Enovis (ENOV) 10-Q 23 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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	123,832,610
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	27-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$911,070		$1,054,331
Cost of sales	616,632		728,699
Gross profit	294,438		325,632
Selling, general and administrative expense	213,232		231,582
Restructuring and other related charges	3,753	[1]	6,312	[1]
Operating income	77,453		87,738
Interest expense	12,044	[1]	12,322	[1]
Income before income taxes	65,409	[1]	75,416	[1]
Provision for income taxes	9,134		20,579
Net income	56,275		54,837
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	4,219		8,047
Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation	52,056		46,790
Dividends on preferred stock	0		2,348
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	0		19,565
Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$52,056		$24,877
Net income per share - basic and diluted	$0.42		$0.22
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$56,275	$54,837
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	-189,725	-5,649
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, net of tax of $2,790 and $(133)	22,181	-168
Changes in deferred tax related to pension and other postretirement benefit cost	2,110	0
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, net of tax of $938 and $173	2,216	1,893
Other comprehensive loss	-163,218	-3,924
Comprehensive (loss) income	-106,943	50,913
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,343	4,819
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Colfax Corporation	($108,286)	$46,094

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME [Parenthetical] (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, tax	$2,790		($133)
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost, tax	$938	[1]	$173	[1]
[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9, “Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$206,918	$305,448
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $25,313 and $27,256	1,014,905	1,029,150
Inventories, net	455,701	442,732
Other current assets	345,078	322,133
Total current assets	2,022,602	2,099,463
Property, plant and equipment, net	679,658	729,728
Goodwill	2,763,959	2,872,903
Intangible assets, net	981,678	1,043,583
Other assets	497,335	499,421
Total assets	6,945,232	7,245,098
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	10,268	9,855
Accounts payable	762,813	780,287
Accrued liabilities	481,939	495,393
Total current liabilities	1,255,020	1,285,535
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,428,227	1,529,389
Other liabilities	1,013,369	1,077,730
Total liabilities	3,696,616	3,892,654
Equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 123,832,610 and 123,730,578 issued and outstanding	124	124
Additional paid-in capital	3,205,895	3,200,832
Retained earnings	441,617	389,561
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-604,033	-443,691
Total Colfax Corporation equity	3,043,603	3,146,826
Noncontrolling interest	205,013	205,618
Total equity	3,248,616	3,352,444
Total liabilities and equity	$6,945,232	$7,245,098

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$25,313	$27,256
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	123,832,610	123,730,578
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	123,832,610	123,730,578

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$3,352,444	$124	$3,200,832	$389,561	($443,691)	$205,618
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014		123,730,578
Net Income Attributable to Parent	52,056			52,056
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	4,219					4,219
Net Income	56,275
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	-1,948					-1,948
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $1.6 million	-163,218				-160,342	-2,876
Common stock-based award activity	5,063		5,063
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)		102,032
Balance at Mar. 27, 2015	$3,248,616	$124	$3,205,895	$441,617	($604,033)	$205,013
Shares, Outstanding at Mar. 27, 2015		123,832,610

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Parenthetical] (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Parenthetical] [Abstract]
Other comprehensive loss, tax	$1.60

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$56,275	$54,837
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	36,926	31,208
Stock-based compensation expense	4,374	3,679
Non-cash interest expense	1,917	2,089
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	1,668	-960
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Trade receivables, net	-35,704	-39,834
Inventories, net	-34,053	-29,891
Accounts payable	19,298	-77,449
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	-52,751	-10,714
Net cash used in operating activities	-2,050	-67,035
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed assets, net	-11,161	-12,593
Net cash used in investing activities	-11,161	-12,593
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under term credit facility	-15,141	0
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities and other	115,726	153,617
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities and other	-169,936	-490,656
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	689	611,748
Preferred stock conversion inducement payment	0	-19,565
Payments of dividend on preferred stock	0	-3,853
Other	-2,510	-4,168
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-71,172	247,123
Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents	-14,147	3,388
(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents	-98,530	170,883
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	305,448	311,301
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$206,918	$482,184

