender offer triggered as a result of the Charter Acquisition and was accounted for as an equity transaction, as the Company increased its controlling interest.

	In May 2012, the Company completed an $8.5 million acquisition, including the assumption of debt, of the remaining ownership of CJSC Sibes (“Sibes”), a less than wholly owned subsidiary in which the Company did not have a controlling interest. This resulted in an increase in the Company’s ownership of Sibes from 16% to 100%.

	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition for all acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and consummated during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.



	2014				2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Trade receivables	$	76,678			$	74,387		$	714,486

Inventories	107,785				49,871			487,835

Property, plant and equipment	59,281				92,247			595,961

Goodwill	612,746				284,294			1,793,394

Intangible assets	389,700				104,272			794,333

Accounts payable	(34,271		)		(70,122		)	(391,131		)
Debt	—				(10,942		)	(437,564		)

Other assets and liabilities, net	(263,119		)		(99,205		)	(746,719		)
	948,800				424,802			2,810,595

Less: net assets attributable to noncontrolling interest	—				—			(259,329		)

Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	948,800			$	424,802		$	2,551,266


For 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 above, are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed. During the measurement period for the Victor Acquisition, the Company has made aggregate retrospective adjustments of $7.1 million during the year ended December 31, 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 in conjunction with the Victor Acquisition is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed four acquisitions: GII, Sicelub, ČKDK, TLT-Babcock and Alphair. During the year ended December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2014 of $25.4 million increased the Goodwill balance and are summarized below.



	Acquisition Date Fair Values				Measurement Period			Acquisition Date Fair Values
	(Provisional)							(Final)
	2013				Adjustments			2013
	(In thousands)
Trade receivables	$	80,258			$	(5,871	)	$	74,387

Inventories	53,551				(3,680		)	49,871

Property, plant and equipment	94,258				(2,011		)	92,247

Goodwill	258,901				25,393			284,294

Intangible assets	104,272				—			104,272

Accounts payable	(68,308		)		(1,814		)	(70,122		)
Debt	(10,942		)		—			(10,942		)

Other assets and liabilities, net	(87,188		)		(12,017		)	(99,205		)
Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	424,802			$	—		$	424,802


The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for the individually significant acquisitions consummated, and all of the others collectively, during the year ended December 31, 2012:


	Charter				Soldex			Other			Total 2012
	(In thousands)
Trade receivables	$	683,976			$	22,848		$	7,662		$	714,486

Inventories	449,906				32,985			4,944			487,835

Property, plant and equipment	562,129				28,921			4,911			595,961

Goodwill	1,649,159				116,696			27,539			1,793,394

Intangible assets	715,643				65,325			13,365			794,333

Accounts payable	(378,114		)		(6,682		)	(6,335		)	(391,131		)
Debt	(399,466		)		(36,734		)	(1,364		)	(437,564		)
Other assets and liabilities, net	(706,052		)		(33,654		)	(7,013		)	(746,719		)
	2,577,181				189,705			43,709			2,810,595

Less: net assets attributable to noncontrolling interest	(241,201		)		(18,128		)	—			(259,329		)

Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,335,980			$	171,577		$	43,709		$	2,551,266


In connection with the Charter Acquisition, the Company incurred advisory, legal, valuation and other professional service fees, termination payments to Charter executives and realized losses on acquisition-related foreign exchange derivatives, which comprised Charter Acquisition-related expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 14, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments. Excluding Charter Acquisition-related expenses, the Company incurred advisory, legal, valuation and other professional service fees of $2.7 million, $4.3 million and $3.1 million, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in connection with completed acquisitions which are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the period from April 14, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations included $347.3 million and $35.9 million of Net sales and Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders, respectively, associated with the Victor Acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations included $59.9 million of Net sales associated with the acquisitions consummated during 2013. Net Income available to common shareholders associated with acquisitions consummated during year ended December 31, 2013 was not material. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations included $3.2 billion and $21.6 million of Net sales associated with the acquisitions of Charter and Soldex, respectively. The Net loss attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders for Soldex included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $1.7 million. Due to the refinancing of the Company's borrowing arrangements, the restructuring of the Corporate function of both entities into a single corporate office and numerous other shared resources given the scale of the Charter Acquisition, quantification of the earnings included in the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2012 related to Charter is impracticable.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Net Income (Loss) Per Share

	Net income (loss) per share available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was computed as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
		(In thousands, except share data)
	Computation of Net income (loss) per share - basic:
	Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	370,185	$	158,232		$	(83,353	)

	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		(3,740		)	—

		$	370,185	$	154,492		$	(83,353	)

	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	121,143,790		99,198,570			91,069,640

	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	3.06	$	1.56		$	(0.92	)

	Computation of Net income (loss) per share - diluted:
	Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	370,185	$	158,232		$	(83,353	)

	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		(3,740		)	—

		$	370,185	$	154,492		$	(83,353	)

	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	121,143,790		99,198,570			91,069,640

	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,522,502		1,167,885			—

	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted	122,666,292		100,366,455			91,069,640

	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	3.02	$	1.54		$	(0.92	)


	(1) Net income (loss) per share - diluted for the period from January 13, 2012 to April 23, 2013 was calculated consistently with the two-class method in accordance with GAAP, as further discussed below. 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, as further discussed below. However, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the calculation under this method was anti-dilutive.

	On April 23, 2013, the Company and BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the “BDT Investor”) amended the Certificate of Designations of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock of Colfax Corporation to eliminate the right of the Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock to share proportionately in any dividends or distributions made in respect of the Company’s Common stock. On February 12, 2014, the Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with 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 Common stock plus cash. The BDT Investor was the sole holder of all issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock. See Note 11, “Equity” for further discussion of the Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock conversion. For periods from January 13, 2012 to April 23, 2013, Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was allocated to participating securities, while any losses for those periods were not allocated to participating securities. Subsequent to April 23, 2013 and prior to February 12, 2014, the Company’s Net income per share - dilutive was computed using the “if-converted” method. Under the “if-converted” method, Net income per share - dilutive was calculated under the assumption that the shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock had been converted into shares of Common stock as of the beginning of the respective period. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average computation of the dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares of Common stock excluded 1.4 million and 12.2 million, respectively, of Common stock equivalents, as inclusion of such shares 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 the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 excludes approximately 0.8 million, 0.6 million and 2.8 million outstanding stock-based compensation awards, respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes

	Income before income taxes and (Benefit from) provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Income (loss) before income taxes:

	Domestic operations	$	53,153			$	(7,899	)	$	(73,467	)

	Foreign operations	305,095				310,694			121,906

		$	358,248			$	302,795		$	48,439

	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:

	Current:

	Federal	$	798			$	(464	)	$	—

	State	2,047				871			362

	Foreign	74,618				83,299			83,119

		77,463				83,706			83,481

	Deferred:

	Domestic operations	$	(127,114	)		$	11,603		$	50,340

	Foreign operations	(12,374		)		(1,657		)	(43,118		)
		(139,488		)		9,946			7,222

		$	(62,025	)		$	93,652		$	90,703


	The Company’s (Benefit from) provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$	125,386			$	105,978		$	16,954

	State taxes	2,323				871			362

	Effect of tax rates on international operations	(34,619		)		(42,972		)	(24,070		)
	Change in enacted international tax rates	(149		)		(5,217		)	(12,305		)
	Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves	(156,071		)		30,554			106,802

	Other	1,105				4,438			2,960

	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	$	(62,025	)		$	93,652		$	90,703


	Deferred income taxes, net reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2014, adjustments were made retrospectively to provisional amounts recorded as of December 31, 2013, due to the finalization of the valuation of specific tax items related to the acquisitions consummated during the three months ended December 31, 2013. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities, in addition to the reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits below, include the impact of these retrospective adjustments. Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



		December 31,
		2014				2013
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefit obligation	$	93,080			$	87,305

Expenses currently not deductible	116,648				155,488

Net operating loss carryforward	234,384				264,893

Tax credit carryforward	11,509				15,518

Depreciation and amortization	11,092				5,473

Other	22,291				6,596

Valuation allowance	(159,686		)		(360,910		)
Deferred tax assets, net	$	329,318			$	174,363

Deferred tax liabilities:

Depreciation and amortization	$	(360,602	)		$	(266,652	)
Post-retirement benefit obligation	(12,122		)		(17,844		)
Inventory	(16,696		)		(12,558		)
Other	(193,618		)		(59,036		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(583,038	)		$	(356,090	)
Total deferred tax liabilities, net	$	(253,720	)		$	(181,727	)

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets on a jurisdictional basis by considering whether deferred tax assets will be realized on a more likely than not basis. To the extent a portion or all of the applicable deferred tax assets do not meet the more likely than not threshold, a valuation allowance is recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the valuation allowance decreased from $360.9 million to $159.7 million with a net decrease of $134.2 million recognized in (Benefit from) provision for income taxes, a decrease of $66.0 million recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income and reclassifications and a $2.8 million decrease related to changes in foreign currency rates, which were partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million attributable to the acquisition made during the year. As a result of the effect of the Victor Acquisition on expected future income in the United States, the realizability of certain deferred assets were reassessed. The reduction of valuation allowances associated with this reassessment resulted in a non-cash income tax benefit of $145.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance increased from $357.6 million to $360.9 million with an increase of $30.6 million recognized in (Benefit from) provision for income taxes and an increase of $4.9 million attributable to acquisitions made during the year, which were offset by a decrease of $27.2 million recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income, a net $3.4 million decrease related to international tax rate changes and reclassifications and a $1.6 million decrease related to changes in foreign currency rates. Consideration was given to U.S. tax planning strategies and future U.S. taxable income as to how much of the relevant deferred tax asset could be realized on a more likely than not basis.

The Company has U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of $346.8 million expiring in years 2017 through 2032, and alternative minimum tax credits of $10.2 million that may be carried forward indefinitely. Tax credit carryforwards include foreign tax credits that have been offset by a valuation allowance. The Company’s ability to use these various carryforwards to offset any taxable income generated in future taxable periods may be limited under Section 382 and other federal tax provisions.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, all undistributed earnings of the Company’s controlled international subsidiaries are considered to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. and no tax expense in the U.S. has been recognized under the applicable accounting standard for these reinvested earnings. The amount of unremitted earnings from the Company’s international subsidiaries, subject to local statutory restrictions, as of December 31, 2014 is $723.0 million. The amount of deferred tax liability that would have been recognized had such earnings not been indefinitely reinvested is not reasonably determinable.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for the amount of benefit included in its previously filed income tax returns and in its financial results expected to be included in income tax returns to be filed for periods through the date of its Consolidated Financial Statements for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (inclusive of associated interest and penalties):



	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	85,723

Acquisitions	2,683

Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods	6,988

Addition for tax positions taken in the current period	7,730

Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods	(31,156		)
Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation	(373		)
Balance, December 31, 2013	71,595

Acquisition	37,328

Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods	3,752

Addition for tax positions taken in the current period	894

Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods	(27,601		)
Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation	(8,443		)
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	77,525


The Company is routinely examined by tax authorities around the world. Tax examinations remain in process in multiple countries, including but not limited to Sweden, Indonesia, France, Germany, Finland, Mexico, Brazil and various states. The Company files numerous group and separate tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, as well as many international jurisdictions. In the U.S., tax years dating back to 2006 remain subject to examination, as well as the 2003 and 2005 tax years due to tax attributes available to be carried forward to open or future tax years. With some exceptions, other major tax jurisdictions generally are not subject to tax examinations for years beginning before 2008.

The Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits were $77.5 million and $71.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, inclusive of $14.7 million and $13.4 million, respectively, of interest and penalties. These amounts were offset by tax benefits of $0.1 million as of both December 31, 2014 and 2013. The net liabilities for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $77.4 million and $71.5 million, respectively, and, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of (Benefit from) provision for income taxes, which was $2.5 million, $4.0 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Due to the difficulty in predicting with reasonable certainty when tax audits will be fully resolved and closed, the range of reasonably possible significant increases or decreases in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that may occur within the next 12 months is difficult to ascertain. Currently, the Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the expiration of various statutes of limitations, resolution of tax audits and court decisions may reduce its tax expense in the next 12 months up to $23.8 million.

Goodwill_Intangibles

Goodwill & Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:



		Gas and Fluid			Fabrication			Total
		Handling			Technology
		(In thousands)
	Balance, January 1, 2013	$	1,225,494		$	873,342		$	2,098,836

	Goodwill attributable to acquisitions(1)	284,294			—			284,294

	Impact of foreign currency translation and other	22,413			4,156			26,569

	Balance, December 31, 2013	1,532,201			877,498			2,409,699

	Goodwill attributable to Victor acquisition	—			612,746			612,746

	Impact of foreign currency translation and other	(103,843		)	(45,699		)	(149,542		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,428,358		$	1,444,545		$	2,872,903


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

	The following table summarizes the Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:



		December 31,
		2014						2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Amortization
		Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Trade names – indefinite life	$	410,600		$	—		$	414,275		$	—

	Acquired customer relationships	593,799			(85,171		)	353,337			(51,675		)

	Acquired technology	113,697			(27,681		)	114,647			(22,757		)

	Acquired backlog	—			—			73,476			(65,919		)

	Other intangible assets	50,287			(11,948		)	24,127			(6,958		)

		$	1,168,383		$	(124,800	)	$	979,862		$	(147,309	)


	Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	67,052		$	41,012		$	85,106


	See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion of impairment of Intangible assets.

	As of December 31, 2014, total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is expected to be $64.9 million, $61.8 million, $58.1 million, $55.1 million and $51.9 million for the years ending December 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net



			December 31,
		Depreciable Life	2014			2013(1)
		(In years)	(In thousands)
	Land	n/a	$	52,539		$	48,353

	Buildings and improvements	May-40	366,009			372,115

	Machinery and equipment	15-Mar	524,723			501,387

	Software	5-Mar	98,069			88,463

			1,041,340			1,010,318

	Accumulated depreciation		(311,612		)	(256,057		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	729,728		$	754,261


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

	Depreciation expense, including the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $94.5 million, $78.1 million and $75.0 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes $4.6 million, $1.9 million and $3.2 million of non-cash impairment of fixed assets, respectively. These amounts also include depreciation expense related to software for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $15.7 million, $11.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Inventories, Net

	Inventories, net consisted of the following:


		December 31,
		2014			2013(1)
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	164,115		$	145,335

	Work in process	81,110			113,018

	Finished goods	239,808			222,034

		485,033			480,387

	Less: customer progress payments	(7,728		)	(4,078		)
	Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(34,573		)	(32,773		)
	Inventories, net	$	442,732		$	443,536


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt

	Long-term debt consisted of the following:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Term loans	$	1,132,908		$	1,115,238

	Trade receivables financing arrangement	80,000			—

	Revolving credit facilities and other	326,336			371,853

	Total Debt	1,539,244			1,487,091

	Less: current portion	(9,855		)	(29,449		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,529,389		$	1,457,642


	The Company entered into 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 (the “Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement”) on September 12, 2011. In connection with the closing of the Charter Acquisition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement was amended on January 13, 2012 and the Company terminated its existing credit agreement as well as Charter’s outstanding indebtedness. A Second Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement was entered into on February 22, 2013 which among other things, reallocated borrowing capacities of the tranches of loans and reduced interest rate margins when compared to the terms of the amended Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement on January 13, 2012.

	On November 7, 2013, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”). Pursuant to the Third Amendment, the Company further amended its credit agreement to, among other things, (i) reallocate borrowing capacities of the tranches of loans as follows: a $408.7 million term A-1 facility, a $380 million term A-2 facility, a €149.7 million term A-3 facility, a €100 million term A-4 facility and two revolving credit subfacilities which total $898 million in commitments, (ii) provide for an interest rate margin on the term A-1 facility, the term A-2 facility and the revolving credit subfacilities ranging from 0.50% and 1.25% per annum for base rate loans and 1.50% to 2.25% per annum for Eurocurrency rate loans, in each case determined by the Company’s leverage ratio, (iii) provide for an interest margin on the term A-3 facility and the term A-4 facility ranging from 0.75% to 1.50% per annum for base rate loans and 1.75% and 2.50% per annum for Eurocurrency loans, in each case, determined by the Company’s leverage ratio and (iv) reset the maturity date for the term A facilities and the two revolving credit subfacilities as well as the amortization schedule for the term A facilities to a five year term commencing on November 7, 2013. In connection with the Third Amendment, the prior term B facility under the credit agreement, held primarily by institutional lenders, was repaid in its entirety.

	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.

	In conjunction with the amendments to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, the Company recorded a charge to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 of $29.4 million to write-off certain deferred financing fees and original issue discount and expensed approximately $1.2 million of costs incurred in connection with the refinancing. The Company had an original issue discount of $12.6 million and deferred financing fees of $9.9 million included in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 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 December 31, 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 deferred financing fees, and there was $674.9 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 $699.1 million. Total letters of credit of $381.2 million were outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

	On December 22, 2014, the Company entered into a receivables financing facility, pursuant to which it established a wholly owned, special purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary which purchases trade receivables from certain of the Company’s subsidiaries on an ongoing basis and pledges them to support its obligation as borrower under the receivables financing facility. This special purpose subsidiary has a separate legal existence from its parent and its assets are not available to satisfy the claims of creditors of the selling subsidiaries or any other member of the consolidated group. Availability of funds may fluctuate over time given changes in eligible receivable balances, but will not exceed the $80 million program limit. As of December 31, 2014, the total outstanding borrowings under the receivables financing facility were $80 million and the interest rate was 0.9%. The scheduled termination date for the receivables financing facility is December 21, 2015, which may be extended from time to time. The facility contains representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities customary for facilities of this type. The facility does not contain any covenants that the Company views as materially constraining to the activities of its business.

	The contractual maturities of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2014 are as follows(1):



		(In thousands)
	2015	$	9,855

	2016	5,620

	2017	4,452

	2018	1,531,888

	Total contractual maturities	1,551,815

	Debt discount	(12,571		)
	Total debt	$	1,539,244

	________
	(1) Represents scheduled payments required under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement through November 7, 2018, as well as the contractual maturities of other debt outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and reflects management’s intention to repay scheduled maturities of the term loans outstanding under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement and the trade receivables financing arrangement (if not extended) with proceeds from the revolving credit facility.

	In connection with the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, the Company has pledged substantially all of its domestic subsidiaries’ assets, other than the transferred receivables discussed previously, and 65% of the shares of certain first tier international subsidiaries as collateral against borrowings to its U.S. companies. In addition, subsidiaries in certain foreign jurisdictions have guaranteed the Company’s obligations on borrowings of one of its European subsidiaries, as well as pledged substantially all of their assets for such borrowings to this European subsidiary under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting the Company’s ability to, among other things, pay dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase equity, enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, merge or consolidate with others or dispose of assets. In addition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio, as defined therein, of not more than 4.75 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined therein, of 2.50 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter. The minimum interest coverage ratio increases by 25 basis points each year until it reaches 3.0 to 1.0 for the year ending December 31, 2016 and each year thereafter. The maximum total leverage ratio decreases 25 basis points each year until it reaches 4.25 to 1.0 for the year ending December 31, 2016 and each year thereafter. The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains various events of default, including failure to comply with the financial covenants referenced above, and upon an event of default the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the term loans and the revolving credit subfacilities and foreclose on the collateral. The Company is in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2014.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Equity

	Common and Preferred Stock

	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 252,674, 265,995 and 452,062 shares of Common stock, respectively, were issued in connection with stock option exercises and employee share-based payment arrangements that vested during the year.

	On January 24, 2012, following approval by the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation was amended to increase the number of authorized shares from 210,000,000 shares to 420,000,000 shares, comprised of an increase in Common stock from 200,000,000 shares to 400,000,000 shares and an increase in Preferred stock from 10,000,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares.

	In connection with the financing of the Charter Acquisition, on January 24, 2012, the Company sold (i) 14,756,945 newly issued shares of Colfax Common stock and (ii) 13,877,552 shares of newly created Series A perpetual convertible preferred stock, referred to as the Series A Preferred Stock, for an aggregate of $680 million (representing $24.50 per share of Series A Preferred Stock and $23.04 per share of Common stock) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “BDT Purchase Agreement”) with the BDT Investor as well as BDT Capital Partners Fund I-A, L.P., and Mitchell P. Rales, Chairman of Colfax’s Board of Directors, and his brother, Steven M. Rales (for the limited purpose of tag-along sales rights provided to the BDT Investor in the event of a sale or transfer of shares of Colfax Common stock by either or both of Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales). Under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends, payable quarterly, at a per annum rate of 6% of the liquidation preference (defined as $24.50, subject to customary antidilution adjustments), provided that the dividend rate shall be increased to a per annum rate of 8% if Colfax fails to pay the full amount of any dividend required to be paid on such shares until the date that full payment is made.