General_Text_Block

General (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	General
	Colfax Corporation (the “Company” or “Colfax”) is a diversified global industrial manufacturing and engineering company that provides gas- and fluid-handling and fabrication technology products and services to customers around the world under the Howden, ESAB and Colfax Fluid Handling brand names.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements.
	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the SEC’s rules and regulations for interim financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”), filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods indicated. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	The results of operations for the three months ended March 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the full year. Quarterly results are affected by seasonal variations in the Company’s business. As our gas- and fluid-handling customers seek to fully utilize capital spending budgets before the end of the year, historically our shipments have peaked during the fourth quarter. Also, all of our European operations typically experience a slowdown during the July and August and December holiday seasons. General economic conditions may, however, impact future seasonal variations.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	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 currently 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. On April 1, 2015, the FASB voted to propose to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. Under the proposal, ASU No. 2014-09 would be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted but not prior to the original effective date of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The FASB plans to expose its decisions for a thirty day public comment period in a proposed Accounting Standards Update, which is expected to be issued during the second quarter of 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU No. 2014-09 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)” (“ASU No. 2015-03”). ASU No. 2015-03 aims to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Currently debt issuance costs are presented as a deferred charge under GAAP. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to early adopt ASU No. 2015-03 during the year ending December 31, 2015 and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net_Income_Per_Share_Text_Bloc

Net Income Per Share (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Net Income Per Share
	Net income per share available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was computed as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15		28-Mar-14
		(In thousands, except share data)
	Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	52,056	$	24,877
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,947,392		112,495,104
	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,145,243		1,600,653
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted(1)	125,092,635		114,095,757
	Net income per share - basic and diluted	$	0.42	$	0.22
	(1) For the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, Net income per share - diluted was calculated consistently with the if-converted method in accordance with GAAP until the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were converted to Common stock on February 12, 2014. However, weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted for the three months ended March 28, 2014 excludes the weighted average effect of 5.7 million Common stock equivalents for the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
	The weighted-average computation of the dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares of Common stock under the treasury stock method for the three months ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014 excludes approximately 2.1 million and 0.5 million of outstanding stock-based compensation awards, respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Equity_Text_Block

Equity (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Equity
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables present the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014. 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 Gain On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	(240,513	)	$	(227,059	)	$	23,881		$	(443,691	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,833			(188,344		)	(224		)	(182,735		)
	Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			(4,107		)	—			(4,107		)
	Gain on net investment hedges	—			—			28,685			28,685
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—			—			(6,511		)	(6,511		)
	Other	2,110			—			—			2,110
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,943			(192,451		)	21,950			(162,558		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,216			—			—			2,216
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,159			(192,451		)	21,950			(160,342		)
	Balance at March 27, 2015	$	(230,354	)	$	(419,510	)	$	45,831		$	(604,033	)
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
		Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Loss On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(163,092	)	$	123,021		$	(6,529	)	$	(46,600	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(112		)	(7,134		)	2			(7,244		)
	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			4,751			—			4,751
	Gain on net investment hedges	—			—			1,985			1,985
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,089		)	(2,089		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(112		)	(2,383		)	(102		)	(2,597		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,893			—			—			1,893
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,781			(2,383		)	(102		)	(704		)
	Balance at March 28, 2014	$	(161,311	)	$	120,638		$	(6,631	)	$	(47,304	)
	The effect on Net income of amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 27, 2015
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	3,092		$	(938	)	$	2,154
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	62			—			62
		$	3,154		$	(938	)	$	2,216
		Three Months Ended March 28, 2014
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	2,004		$	(173	)	$	1,831
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	62			—			62
		$	2,066		$	(173	)	$	1,893
	(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9, “Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.
	During the three months ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014, Noncontrolling interest decreased by $2.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, as a result of Other comprehensive loss, primarily due to foreign currency translation adjustment.

Income_Taxes_Text_Block

Income Taxes (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes
	During the three months ended March 27, 2015, Income before income taxes was $65.4 million and the Provision for income taxes was $9.1 million. The effective tax rate of 14.0% for the three months ended March 27, 2015 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to a tax benefit of $13.0 million associated with the resolution of certain liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and international tax rates, which are lower than the U.S. tax rate, offset in part by losses in certain jurisdictions where a tax benefit is not expected to be recognized in 2015.
	During the three months ended March 28, 2014, Income before income taxes was $75.4 million and the Provision for income taxes was $20.6 million. The effective tax rate of 27.3% for the three months ended March 28, 2014 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to international tax rates, which are lower than the U.S. tax rate, offset in part by losses in certain jurisdictions where a tax benefit was not expected to be recognized in 2014.

Inventories_Net_Text_Block

Inventories, Net (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Inventories, Net
	Inventories, net consisted of the following:
		27-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	169,184		$	164,115
	Work in process	87,564			81,110
	Finished goods	242,287			239,808
		499,035			485,033
	Less: customer progress payments	(10,123		)	(7,728		)
	Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(33,211		)	(34,573		)
	Inventories, net	$	455,701		$	442,732

Debt_Text_Block

Debt (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		27-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Term loans	$	1,168,989		$	1,212,908
	Trade receivables financing arrangement	80,000			80,000
	Revolving credit facilities and other	189,506			246,336
	Total Debt	1,438,495			1,539,244
	Less: current portion	(10,268		)	(9,855		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,428,227		$	1,529,389
	The Company is party to a credit agreement by and among the Company, Colfax UK Holdings Ltd, the other subsidiaries of the Company party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, as amended (the “Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement”).
	The Company had an original issue discount of $11.5 million and deferred financing fees of $9.1 million included in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 27, 2015, which will be accreted to Interest expense primarily using the effective interest method, over the life of the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement. As of March 27, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate of borrowings under the amended Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement was 1.69%, excluding accretion of original issue discount, and there was $752.9 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 $671.3 million. Total letters of credit of $359.4 million were outstanding as of March 27, 2015.
	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 March 27, 2015, 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.
	As of March 27, 2015, the Company is in compliance with the covenants under the Deutsche Bank Credit Agreement.

Accrued_Liabilities_Text_Block

Accrued Liabilities (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		March 27, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Accrued payroll	$	112,353		$	120,068
	Advance payments from customers	54,053			58,049
	Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	61,901			58,009
	Accrued asbestos-related liability	53,849			50,175
	Warranty liability - current portion	45,077			47,966
	Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	14,078			21,846
	Accrued third-party commissions	11,530			11,026
	Other	129,098			128,254
	Accrued liabilities	$	481,939		$	495,393
	Warranty Liability
	The activity in the Company’s warranty liability consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	51,135		$	61,472
	Accrued warranty expense	4,461			4,667
	Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(844		)	277
	Cost of warranty service work performed	(5,606		)	(5,519		)
	Foreign exchange translation effect	(2,566		)	(236		)
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	46,580		$	60,661
	Accrued Restructuring Liability
	The Company’s restructuring programs include a series of restructuring actions to reduce the structural costs of the Company.
	A summary of the activity in the Company’s restructuring liability included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 27, 2015
		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)	$	7,551		$	969		$	(3,290	)	$	(538	)	$	4,692
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,445			401			(518		)	(139		)	1,189
		8,996			1,370			(3,808		)	(677		)	5,881
	Non-cash impairment				1,275
					2,645
	Fabrication Technology:
	Termination benefits(1)	11,155			931			(5,149		)	(366		)	6,571
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,937			177			(74		)	(197		)	1,843
		13,092			1,108			(5,223		)	(563		)	8,414
	Corporate and Other:
	Facility closure costs(2)	922			—			(75		)	(41		)	806
		922			—			(75		)	(41		)	806
		$	23,010		2,478			$	(9,106	)	$	(1,281	)	$	15,101
	Non-cash impairment				1,275
					$	3,753
	(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 March 27, 2015, $14.1 million and $1.0 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 $45 million during the remainder of 2015 related to these restructuring activities.