	The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the holders at any time after the date the shares were issued into shares of Colfax Common stock at a conversion rate determined by dividing the liquidation preference by a number equal to 114% of the liquidation preference, subject to certain adjustments. The Series A Preferred Stock is also convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of Colfax on or after the third anniversary of the issuance of the shares at the same conversion rate if, among other things: (i) for the preceding thirty trading days, the closing price of Colfax Common stock on the New York Stock Exchange exceeds 133% of the applicable conversion price and (ii) Colfax has declared and paid or set apart for payment all accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.

	On January 24, 2012, Colfax sold 2,170,139 to each of Mitchell P. Rales, Chairman of Colfax’s Board of Directors, and his brother Steven M. Rales and 1,085,070 to Markel Corporation, a Virginia corporation (“Markel”) of newly issued Colfax Common stock at $23.04 per share, for a total aggregate of $125 million, pursuant to separate securities purchase agreements with Mitchell P. Rales and Steven M. Rales, each of whom were beneficial owners of 20.9% of Colfax’s Common stock at the time of the sale, and Markel. Thomas S. Gayner, a member of Colfax’s Board of Directors, is President and Chief Investment Officer of Markel.

	Consideration paid to Charter shareholders included 0.1241 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock in exchange for each share of Charter’s ordinary stock, which resulted in the issuance of 20,735,493 shares of Common stock on January 24, 2012.

	In conjunction with the issuance of the Common and Preferred stock discussed above, the Company recognized $14.7 million in equity issuance costs, which were recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2012.

	On March 5, 2012, the Company sold 8,000,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to underwriters for public resale pursuant to a shelf registration statement for an aggregate purchase price of $272 million. Further, on March 9, 2012, the underwriters of the March 5, 2012 equity offering exercised their over-allotment option and the Company sold an additional 1,000,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to the underwriters for public resale pursuant to a shelf registration statement for an aggregate purchase price of $34 million. In conjunction with these issuances, the Company recognized $12.6 million in equity issuance costs which were recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2012.

	On May 13, 2013, the Company sold 7,500,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to underwriters for public resale pursuant to a shelf registration statement for an aggregate purchase price of $331.9 million. In conjunction with this issuance, the Company recognized $12.0 million in equity issuance costs which were recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2013.

	The Company contributed 88,200 and 183,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan on September 12, 2013 and January 15, 2014, respectively.

	The Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with 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 Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

	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 year ended December 31, 2014.

	Dividend Restrictions

	The Company is subject to dividend restrictions under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, which limit the total amount of cash dividends the Company may pay and Common stock repurchases the Company may make to $50 million annually, in the aggregate.

	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

	The following table presents the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 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, 2013	$	(247,332	)		$	104,718			$	(3,980	)		$	(146,594	)

	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—				(381		)		—				(381		)

	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Net actuarial gain	77,515				—				—				77,515

	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—				21,091				—				21,091

	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—				2,176				—				2,176

	Loss on net investment hedges	—				—				(14,261		)		(14,261		)

	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	—				—				3,832				3,832

	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	77,515				23,267				(10,429		)		90,353

	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,022				—				—				10,022

	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	87,537				23,267				(10,429		)		100,375

	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(159,795	)		$	127,604			$	(14,409	)		$	(46,600	)

Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—				(942		)		—				(942		)

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications:
Net actuarial loss	(89,379		)		—				—				(89,379		)

Foreign currency translation adjustment	—				(346,524		)		—				(346,524		)

Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—				2,096				—				2,096

Gain on net investment hedges	—				—				39,374				39,374

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—				—				(8,932		)		(8,932		)

Other	1,934				—				—				1,934

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(87,445		)		(344,428		)		30,442				(401,431		)

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,282				—				—				5,282

Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income	(82,163		)		(344,428		)		30,442				(396,149		)

Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(241,958	)		$	(217,766	)		$	16,033			$	(443,691	)

The effect on Net income of amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31, 2014												Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss				Tax Benefit				Total				Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss				Tax Benefit			Total
	(In thousands)												(In thousands)

Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
Amortization of net loss(1)	$	7,097			$	(2,063	)		$	5,034			$	10,489			$	(715	)	$	9,774

Amortization of prior service cost(1)	248				—				248				248				—			248

	$	7,345			$	(2,063	)		$	5,282			$	10,737			$	(715	)	$	10,022


(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13, “Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Noncontrolling interest decreased by $12.4 million and $17.5 million, respectively, as a result of Other comprehensive loss, primarily due to foreign currency translation adjustment.

Share-Based Payments

The Company adopted the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan on April 21, 2008, as amended and restated on April 2, 2012 (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan provides the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors discretion in creating employee equity incentives. Awards under the 2008 Plan may be made in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards.

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense related to share-based payments based on the fair value of the instruments issued. Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, as payroll costs of the employees receiving the awards are recorded in the same line item.

The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the following amounts related to stock-based compensation:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense		$	17,580			$	13,334			$	9,373

Deferred tax benefit		4,054				434				305


As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $34.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years. The intrinsic value of awards exercised or issued upon vesting was $13.3 million, $9.2 million and $9.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stock Options

Under the 2008 Plan, the Company may grant options to purchase Common stock, with a maximum term of 10 years at a purchase price equal to the market value of the Company’s Common stock on the date of grant. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a holder of 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common stock, the Company may grant options to purchase Common stock with a maximum term of 5 years, at a purchase price equal to 110% of the market value of the Company’s Common stock on the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards is based upon the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. The following table shows the weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as well as the weighted-average fair value of options granted:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years)		4.87				4.9				5.41

Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant)		1.62		%		1.06		%		0.99		%
Volatility		34.67		%		43.22		%		42.59		%
Dividend yield		—				—				—

Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	22.65			$	18.07			$	13.14


Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable public companies. The Company considers historical data to estimate employee termination within the valuation model. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. Since the Company has limited option exercise history, it has generally elected to estimate the expected life of an award based upon the Securities and Exchange Commission-approved “simplified method” noted under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 with the continued use of this method extended under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110.

Stock option activity is as follows:



		Number			Weighted-				Weighted-		Aggregate
		of Options			Average				Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining		Value(1)(In thousands)
					Price				Contractual
									Term
									(In years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2014		2,431,790			$	30.98

Granted		700,018			69.06

Exercised		(154,830	)		23.02

Forfeited		(60,525	)		49.34

Expired		(6,344	)		29.18

Outstanding at December 31, 2014		2,910,109			$	40.19			4.55		$	45,492

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2014		2,856,031			$	39.81			4.52		$	45,323

Exercisable at December 31, 2014		985,033			$	23.96			3.13		$	27,463

__________

(1)	The aggregate intrinsic value is based upon the difference between the Company’s closing stock price at the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the exercise price of the stock option for in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of outstanding stock options fluctuates based upon the trading value of the Company’s Common stock.

Restricted Stock Units

Under the 2008 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may award performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”), the vesting of which is contingent upon meeting various performance goals. The vesting of the stock units is determined based on whether the Company achieves the applicable performance criteria established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. If the performance criteria are satisfied, the units are subject to additional time vesting requirements, by which units will vest fully in two equal installments on the fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date, provided the individual remains an employee during this period. Under the 2008 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may award non-performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to select executives, employees and outside directors. The Compensation Committee determines the terms and conditions of each award, including the restriction period and other criteria applicable to the awards. Directors may also elect to defer their annual board fees into RSUs with immediate vesting. Delivery of the shares underlying these director restricted stock units is deferred until termination of the director’s service on the Company’s Board of Directors.

The fair value of PRSUs and RSUs is equal to the market value of a share of Common stock on the date of grant and the related compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period and, for PRSUs, when it is expected that any of the performance criterion will be achieved. The performance criterion was met for PRSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2012, including PRSUs granted to the Company’s CEO as part of his initial employment agreement in April 2012, which were subject to a separate criterion. The performance criterion was met for the PRSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2013. The performance criteria have not yet been met for the PRSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2014.

The activity in the Company’s PRSUs and RSUs is as follows:



		PRSUs							RSUs
		Number			Weighted-				Number			Weighted-
		of Units			Average				of Units			Average
					Grant Date							Grant Date
					Fair Value							Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2014		576,742			$	27.86			121,789			$	43.81

Granted		119,300			69.79				87,922			67.28

Vested		(73,520	)		12.17				(20,380	)		35.61

Forfeited		(40,586	)		24.5				(20,420	)		51.17

Nonvested at December 31, 2014		581,936			$	38.67			168,911			$	56.13


The fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $6.4 million, $2.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities

	Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:



		December 31,
		2014			2013(1)
		(In thousands)
	Accrued payroll	$	120,068		$	136,645

	Advance payment from customers	58,049			53,280

	Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	58,009			71,533

	Accrued asbestos-related liability	50,175			51,142

	Warranty liability - current portion	47,966			59,017

	Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	21,846			12,856

	Accrued third-party commissions	11,026			13,095

	Other	128,254			95,126

	Accrued liabilities	$	495,393		$	492,694


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

	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 Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:



		Year Ended December 31, 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		$	18,179		$	(13,887	)		$	(379	)		$	7,551

	Facility closure costs(2)	756			5,491			(4,714		)		(88		)		1,445

		4,394			23,670			(18,601		)		(467		)		8,996

	Non-cash impairment				2,863

					26,533

	Fabrication Technology:
	Termination benefits(1)	7,033			26,790			(22,227		)		(441		)		11,155

	Facility closure costs(2)	1,429			3,018			(2,355		)		(155		)		1,937

		8,462			29,808			(24,582		)		(596		)		13,092

	Non-cash impairment				1,780

					31,588

	Corporate and Other:
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,259			—			(275		)		(62		)		922

	1,259			—			(275		)		(62		)		922

	$	14,115		53,478			$	(43,458	)		$	(1,125	)		$	23,010

Non-cash impairment				4,643

				$	58,121


(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 December 31, 2014, $21.8 million and $1.2 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.



	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	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)	$	3,060		$	9,413		$	(8,680	)		$	(155	)		$	3,638

Facility closure costs(2)	1,177			683			(1,137		)		33				756

Other related charges	—			333			(520		)		187				—

	4,237			10,429			(10,337		)		65				4,394

Fabrication Technology:
Termination benefits(1)	14,637			22,775			(30,056		)		(323		)		7,033

Facility closure costs(2)	6,925			280			(5,736		)		(40		)		1,429

Other related charges	33			124			(432		)		275				—

	21,595			23,179			(36,224		)		(88		)		8,462

Non-cash impairment				1,894

				25,073

Corporate and Other:
Termination benefits(1)	—			—			—				—				—

Facility closure costs(2)	1,522			—			(718		)		455				1,259

Other related charges	—			—			—				—				—

	1,522			—			(718		)		455				1,259

	$	27,354		33,608			$	(47,279	)		$	432			$	14,115

Non-cash impairment				1,894

				$	35,502


(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 December 31, 2013, $12.9 million and $1.2 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 $50 million during the year ending December 31, 2015 related to these restructuring activities.

Defined_Benefit_Plans

Defined Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Defined Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Defined Benefit Plans

	The Company sponsors various defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans and other post-retirement benefits plans, including health and life insurance, for certain eligible employees or former employees. The Company uses December 31st as the measurement date for all of its employee benefit plans.

	The following table summarizes the total changes in the Company’s pension and accrued post-retirement benefits and plan assets and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:



			Pension Benefits								Other Post-Retirement Benefits
			Year Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
			(In thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,640,418			$	1,665,138			$	28,823			$	35,519
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,640,418			$	1,665,138			$	28,823			$	35,519
	Acquisitions		48,938				6,356				1,011				—
	Acquisitions		48,938				6,356				1,011				—
	Service cost		4,883				3,985				155				179
	Service cost		4,883				3,985				155				179
	Interest cost		70,469				63,132				1,304				1,090
	Interest cost		70,469				63,132				1,304				1,090
	Actuarial loss (gain)		211,170				(28,831		)		5,553				(6,072		)
	Actuarial loss (gain)		211,170				(28,831		)		5,553				(6,072		)
	Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919				—				—
	Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919				—				—
	Benefits paid		(111,971		)		(83,060		)		(1,761		)		(2,018		)
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(4,189		)		—				—
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(4,189		)		—				—
	Other		498				(32		)		—				125
	Other		498				(32		)		—				125
	Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,765,493			$	1,640,418			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,765,493			$	1,640,418			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,739,642			$	1,617,651			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,739,642			$	1,617,651			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Change in plan assets:
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	1,367,315			$	1,287,844			$	—			$	—
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	1,367,315			$	1,287,844			$	—			$	—
	Acquisitions		42,051				2,787				—				—
	Acquisitions		42,051				2,787				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		174,065				100,300				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		174,065				100,300				—				—
	Employer contribution(1)		69,714				49,772				1,761				2,018
	Employer contribution(1)		69,714				49,772				1,761				2,018
	Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076				—				—
	Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076				—				—
	Benefits paid		(111,971		)		(83,060		)		(1,761		)		(2,018		)
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(3,565		)		—				—
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(3,565		)		—				—
	Other		167				161				—				—
	Other		167				161				—				—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,469,103			$	1,367,315			$	—			$	—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,469,103			$	1,367,315			$	—			$	—
	Funded status, end of year		$	(296,390	)		$	(273,103	)		$	(35,085	)		$	(28,823	)
	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31:

	Non-current assets		$	58,997			$	38,177			$	—			$	—
	Non-current assets		$	58,997			$	38,177			$	—			$	—
	Current liabilities		(5,328		)		(6,048		)		(2,749		)		(2,747		)
	Non-current liabilities		(350,059		)		(305,232		)		(32,336		)		(26,076		)
	Total		$	(296,390	)		$	(273,103	)		$	(35,085	)		$	(28,823	)
	__________

(1)	Contributions during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 include contributions of 183,000 and 88,200 shares of Colfax Common stock, respectively, with values on the contribution dates of approximately $11.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s foreign pension benefit obligation, which is determined based upon an employee’s expected date of separation, and plan assets, included in the table above, and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:



		Foreign Pension Benefits
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,205,554			$	1,181,024
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,205,554			$	1,181,024
Acquisitions		21,578				3,952
Acquisitions		21,578				3,952
Service cost		4,883				3,985
Service cost		4,883				3,985
Interest cost		51,658				46,775
Interest cost		51,658				46,775
Actuarial loss		144,232				11,093
Actuarial loss		144,232				11,093
Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919
Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919
Benefits paid		(64,347		)		(54,978		)
Settlements		(1,387		)		(4,189		)
Other		497				(27		)
Other		497				(27		)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,265,143			$	1,205,554
Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,265,143			$	1,205,554
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,239,292			$	1,182,786
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,239,292			$	1,182,786
Change in plan assets:
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	999,197			$	938,167
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	999,197			$	938,167
Acquisitions		20,873				651
Acquisitions		20,873				651
Actual return on plan assets		139,460				62,914
Actual return on plan assets		139,460				62,914
Employer contribution		56,384				42,769
Employer contribution		56,384				42,769
Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076
Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076
Benefits paid		(64,347		)		(54,978		)
Settlements		(1,387		)		(3,565		)
Other		168				163
Other		168				163
Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,079,497			$	999,197
Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,079,497			$	999,197
Funded status, end of year		$	(185,646	)		$	(206,357	)

Expected contributions to the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans for the year ending December 31, 2015, related to plans as of December 31, 2014, are $45.1 million. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during each respective fiscal year:



		Pension Benefits								Other Post-Retirement Benefits
		All Plans				Foreign Plans				Other Post-Retirement Benefits
		(In thousands)
2015		$	89,811			$	57,027			$	2,749
2015		$	89,811			$	57,027			$	2,749
2016		89,908				57,222				2,758
2016		89,908				57,222				2,758
2017		90,842				58,244				2,681
2017		90,842				58,244				2,681
2018		91,140				58,780				2,539
2018		91,140				58,780				2,539
2019		91,464				59,322				2,327
2019		91,464				59,322				2,327
Thereafter		465,508				309,824				9,350
Thereafter		465,508				309,824				9,350

The Company’s primary investment objective for its pension plan assets is to provide a source of retirement income for the plans’ participants and beneficiaries. The assets are invested with the goal of preserving principal while providing a reasonable real rate of return over the long term. Diversification of assets is achieved through strategic allocations to various asset classes. Actual allocations to each asset class vary due to periodic investment strategy changes, market value fluctuations, the length of time it takes to fully implement investment allocation positions, and the timing of benefit payments and contributions. The asset allocation is monitored and rebalanced as required, as frequently as on a quarterly basis in some instances. The following are the actual and target allocation percentages for the Company’s pension plan assets:


		Actual Asset Allocation
		December 31,						Target
		2014			2013			Allocation
U.S. Plans:
Equity securities:
Equity securities:
U.S.		43	%		41	%		30% - 45%
International		15	%		16	%		10% - 20%
Fixed income		41	%		39	%		30% - 50%
Other		1	%		3	%		0% - 20%
Cash and cash equivalents		—	%		1	%		0% - 5%
Foreign Plans:
Foreign Plans:
Equity securities		30	%		30	%		10% - 50%
Fixed income securities		66	%		65	%		50% - 90%
Cash and cash equivalents		1	%		2	%		0% - 25%
Other		3	%		3	%		0% - 5%

A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented follows (See Note 14, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy):



		December 31, 2014
		Level				Level				Level
		One				Two				Three				Total
		(In thousands)
U.S. Plans:
U.S. Plans:
Equity securities:
Equity securities:
U.S. large cap		$	3,901			$	100,263			$	—			$	104,164
U.S. large cap		$	3,901			$	100,263			$	—			$	104,164
U.S. small/mid cap		19,540				43,670				—				63,210
U.S. small/mid cap		19,540				43,670				—				63,210
International		2,461				56,252				—				58,713
International		2,461				56,252				—				58,713
Fixed income mutual funds:
Fixed income mutual funds:
U.S. government and corporate		10,508				147,364				—				157,872
U.S. government and corporate		10,508				147,364				—				157,872
Structured loan fund		—				—				1,226				1,226
Structured loan fund		—				—				1,226				1,226
Other(1)		1,623				2,798				—				4,421
Other(1)		1,623				2,798				—				4,421
Foreign Plans:
Foreign Plans:
Cash and cash equivalents		12,951				—				—				12,951
Cash and cash equivalents		12,951				—				—				12,951
Equity securities		286,797				39,310				—				326,107
Equity securities		286,797				39,310				—				326,107
Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		308,705				399,285				—				707,990
Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		308,705				399,285				—				707,990
Other(1)		2,040				30,409				—				32,449
Other(1)		2,040				30,409				—				32,449
		$	648,526			$	819,351			$	1,226			$	1,469,103
		$	648,526			$	819,351			$	1,226			$	1,469,103
__________

(1)	Represents diversified portfolio funds, real estate and reinsurance contracts and money market funds.



		December 31, 2013
		Level				Level				Level
		One				Two				Three				Total
		(In thousands)
U.S. Plans:
U.S. Plans:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,854			$	—			$	—			$	2,854
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,854			$	—			$	—			$	2,854
Equity securities:
Equity securities:
U.S. large cap		101,702				—				—				101,702
U.S. large cap		101,702				—				—				101,702
U.S. small/mid cap		6,714				43,199				—				49,913
U.S. small/mid cap		6,714				43,199				—				49,913
International		16,458				41,646				—				58,104
International		16,458				41,646				—				58,104
Fixed income mutual funds:
Fixed income mutual funds:
U.S. government and corporate		143,903				—				—				143,903
U.S. government and corporate		143,903				—				—				143,903
Structured loan fund		—				—				11,642				11,642
Structured loan fund		—				—				11,642				11,642
Foreign Plans:
Foreign Plans:
Cash and cash equivalents		22,421				—				—				22,421
Cash and cash equivalents		22,421				—				—				22,421
Equity securities		266,021				38,485				—				304,506
Equity securities		266,021				38,485				—				304,506
Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		277,565				372,191				—				649,756
Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		277,565				372,191				—				649,756
Other(1)		2,107				20,407				—				22,514
Other(1)		2,107				20,407				—				22,514
		$	839,745			$	515,928			$	11,642			$	1,367,315
		$	839,745			$	515,928			$	11,642			$	1,367,315
__________

-1	Represents diversified portfolio funds and reinsurance contracts maintained for certain foreign plans.

The Company’s pension assets included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy consist of multi-strategy hedge funds and the fair value is equal to the aggregate net asset value of units held by the Company’s pension plans. There were no transfers in or out of Level Three during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. A summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s pension assets included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy is as follows:



	(In thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2012	$	36,321
Balance, January 1, 2012	$	36,321
Realized gain	152
Realized gain	152
Unrealized gain	2,359
Unrealized gain	2,359
Balance, December 31, 2012	38,832
Balance, December 31, 2012	38,832
Sale proceeds	(28,440		)
Realized gain	338
Realized gain	338
Unrealized gain	912
Unrealized gain	912
Balance, December 31, 2013	11,642
Balance, December 31, 2013	11,642
Sale proceeds	(11,030		)
Realized gain	614
Realized gain	614
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,226
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,226

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive (loss) income of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:



		Pension Benefits												Other Post-Retirement Benefits
		Year Ended December 31,												Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381			$	155			$	179		$	110
Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381			$	155			$	179		$	110
Interest cost		70,469				63,132				67,745				1,304				1,090			1,507
Interest cost		70,469				63,132				67,745				1,304				1,090			1,507
Amortization		6,608				9,672				8,091				468				609			801
Amortization		6,608				9,672				8,091				468				609			801
Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—				—				—			—
Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—				—				—			—
Other		328				(154		)		26				—				125			—
Other		328				(154		)		26				—				125			—
Expected return on plan assets		(69,055		)		(58,511		)		(61,094		)		—				—			—
Expected return on plan assets		(69,055		)		(58,511		)		(61,094		)		—				—			—
Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,423			$	17,532			$	18,149			$	1,927			$	2,003		$	2,418
Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,423			$	17,532			$	18,149			$	1,927			$	2,003		$	2,418
Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	96,005			$	(69,463	)		$	98,784			$	5,553			$	(6,072	)	$	(1,449	)
Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	96,005			$	(69,463	)		$	98,784			$	5,553			$	(6,072	)	$	(1,449	)
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Amortization of net loss		(6,608		)		(9,672		)		(8,012		)		(220		)		(361		)	(553		)
Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—				—				—			—
Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—				—				—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)		(248		)		(248		)	(248		)
Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)		(248		)		(248		)	(248		)
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	89,207			$	(79,167	)		$	90,693			$	5,085			$	(6,681	)	$	(2,250	)
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	89,207			$	(79,167	)		$	90,693			$	5,085			$	(6,681	)	$	(2,250	)

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive (loss) income of the foreign defined benefit pension plans, included in the table above:



		Foreign Pension Benefits
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(In thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381
Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381
Interest cost		51,658				46,775				49,291
Interest cost		51,658				46,775				49,291
Amortization		1,669				2,305				944
Amortization		1,669				2,305				944
Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—
Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—
Other		328				(154		)		28
Other		328				(154		)		28
Expected return on plan assets		(44,287		)		(34,541		)		(36,535		)
Net periodic benefit cost		$	14,441			$	17,778			$	17,109
Net periodic benefit cost		$	14,441			$	17,778			$	17,109
Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	38,904			$	(16,121	)		$	65,689
Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	38,904			$	(16,121	)		$	65,689
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Amortization of net loss		(1,669		)		(2,305		)		(865		)
Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—
Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—
Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)
Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	37,045			$	(18,458	)		$	64,745
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	37,045			$	(18,458	)		$	64,745

The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:


		Pension Benefits								Other Post-Retirement
		Pension Benefits								Benefits
		December 31,								December 31,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
		(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss (gain)		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	4,576			$	(757	)
Net actuarial loss (gain)		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	4,576			$	(757	)
Prior service cost		—				—				807				1,055
Prior service cost		—				—				807				1,055
Total		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	5,383			$	298
Total		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	5,383			$	298

The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the year ending December 31, 2015 are as follows:


		Pension Benefits				Other Post-
						Retirement
						Benefits
		(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss		$	12,139			$	450
Net actuarial loss		$	12,139			$	450
Prior service cost		—				248
Prior service cost		—				248
Total		$	12,139			$	698
Total		$	12,139			$	698

The key economic assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are as follows:


		Pension Benefits						Other Post-Retirement
		Pension Benefits						Benefits
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
Weighted-average discount rate:
Weighted-average discount rate:
All plans		3.3	%		4.4	%		3.6	%		4.4	%
Foreign plans		3.3	%		4.4	%		—			—
Foreign plans		3.3	%		4.4	%		—			—
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans		1.6	%		1.6	%		—			—
		1.6	%		1.6	%		—			—

The key economic assumptions used in the computation of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:


		Pension Benefits									Other Post-Retirement Benefits
		Year Ended December 31,									Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Weighted-average discount rate:
Weighted-average discount rate:
All plans		4.4	%		4	%		4.6	%		4.4	%		3.5	%		4.3	%
Foreign plans		4.4	%		4.2	%		4.7	%		—			—			—
Foreign plans		4.4	%		4.2	%		4.7	%		—			—			—
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets:
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets:
All plans		5.4	%		5.1	%		5.3	%		—			—			—
All plans		5.4	%		5.1	%		5.3	%		—			—			—
Foreign plans		4.9	%		4.3	%		4.5	%		—			—			—
Foreign plans		4.9	%		4.3	%		4.5	%		—			—			—
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans		1.7	%		1.5	%		1.3	%		—			—			—
		1.7	%		1.5	%		1.3	%		—			—			—

In determining discount rates, the Company utilizes the single discount rate equivalent to discounting the expected future cash flows from each plan using the yields at each duration from a published yield curve as of the measurement date.

For measurement purposes, a weighted-average annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits of approximately 6.5% was assumed. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% by 2027 for four of the Company’s plans and to 5% by 2021 for another plan and remain at those levels thereafter for benefits covered under the plans. For one additional plan the rate has already reached its long term level of 5%.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was based on the Company’s investment policy target allocation of the asset portfolio between various asset classes and the expected real returns of each asset class over various periods of time that are consistent with the long-term nature of the underlying obligations of these plans.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following pre-tax effects:


		1% Increase				1% Decrease
		(in thousands)
Effect on total service and interest cost components for the year ended December 31, 2014		$	148			$	(118	)
		$	148			$	(118	)
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014		3,502				(2,803		)
		3,502				(2,803		)

The Company maintains defined contribution plans covering certain union and non-union employees. The Company’s expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $25.3 million, $21.5 million and $19.3 million, respectively.

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 company utilizes fair value measurement guidance prescribed by accounting standards to value its financial instruments. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

	Level One: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

	Level Two: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

	Level Three: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

	A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

	The carrying values of financial instruments, including Trade receivables, other receivables and Accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt of $1.5 billion as of both December 31, 2014 and 2013 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:


		December 31, 2014
		Level				Level				Level			Total
		One				Two				Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	23,143			$	—			$	—		$	23,143

	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—				4,524				—			4,524

	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—				1,007				—			1,007

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—				1,980				—			1,980

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—				478				—			478

	Deferred compensation plans	—				2,941				—			2,941

		$	23,143			$	10,930			$	—		$	34,073


	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—			$	7,163			$	—		$	7,163

	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—				2,793				—			2,793

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—				695				—			695

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—				661				—			661

	Deferred compensation plans	—				2,941				—			2,941

	Liability for contingent payments	—				—				—			—

		$	—			$	14,253			$	—		$	14,253




		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 year ended December 31, 2014.

Cash Equivalents

The Company’s cash equivalents consist of investments in interest-bearing deposit accounts and money market mutual funds which are valued based on quoted market prices. The fair value of these investments approximate cost due to their short-term maturities and the high credit quality of the issuers of the underlying securities.

Derivatives

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency, interest rate swap and commodity derivative contracts. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Foreign currency contracts are used to manage exchange rate fluctuations. Commodity futures contracts are used to manage costs of raw materials used in the Company’s production processes.

There were no changes during the periods presented in the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis.

Interest Rate Swap. The Company’s interest rate swap was valued based on forward curves observable in the market. On January 11, 2012, the Company terminated its interest rate swap in conjunction with the repayment of the Bank of America Credit Agreement and reclassified $0.5 million of net losses from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Foreign Currency Contracts. Foreign currency contracts are measured using broker quotations or observable market transactions in either listed or over-the-counter markets. The Company primarily uses foreign currency contracts to mitigate the risk associated with customer forward sale agreements denominated in currencies other than the applicable local currency, and to match costs and expected revenues where production facilities have a different currency than the selling currency.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values:


	December 31,
	2014				2013
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges	$	124,838			$	244,755

Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges	250,743				206,220

Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges	36,080				273,714

Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges	53,944				46,728

Total foreign currency derivatives	$	465,605			$	771,417


The Company recognized the following in its Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Contracts Designated as Hedges:
Interest Rate Swap:
Realized loss	—			—			(471	)

Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
Unrealized (loss) gain	(4,706	)		3,801			2,120

Realized (loss) gain	(5,776	)		654			2,297

Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts:
Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,719	)		397			(374	)

Realized gain (loss)	3,386			(298	)		(475	)

Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges	39,374			(14,261	)		(7,783	)

Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:
Foreign Currency Contracts - acquisition-related:
Realized loss	—			—			(7,177	)

Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,389	)		(762	)		778

Realized (loss) gain	(4,342	)		1,112			712

Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts:
Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,304	)		1,687			(560	)

Realized gain	1,355			1,359			868


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 in July 2013, which are subject to the achievement of certain performance goals, and are included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 and is included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy. Accretion is recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and realized or unrealized gains or losses are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2014, the Company made the final cash payment, totaling $3.5 million, to settle the COT-Puritech contingent payment liability. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized an unrealized gain related to the Clarus contingent payment liability, as the performance criteria are no longer expected to be met.

A summary of activity in the Company’s liability for contingent payments is as follows:


	(In thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2012	$	4,359

Interest accretion	712

Unrealized loss	1,446

Balance, December 31, 2012	6,517

Additions for Clarus acquisition	2,494

Interest accretion	665

Cash payment	(3,500		)
Balance, December 31, 2013	6,176

Cash payment	(3,500		)
Interest accretion	272

Unrealized gain	(2,948		)
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	—


Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. Concentrations of credit risk are considered to exist when there are amounts collectible from multiple counterparties with similar characteristics, which could cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers prior to delivery or commencement of services and normally does not require collateral. Letters of credit are occasionally required when the Company deems necessary. Customers purchasing from our operations in China represented 18% of the Company’s Accounts receivable, net as of December 31, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies

	Asbestos and Other Product Liability Contingencies

	Certain subsidiaries are each one of many defendants in a large number of lawsuits that claim personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos from products manufactured with components that are alleged to have contained asbestos. Such components were acquired from third-party suppliers, and were not manufactured by any of the Company’s subsidiaries nor were the subsidiaries producers or direct suppliers of asbestos. The manufactured products that are alleged to have contained asbestos generally were provided to meet the specifications of the subsidiaries’ customers, including the U.S. Navy.

	The subsidiaries settle asbestos claims for amounts the Company considers reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each claim. The annual average settlement payment per asbestos claimant has fluctuated during the past several years. The Company expects such fluctuations to continue in the future based upon, among other things, the number and type of claims settled in a particular period and the jurisdictions in which such claims arise. To date, the majority of settled claims have been dismissed for no payment.

	Claims activity since December 31 related to asbestos claims is as follows(1):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Number of claims)
	Claims unresolved, beginning of period	22,393			23,523			25,269

	Claims filed(2)	4,850			6,299			4,347

	Claims resolved(3)	(5,562		)	(7,429		)	(6,093		)
	Claims unresolved, end of period	21,681			22,393			23,523

		(In dollars)
	Average cost of resolved claims(4)	$	7,513		$	5,979		$	6,585


	(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.
	(4) Excludes claims settled in Mississippi for which the majority of claims have historically been resolved for no payment and insurance recoveries.

	The Company has projected each subsidiary’s future asbestos-related liability costs with regard to pending and future unasserted claims based upon the Nicholson methodology. The Nicholson methodology is a standard approach used by experts and has been accepted by numerous courts. It is the Company’s policy to record a liability for asbestos-related liability costs for the longest period of time that it can reasonably estimate.

	The Company believes that it can reasonably estimate the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims that will be resolved in the next 15 years and has recorded that liability as its best estimate. While it is reasonably possible that the subsidiaries will incur costs after this period, the Company does not believe the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible loss is estimable at the current time. Accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for any costs which may be paid after the next 15 years. Defense costs associated with asbestos-related liabilities as well as costs incurred related to litigation against the subsidiaries’ insurers are expensed as incurred.

	Each subsidiary has separate insurance coverage acquired prior to Company ownership of each independent entity. In its evaluation of the insurance asset, the Company used differing insurance allocation methodologies for each subsidiary based upon the applicable law pertaining to the affected subsidiary.

	For one of the subsidiaries, the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled on October 14, 2009 that asbestos-related costs should be allocated among excess insurers using an “all sums” allocation (which allows an insured to collect all sums paid in connection with a claim from any insurer whose policy is triggered, up to the policy’s applicable limits) and that the subsidiary has rights to excess insurance policies purchased by a former owner of the business. Based upon this ruling mandating an “all sums” allocation, as well as more recent rulings by the Delaware Superior Court concerning the subsidiary’s coverage rights, the Company currently estimates that the subsidiary’s future expected recovery percentage is approximately 93% of asbestos-related costs with the subsidiary expected to be responsible for approximately 7% of its future asbestos-related costs. Depending on the outcome of the appeal discussed below, the expected insurance recovery percentage could change.

	The subsidiary was notified in 2010 by the primary and umbrella carrier who had been fully defending and indemnifying the subsidiary for 20 years that the limits of liability of its primary and umbrella layer policies had been exhausted. Since then, the subsidiary has sought coverage from certain excess layer insurers whose terms and conditions follow form to the umbrella carrier. Certain first-layer excess insurers have defended and/or indemnified the subsidiary, subject to their reservations of rights and their applicable policy limits. A trial concerning the payment obligations of the Company’s excess insurers concluded during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the Superior Court issued a final judgment during the third quarter of 2014. Appeals have been entered. The subsidiary has been largely unsuccessful in obtaining defense and indemnity payments from its excess insurers. While not impacting the results of operations, the Company has funded $60.3 million that it expects its excess insurers to ultimately reimburse through December 31, 2014, and until the final rulings ordering payment by the insurers are issued, cash funding could range up to $10 million per quarter until final resolution. Due to a statistically significant increase in mesothelioma and lung cancer claims and higher settlement values per claim that have occurred and are expected to continue to occur in certain jurisdictions, partially offset by lower claims and lower settlement values per claim in other jurisdictions, the Company recorded a $0.6 million pre-tax charge during year ended December 31, 2013, which was included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The pre-tax charge was comprised of an increase in asbestos-related liabilities of $10.8 million partially offset by an increase in expected insurance recoveries of $10.2 million. Due to a higher number of asbestos claims settlements and a decline in the insurance recovery rate that have occurred, the Company recorded a $6.9 million pre-tax charge during the year ended December 31, 2014, comprised of an increase in asbestos-related liabilities of $14.5 million partially offset by an increase in expected insurance recoveries of $7.6 million.

	In 2003, another subsidiary filed a lawsuit against a large number of its insurers and its former parent to resolve a variety of disputes concerning insurance for asbestos-related bodily injury claims asserted against it. Although none of these insurance companies contested coverage, they disputed the timing, reasonableness and allocation of payments.

	For this subsidiary, it was determined by court ruling in 2007 that the allocation methodology mandated by the New Jersey courts will apply. Further court rulings in December of 2009 clarified the allocation calculation related to amounts currently due from insurers as well as amounts the Company expects to be reimbursed for asbestos-related costs incurred in future periods.

	In connection with this litigation, the court engaged a special master to review the appropriate information and recommend an allocation formula in accordance with applicable law and the facts of the case. During 2010, the court-appointed special allocation master made its recommendation. In May 2011, the court accepted the recommendation with modifications. A final judgment at the trial court level in this litigation was rendered during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Appellate Division confirmed the trial court rulings during the year ended December 31, 2014, but appeals have been entered. The subsidiary expects to be responsible for approximately 19.5% of all future asbestos-related costs.

	The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$	34,540		$	32,872

	Current asbestos insurance receivable(1)	—			41,943

	Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	282,679			299,057

	Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	82,340			21,411

	Accrued asbestos liability(3)	50,175			51,142

	Long-term asbestos liability(4)	346,099			358,288


(1) Included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3) Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4) Included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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.

General Litigation

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.

Minimum Lease Obligations

The Company’s minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:


	31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)
2015	$	36,017

2016	28,697

2017	17,691

2018	14,483

2019	12,153

Thereafter	44,202

Total	$	153,243


The Company’s operating leases extend for varying periods and, in some cases, contain renewal options that would extend the existing terms. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s net rental expense related to operating leases was $39.8 million, $35.4 million and $39.5 million, respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $406.5 million of unconditional purchase obligations with suppliers, substantially all of which is expected to be paid by December 31, 2015.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 and Fluid Handling - a global supplier of a broad range of gas- and fluid-handling products, including heavy-duty centrifugal and axial fans, rotary heat exchangers, gas compressors, pumps, fluid-handling systems, controls and specialty valves, 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:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	2,329,598			$	2,104,048			$	1,901,132

	Fabrication technology	2,294,878				2,103,161				2,012,724

	Total Net sales	$	4,624,476			$	4,207,209			$	3,913,856


	Segment operating income (loss)*(1)*:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	254,240			$	270,708			$	141,524

	Fabrication technology	265,813				219,634				140,184

	Corporate and other	(52,379		)		(48,448		)		(81,639		)
	Total segment operating income	$	467,674			$	441,894			$	200,069


	Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	96,763			$	62,792			$	112,389

	Fabrication technology	76,406				55,339				69,708

	Corporate and other	1,555				1,127				1,306

	Total depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	$	174,724			$	119,258			$	183,403


	Capital expenditures:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	32,558			$	37,995			$	42,343

	Fabrication technology	47,955				33,437				41,146

	Corporate and other	3,966				50				97

	Total capital expenditures	$	84,479			$	71,482			$	83,586


	_________
	(1) The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012

	Income before income taxes	$	358,248			$	302,795			$	48,439

Interest expense	51,305				103,597				91,570

Restructuring and other related charges	58,121				35,502				60,060

Segment operating income	$	467,674			$	441,894			$	200,069




	December 31,
	2014				2013
	(In thousands)
Investments in Equity Method Investees:
Gas and fluid handling	$	7,085			$	7,097

Fabrication technology	45,411				43,698

	$	52,496			$	50,795


Total Assets:
Gas and fluid handling	$	3,660,361			$	4,028,675

Fabrication technology	3,489,388				2,477,534

Corporate and other	95,349				94,975

Total Assets	$	7,245,098			$	6,601,184


The detail of the Company’s operations by product type and geography is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
	(In thousands)
Net Sales by Major Product:
Gas handling	$	1,676,180			$	1,440,731			$	1,242,371

Fluid handling	653,418				663,317				658,761

Welding and cutting	2,294,878				2,103,161				2,012,724

Total Net sales	$	4,624,476			$	4,207,209			$	3,913,856



Net Sales by Origin(1):
United States	$	1,097,864			$	836,636			$	789,259

Foreign locations	3,526,612				3,370,573				3,124,597

Total Net sales	$	4,624,476			$	4,207,209			$	3,913,856

_________
(1) The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.



	December 31,
	2014				2013
	(In thousands)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net(1):
United States	$	180,154			$	145,829

Czech Republic	79,430				91,611

China	76,959				82,771

Other Foreign Locations	393,185				434,050

Property, plant and equipment, net	$	729,728			$	754,261

_________
(1) As the Company does not allocate all long-lived assets, specifically intangible assets, to each individual country, evaluation of long-lived
assets in total is impracticable.

Selected_Quarterly_data_Unaudi

Selected Quarterly data - (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Selected Quarterly Data—(unaudited)

	Provided below is selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.