Net_Periodic_Benefit_CostDefin

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plans (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended
		March 27, 2015			March 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Pension Benefits-U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	4,293			4,556
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,020		)	(5,815		)
	Amortization	1,901			1,298
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	174		$	39
	Pension Benefits-Non U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	1,207		$	897
	Interest cost	9,759			12,406
	Expected return on plan assets	(8,656		)	(10,729		)
	Amortization	1,078			658
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,388		$	3,232
	Other Post-Retirement Benefits:
	Service cost	$	51		$	34
	Interest cost	326			298
	Amortization	175			110
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	552		$	442

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block]	Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying values of financial instruments, including Trade receivables and Accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt of $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion as of March 27, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, was based on current interest rates for similar types of borrowings and is in Level Two of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values may not represent actual values of the financial instruments that could be realized as of the balance sheet date or that will be realized in the future.
	A summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows:
		March 27, 2015
		Level			Level			Level		Total
		One			Two			Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	22,707		$	—		$	—	$	22,707
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—			4,185			—		4,185
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			1,616			—		1,616
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			1,987			—		1,987
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			261			—		261
	Deferred compensation plans	—			3,487			—		3,487
		$	22,707		$	11,536		$	—	$	34,243
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—		$	11,438		$	—	$	11,438
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			2,876			—		2,876
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			569			—		569
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			537			—		537
	Deferred compensation plans	—			3,487			—		3,487
		$	—		$	18,907		$	—	$	18,907
		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
		$	—		$	14,253		$	—	$	14,253
	There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the three months ended March 27, 2015.
	Foreign Currency Contracts
	As of March 27, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values:
		March 27, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges	$	135,568		$	124,838
	Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges	195,103			250,743
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges	37,762			36,080
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges	34,647			53,944
	Total foreign currency derivatives	$	403,080		$	465,605
	The Company recognized the following in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Contracts Designated as Hedges:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized loss	$	(5,759	)	$	(1,388	)
	Realized gain (loss)	452			(809		)
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts:
	Unrealized loss	(2,553		)	(605		)
	Realized gain	1,313			437
	Unrealized gain on net investment hedges (1)	28,685			1,985
	Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:
Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
Unrealized gain (loss)	526			(169		)
Realized loss	(3,726		)	(951		)
Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts:
Unrealized loss	(144		)	(695		)
Realized gain	579			1,350
(1) The unrealized gain on net investment hedges is attributable to the change in valuation of Euro denominated debt.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies
	For further description of the Company’s litigation and contingencies, reference is made to Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Form 10-K.
	Asbestos and Other Product Liability Contingencies
	Claims activity since December 31 related to asbestos claims is as follows(1):
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15		28-Mar-14
		(Number of claims)
	Claims unresolved, beginning of period	21,681		22,393
	Claims filed(2)	1,226		1,199
	Claims resolved(3)	(1,058	)	(1,044	)
	Claims unresolved, end of period	21,849		22,548
	(1) Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been “administratively dismissed.”
	(2) Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.
	(3) Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based
	upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.
	The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:
		27-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$	34,296		$	34,540
	Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	279,094			282,679
	Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	91,111			82,340
	Accrued asbestos liability(3)	53,849			50,175
	Long-term asbestos liability(4)	342,776			346,099
	(1) Included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(2) Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(3) Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries
	will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against
	asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Company’s insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed
	Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(4) Included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Management’s analyses are based on currently known facts and a number of assumptions. However, projecting future events, such as new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of resolving each claim, coverage issues among layers of insurers, the method in which losses will be allocated to the various insurance policies, interpretation of the effect on coverage of various policy terms and limits and their interrelationships, the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, the amount of remaining insurance available, as well as the numerous uncertainties inherent in asbestos litigation could cause the actual liabilities and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than those projected or recorded which could materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
	Other Litigation Matters
	On April 10, 2015, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismissed with prejudice, in its entirety and on the merits, the derivative action brought in March 2014 by two alleged stockholders of the Company against our directors, BDT CF Acquisition Vehicle, LLC and BDT Capital Partners, LLC.
	The Company is also involved in various other pending legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s business. None of these legal proceedings are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company. With respect to these proceedings and the litigation and claims described in the preceding paragraphs, management of the Company believes that it will either prevail, has adequate insurance coverage or has established appropriate accruals to cover potential liabilities. Any costs that management estimates may be paid related to these proceedings or claims are accrued when the liability is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. There can be no assurance, however, as to the ultimate outcome of any of these matters, and if all or substantially all of these legal proceedings were to be determined adverse to the Company, there could be a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flow of the Company.

Segment_Information_Text_Block

Segment Information (Text Block)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	422,209		$	573,949
	Fabrication technology	488,861			480,382
		$	911,070		$	1,054,331
	Segment operating income (loss)(1):
	Gas and fluid handling	$	36,257		$	55,998
	Fabrication technology	57,346			53,863
	Corporate and other	(12,397		)	(15,811		)
		$	81,206		$	94,050
	(1) The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Income before income taxes	$	65,409		$	75,416
	Interest expense	12,044			12,322
	Restructuring and other related charges	3,753			6,312
	Segment operating income	$	81,206		$	94,050
	The detail of the Company’s Net sales by product type is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 27, 2015			March 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Gas handling	$	300,239		$	424,167
	Fluid handling	121,970			149,782
	Welding and cutting	488,861			480,382
	Total Net sales	$	911,070		$	1,054,331

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Net income per share available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders was computed as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15		28-Mar-14
		(In thousands, except share data)
	Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$	52,056	$	24,877
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,947,392		112,495,104
	Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,145,243		1,600,653
	Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted(1)	125,092,635		114,095,757
	Net income per share - basic and diluted	$	0.42	$	0.22
	(1) For the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, Net income per share - diluted was calculated consistently with the if-converted method in accordance with GAAP until the outstanding shares of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock were converted to Common stock on February 12, 2014. However, weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted for the three months ended March 28, 2014 excludes the weighted average effect of 5.7 million Common stock equivalents for the period from January 1, 2014 through February 12, 2014, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss including reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014. 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 Gain On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	(240,513	)	$	(227,059	)	$	23,881		$	(443,691	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,833			(188,344		)	(224		)	(182,735		)
	Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			(4,107		)	—			(4,107		)
	Gain on net investment hedges	—			—			28,685			28,685
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—			—			(6,511		)	(6,511		)
	Other	2,110			—			—			2,110
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,943			(192,451		)	21,950			(162,558		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,216			—			—			2,216
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,159			(192,451		)	21,950			(160,342		)
	Balance at March 27, 2015	$	(230,354	)	$	(419,510	)	$	45,831		$	(604,033	)
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
		Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Loss On Hedging Activities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(163,092	)	$	123,021		$	(6,529	)	$	(46,600	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(112		)	(7,134		)	2			(7,244		)
	Gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	—			4,751			—			4,751
	Gain on net investment hedges	—			—			1,985			1,985
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	—			—			(2,089		)	(2,089		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(112		)	(2,383		)	(102		)	(2,597		)
	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,893			—			—			1,893
	Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,781			(2,383		)	(102		)	(704		)
	Balance at March 28, 2014	$	(161,311	)	$	120,638		$	(6,631	)	$	(47,304	)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Table Text Block]	The effect on Net income of amounts reclassified out of each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 27, 2015 and March 28, 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 27, 2015
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	3,092		$	(938	)	$	2,154
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	62			—			62
		$	3,154		$	(938	)	$	2,216
		Three Months Ended March 28, 2014
		Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Tax Benefit			Total
		(In thousands)
	Pension and other post-retirement benefit cost:
	Amortization of net loss(1)	$	2,004		$	(173	)	$	1,831
	Amortization of prior service cost(1)	62			—			62
		$	2,066		$	(173	)	$	1,893
	(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9, “Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventories, net consisted of the following:
		27-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	169,184		$	164,115
	Work in process	87,564			81,110
	Finished goods	242,287			239,808
		499,035			485,033
	Less: customer progress payments	(10,123		)	(7,728		)
	Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(33,211		)	(34,573		)
	Inventories, net	$	455,701		$	442,732

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		27-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Term loans	$	1,168,989		$	1,212,908
	Trade receivables financing arrangement	80,000			80,000
	Revolving credit facilities and other	189,506			246,336
	Total Debt	1,438,495			1,539,244
	Less: current portion	(10,268		)	(9,855		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,428,227		$	1,529,389