		Quarter Ended
		March 28,		June 27,		September 26,		December 31,
		2014(1)		2014(2)		2014		2014(3)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	1,054,331	$	1,199,336	$	1,164,453	$	1,206,356

	Gross profit	325,632		388,171		373,195		391,847

	Net income	54,837		198,344		81,303		85,789

	Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	24,877		191,785		73,389		80,134

	Net income per share – basic	$	0.22	$	1.55	$	0.59	$	0.65

	Net income per share – diluted	$	0.22	$	1.53	$	0.59	$	0.64




		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		June 28,		September 27,		December 31,
		2013		2013		2013		2013(4)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	947,143	$	1,074,118	$	1,014,570	$	1,171,378

	Gross profit	290,725		337,822		320,294		357,381

	Net income	32,275		67,200		65,475		44,193

	Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	22,553		53,306		50,389		31,984

	Net income per share – basic	$	0.21	$	0.53	$	0.49	$	0.31

	Net income per share – diluted	$	0.21	$	0.52	$	0.48	$	0.31

	__________
	(1) On February 12, 2014 the Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the “BDT Investor”). 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. See Note 11, “Equity” for additional information regarding the Preferred stock conversion inducement payment.
	(2) Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended June 27, 2014 includes the benefit of 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 three months ended June 27, 2014 of $113.1 million.
	(3) Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were significantly impacted by the catch-up portion of the enactment of the U.S. tax extenders package related to the taxation of certain foreign income during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 in the U.S.
	(4) Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 includes a $13.8 million gain to remeasure the Company’s equity investment in Sicelub to fair value upon increasing the Company’s ownership to 100%, which was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding the Company’s acquisition of Sicelub. Additionally, during the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company wrote-off $26.8 million of deferred financing fees and original issue discount associated with the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. See Note 10, “Debt” for additional information regarding the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

		Balance at		Charged to Cost and		Charged to Other			Write-Offs Write-Downs and			Acquisitions and Other(3)		Foreign			Balance at
		Beginning		Expense (1)		Accounts (2)			Deductions					Currency			End of
		of Period												Translation			Period
		(In thousands)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	31,282	$	2,950	$	—		$	(4,100	)	$	—	$	(2,876	)	$	27,256

	Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory	32,773		8,748		—			(5,098		)	—		(1,850		)	34,573

	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	360,910		11,933		(65,999		)	(146,177		)	1,790		(2,771		)	159,686

	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,464	$	12,707	$	—		$	—		$	2,753	$	(642	)	$	31,282

	Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory	9,221		21,629		—			(2,026		)	4,207		(258		)	32,773

	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	357,638		30,554		(27,233		)	(3,373		)	4,925		(1,601		)	360,910

	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,578	$	13,917	$	—		$	(192	)	$	—	$	161		$	16,464

	Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory	6,735		3,341		—			(1,001		)	—		146			9,221

	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	79,855		103,785		20,676			—			153,322		—			357,638

	____________

	(1)	Amounts charged to expense are net of recoveries for the respective period.

	(2)	Represents amount charge to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and, for the year ended December 31, 2014, includes reclassifications to deferred tax asset accounts.

	(3)	Includes reclassifications related to the Charter Acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2013. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the impact of retrospective adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 4, "Acquisitions" for further discussion.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation

	The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Less than wholly owned subsidiaries, including joint ventures, are consolidated when it is determined that the Company has a controlling financial interest, which is generally determined when the Company holds a majority voting interest. When protective rights, substantive rights or other factors exist, further analysis is performed in order to determine whether or not there is a controlling financial interest. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of consolidated subsidiaries and the noncontrolling parties’ ownership share is presented as a noncontrolling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Equity Method Investments

	Investments in joint ventures, where the Company has a significant influence but not a controlling interest, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at the amount of the Company’s initial investment and adjusted each period for the Company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividends paid. All equity investments are reviewed periodically for indications of other than temporary impairment, including, but not limited to, significant and sustained decreases in quoted market prices or a series of historic and projected operating losses by investees. If the decline in fair value is considered to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded and the investment is written down to a new carrying value. Investments in joint ventures acquired in a business combination are recognized in the opening balance sheet at fair value.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition

	The Company generally recognizes revenues and costs from product sales when title passes to the buyer and all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, product delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, there are no further obligations to customers, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Product delivery occurs when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. The Company’s shipping terms vary based on the contract. If any significant obligations to the customer with respect to such sale remain to be fulfilled following shipments, typically involving obligations relating to installation and acceptance by the buyer, revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been fulfilled. Any customer allowances and discounts are recorded as a reduction in reported revenues at the time of sale because these allowances reflect a reduction in the sales price for the products sold. These allowances and discounts are estimated based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to service agreements is recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement. Progress billings are generally shown as a reduction of Inventories, net unless such billings are in excess of accumulated costs, in which case such balances are included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	The Company recognizes revenue and cost of sales on gas-handling long-term contracts using the “percentage of completion method” in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Under this method, contract revenues are recognized over the performance period of the contract in direct proportion to the costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated costs for the entirety of the contract. Any recognized revenues that have not been billed to a customer are recorded as a component of Trade receivables and any billings of customers in excess of recognized revenues are recorded as a component of Accounts payable. As of December 31, 2014, there were $190.7 million of revenues in excess of billings and $175.3 million of billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2013, there were $231.3 million of revenues in excess of billings and $214.8 million of billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

	The Company has contracts in various stages of completion. Such contracts require estimates to determine the appropriate cost and revenue recognition. Significant management judgments and estimates, including estimated costs to complete projects, must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized during each period. Current estimates may be revised as additional information becomes available. The revisions are recorded in income in the period in which they are determined using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. See Note 16, “Segment Information” for sales by major product group.

	Amounts billed for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling expenses are recorded as a component of Cost of sales.
Taxes Collected From Customers and Remitted To Governmental Authorities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities

	The Company collects various taxes and fees as an agent in connection with the sale of products and remits these amounts to the respective taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are recorded as a component of Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until remitted to the respective taxing authority.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development Expense

	Research and development costs of $43.0 million, $27.4 million and $19.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs

	Advertising costs of $18.2 million, $17.0 million, and $15.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents

	Cash and cash equivalents include all financial instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less.
Trade Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Trade Receivables

	Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon estimates of amounts deemed uncollectible and a specific review of significant delinquent accounts factoring in current and expected economic conditions. Estimated losses are based on historical collection experience, and are reviewed periodically by management.
Inventories, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories

	Inventories, net include the cost of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost (determined under various methods including average cost, last-in, first-out and first-in, first-out, but predominantly first-in, first-out) or market. For gas-handling long-term contracts, cost is primarily determined based upon actual cost. The Company periodically reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the expected usage of each particular product. The Company records as a charge to Cost of sales any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment

	Property, plant and equipment, net are stated at historical cost, which includes the fair values of such assets acquired. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives. Assets recorded under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease terms, which range from three to 15 years. Repair and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred unless the repair extends the useful life of the asset.
Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

	Goodwill represents the costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired associated with acquisitions by the Company. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names.

	The Company evaluates the recoverability of Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.

	In the evaluation of Goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting entity is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not for a reporting unit’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the reporting entity’s fair value is performed and compared to the carrying value of that entity. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Goodwill attributable to that reporting unit is potentially impaired and step two of the impairment analysis is performed. In step two of the analysis, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s Goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise.

	The Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows or a market valuation approach. The discounted cash flows model indicates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of the cash flows that the reporting units are expected to generate in the future. Significant estimates in the discounted cash flows model include: the weighted-average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of the Company’s business; and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison of the Company against certain market information. Significant estimates in the market approach model include identifying appropriate market multiples and assessing earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in estimating the fair value of the reporting units.

	In the evaluation of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that it is not likely for the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to be less than its carrying value, a calculation of the fair value is not performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a calculation is performed and compared to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company measures the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using the “relief from royalty” method. Significant estimates in this approach include projected revenues and royalty and discount rates for each trade name evaluated.

	Prior to the annual impairment evaluation, an analysis was performed to evaluate 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 indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of trade names, were no longer recoverable based upon relief from royalty measurements. The analysis resulted in a $2.9 million impairment loss included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

	The analyses performed as of September 27, 2014, September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 resulted in no impairment charges, except for $0.2 million of an impairment loss related to an indefinite-lived intangible asset included in the gas- and fluid-handling segment for the year ended December 31, 2013. This impairment resulted from a decline in anticipated revenue related to this asset. The impairment loss is included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 and was calculated as the difference between the fair value of the asset under the relief from royalty method and its carrying value as of the date of the impairment test. The fair value of that intangible asset was $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013, there was no value of this intangible asset as of December 31, 2014, and was included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

	Intangibles primarily represent acquired customer relationships, acquired order backlog, acquired technology and software license agreements. Acquired order backlog is amortized in the same period the corresponding revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s acquired customer relationships is being amortized on an accelerated basis over periods ranging from seven to 30 years based on the present value of the future cash flows expected to be generated from the acquired customers. All other intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, generally ranging from two to 20 years.

	The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. The impairment loss is measured based upon the difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts or fair value less cost to sell. Management determines fair value using the discounted cash flow method or other accepted valuation techniques. The Company recorded asset impairment losses related to facility closures totaling $4.6 million, $1.9 million and $3.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a component of Restructuring and other related charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

	In addition, an analysis was performed during the year ended December 31, 2014 to evaluate certain long-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 intangible assets, primarily consisting of acquired customer relationships and acquired technology, were no longer recoverable based upon projected undiscounted net cash flows. Further, as a result of management’s evaluation of projected cash flows related to another operation within the gas-and fluid-handling segment, an analysis was performed to evaluate the long-lived intangible assets related to that operation. The analysis determined certain long-lived intangible assets, primarily consisting of acquired customer relationships, were impaired. The impairment was calculated as the difference between the fair value of the remaining expected future cash flows to be generated from the asset group and its carrying value as of the measurement date. The Company recorded $10.5 million of intangible asset impairment losses related to these two operations as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The fair value of these assets of $3.3 million as of December 31, 2014 are included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy and are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivatives

	The Company is subject to foreign currency risk associated with the translation of the net assets of foreign subsidiaries to United States (“U.S.”) dollars on a periodic basis. The Company’s Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement (as defined and further discussed in Note 10, “Debt”) includes a €147.9 million term A-3 facility and a €98.8 million term A-4 facility, which have been designated as net investment hedges in order to mitigate a portion of this risk.

	Derivative instruments are generally recognized on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in either Other current assets, Other assets, Accrued liabilities or Other liabilities depending upon their respective fair values and maturity dates. The Company designates a portion of its foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges. For all instruments designated as hedges, including net investment hedges, cash flow hedges and fair value hedges, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for using the hedging instrument. The Company assesses whether the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. For cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the extent that it is effective at offsetting the change in the fair value of the hedged item and realized gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consistent with the underlying hedged instrument. Gains and losses related to fair value hedges are recorded as an offset to the fair value of the underlying asset or liability, primarily Trade receivables and Accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes.

	See Note 14, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments.
Warranty Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Warranty Costs

	Estimated expenses related to product warranties are accrued as the revenue is recognized on products sold to customers and included in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Estimates are established using historical information as to the nature, frequency, and average costs of warranty claims.

	The activity in the Company’s warranty liability, which is included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, consisted of the following:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	65,512		$	40,437

	Accrued warranty expense	23,019			25,013

	Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(9,966		)	(638		)
	Cost of warranty service work performed	(27,389		)	(21,082		)
	Acquisitions(1)	4,488			22,609

	Foreign exchange translation effect	(4,529		)	(827		)
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	51,135		$	65,512


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.
Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes

	Income taxes for the Company are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and their respective tax basis. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in (Benefit from) provision for income taxes in the period that includes the enactment date.

	Valuation allowances are recorded if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. Any changes in judgment about the valuation allowance are recorded through (Benefit from) provision for income taxes and are based on changes in facts and circumstances regarding realizability of deferred tax assets.

	The Company must presume that an income tax position taken in a tax return will be examined by the relevant tax authority and determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of the position. An income tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Company establishes a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits for income tax positions for which it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by the respective taxing authority to the extent such tax positions reduce the Company’s income tax liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in the (Benefit from) provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and Losses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and Losses

	The Company’s financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are generally the local currencies of the countries in which each subsidiary is located. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The amounts recorded in each year in Foreign currency translation are net of income taxes to the extent the underlying equity balances in the entities are not deemed to be permanently reinvested. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the year.

	Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction. Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date on which it is either settled or translated for inclusion in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense or Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for that period.

	The Company considers the Venezuelan bolivar fuerte (“bolivar”) a highly inflationary currency. Therefore, financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operations are remeasured into their parents’ reporting currency. During the year ended December 31, 2013, Venezuela devalued its currency to an official rate of 6.3 bolivar to the U.S. dollar, representing an approximate 32% devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. 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 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 to the U.S. dollar. Exchange gains and losses from the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements will be dependent upon movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the parents’ reporting currency and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company’s Venezuelan operations’ balance sheets. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 $0.7 million and $5.5 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in exchange rates resulted in foreign currency transaction losses of $6.3 million and $2.9 million recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $5.1 million and $5.5 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, respectively, including the $6.3 million loss related to the Company’s adoption of the SICAD II exchange rate discussed above. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $4.1 million and $5.2 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, respectively, including the $2.9 million loss related to the devaluation of the bolivar discussed above. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the net foreign currency transaction loss recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was $1.2 million.
Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount

	Costs directly related to the placement of debt are capitalized and amortized to Interest expense primarily using the effective interest method over the term of the related obligation. Deferred issuance costs of $18.5 million and $18.2 million, respectively, were included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, net of $8.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of accumulated amortization. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company deferred $0.3 million, $7.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs. Further, the carrying value of Long-term debt is reduced by an original issue discount, which is accreted to Interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related obligation. See Note 10, “Debt” for additional discussion regarding the Company’s borrowing arrangements.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates

	The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its 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 Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications

	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	The activity in the Company’s warranty liability, which is included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, consisted of the following:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	65,512		$	40,437

	Accrued warranty expense	23,019			25,013

	Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(9,966		)	(638		)
	Cost of warranty service work performed	(27,389		)	(21,082		)
	Acquisitions(1)	4,488			22,609

	Foreign exchange translation effect	(4,529		)	(827		)
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	51,135		$	65,512


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014										Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Victor is a global manufacturer of cutting, gas control and specialty welding solutions. The acquisition complemented the geographic footprint of our fabrication technology segment and expanded our product portfolio into new segments and applications. The following table summarizes the 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

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition for all acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and consummated during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.



		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Trade receivables	$	76,678		$	74,387		$	714,486

	Inventories	107,785			49,871			487,835

	Property, plant and equipment	59,281			92,247			595,961

	Goodwill	612,746			284,294			1,793,394

	Intangible assets	389,700			104,272			794,333

	Accounts payable	(34,271		)	(70,122		)	(391,131		)
	Debt	—			(10,942		)	(437,564		)

	Other assets and liabilities, net	(263,119		)	(99,205		)	(746,719		)
		948,800			424,802			2,810,595

	Less: net assets attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(259,329		)

	Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	948,800		$	424,802		$	2,551,266

Schedule of Provisional amounts and Measurement period adjustments [Table Text Block]	During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed four acquisitions: GII, Sicelub, ČKDK, TLT-Babcock and Alphair. During the year ended December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2014 of $25.4 million increased the Goodwill balance and are summarized below.



		Acquisition Date Fair Values			Measurement Period			Acquisition Date Fair Values
		(Provisional)						(Final)
		2013			Adjustments			2013
		(In thousands)
	Trade receivables	$	80,258		$	(5,871	)	$	74,387

	Inventories	53,551			(3,680		)	49,871

	Property, plant and equipment	94,258			(2,011		)	92,247

	Goodwill	258,901			25,393			284,294

	Intangible assets	104,272			—			104,272

	Accounts payable	(68,308		)	(1,814		)	(70,122		)
	Debt	(10,942		)	—			(10,942		)

	Other assets and liabilities, net	(87,188		)	(12,017		)	(99,205		)
	Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	424,802		$	—		$	424,802

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation by Significant Acquisition [Table Text Block]											The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for the individually significant acquisitions consummated, and all of the others collectively, during the year ended December 31, 2012:


												Charter			Soldex			Other			Total 2012
												(In thousands)
											Trade receivables	$	683,976		$	22,848		$	7,662		$	714,486

											Inventories	449,906			32,985			4,944			487,835

											Property, plant and equipment	562,129			28,921			4,911			595,961

											Goodwill	1,649,159			116,696			27,539			1,793,394

											Intangible assets	715,643			65,325			13,365			794,333

											Accounts payable	(378,114		)	(6,682		)	(6,335		)	(391,131		)
											Debt	(399,466		)	(36,734		)	(1,364		)	(437,564		)
											Other assets and liabilities, net	(706,052		)	(33,654		)	(7,013		)	(746,719		)
												2,577,181			189,705			43,709			2,810,595

											Less: net assets attributable to noncontrolling interest	(241,201		)	(18,128		)	—			(259,329		)

											Consideration, net of cash acquired	$	2,335,980		$	171,577		$	43,709		$	2,551,266

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Net income (loss) per share available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was computed as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
		(In thousands, except share data)
	Computation of Net income (loss) per share - basic:
	Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	370,185	$	158,232		$	(83,353	)

	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		(3,740		)	—

		$	370,185	$	154,492		$	(83,353	)

	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	121,143,790		99,198,570			91,069,640

	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	3.06	$	1.56		$	(0.92	)

	Computation of Net income (loss) per share - diluted:
	Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	370,185	$	158,232		$	(83,353	)

	Less: net income attributable to participating securities(1)	—		(3,740		)	—

		$	370,185	$	154,492		$	(83,353	)

	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	121,143,790		99,198,570			91,069,640

	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,522,502		1,167,885			—

	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted	122,666,292		100,366,455			91,069,640

	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	3.02	$	1.54		$	(0.92	)


	(1) Net income (loss) per share - diluted for the period from January 13, 2012 to April 23, 2013 was calculated consistently with the two-class method in accordance with GAAP, as further discussed below. 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, as further discussed below. However, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the calculation under this method was anti-dilutive.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Income before income taxes and (Benefit from) provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Income (loss) before income taxes:

	Domestic operations	$	53,153		$	(7,899	)	$	(73,467	)

	Foreign operations	305,095			310,694			121,906

		$	358,248		$	302,795		$	48,439

	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:

	Current:

	Federal	$	798		$	(464	)	$	—

	State	2,047			871			362

	Foreign	74,618			83,299			83,119

		77,463			83,706			83,481

	Deferred:

	Domestic operations	$	(127,114	)	$	11,603		$	50,340

	Foreign operations	(12,374		)	(1,657		)	(43,118		)
		(139,488		)	9,946			7,222

		$	(62,025	)	$	93,652		$	90,703

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The Company’s (Benefit from) provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$	125,386		$	105,978		$	16,954

	State taxes	2,323			871			362

	Effect of tax rates on international operations	(34,619		)	(42,972		)	(24,070		)
	Change in enacted international tax rates	(149		)	(5,217		)	(12,305		)
	Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves	(156,071		)	30,554			106,802

	Other	1,105			4,438			2,960

	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	$	(62,025	)	$	93,652		$	90,703

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Post-retirement benefit obligation	$	93,080		$	87,305

	Expenses currently not deductible	116,648			155,488

	Net operating loss carryforward	234,384			264,893

	Tax credit carryforward	11,509			15,518

	Depreciation and amortization	11,092			5,473

	Other	22,291			6,596

	Valuation allowance	(159,686		)	(360,910		)
	Deferred tax assets, net	$	329,318		$	174,363

	Deferred tax liabilities:

	Depreciation and amortization	$	(360,602	)	$	(266,652	)
	Post-retirement benefit obligation	(12,122		)	(17,844		)
	Inventory	(16,696		)	(12,558		)
	Other	(193,618		)	(59,036		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(583,038	)	$	(356,090	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities, net	$	(253,720	)	$	(181,727	)
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (inclusive of associated interest and penalties):



		(In thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	85,723

	Acquisitions	2,683

	Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods	6,988

	Addition for tax positions taken in the current period	7,730

	Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods	(31,156		)
	Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation	(373		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	71,595

	Acquisition	37,328

	Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods	3,752

	Addition for tax positions taken in the current period	894

	Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods	(27,601		)
	Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation	(8,443		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	77,525

Goodwill_Intangibles_Tables

Goodwill & Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:



		Gas and Fluid			Fabrication			Total
		Handling			Technology
		(In thousands)
	Balance, January 1, 2013	$	1,225,494		$	873,342		$	2,098,836

	Goodwill attributable to acquisitions(1)	284,294			—			284,294

	Impact of foreign currency translation and other	22,413			4,156			26,569

	Balance, December 31, 2013	1,532,201			877,498			2,409,699

	Goodwill attributable to Victor acquisition	—			612,746			612,746

	Impact of foreign currency translation and other	(103,843		)	(45,699		)	(149,542		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,428,358		$	1,444,545		$	2,872,903

Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill:



		December 31,
		2014						2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Amortization
		Amount						Amount
		(In thousands)
	Trade names – indefinite life	$	410,600		$	—		$	414,275		$	—

	Acquired customer relationships	593,799			(85,171		)	353,337			(51,675		)

	Acquired technology	113,697			(27,681		)	114,647			(22,757		)

	Acquired backlog	—			—			73,476			(65,919		)

	Other intangible assets	50,287			(11,948		)	24,127			(6,958		)

		$	1,168,383		$	(124,800	)	$	979,862		$	(147,309	)

Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
	Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Selling, general and administrative expense	$	67,052		$	41,012		$	85,106

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

			December 31,
		Depreciable Life	2014			2013(1)
		(In years)	(In thousands)
	Land	n/a	$	52,539		$	48,353

	Buildings and improvements	May-40	366,009			372,115

	Machinery and equipment	15-Mar	524,723			501,387

	Software	5-Mar	98,069			88,463

			1,041,340			1,010,318

	Accumulated depreciation		(311,612		)	(256,057		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	729,728		$	754,261


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventories, net consisted of the following:


		December 31,
		2014			2013(1)
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	164,115		$	145,335

	Work in process	81,110			113,018

	Finished goods	239,808			222,034

		485,033			480,387

	Less: customer progress payments	(7,728		)	(4,078		)
	Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(34,573		)	(32,773		)
	Inventories, net	$	442,732		$	443,536


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consisted of the following:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Term loans	$	1,132,908		$	1,115,238

	Trade receivables financing arrangement	80,000			—

	Revolving credit facilities and other	326,336			371,853

	Total Debt	1,539,244			1,487,091

	Less: current portion	(9,855		)	(29,449		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,529,389		$	1,457,642

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The contractual maturities of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2014 are as follows(1):



		(In thousands)
	2015	$	9,855

	2016	5,620

	2017	4,452

	2018	1,531,888

	Total contractual maturities	1,551,815

	Debt discount	(12,571		)
	Total debt	$	1,539,244

	________
	(1) Represents scheduled payments required under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement through November 7, 2018, as well as the contractual maturities of other debt outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and reflects management’s intention to repay scheduled maturities of the term loans outstanding under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement and the trade receivables financing arrangement (if not extended) with proceeds from the revolving credit facility.

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 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, 2013	$	(247,332	)		$	104,718			$	(3,980	)		$	(146,594	)

	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—				(381		)		—				(381		)

	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Net actuarial gain	77,515				—				—				77,515

	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—				21,091				—				21,091

	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—				2,176				—				2,176

	Loss on net investment hedges	—				—				(14,261		)		(14,261		)

	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	—				—				3,832				3,832

	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	77,515				23,267				(10,429		)		90,353

	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,022				—				—				10,022

	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	87,537				23,267				(10,429		)		100,375

	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(159,795	)		$	127,604			$	(14,409	)		$	(46,600	)

	Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	—				(942		)		—				(942		)

	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications:
	Net actuarial loss	(89,379		)		—				—				(89,379		)

	Foreign currency translation adjustment	—				(346,524		)		—				(346,524		)

	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—				2,096				—				2,096

	Gain on net investment hedges	—				—				39,374				39,374

	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—				—				(8,932		)		(8,932		)

	Other	1,934				—				—				1,934

	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(87,445		)		(344,428		)		30,442				(401,431		)

	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,282				—				—				5,282

	Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income	(82,163		)		(344,428		)		30,442				(396,149		)

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(241,958	)		$	(217,766	)		$	16,033			$	(443,691	)

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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


		Year Ended December 31, 2014												Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss				Tax Benefit				Total				Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)												(In thousands)

	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	7,097			$	(2,063	)		$	5,034			$	10,489		$	(715	)	$	9,774

	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	248				—				248				248			—			248

		$	7,345			$	(2,063	)		$	5,282			$	10,737		$	(715	)	$	10,022


	(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13, “Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the following amounts related to stock-based compensation:



			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
			(In thousands)
	Stock-based compensation expense		$	17,580			$	13,334			$	9,373

	Deferred tax benefit		4,054				434				305

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards is based upon the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. The following table shows the weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as well as the weighted-average fair value of options granted:


			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years)		4.87				4.9				5.41

	Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant)		1.62		%		1.06		%		0.99		%
	Volatility		34.67		%		43.22		%		42.59		%
	Dividend yield		—				—				—

	Weighted-average fair value of options granted		$	22.65			$	18.07			$	13.14

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock option activity is as follows:



			Number			Weighted-				Weighted-		Aggregate
			of Options			Average				Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise				Remaining		Value(1)(In thousands)
						Price				Contractual
										Term
										(In years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		2,431,790			$	30.98

	Granted		700,018			69.06

	Exercised		(154,830	)		23.02

	Forfeited		(60,525	)		49.34

	Expired		(6,344	)		29.18

	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		2,910,109			$	40.19			4.55		$	45,492

	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2014		2,856,031			$	39.81			4.52		$	45,323

	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		985,033			$	23.96			3.13		$	27,463

	__________

	(1)	The aggregate intrinsic value is based upon the difference between the Company’s closing stock price at the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the exercise price of the stock option for in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of outstanding stock options fluctuates based upon the trading value of the Company’s Common stock.
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The activity in the Company’s PRSUs and RSUs is as follows:



			PRSUs							RSUs
			Number			Weighted-				Number			Weighted-
			of Units			Average				of Units			Average
						Grant Date							Grant Date
						Fair Value							Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014		576,742			$	27.86			121,789			$	43.81

	Granted		119,300			69.79				87,922			67.28

	Vested		(73,520	)		12.17				(20,380	)		35.61

	Forfeited		(40,586	)		24.5				(20,420	)		51.17

	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		581,936			$	38.67			168,911			$	56.13

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:



		December 31,
		2014			2013(1)
		(In thousands)
	Accrued payroll	$	120,068		$	136,645

	Advance payment from customers	58,049			53,280

	Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	58,009			71,533

	Accrued asbestos-related liability	50,175			51,142

	Warranty liability - current portion	47,966			59,017

	Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	21,846			12,856

	Accrued third-party commissions	11,026			13,095

	Other	128,254			95,126

	Accrued liabilities	$	495,393		$	492,694


	(1) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further discussion regarding these adjustments.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	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 Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:



		Year Ended December 31, 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		$	18,179		$	(13,887	)		$	(379	)		$	7,551

	Facility closure costs(2)	756			5,491			(4,714		)		(88		)		1,445

		4,394			23,670			(18,601		)		(467		)		8,996

	Non-cash impairment				2,863

					26,533

	Fabrication Technology:
	Termination benefits(1)	7,033			26,790			(22,227		)		(441		)		11,155

	Facility closure costs(2)	1,429			3,018			(2,355		)		(155		)		1,937

		8,462			29,808			(24,582		)		(596		)		13,092

	Non-cash impairment				1,780

					31,588

	Corporate and Other:
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,259			—			(275		)		(62		)		922

		1,259			—			(275		)		(62		)		922

		$	14,115		53,478			$	(43,458	)		$	(1,125	)		$	23,010

	Non-cash impairment				4,643

					$	58,121


	(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 December 31, 2014, $21.8 million and $1.2 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.



		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		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)	$	3,060		$	9,413		$	(8,680	)		$	(155	)		$	3,638

	Facility closure costs(2)	1,177			683			(1,137		)		33				756

	Other related charges	—			333			(520		)		187				—

		4,237			10,429			(10,337		)		65				4,394

	Fabrication Technology:
Termination benefits(1)	14,637			22,775			(30,056		)		(323		)		7,033

Facility closure costs(2)	6,925			280			(5,736		)		(40		)		1,429

Other related charges	33			124			(432		)		275				—

	21,595			23,179			(36,224		)		(88		)		8,462

Non-cash impairment				1,894

				25,073

Corporate and Other:
Termination benefits(1)	—			—			—				—				—

Facility closure costs(2)	1,522			—			(718		)		455				1,259

Other related charges	—			—			—				—				—

	1,522			—			(718		)		455				1,259

	$	27,354		33,608			$	(47,279	)		$	432			$	14,115

Non-cash impairment				1,894

				$	35,502


(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 December 31, 2013, $12.9 million and $1.2 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the total changes in the Company’s pension and accrued post-retirement benefits and plan assets and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:



			Pension Benefits								Other Post-Retirement Benefits
			Year Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
			(In thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,640,418			$	1,665,138			$	28,823			$	35,519
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,640,418			$	1,665,138			$	28,823			$	35,519
	Acquisitions		48,938				6,356				1,011				—
	Acquisitions		48,938				6,356				1,011				—
	Service cost		4,883				3,985				155				179
	Service cost		4,883				3,985				155				179
	Interest cost		70,469				63,132				1,304				1,090
	Interest cost		70,469				63,132				1,304				1,090
	Actuarial loss (gain)		211,170				(28,831		)		5,553				(6,072		)
	Actuarial loss (gain)		211,170				(28,831		)		5,553				(6,072		)
	Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919				—				—
	Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919				—				—
	Benefits paid		(111,971		)		(83,060		)		(1,761		)		(2,018		)
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(4,189		)		—				—
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(4,189		)		—				—
	Other		498				(32		)		—				125
	Other		498				(32		)		—				125
	Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,765,493			$	1,640,418			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,765,493			$	1,640,418			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,739,642			$	1,617,651			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,739,642			$	1,617,651			$	35,085			$	28,823
	Change in plan assets:
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	1,367,315			$	1,287,844			$	—			$	—
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	1,367,315			$	1,287,844			$	—			$	—
	Acquisitions		42,051				2,787				—				—
	Acquisitions		42,051				2,787				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		174,065				100,300				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		174,065				100,300				—				—
	Employer contribution(1)		69,714				49,772				1,761				2,018
	Employer contribution(1)		69,714				49,772				1,761				2,018
	Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076				—				—
	Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076				—				—
	Benefits paid		(111,971		)		(83,060		)		(1,761		)		(2,018		)
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(3,565		)		—				—
	Settlements		(1,387		)		(3,565		)		—				—
	Other		167				161				—				—
	Other		167				161				—				—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,469,103			$	1,367,315			$	—			$	—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,469,103			$	1,367,315			$	—			$	—
	Funded status, end of year		$	(296,390	)		$	(273,103	)		$	(35,085	)		$	(28,823	)
	Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31:

	Non-current assets		$	58,997			$	38,177			$	—			$	—
	Non-current assets		$	58,997			$	38,177			$	—			$	—
	Current liabilities		(5,328		)		(6,048		)		(2,749		)		(2,747		)
	Non-current liabilities		(350,059		)		(305,232		)		(32,336		)		(26,076		)
	Total		$	(296,390	)		$	(273,103	)		$	(35,085	)		$	(28,823	)
	__________

	(1)	Contributions during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 include contributions of 183,000 and 88,200 shares of Colfax Common stock, respectively, with values on the contribution dates of approximately $11.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

	The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and $1.2 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s foreign pension benefit obligation, which is determined based upon an employee’s expected date of separation, and plan assets, included in the table above, and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:



		Foreign Pension Benefits
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,205,554			$	1,181,024
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	1,205,554			$	1,181,024
Acquisitions		21,578				3,952
Acquisitions		21,578				3,952
Service cost		4,883				3,985
Service cost		4,883				3,985
Interest cost		51,658				46,775
Interest cost		51,658				46,775
Actuarial loss		144,232				11,093
Actuarial loss		144,232				11,093
Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919
Foreign exchange effect		(97,525		)		17,919
Benefits paid		(64,347		)		(54,978		)
Settlements		(1,387		)		(4,189		)
Other		497				(27		)
Other		497				(27		)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,265,143			$	1,205,554
Projected benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,265,143			$	1,205,554
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,239,292			$	1,182,786
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year		$	1,239,292			$	1,182,786
Change in plan assets:
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	999,197			$	938,167
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		$	999,197			$	938,167
Acquisitions		20,873				651
Acquisitions		20,873				651
Actual return on plan assets		139,460				62,914
Actual return on plan assets		139,460				62,914
Employer contribution		56,384				42,769
Employer contribution		56,384				42,769
Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076
Foreign exchange effect		(70,851		)		13,076
Benefits paid		(64,347		)		(54,978		)
Settlements		(1,387		)		(3,565		)
Other		168				163
Other		168				163
Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,079,497			$	999,197
Fair value of plan assets, end of year		$	1,079,497			$	999,197
Funded status, end of year		$	(185,646	)		$	(206,357	)
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	Expected contributions to the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans for the year ending December 31, 2015, related to plans as of December 31, 2014, are $45.1 million. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during each respective fiscal year:



			Pension Benefits								Other Post-Retirement Benefits
			All Plans				Foreign Plans				Other Post-Retirement Benefits
			(In thousands)
	2015		$	89,811			$	57,027			$	2,749
	2015		$	89,811			$	57,027			$	2,749
	2016		89,908				57,222				2,758
	2016		89,908				57,222				2,758
	2017		90,842				58,244				2,681
	2017		90,842				58,244				2,681
	2018		91,140				58,780				2,539
	2018		91,140				58,780				2,539
	2019		91,464				59,322				2,327
	2019		91,464				59,322				2,327
	Thereafter		465,508				309,824				9,350
	Thereafter		465,508				309,824				9,350
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The following are the actual and target allocation percentages for the Company’s pension plan assets:


			Actual Asset Allocation
			December 31,						Target
			2014			2013			Allocation
	U.S. Plans:
	Equity securities:
	Equity securities:
	U.S.		43	%		41	%		30% - 45%
	International		15	%		16	%		10% - 20%
	Fixed income		41	%		39	%		30% - 50%
	Other		1	%		3	%		0% - 20%
	Cash and cash equivalents		—	%		1	%		0% - 5%
	Foreign Plans:
	Foreign Plans:
	Equity securities		30	%		30	%		10% - 50%
	Fixed income securities		66	%		65	%		50% - 90%
	Cash and cash equivalents		1	%		2	%		0% - 25%
	Other		3	%		3	%		0% - 5%

	A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented follows (See Note 14, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy):



			December 31, 2014
			Level				Level				Level
			One				Two				Three				Total
			(In thousands)
	U.S. Plans:
	U.S. Plans:
	Equity securities:
	Equity securities:
	U.S. large cap		$	3,901			$	100,263			$	—			$	104,164
	U.S. large cap		$	3,901			$	100,263			$	—			$	104,164
	U.S. small/mid cap		19,540				43,670				—				63,210
	U.S. small/mid cap		19,540				43,670				—				63,210
	International		2,461				56,252				—				58,713
	International		2,461				56,252				—				58,713
	Fixed income mutual funds:
	Fixed income mutual funds:
	U.S. government and corporate		10,508				147,364				—				157,872
	U.S. government and corporate		10,508				147,364				—				157,872
	Structured loan fund		—				—				1,226				1,226
	Structured loan fund		—				—				1,226				1,226
	Other(1)		1,623				2,798				—				4,421
	Other(1)		1,623				2,798				—				4,421
	Foreign Plans:
	Foreign Plans:
	Cash and cash equivalents		12,951				—				—				12,951
	Cash and cash equivalents		12,951				—				—				12,951
	Equity securities		286,797				39,310				—				326,107
	Equity securities		286,797				39,310				—				326,107
	Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		308,705				399,285				—				707,990
	Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		308,705				399,285				—				707,990
	Other(1)		2,040				30,409				—				32,449
	Other(1)		2,040				30,409				—				32,449
			$	648,526			$	819,351			$	1,226			$	1,469,103
			$	648,526			$	819,351			$	1,226			$	1,469,103
	__________

	(1)	Represents diversified portfolio funds, real estate and reinsurance contracts and money market funds.



		December 31, 2013
		Level				Level				Level
		One				Two				Three				Total
		(In thousands)
U.S. Plans:
U.S. Plans:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,854			$	—			$	—			$	2,854
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,854			$	—			$	—			$	2,854
Equity securities:
Equity securities:
U.S. large cap		101,702				—				—				101,702
U.S. large cap		101,702				—				—				101,702
U.S. small/mid cap		6,714				43,199				—				49,913
U.S. small/mid cap		6,714				43,199				—				49,913
International		16,458				41,646				—				58,104
International		16,458				41,646				—				58,104
Fixed income mutual funds:
Fixed income mutual funds:
U.S. government and corporate		143,903				—				—				143,903
U.S. government and corporate		143,903				—				—				143,903
Structured loan fund		—				—				11,642				11,642
Structured loan fund		—				—				11,642				11,642
Foreign Plans:
Foreign Plans:
Cash and cash equivalents		22,421				—				—				22,421
Cash and cash equivalents		22,421				—				—				22,421
Equity securities		266,021				38,485				—				304,506
Equity securities		266,021				38,485				—				304,506
Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		277,565				372,191				—				649,756
Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds		277,565				372,191				—				649,756
Other(1)		2,107				20,407				—				22,514
Other(1)		2,107				20,407				—				22,514
		$	839,745			$	515,928			$	11,642			$	1,367,315
		$	839,745			$	515,928			$	11,642			$	1,367,315
__________

-1	Represents diversified portfolio funds and reinsurance contracts maintained for certain foreign plans.
Schedule of Level Three Defined Benefit Plan Assets Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	The Company’s pension assets included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy consist of multi-strategy hedge funds and the fair value is equal to the aggregate net asset value of units held by the Company’s pension plans. There were no transfers in or out of Level Three during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. A summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s pension assets included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy is as follows:



		(In thousands)
	Balance, January 1, 2012	$	36,321
	Balance, January 1, 2012	$	36,321
	Realized gain	152
	Realized gain	152
	Unrealized gain	2,359
	Unrealized gain	2,359
	Balance, December 31, 2012	38,832
	Balance, December 31, 2012	38,832
	Sale proceeds	(28,440		)
	Realized gain	338
	Realized gain	338
	Unrealized gain	912
	Unrealized gain	912
	Balance, December 31, 2013	11,642
	Balance, December 31, 2013	11,642
	Sale proceeds	(11,030		)
	Realized gain	614
	Realized gain	614
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,226
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,226
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive (loss) income of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:



			Pension Benefits												Other Post-Retirement Benefits
			Year Ended December 31,												Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
	Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381			$	155			$	179		$	110
	Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381			$	155			$	179		$	110
	Interest cost		70,469				63,132				67,745				1,304				1,090			1,507
	Interest cost		70,469				63,132				67,745				1,304				1,090			1,507
	Amortization		6,608				9,672				8,091				468				609			801
	Amortization		6,608				9,672				8,091				468				609			801
	Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—				—				—			—
	Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—				—				—			—
	Other		328				(154		)		26				—				125			—
	Other		328				(154		)		26				—				125			—
	Expected return on plan assets		(69,055		)		(58,511		)		(61,094		)		—				—			—
	Expected return on plan assets		(69,055		)		(58,511		)		(61,094		)		—				—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,423			$	17,532			$	18,149			$	1,927			$	2,003		$	2,418
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	13,423			$	17,532			$	18,149			$	1,927			$	2,003		$	2,418
	Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

	Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	96,005			$	(69,463	)		$	98,784			$	5,553			$	(6,072	)	$	(1,449	)
	Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	96,005			$	(69,463	)		$	98,784			$	5,553			$	(6,072	)	$	(1,449	)
	Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
	Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss		(6,608		)		(9,672		)		(8,012		)		(220		)		(361		)	(553		)
	Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—				—				—			—
	Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—				—				—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)		(248		)		(248		)	(248		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)		(248		)		(248		)	(248		)
	Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	89,207			$	(79,167	)		$	90,693			$	5,085			$	(6,681	)	$	(2,250	)
	Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	89,207			$	(79,167	)		$	90,693			$	5,085			$	(6,681	)	$	(2,250	)

	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive (loss) income of the foreign defined benefit pension plans, included in the table above:



			Foreign Pension Benefits
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
			(In thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
	Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381
	Service cost		$	4,883			$	3,985			$	3,381
	Interest cost		51,658				46,775				49,291
	Interest cost		51,658				46,775				49,291
	Amortization		1,669				2,305				944
	Amortization		1,669				2,305				944
	Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—
	Settlement loss (gain)		190				(592		)		—
	Other		328				(154		)		28
	Other		328				(154		)		28
	Expected return on plan assets		(44,287		)		(34,541		)		(36,535		)
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	14,441			$	17,778			$	17,109
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	14,441			$	17,778			$	17,109
	Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

	Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	38,904			$	(16,121	)		$	65,689
	Current year net actuarial loss (gain)		$	38,904			$	(16,121	)		$	65,689
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Amortization of net loss		(1,669		)		(2,305		)		(865		)
Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—
Settlement loss		(190		)		(32		)		—
Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)
Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(79		)
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	37,045			$	(18,458	)		$	64,745
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income		$	37,045			$	(18,458	)		$	64,745
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]	The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:


			Pension Benefits								Other Post-Retirement
			Pension Benefits								Benefits
			December 31,								December 31,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
			(In thousands)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	4,576			$	(757	)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	4,576			$	(757	)
	Prior service cost		—				—				807				1,055
	Prior service cost		—				—				807				1,055
	Total		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	5,383			$	298
	Total		$	285,250			$	196,044			$	5,383			$	298

	The components of net unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the year ending December 31, 2015 are as follows:


			Pension Benefits				Other Post-
							Retirement
							Benefits
			(In thousands)
	Net actuarial loss		$	12,139			$	450
	Net actuarial loss		$	12,139			$	450
	Prior service cost		—				248
	Prior service cost		—				248
	Total		$	12,139			$	698
	Total		$	12,139			$	698
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	The key economic assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations are as follows:


			Pension Benefits						Other Post-Retirement
			Pension Benefits						Benefits
			December 31,						December 31,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Weighted-average discount rate:
	Weighted-average discount rate:
	All plans		3.3	%		4.4	%		3.6	%		4.4	%
	Foreign plans		3.3	%		4.4	%		—			—
	Foreign plans		3.3	%		4.4	%		—			—
	Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans		1.6	%		1.6	%		—			—
			1.6	%		1.6	%		—			—

	The key economic assumptions used in the computation of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:


			Pension Benefits									Other Post-Retirement Benefits
			Year Ended December 31,									Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Weighted-average discount rate:
	Weighted-average discount rate:
	All plans		4.4	%		4	%		4.6	%		4.4	%		3.5	%		4.3	%
	Foreign plans		4.4	%		4.2	%		4.7	%		—			—			—
	Foreign plans		4.4	%		4.2	%		4.7	%		—			—			—
	Weighted-average expected return on plan assets:
	Weighted-average expected return on plan assets:
	All plans		5.4	%		5.1	%		5.3	%		—			—			—
	All plans		5.4	%		5.1	%		5.3	%		—			—			—
	Foreign plans		4.9	%		4.3	%		4.5	%		—			—			—
	Foreign plans		4.9	%		4.3	%		4.5	%		—			—			—
	Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans		1.7	%		1.5	%		1.3	%		—			—			—
			1.7	%		1.5	%		1.3	%		—			—			—
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following pre-tax effects:


			1% Increase				1% Decrease
			(in thousands)
	Effect on total service and interest cost components for the year ended December 31, 2014		$	148			$	(118	)
			$	148			$	(118	)
	Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014		3,502				(2,803		)
			3,502				(2,803		)

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair1

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [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:


		December 31, 2014
		Level				Level				Level			Total
		One				Two				Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	23,143			$	—			$	—		$	23,143

	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—				4,524				—			4,524

	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—				1,007				—			1,007

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—				1,980				—			1,980

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—				478				—			478

	Deferred compensation plans	—				2,941				—			2,941

		$	23,143			$	10,930			$	—		$	34,073


	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—			$	7,163			$	—		$	7,163

	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—				2,793				—			2,793

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—				695				—			695

	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—				661				—			661

	Deferred compensation plans	—				2,941				—			2,941

	Liability for contingent payments	—				—				—			—

		$	—			$	14,253			$	—		$	14,253




		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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values:


		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges	$	124,838			$	244,755

	Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges	250,743				206,220

	Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges	36,080				273,714

	Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges	53,944				46,728

	Total foreign currency derivatives	$	465,605			$	771,417

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	The Company recognized the following in its Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Contracts Designated as Hedges:
	Interest Rate Swap:
	Realized loss	—			—			(471	)

	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(4,706	)		3,801			2,120

	Realized (loss) gain	(5,776	)		654			2,297

	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,719	)		397			(374	)

	Realized gain (loss)	3,386			(298	)		(475	)

	Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges	39,374			(14,261	)		(7,783	)

	Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - acquisition-related:
	Realized loss	—			—			(7,177	)

	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,389	)		(762	)		778

	Realized (loss) gain	(4,342	)		1,112			712

	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts:
	Unrealized (loss) gain	(1,304	)		1,687			(560	)

	Realized gain	1,355			1,359			868

Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block]	A summary of activity in the Company’s liability for contingent payments is as follows:


		(In thousands)
	Balance, January 1, 2012	$	4,359

	Interest accretion	712

	Unrealized loss	1,446

	Balance, December 31, 2012	6,517

	Additions for Clarus acquisition	2,494

	Interest accretion	665

	Cash payment	(3,500		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	6,176

	Cash payment	(3,500		)
	Interest accretion	272

	Unrealized gain	(2,948		)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	—

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Number of claims)
	Claims unresolved, beginning of period	22,393			23,523			25,269

	Claims filed(2)	4,850			6,299			4,347

	Claims resolved(3)	(5,562		)	(7,429		)	(6,093		)
	Claims unresolved, end of period	21,681			22,393			23,523

		(In dollars)
	Average cost of resolved claims(4)	$	7,513		$	5,979		$	6,585


	(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.
	(4) Excludes claims settled in Mississippi for which the majority of claims have historically been resolved for no payment and insurance recoveries.
Schedule Of Asbestos Related Litigation [Table Text Block]	The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:


		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$	34,540		$	32,872

	Current asbestos insurance receivable(1)	—			41,943

	Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	282,679			299,057

	Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	82,340			21,411

	Accrued asbestos liability(3)	50,175			51,142

	Long-term asbestos liability(4)	346,099			358,288


	(1) Included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(2) Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(3) Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(4) Included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The Company’s minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:


		31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	36,017

	2016	28,697

	2017	17,691

	2018	14,483

	2019	12,153

	Thereafter	44,202

	Total	$	153,243

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The Company’s segment results were as follows:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	2,329,598			$	2,104,048		$	1,901,132

	Fabrication technology	2,294,878				2,103,161			2,012,724

	Total Net sales	$	4,624,476			$	4,207,209		$	3,913,856


	Segment operating income (loss)*(1)*:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	254,240			$	270,708		$	141,524

	Fabrication technology	265,813				219,634			140,184

	Corporate and other	(52,379		)		(48,448		)	(81,639		)
	Total segment operating income	$	467,674			$	441,894		$	200,069


	Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	96,763			$	62,792		$	112,389

	Fabrication technology	76,406				55,339			69,708

	Corporate and other	1,555				1,127			1,306

	Total depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	$	174,724			$	119,258		$	183,403


	Capital expenditures:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	32,558			$	37,995		$	42,343

	Fabrication technology	47,955				33,437			41,146

	Corporate and other	3,966				50			97

	Total capital expenditures	$	84,479			$	71,482		$	83,586


	_________
	(1) The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012

	Income before income taxes	$	358,248			$	302,795		$	48,439

	Interest expense	51,305				103,597			91,570

	Restructuring and other related charges	58,121				35,502			60,060

	Segment operating income	$	467,674			$	441,894		$	200,069




		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
Investments in Equity Method Investees:
Gas and fluid handling	$	7,085			$	7,097

Fabrication technology	45,411				43,698

	$	52,496			$	50,795


Total Assets:
Gas and fluid handling	$	3,660,361			$	4,028,675

Fabrication technology	3,489,388				2,477,534

Corporate and other	95,349				94,975

Total Assets	$	7,245,098			$	6,601,184


Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]

		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Net Sales by Major Product:
	Gas handling	$	1,676,180			$	1,440,731		$	1,242,371

	Fluid handling	653,418				663,317			658,761

	Welding and cutting	2,294,878				2,103,161			2,012,724

	Total Net sales	$	4,624,476			$	4,207,209		$	3,913,856

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]

	Net Sales by Origin(1):
	United States	$	1,097,864			$	836,636		$	789,259

	Foreign locations	3,526,612				3,370,573			3,124,597

	Total Net sales	$	4,624,476			$	4,207,209		$	3,913,856

	_________
	(1) The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.



		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net(1):
	United States	$	180,154			$	145,829

	Czech Republic	79,430				91,611

	China	76,959				82,771

	Other Foreign Locations	393,185				434,050

	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	729,728			$	754,261

	_________
	(1) As the Company does not allocate all long-lived assets, specifically intangible assets, to each individual country, evaluation of long-lived
	assets in total is impracticable.

Selected_Quarterly_data_Unaudi1

Selected Quarterly data - (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Provided below is selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.



		Quarter Ended
		March 28,		June 27,		September 26,		December 31,
		2014(1)		2014(2)		2014		2014(3)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	1,054,331	$	1,199,336	$	1,164,453	$	1,206,356

	Gross profit	325,632		388,171		373,195		391,847

	Net income	54,837		198,344		81,303		85,789

	Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	24,877		191,785		73,389		80,134

	Net income per share – basic	$	0.22	$	1.55	$	0.59	$	0.65

	Net income per share – diluted	$	0.22	$	1.53	$	0.59	$	0.64




		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		June 28,		September 27,		December 31,
		2013		2013		2013		2013(4)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	947,143	$	1,074,118	$	1,014,570	$	1,171,378

	Gross profit	290,725		337,822		320,294		357,381

	Net income	32,275		67,200		65,475		44,193

	Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	22,553		53,306		50,389		31,984

	Net income per share – basic	$	0.21	$	0.53	$	0.49	$	0.31

	Net income per share – diluted	$	0.21	$	0.52	$	0.48	$	0.31

	__________
	(1) On February 12, 2014 the Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the “BDT Investor”). 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. See Note 11, “Equity” for additional information regarding the Preferred stock conversion inducement payment.
	(2) Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended June 27, 2014 includes the benefit of 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 three months ended June 27, 2014 of $113.1 million.
	(3) Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were significantly impacted by the catch-up portion of the enactment of the U.S. tax extenders package related to the taxation of certain foreign income during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 in the U.S.
	(4) Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 includes a $13.8 million gain to remeasure the Company’s equity investment in Sicelub to fair value upon increasing the Company’s ownership to 100%, which was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for additional information regarding the Company’s acquisition of Sicelub. Additionally, during the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company wrote-off $26.8 million of deferred financing fees and original issue discount associated with the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. See Note 10, “Debt” for additional information regarding the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Warranty Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Warranty Costs [Abstract]
Warranty liability, beginning of period	$65,512		$40,437
Accrued warranty expense	23,019		25,013
Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	-9,966		-638
Cost of warranty service work performed	-27,389		-21,082
Acquisitions	4,488	[1]	22,609	[1]
Foreign exchange translation effect	-4,529		-827
Warranty liability, end of period	$51,135		$65,512

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Details Textual)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

A Three Facility [Member]

A Four Facility [Member]

Interest expense [Member]

Selling, general and administrative expense [Member]

Restructuring and other related charges [Member]

Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]

Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Revenues in excess of billings on long-term contracts

$190,700,000

$231,300,000

Billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts

175,300,000

214,800,000

Research and development costs

43,000,000

27,400,000

19,400,000

Advertising costs

18,200,000

17,000,000

15,700,000

Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives

three to 15Â years

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)

2,900,000

200,000

Fair Value of Indefinite-Lived Trade Names Impaired During the Year

2,800,000

Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful lives, accelerated basis

seven to 30 years

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Lives

two to 20 years

Non-cash impairment provisions

4,643,000

1,894,000

4,600,000

1,900,000

3,200,000

2,863,000

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived

10,500,000

Fair Value of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Impaired During the Year

3,300,000

Notional Amount of Nonderivative Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges

147,900,000

98,800,000

Official Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Bolivar Fuerte Previously Used

6.3

Devaluation Percentage Of Bolivar Fuerte

87.00%

32.00%

Foreign Exchange Rate Used to Remeasure Venezuelan Operations

SICAD II

Net Monetary Assets of Venezuelan Subsidiary

700,000

5,500,000

Loss Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting

-6,300,000

-2,900,000

Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain

-5,100,000

-4,100,000

-5,500,000

-5,200,000

-1,200,000

Deferred issuance costs, gross

18,500,000

18,200,000

Deferred issuance costs, accumulated amortization

8,600,000

4,700,000

Payments of debt issuance costs

$300,000

$7,100,000

$9,900,000

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro1

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issues Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits presented as a reduction to deferred tax assets	$30.50
Unrecognized tax benefits included in Other liabilities		$9.20

Acquisitions_Finite_Lived_Inta

Acquisitions Finite Lived Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) (Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc. [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 14, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
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]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
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
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
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]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
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]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets		$53,300

Acquisitions_Purchase_Price_Al

Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value	$76,678	$74,387		$714,486
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory	107,785	49,871		487,835
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	59,281	92,247		595,961
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	612,746	284,294	[1]	1,793,394
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	389,700	104,272		794,333
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable	-34,271	-70,122		-391,131
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt	0	-10,942		-437,564
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Assets and Liabilities, Net	-263,119	-99,205		-746,719
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Including Portion Attribute To Noncontrolling Interest	948,800	424,802		2,810,595
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value	0	0		-259,329
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$948,800	$424,802		$2,551,266

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Acquisitions_Summary_of_2013_R

Acquisitions Summary of 2013 Retrospective Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	$424,802
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	424,802
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	80,258
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets	-5,871
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	74,387
Inventories [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	53,551
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory	-3,680
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	49,871
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	94,258
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-2,011
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	92,247
Goodwill [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	258,901
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	25,393
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	284,294
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	104,272
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	104,272
Accounts Payable [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	-68,308
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities	-1,814
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	-70,122
Debt [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	-10,942
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	-10,942
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Provisional Amount	-87,188
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities	-12,017
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed Final Amount	($99,205)

Acquisitions_2012_Purchase_Pri

Acquisitions 2012 Purchase Price Allocation by Significant Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value	$76,678	$74,387		$714,486
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory	107,785	49,871		487,835
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	59,281	92,247		595,961
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	612,746	284,294	[1]	1,793,394
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	389,700	104,272		794,333
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable	-34,271	-70,122		-391,131
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt	0	-10,942		-437,564
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Assets and Liabilities, Net	-263,119	-99,205		-746,719
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Including Portion Attribute To Noncontrolling Interest	948,800	424,802		2,810,595
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value	0	0		-259,329
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	948,800	424,802		2,551,266
Charter International Plc [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value				683,976
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory				449,906
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment				562,129
Goodwill, Acquired During Period				1,649,159
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill				715,643
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable				-378,114
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt				-399,466
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Assets and Liabilities, Net				-706,052
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Including Portion Attribute To Noncontrolling Interest				2,577,181
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value				-241,201
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				2,335,980
Soldex S.A. [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value				22,848
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory				32,985
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment				28,921
Goodwill, Acquired During Period				116,696
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill				65,325
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable				-6,682
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt				-36,734
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Assets and Liabilities, Net				-33,654
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Including Portion Attribute To Noncontrolling Interest				189,705
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value				-18,128
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				171,577
Other acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value				7,662
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory				4,944
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment				4,911
Goodwill, Acquired During Period				27,539
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill				13,365
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable				-6,335
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt				-1,364
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Assets and Liabilities, Net				-7,013
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Including Portion Attribute To Noncontrolling Interest				43,709
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value				0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				$43,709

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Acquisitions_Details_Textual

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 01, 2012

21-May-14

Nov. 25, 2013

Jul. 09, 2013

Jul. 01, 2014

Aug. 05, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Apr. 13, 2012

31-May-12

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain

$13,784,000

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

6,176,000

6,517,000

6,176,000

4,359,000

Acquisition-related expense excluded Charter

43,617,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

59,900,000

Charter International Plc [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid

1,900,000,000

Payments to acquire business, Other Noncash Consideration

700,000,000

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

13-Jan-12

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

2,600,000,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

3,200,000,000

Howden Thomassen Middle East FCZO [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Combination, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Prior to additional Acquisition

90.00%

Percentage of Ownership Interest in Subsidiary by Parent After additional Acquisition

100.00%

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

21-May-14

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

800,000

Flakt Woods GII [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

29-Nov-13

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

246,000,000

Sicelub [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Ownership Interest of Subsidiary Before Additional Acquisition

7,400,000

Business Combination, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Prior to additional Acquisition

44.00%

Percentage of Ownership Interest in Subsidiary by Parent After additional Acquisition

100.00%

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

25-Nov-13

Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock, Fair Value at Acquisition Date

31,700,000

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain

13,800,000

Unrealized Gain On Change in expected settlement of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

3,100,000

ÄŒKD Kompresory [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

1-Nov-13

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

69,400,000

TLT-Babcock and Alphair [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

30-Sep-13

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

55,700,000

Clarus Fluid Intelligence [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

9-Jul-13

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

13,200,000

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

2,500,000

Covent [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

13-Sep-12

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

34,600,000

ESAB-SVEL [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Combination, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Prior to additional Acquisition

51.00%

Percentage of Ownership Interest in Subsidiary by Parent After additional Acquisition

100.00%

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

1-Jul-14

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

9,500,000

Victor Technologies Holdings, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

14-Apr-14

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

948,800,000

Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments

7,100,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

347,300,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

35,900,000

Soldex S.A. [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Combination, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Prior to additional Acquisition

91.00%

Percentage of Ownership Interest in Subsidiary by Parent After additional Acquisition

99.00%

91.00%

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

5-Aug-13

31-Oct-12

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

14,900,000

187,200,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

21,600,000

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

-1,700,000

Esab India [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Combination, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Prior to additional Acquisition

56.00%

Percentage of Ownership Interest in Subsidiary by Parent After additional Acquisition

74.00%

Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition

13-Apr-12

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

29,300,000

Sibes [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Business Combination, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage Prior to additional Acquisition

16.00%

Percentage of Ownership Interest in Subsidiary by Parent After additional Acquisition

100.00%

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

8,500,000

Q4 2013 Acquisitions [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments

25,400,000

Acquisitions Excluding Charter [Member]

Business Acquisitions [Line Items]

Acquisition-related expense excluded Charter

$2,700,000

$4,300,000

$3,100,000

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Deta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014		Mar. 28, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$80,134	[1]	$73,389	$191,785	[2]	$24,877	[3]	$31,984	[4]	$50,389	$53,306	$22,553	$370,185		$158,232		($83,353)
Less: net income attributable to participating securities													0	[5]	-3,740	[5]	0	[5]
Net income (loss) - basic													370,185		154,492		-83,353
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding-basic													121,143,790		99,198,570		91,069,640
Net income (loss) per share- basic	$0.65	[1]	$0.59	$1.55	[2]	$0.22	[3]	$0.31	[4]	$0.49	$0.53	$0.21	$3.06		$1.56		($0.92)
Net income (loss) - diluted													$370,185		$154,492		($83,353)
Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units													1,522,502		1,167,885		0
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding-diluted													122,666,292		100,366,455		91,069,640
Net income (loss) per share- diluted	$0.64	[1]	$0.59	$1.53	[2]	$0.22	[3]	$0.31	[4]	$0.48	$0.52	$0.21	$3.02		$1.54		($0.92)

[1]	Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were significantly impacted by the catch-up portion of the enactment of the U.S. tax extenders package related to the taxation of certain foreign income during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 in the U.S.
[2]	Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended June 27, 2014 includes the benefit of 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 Companyâ€™s valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets. The reduction in the valuation allowance created a non-cash income tax benefit for the three months ended June 27, 2014 of $113.1 million.
[3]	On February 12, 2014 the Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the â€œBDT Investorâ€). As consideration for the BDT Investorâ€™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. See Note 11, â€œEquityâ€ for additional information regarding the Preferred stock conversion inducement payment.
[4]	Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 includes a $13.8 million gain to remeasure the Companyâ€™s equity investment in Sicelub to fair value upon increasing the Companyâ€™s ownership to 100%, which was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for additional information regarding the Companyâ€™s acquisition of Sicelub. Additionally, during the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company wrote-off $26.8 million of deferred financing fees and original issue discount associated with the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. See Note 10, â€œDebtâ€ for additional information regarding the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.
[5]	Net income (loss) per share - diluted for the period from January 13, 2012 to April 23, 2013 was calculated consistently with the two-class method in accordance with GAAP, as further discussed below. 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, as further discussed below. However, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the calculation under this method was anti-dilutive.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Deta1

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Preferred, Amount	1.4	12.2
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.8	0.6	2.8

Income_Taxes_Domestic_and_Fore

Income Taxes Domestic and Foreign (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	$798		($464)		$0
State	2,047		871		362
Foreign	74,618		83,299		83,119
Current income tax	77,463		83,706		83,481
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Domestic operations	-127,114		11,603		50,340
Foreign operations	-12,374		-1,657		-43,118
Deferred income tax	-139,488		9,946		7,222
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	-62,025		93,652		90,703
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Domestic operations	53,153		-7,899		-73,467
Foreign operations	305,095		310,694		121,906
Income before income taxes	$358,248	[1]	$302,795	[1]	$48,439	[1]

[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_De

Income Taxes Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Rate [Abstract]
Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$125,386	$105,978	$16,954
State taxes	2,323	871	362
Effect of tax rates on international operations	-34,619	-42,972	-24,070
Change in enacted international tax rates	-149	-5,217	-12,305
Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves	-156,071	30,554	106,802
Other	1,105	4,438	2,960
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	($62,025)	$93,652	$90,703

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Post-retirement benefit obligation	$93,080	$87,305
Expenses currently not deductible	116,648	155,488
Net operating loss carryforward	234,384	264,893
Tax credit carryforward	11,509	15,518
Depreciation and amortization	11,092	5,473
Other	22,291	6,596
Valuation allowance	-159,686	-360,910	-357,600
Deferred tax assets, net	329,318	174,363
Depreciation and amortization	-360,602	-266,652
Post-retirement benefit obligation	-12,122	-17,844
Inventory	-16,696	-12,558
Other	-193,618	-59,036
Total deferred tax liabilities	-583,038	-356,090
Total deferred tax liabilities, net	($253,720)	($181,727)

Income_Taxes_Gross_Unrecognize

Income Taxes Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of unrecognized tax beneits [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$71,595	$85,723
Acquisitions	37,328	2,683
Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods	3,752	6,988
Addition for tax positions taken in current period	894	7,730
Reduction for tax positions taken in prior periods	-27,601	-31,156
Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation	-8,443	-373
Ending Balance	$77,525	$71,595

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		$159,686,000		$360,910,000		$357,600,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	-113,100,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards		346,800,000
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforwards		10,200,000
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries		723,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		77,525,000		71,595,000		85,723,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		14,700,000		13,400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits To Offset Interest and Penalties		100,000		100,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Net		77,400,000		71,500,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense		2,500,000		4,000,000		1,300,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit		23,800,000
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense, Net		-134,200,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		11,933,000	[1]	30,554,000	[1]	103,785,000	[1]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Reserves of Businesses Acquired		1,790,000	[2]	4,925,000	[2]	153,322,000	[2]
Valuation Allowances And Reserves Foreign Currency Translation		-2,771,000		-1,601,000		0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments		145,400,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts		-65,999,000	[3]	-27,233,000	[3]	20,676,000	[3]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change due to International tax rates		($146,177,000)		($3,373,000)

[1]	Amounts charged to expense are net of recoveries for the respective period.
[2]	Includes reclassifications related to the Charter Acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2013. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the impact of retrospective adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 4, "Acquisitions" for further discussion.
[3]	Represents amount charge to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and, for the year ended December 31, 2014, includes reclassifications to deferred tax asset accounts.

Goodwill_Intangibles_Goodwill_

Goodwill & Intangibles Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	$2,409,699	$2,098,836
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	612,746	284,294	[1]	1,793,394
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-149,542	26,569
Balance end of period	2,872,903	2,409,699		2,098,836
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	1,532,201	1,225,494
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	284,294	[1]
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-103,843	22,413
Balance end of period	1,428,358	1,532,201
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	877,498	873,342
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	612,746	0	[1]
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-45,699	4,156
Balance end of period	$1,444,545	$877,498

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Goodwill_Intangibles_Intangibl

Goodwill & Intangibles Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Gross	$1,168,383	$979,862
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-124,800	-147,309
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	593,799	353,337
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-85,171	-51,675
Acquired Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	113,697	114,647
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-27,681	-22,757
Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	0	73,476
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	0	-65,919
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	50,287	24,127
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-11,948	-6,958
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	$410,600	$414,275

Goodwill_Intangibles_Amortizat

Goodwill & Intangibles Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$67,052	$41,012	$85,106

Goodwill_Intangibles_Details_T

Goodwill & Intangibles (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	$64.90
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	61.8
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	58.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	55.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$51.90

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,041,340		$1,010,318	[1]
Accumulated depreciation	-311,612		-256,057	[1]
Property, plant and equipment, net	729,728	[2]	754,261	[1],[2]
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	52,539		48,353	[1]
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	366,009		372,115	[1]
Buildings and improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciable Life	5 years
Buildings and improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciable Life	40 years
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	524,723		501,387	[1]
Machinery and equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciable Life	3 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciable Life	15 years
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	98,069		$88,463	[1]
Software [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciable Life	3 years
Software [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciable Life	5 years

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.
[2]	As the Company does not allocate all long-lived assets, specifically intangible assets, to each individual country, evaluation of long-lived assets in total is impracticable.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N3

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$4,643,000	$1,894,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	94,500,000	78,100,000	75,000,000
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	15,700,000	11,800,000	10,500,000
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$4,600,000	$1,900,000	$3,200,000

Inventories_Net_Details

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$164,115	$145,335	[1]
Work in process	81,110	113,018	[1]
Finished goods	239,808	222,034	[1]
Inventory, Gross	485,033	480,387	[1]
Less: customer progress payments	-7,728	-4,078	[1]
Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	-34,573	-32,773	[1]
Inventories, net	$442,732	$443,536	[1]

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	$1,539,244	$1,487,091
Less: current portion	-9,855	-29,449
Long-term debt	1,529,389	1,457,642
Term loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	1,132,908	1,115,238
Trade receivables financing arrangement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	80,000
Revolving credit facilities and other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	$326,336	$371,853

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Maturiti

Debt Schedule of Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$9,855
2016	5,620
2017	4,452
2018	1,531,888
Total contractual maturities	1,551,815
Debt discount	-12,571
Total debt	$1,539,244	$1,487,091

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	14-May-14	Nov. 07, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	A One Facility [Member]	A One Facility [Member]	A Two Facility [Member]	A Three Facility [Member]	A Four Facility [Member]	Two Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Trade receivables financing arrangement
			USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)
DB Credit Facility Term Loans			$558,700,000	$408,700,000	$380,000,000	€ 149,700,000	€ 100,000,000
Base Rate Loan Interest Rate Margin Percentage, Minimum				0.50%	0.50%	0.75%	0.75%	0.50%
Base Rate Loan Interest Rate Margin Percentage, Maximum				1.25%	1.25%	1.50%	1.50%	1.25%
Eurocurrency Rate Loan Interest Rate Margin Percentage, Minimum				1.50%	1.50%	1.75%	1.75%	1.50%
Eurocurrency Rate Interest Rate Loan Margin Percentage, Maximum				2.25%	2.25%	2.50%	2.50%	2.25%
Increase to Borrowing Capacity Under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement			150,000,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	26,800,000	29,400,000
Expenses Incurred During Refinance Of Debt		1,200,000
Debt discount		12,571,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Net		9,900,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		1.94%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								898,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		674,900,000
DB Letter of Credit Subfacility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		199,900,000
Letters of Credit, Maximum Capacity		699,100,000
Letters of Credit, Amount Outstanding		381,200,000
Trade receivables financing arrangement, maximum borrowing capacity									80,000,000
Trade receivables financing arrangement interest rate									0.90%
Trade receivables financing arrangement outstanding borrowings									$80,000,000
Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement Pledged Collateral, Description		In connection with the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement, the Company has pledged substantially all of its domestic subsidiariesâ€™ assets, other than the transferred receivables discussed previously, and 65% of the shares of certain first tier international subsidiaries as collateral against borrowings to its U.S. companies. In addition, subsidiaries in certain foreign jurisdictions have guaranteed the Companyâ€™s obligations on borrowings of one of its European subsidiaries, as well as pledged substantially all of their assets for such borrowings to this European subsidiary under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description		The Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting the Companyâ€™s ability to, among other things, pay dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase equity, enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, merge or consolidate with others or dispose of assets. In addition, the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio, as defined therein, of not more than 4.75 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined therein, of 2.50 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter. The minimum interest coverage ratio increases by 25 basis points each year until it reaches 3.0 to 1.0 for the year ending December 31, 2016 and each year thereafter. The maximum total leverage ratio decreases 25 basis points each year until it reaches 4.25 to 1.0 for the year ending December 31, 2016 and each year thereafter.
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance		The Company is in compliance with all such covenants as of DecemberÂ 31, 2014.

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($46,600)	($146,594)
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	-942	-381
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-89,379	77,515
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-346,524	21,091
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	2,096	2,176
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges	39,374	-14,261
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	-8,932	3,832
Other	1,934	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-401,431	90,353
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,282	10,022
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income	-396,149	100,375
Ending balance	-443,691	-46,600	-146,594
Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-159,795	-247,332
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-89,379	77,515
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	-87,445	77,515
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,282	10,022
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income	-82,163	87,537
Ending balance	-241,958	-159,795
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
Net actuarial (loss) gain	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-346,524	21,091
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	2,096	2,176
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	-344,428	23,267
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income	-344,428	23,267
Ending balance	-217,766	127,604
Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Hedging Activities [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-14,409	-3,980
Acquisition of shares held by noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net actuarial (loss) gain	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	0	0
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges	39,374	-14,261
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	-8,932	3,832
Other	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	30,442	-10,429
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income	30,442	-10,429
Ending balance	$16,033	($14,409)

Equity_Details_1

Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Amortization of net loss, before tax	$7,097	[1]	$10,489	[1]
Amortization of net loss, tax	-2,063	[1]	-715	[1]	-256
Amortization of net loss, net of tax	5,034	[1]	9,774	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, before tax	248	[1]	248	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, tax	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax	248	[1]	248	[1]
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	7,345		10,737
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	-2,063		-715
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$5,282		$10,022

[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13, â€œDefined Benefit Plansâ€ for additional details.

Equity_Stockbased_compensation

Equity Stock-based compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$17,580	$13,334	$9,373
Deferred tax benefit	$4,054	$434	$305

Equity_Option_Valuation_Assump

Equity Option Valuation Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Equity Option Valuation Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years)	4 years 10 months 13 days	4 years 10 months 25 days	5 years 4 months 28 days
Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant)	1.62%	1.06%	0.99%
Volatility	34.67%	43.22%	42.59%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$22.65	$18.07	$13.14

Equity_Option_Award_Activity_D

Equity Option Award Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Option Activity [Abstract]
Number of options, Outstanding at January 1, 2014	2,431,790
Number of options, Granted	700,018
Number of options, Exercised	-154,830
Number of options, Forfeited	-60,525
Number of options, Expired	-6,344
Number of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,910,109
Number of options, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2014	2,856,031
Number of options, Exercisable at December 31, 2014	985,033
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at January 1, 2014	$30.98
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted	$69.06
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercised	$23.02
Weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited	$49.34
Weighted-average exercise price, Expired	$29.18
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$40.19
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2014	$39.81
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercisable at December 31, 2014	$23.96
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2014	4 years 6 months 20 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2014	4 years 6 months 8 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at December 31, 2014	3 years 1 month 17 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$45,492	[1]
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2014	45,323	[1]
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable at December 31, 2014	$27,463	[1]

[1]	The aggregate intrinsic value is based upon the difference between the Companyâ€™s closing stock price at the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the exercise price of the stock option for in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of outstanding stock options fluctuates based upon the trading value of the Companyâ€™s Common stock.

Equity_PRSU_and_RSU_Activity_D

Equity PRSU and RSU Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Equity PRSU and RSU Activity (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs) [Member]
Award Activity Rollforward [Line Items]
Number of units, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	576,742
Number of units, Granted	119,300
Number of units, Vested	-73,520
Number of units, Forefeited	-40,586
Number of units, Nonvested at December 31, 2014	581,936
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	$27.86
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Granted	$69.79
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Vested	$12.17
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Forfeited	$24.50
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested at December 31, 2014	$38.67
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Award Activity Rollforward [Line Items]
Number of units, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	121,789
Number of units, Granted	87,922
Number of units, Vested	-20,380
Number of units, Forefeited	-20,420
Number of units, Nonvested at December 31, 2014	168,911
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested at January 1, 2014	$43.81
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Granted	$67.28
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Vested	$35.61
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Forfeited	$51.17
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested at December 31, 2014	$56.13

Equity_Textuals_Details

Equity Textuals (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
Equity Textuals (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 24, 2012	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 09, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 05, 2012
Equity Text [Abstract]
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)			252,674	265,995	452,062
Stock Authorized	420,000,000						210,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000		400,000,000	400,000,000			200,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000		20,000,000	20,000,000			10,000,000
Statement [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued			123,730,578	101,921,613
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			0	13,877,552
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)			183,000	88,200
Preferred Stock Conversions, Cash Payment Upon Conversion		$23,400,000
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment		19,600,000	19,565,000	0	0
Conversion Rate Of Convertible Preferred Stock	114.00%
Colfax Common stock conversion necessary on third anniversary for Colfax option Preferred stock conversion	133.00%
Charter Acquisition, Colfax to Charter share issue rate	0.1241
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	20,735,493
Stock issuance costs	14,700,000
Maximum Annual Cash Dividend Payment and Common Stock Repurchases			50,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			-12,400,000	-17,500,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense			34,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year 7 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value			13,300,000	9,200,000	9,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value			6,400,000	2,500,000	1,900,000
Stock Option Plan 2008 Description			Under the 2008 Plan, the Company may grant options to purchase Common stock, with a maximum term of 10 years at a purchase price equal to the market value of the Companyâ€™s Common stock on the date of grant. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a holder of 10% of the Companyâ€™s outstanding Common stock, the Company may grant options to purchase Common stock with a maximum term of 5 years, at a purchase price equal to 110% of the market value of the Companyâ€™s Common stock on the date of grant.
Mitchell P. Rales [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	2,170,139
Percentage Of Share Held By Related Party	20.90%
Steven M. Rales [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	2,170,139
Percentage Of Share Held By Related Party	20.90%
Markel Corporation [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,085,070
Mitchell P Rales Steven M Rales and Markel Corporation [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Stock, Value, Issued	125,000,000
Proceeds Per Share Of Common Stock Issued	$23.04
BDT Investor [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	14,756,945
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	13,877,552
Stock, Value, Issued	680,000,000
Proceeds Per Share Of Preferred Stock Issued	$24.50
Proceeds Per Share Of Common Stock Issued	$23.04
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	6.00%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$24.50
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Late Payment, Percentage	8.00%
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted			13,877,552
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities			12,173,291
Fractional Share, Cash in Lieu, Share Amount			0.22807018
Preferred Stock Conversions, Cash Payment Upon Conversion			23,400,000
Common Stock [Member]
Equity Text [Abstract]
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)			252,674	265,995	452,062
Statement [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued						1,000,000		8,000,000
Stock, Value, Issued						34,000,000		272,000,000
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)			183,000	88,200
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			9,200,000	7,500,000	49,917,786
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues			632,500,000	331,900,000
Stock issuance costs			22,100,000	12,000,000	20,200,000	12,600,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues					13,877,552
Stock issuance costs			$0	$0	$7,000,000

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued payroll	$120,068		$136,645	[1]
Advance payment from customers	58,049		53,280	[1]
Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	58,009		71,533	[1]
Accrued Asbestos-related liability	50,175	[2]	51,142	[1],[2]
Warranty liability - current portion	47,966		59,017	[1]
Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	21,846		12,856
Accrued third-party commissions	11,026		13,095	[1]
Other	128,254		95,126	[1]
Accrued liabilities	$495,393		$492,694	[1]

[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.
[2]	Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the 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 Companyâ€™s insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring_Rollforward_Deta

Restructuring Rollforward (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Balance at Beginning of Period	$14,115	[1]	$27,354
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges	53,478		33,608
Non-cash impairment provisions	4,643		1,894
Provisions	58,121		35,502
Payments	-43,458		-47,279
Foreign Currency Translation	-1,125		432
Balance at End of Period	23,010	[2]	14,115	[1]
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	4,394		4,237
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges	23,670
Non-cash impairment provisions	2,863
Provisions	26,533		10,429
Payments	-18,601		-10,337
Foreign Currency Translation	-467		65
Balance at End of Period	8,996		4,394
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	8,462		21,595
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges	29,808		23,179
Non-cash impairment provisions	1,780		1,894
Provisions	31,588		25,073
Payments	-24,582		-36,224
Foreign Currency Translation	-596		-88
Balance at End of Period	13,092		8,462
Corporate and Other [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,259		1,522
Provisions	0		0
Payments	-275		-718
Foreign Currency Translation	-62		455
Balance at End of Period	922		1,259
Employee Severance [Member] \| Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	3,638	[3]	3,060	[3]
Provisions	18,179	[3]	9,413	[3]
Payments	-13,887	[3]	-8,680	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-379	[3]	-155	[3]
Balance at End of Period	7,551	[3]	3,638	[3]
Employee Severance [Member] \| Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	7,033	[3]	14,637	[3]
Provisions	26,790	[3]	22,775	[3]
Payments	-22,227	[3]	-30,056	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-441	[3]	-323	[3]
Balance at End of Period	11,155	[3]	7,033	[3]
Employee Severance [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period			0	[3]
Provisions			0	[3]
Payments			0	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation			0	[3]
Balance at End of Period			0	[3]
Facility Closing [Member] \| Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	756	[4]	1,177	[4]
Provisions	5,491	[4]	683	[4]
Payments	-4,714	[4]	-1,137	[4]
Foreign Currency Translation	-88	[4]	33	[4]
Balance at End of Period	1,445	[4]	756	[4]
Facility Closing [Member] \| Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,429	[4]	6,925	[4]
Provisions	3,018	[4]	280	[4]
Payments	-2,355	[4]	-5,736	[4]
Foreign Currency Translation	-155	[4]	-40	[4]
Balance at End of Period	1,937	[4]	1,429	[4]
Facility Closing [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,259	[4]	1,522	[4]
Provisions	0	[4]	0	[4]
Payments	-275	[4]	-718	[4]
Foreign Currency Translation	-62	[4]	455	[4]
Balance at End of Period	922	[4]	1,259	[4]
Other Restructuring [Member] \| Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period			0
Provisions			333
Payments			-520
Foreign Currency Translation			187
Balance at End of Period			0
Other Restructuring [Member] \| Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period			33
Provisions			124
Payments			-432
Foreign Currency Translation			275
Balance at End of Period			0
Other Restructuring [Member] \| Corporate and Other [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period			0
Provisions			0
Payments			0
Foreign Currency Translation			0
Balance at End of Period			$0

[1]	As of DecemberÂ 31, 2013, $12.9 million and $1.2 million of the Companyâ€™s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.
[2]	As of DecemberÂ 31, 2014, $21.8 million and $1.2 million of the Companyâ€™s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.
[3]	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.
[4]	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 $)	12 Months Ended
Accrued Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	$50,000,000
Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	21,846,000	12,856,000
Accrued restructuring liability - noncurrent portion	$1,200,000	$1,200,000

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Obligati

Defined Benefit Plans Obligation and Asset Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan	$11,850		$4,877
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	1,367,315
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	1,469,103		1,367,315
Pension Benefits [Member]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,640,418		1,665,138
Acquisitions	48,938		6,356
Service cost	4,883		3,985		3,381
Interest cost	70,469		63,132		67,745
Actuarial loss (gain)	211,170		-28,831
Foreign exchange effect	-97,525		17,919
Benefits paid	-111,971		-83,060
Settlements	-1,387		-4,189
Other	498		-32
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	1,765,493		1,640,418		1,665,138
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	1,739,642		1,617,651
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	1,367,315		1,287,844
Acquisitions	42,051		2,787
Actual return on plan assets	174,065		100,300
Employer contribution	69,714	[1]	49,772	[1]
Foreign exchange effect	-70,851		13,076
Settlements	-1,387		-3,565
Other	167		161
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	1,469,103		1,367,315		1,287,844
Funded status, end of year	-296,390		-273,103
Non-current assets	58,997		38,177
Current liabilities	-5,328		-6,048
Non-current liabilities	-350,059		-305,232
Total	-296,390		-273,103
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	28,823		35,519
Acquisitions	1,011		0
Service cost	155		179		110
Interest cost	1,304		1,090		1,507
Actuarial loss (gain)	5,553		-6,072
Foreign exchange effect	0		0
Benefits paid	-1,761		-2,018
Settlements	0		0
Other	0		125
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	35,085		28,823		35,519
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	35,085		28,823
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0		0
Acquisitions	0		0
Actual return on plan assets	0		0
Employer contribution	1,761		2,018
Foreign exchange effect	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Other	0		0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0		0		0
Funded status, end of year	-35,085		-28,823
Non-current assets	0		0
Current liabilities	-2,749		-2,747
Non-current liabilities	-32,336		-26,076
Total	-35,085		-28,823
Foreign Pension Benefits [Member]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,205,554		1,181,024
Acquisitions	21,578		3,952
Service cost	4,883		3,985		3,381
Interest cost	51,658		46,775		49,291
Actuarial loss (gain)	144,232		11,093
Foreign exchange effect	-97,525		17,919
Benefits paid	-64,347		-54,978
Settlements	-1,387		-4,189
Other	497		-27
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	1,265,143		1,205,554		1,181,024
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	1,239,292		1,182,786
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	999,197		938,167
Acquisitions	20,873		651
Actual return on plan assets	139,460		62,914
Employer contribution	56,384		42,769
Foreign exchange effect	-70,851		13,076
Settlements	-1,387		-3,565
Other	168		163
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	1,079,497		999,197		938,167
Funded status, end of year	-185,646		-206,357
All Plans [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan	$11,900		$4,900

[1]	Contributions during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 include contributions of 183,000 and 88,200 shares of Colfax Common stock, respectively, with values on the contribution dates of approximately $11.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Defined_

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Expected Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
2015	$89,811
2016	89,908
2017	90,842
2018	91,140
2019	91,464
Thereafter	465,508
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
2015	57,027
2016	57,222
2017	58,244
2018	58,780
2019	59,322
Thereafter	309,824
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
2015	2,749
2016	2,758
2017	2,681
2018	2,539
2019	2,327
Thereafter	$9,350

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Plan_Ass

Defined Benefit Plans Plan Asset Allocation (Details)	12 Months Ended
Defined Benefit Plans Plan Asset Allocation (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Equity Securities [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	43.00%	41.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	30.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	45.00%
International Securities [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	15.00%	16.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	20.00%
Equity Securities [Member] \| Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	30.00%	30.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	50.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	41.00%	39.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	30.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	50.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	66.00%	65.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	90.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%	1.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	5.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	1.00%	2.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	25.00%
Other Securities [Member] \| U.S. Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	1.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	20.00%
Other Securities [Member] \| Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	3.00%	3.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	5.00%

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Plan_Ass1

Defined Benefit Plans Plan Asset Allocation, Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$1,469,103		$1,367,315
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	648,526		839,745
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	819,351		515,928
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,226		11,642		38,832	36,321
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets			2,854
U.S. Plans [Member] \| U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	104,164		101,702
U.S. Plans [Member] \| U.S. Small Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	63,210		49,913
U.S. Plans [Member] \| International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	58,713		58,104
U.S. Plans [Member] \| U.S. Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	157,872		143,903
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Structured Loan Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,226		11,642
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,421	[1]
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets			2,854
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,901		101,702
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Small Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	19,540		6,714
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,461		16,458
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	10,508		143,903
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,623	[1]
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	100,263
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Small Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	43,670		43,199
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	56,252		41,646
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	147,364
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,798	[1]
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Structured Loan Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,226		11,642
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,079,497		999,197		938,167
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12,951		22,421
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	326,107		304,506
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Non-U.S. Government and Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	707,990		649,756
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	32,449	[1]	22,514	[2]
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12,951		22,421
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	286,797		266,021
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Government and Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	308,705		277,565
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,040	[1]	2,107	[2]
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	39,310		38,485
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Government and Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	399,285		372,191
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$30,409	[1]	$20,407	[2]

[1]	Represents diversified portfolio funds, real estate and reinsurance contracts and money market funds.
[2]	Represents diversified portfolio funds and reinsurance contracts maintained for certain foreign plans.

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Level_3_

Defined Benefit Plans Level 3 Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$1,469,103	$1,367,315
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	11,642	38,832	36,321
Sales proceeds	-11,030	-28,440
Realized gain	614	338	152
Unrealized gain		912	2,359
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$1,226	$11,642	$38,832

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Net_Peri

Defined Benefit Plans Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]
Service cost	$4,883	$3,985	$3,381
Interest cost	70,469	63,132	67,745
Amortization	6,608	9,672	8,091
Settlement loss (gain)	190	-592	0
Other	328	-154	26
Expected return on plan assets	-69,055	-58,511	-61,094
Net periodic benefit cost	13,423	17,532	18,149
Current year net actuarial loss (gain)	96,005	-69,463	98,784
Amortization of net loss	-6,608	-9,672	-8,012
Settlement loss	-190	-32	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	-79
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income	89,207	-79,167	90,693
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Service cost	155	179	110
Interest cost	1,304	1,090	1,507
Amortization	468	609	801
Settlement loss (gain)	0	0	0
Other	0	125	0
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1,927	2,003	2,418
Current year net actuarial loss (gain)	5,553	-6,072	-1,449
Amortization of net loss	-220	-361	-553
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	-248	-248	-248
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income	5,085	-6,681	-2,250
Foreign Pension Benefits [Member]
Service cost	4,883	3,985	3,381
Interest cost	51,658	46,775	49,291
Amortization	1,669	2,305	944
Settlement loss (gain)	190	-592	0
Other	328	-154	28
Expected return on plan assets	-44,287	-34,541	-36,535
Net periodic benefit cost	14,441	17,778	17,109
Current year net actuarial loss (gain)	38,904	-16,121	65,689
Amortization of net loss	-1,669	-2,305	-865
Settlement loss	-190	-32	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	-79
Total recognized in Other comprehensive (loss) income	$37,045	($18,458)	$64,745

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Defined_1

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$285,250	$196,044
Prior service cost	0	0
Total	285,250	196,044
Net Actuarial Loss Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	12,139
Prior Service Cost Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	0
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year	12,139
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	4,576	-757
Prior service cost	807	1,055
Total	5,383	298
Net Actuarial Loss Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	450
Prior Service Cost Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	248
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year	$698

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Key_Econ

Defined Benefit Plans Key Economic Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
Defined Benefit Plans Key Economic Assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
All Plans [Member] \| Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average discount rate, obligation	3.30%	4.40%
Weighted-average discount rate, net periodic benefit cost	4.40%	4.00%	4.60%
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets, net periodic benefit cost	5.40%	5.10%	5.30%
All Plans [Member] \| Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average discount rate, obligation	3.60%	4.40%
Weighted-average discount rate, net periodic benefit cost	4.40%	3.50%	4.30%
Foreign Plans [Member] \| Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average discount rate, obligation	3.30%	4.40%
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans, obligation	1.60%	1.60%
Weighted-average discount rate, net periodic benefit cost	4.40%	4.20%	4.70%
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets, net periodic benefit cost	4.90%	4.30%	4.50%
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans, net periodic benefit cost	1.70%	1.50%	1.30%

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Health_C

Defined Benefit Plans Health Care Assumption Effect (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Health Care Increase Decrease [Abstract]
Effect on total service and interest cost components for the year ended December 31, 2014, 1% increase	$148
Effect on total service and interest cost components for the year ended December 31, 2014, 1% decrease	-118
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014, 1% increase	3,502
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014, 1% decrease	($2,803)

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Details_

Defined Benefit Plans Details Textual (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Defined Benefit Plans Details Textual (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan	$11,850,000	$4,877,000
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	183,000	88,200
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation	1,300,000,000	1,200,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,000,000,000	900,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Benefit Obligation	1,400,000,000	1,200,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,100,000,000	900,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	45,100,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	6.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% by 2027 for four of the Companyâ€™s plans and to 5% by 2021 for another plan and remain at those levels thereafter for benefits covered under the plans. For one additional plan the rate has already reached its long term level of 5%.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	25,300,000	21,500,000	19,300,000
All Plans [Member]
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan	$11,900,000	$4,900,000

Fair_Value_Hierarchy_Details

Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Cash equivalents	$23,143	$22,032
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	2,941	2,414
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	2,941	2,414
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	0	6,176	6,517	4,359
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	34,073	42,300
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,253	14,929
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash equivalents	23,143	22,032
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	23,143	22,032
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	2,941	2,414
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	2,941	2,414
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	10,930	20,268
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,253	8,753
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		6,176
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	6,176
Foreign currency contracts related to sales
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	4,524	11,241
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	1,007	3,642
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	7,163	1,126
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	2,793	3,625
Foreign currency contracts related to sales \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	4,524	11,241
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	1,007	3,642
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	7,163	1,126
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	2,793	3,625
Foreign currency contracts related to purchases
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	1,980	428
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	478	2,543
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	695	742
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	661	846
Foreign currency contracts related to purchases \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	1,980	428
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	478	2,543
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	695	742
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	$661	$846

Notional_Values_Details

Notional Values (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative, Notional Amount	$465,605	$771,417
Foreign currency contracts related to sales \| Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	124,838	244,755
Foreign currency contracts related to sales \| Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	250,743	206,220
Foreign currency contracts related to purchases \| Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	36,080	273,714
Foreign currency contracts related to purchases \| Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$53,944	$46,728

Gain_Loss_on_Derivative_Instru

Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax	$39,374	($14,261)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax	39,374	-14,261	-7,783
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	0	0	-471
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign currency contracts related to sales
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-4,706	3,801	2,120
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-5,776	654	2,297
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign currency contracts related to purchases
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,719	397	-374
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	3,386	-298	-475
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign currency contracts related to sales
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,389	-762	778
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-4,342	1,112	712
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign currency contracts related to purchases
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-1,304	1,687	-560
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	1,355	1,359	868
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Acquisition Related [Member]
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	$0	$0	($7,177)

Liability_for_Contingent_Payme

Liability for Contingent Payments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$6,176	$6,517	$4,359
Interest Accretion	272	665	712
Additions to Contingent Consideration		2,494
Unrealized (Gain) Loss On Contingent Consideration Liability	-2,948		1,446
Cash payment	-3,500	-3,500
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$0	$6,176	$6,517

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Payments Of Contingent Consideration Liability	$3,500,000	$3,500,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,500,000,000
CHINA
Concentration of Credit Risk Accounts Receivable percentage	18.00%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Realized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	$0	$0	($471,000)

Claims_Rollforward_Details

Claims Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	Asbestos_claims		Asbestos_claims		Asbestos_claims
Claims unresolved, beginning of period	22,393	[1]	23,523	[1]	25,269	[1]
Claims filed(2)	4,850	[1],[2]	6,299	[1],[2]	4,347	[1],[2]
Claims resolved(3)	-5,562	[1],[3]	-7,429	[1],[3]	-6,093	[1],[3]
Claims unresolved, end of period	21,681	[1]	22,393	[1]	23,523	[1]
Average Cost of Resolved Claims(4)	$7,513	[4]	$5,979	[4]	$6,585	[4]

[1]	Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been â€œadministratively dismissed.â€
[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.
[4]	Excludes claims settled in Mississippi for which the majority of claims have historically been resolved for no payment and insurance recoveries.

Asbestos_Litigation_Details_1

Asbestos Litigation (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$34,540	[1]	$32,872	[1]
Insurance Receivable Asbestos Current	0	[1]	41,943	[1]
Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	282,679	[2]	299,057	[2]
Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	82,340	[2]	21,411	[2]
Accrued asbestos liability(3)	50,175	[3]	51,142	[3],[4]
Long-term asbestos liability(4)	$346,099	[5]	$358,288	[5]

[1]	Included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the 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 Companyâ€™s insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.
[5]	Included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Operating Lease (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$36,017
2016	28,697
2017	17,691
2018	14,483
2019	12,153
Thereafter	44,202
Total	$153,243

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Future Claims Period	15 years
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$39.80	$35.40	$39.50
Purchase Obligation	406.5
Subsidiary 1 [Member]
Future Expected Recovery Percentage	93.00%
Future Expected Asbestos Cost Percentage	7.00%
Indemnification Period				20 years
Estimated Insurance Recoveries	60.3
Funding Requirement Amount	10
Pretax Charge	6.9	0.6
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims, Gross, Incurred Loss	14.5	10.8
Insurance Recovery Increase	$7.60	$10.20
Subsidiary 2 [Member]
Asbestos Related Costs Percentage	19.50%

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Net sales	$1,206,356	$1,164,453	$1,199,336	$1,054,331	$1,171,378	$1,014,570	$1,074,118	$947,143	$4,624,476	[1]	$4,207,209	[1]	$3,913,856	[1]
Income before income taxes									358,248	[2]	302,795	[2]	48,439	[2]
Interest expense									51,305	[2]	103,597	[2]	91,570	[2]
Restructuring and other related charges									58,121	[2]	35,502	[2]	60,060	[2]
Segment Operating Income (Loss)									467,674	[2]	441,894	[2]	200,069	[2]
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges									174,724		119,258		183,403
Capital expenditures									84,479		71,482		83,586
Equity Method Investments	52,496				50,795				52,496		50,795
Assets	7,245,098				6,601,184				7,245,098		6,601,184
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Net sales									2,329,598		2,104,048		1,901,132
Segment Operating Income (Loss)									254,240		270,708		141,524
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges									96,763		62,792		112,389
Capital expenditures									32,558		37,995		42,343
Equity Method Investments	7,085				7,097				7,085		7,097
Assets	3,660,361				4,028,675				3,660,361		4,028,675
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Net sales									2,294,878		2,103,161		2,012,724
Segment Operating Income (Loss)									265,813		219,634		140,184
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges									76,406		55,339		69,708
Capital expenditures									47,955		33,437		41,146
Equity Method Investments	45,411				43,698				45,411		43,698
Assets	3,489,388				2,477,534				3,489,388		2,477,534
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Operating Income (Loss)									-52,379		-48,448		-81,639
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges									1,555		1,127		1,306
Capital expenditures									3,966		50		97
Assets	$95,349				$94,975				$95,349		$94,975

[1]	The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.
[2]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Segment_Information_Net_Sales_

Segment Information Net Sales by Major Product (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Net sales	$1,206,356	$1,164,453	$1,199,336	$1,054,331	$1,171,378	$1,014,570	$1,074,118	$947,143	$4,624,476	[1]	$4,207,209	[1]	$3,913,856	[1]
Gas Handling [Member]
Net sales									1,676,180		1,440,731		1,242,371
Fluid Handling [Member]
Net sales									653,418		663,317		658,761
Welding and Cutting [Member]
Net sales									$2,294,878		$2,103,161		$2,012,724

[1]	The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.

Segment_Information_Net_Sales_1

Segment Information Net Sales and PPE by Geography (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 26, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Mar. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Jun. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Net sales

$1,206,356

$1,164,453

$1,199,336

$1,054,331

$1,171,378

$1,014,570

$1,074,118

$947,143

$4,624,476

[1]

$4,207,209

[1]

$3,913,856

[1]

Property, plant and equipment, net

729,728

[2]

754,261

[2],[3]

729,728

[2]

754,261

[2],[3]

UNITED STATES

Net sales

1,097,864

[1]

836,636

[1]

789,259

[1]

Property, plant and equipment, net

180,154

[2]

145,829

[2]

180,154

[2]

145,829

[2]

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Property, plant and equipment, net

79,430

[2]

91,611

[2]

79,430

[2]

91,611

[2]

CHINA

Property, plant and equipment, net

76,959

[2]

82,771

[2]

76,959

[2]

82,771

[2]

Foreign

Net sales

3,526,612

[1]

3,370,573

[1]

3,124,597

[1]

Property, plant and equipment, net

$393,185

[2]

$434,050

[2]

$393,185

[2]

$434,050

[2]

[1]

The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.

[2]

As the Company does not allocate all long-lived assets, specifically intangible assets, to each individual country, evaluation of long-lived assets in total is impracticable.

[3]

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company retrospectively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the four acquisitions completed during the three months ended December 31, 2013 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. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for further discussion regarding these adjustments.

Selected_Quarterly_data_Unaudi2

Selected Quarterly data - (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014		Mar. 28, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,206,356		$1,164,453	$1,199,336		$1,054,331		$1,171,378		$1,014,570	$1,074,118	$947,143	$4,624,476	[1]	$4,207,209	[1]	$3,913,856	[1]
Gross Profit	391,847		373,195	388,171		325,632		357,381		320,294	337,822	290,725	1,478,845		1,306,222		1,152,125
Net income (loss)	85,789	[2]	81,303	198,344	[3]	54,837	[4]	44,193	[5]	65,475	67,200	32,275	420,273		209,143		-42,264
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$80,134	[2]	$73,389	$191,785	[3]	$24,877	[4]	$31,984	[5]	$50,389	$53,306	$22,553	$370,185		$158,232		($83,353)
Net income (loss) per share- basic	$0.65	[2]	$0.59	$1.55	[3]	$0.22	[4]	$0.31	[5]	$0.49	$0.53	$0.21	$3.06		$1.56		($0.92)
Net income (loss) per share- diluted	$0.64	[2]	$0.59	$1.53	[3]	$0.22	[4]	$0.31	[5]	$0.48	$0.52	$0.21	$3.02		$1.54		($0.92)

[1]	The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.
[2]	Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were significantly impacted by the catch-up portion of the enactment of the U.S. tax extenders package related to the taxation of certain foreign income during the nine months ended September 26, 2014 in the U.S.
[3]	Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended June 27, 2014 includes the benefit of 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 Companyâ€™s valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets. The reduction in the valuation allowance created a non-cash income tax benefit for the three months ended June 27, 2014 of $113.1 million.
[4]	On February 12, 2014 the Company entered into a Conversion Agreement with BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC (the â€œBDT Investorâ€). As consideration for the BDT Investorâ€™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. See Note 11, â€œEquityâ€ for additional information regarding the Preferred stock conversion inducement payment.
[5]	Net income and Net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 includes a $13.8 million gain to remeasure the Companyâ€™s equity investment in Sicelub to fair value upon increasing the Companyâ€™s ownership to 100%, which was included in Selling, general and administrative expense. See Note 4, â€œAcquisitionsâ€ for additional information regarding the Companyâ€™s acquisition of Sicelub. Additionally, during the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company wrote-off $26.8 million of deferred financing fees and original issue discount associated with the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. See Note 10, â€œDebtâ€ for additional information regarding the Third Amendment to the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.

Selected_Quarterly_data_Unaudi3

Selected Quarterly data - (Unaudited) (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost			$26,800,000	$29,400,000
Preferred Stock Conversions, Cash Payment Upon Conversion		23,400,000
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment		19,600,000		19,565,000	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	113,100,000
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain				0	13,784,000	0
Sicelub [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain			$13,800,000		$13,800,000

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$31,282		$16,464		$2,578
Charged to Cost and Expense	2,950	[1]	12,707	[1]	13,917	[1]
Charged to Other Accounts	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Write-Offs Write Downs and Deductions	-4,100		0		-192
Acquisitions	0	[3]	2,753	[3]	0	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-2,876		-642		161
Balance at the End of Period	27,256		31,282		16,464
Allowance For Excess Slow Moving And Obsolete Inventory [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	32,773		9,221		6,735
Charged to Cost and Expense	8,748	[1]	21,629	[1]	3,341	[1]
Charged to Other Accounts	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Write-Offs Write Downs and Deductions	-5,098		-2,026		-1,001
Acquisitions	0	[3]	4,207	[3]	0	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-1,850		-258		146
Balance at the End of Period	34,573		32,773		9,221
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	360,910		357,638		79,855
Charged to Cost and Expense	11,933	[1]	30,554	[1]	103,785	[1]
Charged to Other Accounts	-65,999	[2]	-27,233	[2]	20,676	[2]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change due to International tax rates	-146,177		-3,373
Write-Offs Write Downs and Deductions					0
Acquisitions	1,790	[3]	4,925	[3]	153,322	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-2,771		-1,601		0
Balance at the End of Period	$159,686		$360,910		$357,638

[1]	Amounts charged to expense are net of recoveries for the respective period.
[2]	Represents amount charge to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and, for the year ended December 31, 2014, includes reclassifications to deferred tax asset accounts.
[3]	Includes reclassifications related to the Charter Acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2013. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the impact of retrospective adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 4, "Acquisitions" for further discussion.