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		March 27, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Accrued payroll	$	112,353		$	120,068
	Advance payments from customers	54,053			58,049
	Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	61,901			58,009
	Accrued asbestos-related liability	53,849			50,175
	Warranty liability - current portion	45,077			47,966
	Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	14,078			21,846
	Accrued third-party commissions	11,530			11,026
	Other	129,098			128,254
	Accrued liabilities	$	481,939		$	495,393
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	The activity in the Company’s warranty liability consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	51,135		$	61,472
	Accrued warranty expense	4,461			4,667
	Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	(844		)	277
	Cost of warranty service work performed	(5,606		)	(5,519		)
	Foreign exchange translation effect	(2,566		)	(236		)
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	46,580		$	60,661
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	A summary of the activity in the Company’s restructuring liability included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 27, 2015
		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)	$	7,551		$	969		$	(3,290	)	$	(538	)	$	4,692
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,445			401			(518		)	(139		)	1,189
		8,996			1,370			(3,808		)	(677		)	5,881
	Non-cash impairment				1,275
					2,645
	Fabrication Technology:
	Termination benefits(1)	11,155			931			(5,149		)	(366		)	6,571
	Facility closure costs(2)	1,937			177			(74		)	(197		)	1,843
		13,092			1,108			(5,223		)	(563		)	8,414
	Corporate and Other:
	Facility closure costs(2)	922			—			(75		)	(41		)	806
		922			—			(75		)	(41		)	806
		$	23,010		2,478			$	(9,106	)	$	(1,281	)	$	15,101
	Non-cash impairment				1,275
					$	3,753
	(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 March 27, 2015, $14.1 million and $1.0 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and
	Other liabilities, respectively.

Net_Periodic_Benefit_CostDefin1

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement employee benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended
		March 27, 2015			March 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Pension Benefits-U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	4,293			4,556
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,020		)	(5,815		)
	Amortization	1,901			1,298
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	174		$	39
	Pension Benefits-Non U.S. Plans:
	Service cost	$	1,207		$	897
	Interest cost	9,759			12,406
	Expected return on plan assets	(8,656		)	(10,729		)
	Amortization	1,078			658
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,388		$	3,232
	Other Post-Retirement Benefits:
	Service cost	$	51		$	34
	Interest cost	326			298
	Amortization	175			110
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	552		$	442

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair1

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value for each fair value hierarchy level [Table Text Block]	A summary of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows:
		March 27, 2015
		Level			Level			Level		Total
		One			Two			Three
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	22,707		$	—		$	—	$	22,707
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	—			4,185			—		4,185
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			1,616			—		1,616
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			1,987			—		1,987
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			261			—		261
	Deferred compensation plans	—			3,487			—		3,487
		$	22,707		$	11,536		$	—	$	34,243
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges	$	—		$	11,438		$	—	$	11,438
	Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges	—			2,876			—		2,876
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges	—			569			—		569
	Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges	—			537			—		537
	Deferred compensation plans	—			3,487			—		3,487
		$	—		$	18,907		$	—	$	18,907
		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
		$	—		$	14,253		$	—	$	14,253
Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Notional Values	As of March 27, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values:
		March 27, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges	$	135,568		$	124,838
	Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges	195,103			250,743
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges	37,762			36,080
	Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges	34,647			53,944
	Total foreign currency derivatives	$	403,080		$	465,605
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	The Company recognized the following in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Contracts Designated as Hedges:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized loss	$	(5,759	)	$	(1,388	)
	Realized gain (loss)	452			(809		)
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts:
	Unrealized loss	(2,553		)	(605		)
	Realized gain	1,313			437
	Unrealized gain on net investment hedges (1)	28,685			1,985
	Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship:
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts:
	Unrealized gain (loss)	526			(169		)
	Realized loss	(3,726		)	(951		)
	Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts:
	Unrealized loss	(144		)	(695		)
	Realized gain	579			1,350

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
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):
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15		28-Mar-14
		(Number of claims)
	Claims unresolved, beginning of period	21,681		22,393
	Claims filed(2)	1,226		1,199
	Claims resolved(3)	(1,058	)	(1,044	)
	Claims unresolved, end of period	21,849		22,548
	(1) Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been “administratively dismissed.”
	(2) Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.
	(3) Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based
	upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.
Schedule Of Asbestos Related Litigation [Table Text Block]	The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation:
		27-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$	34,296		$	34,540
	Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	279,094			282,679
	Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	91,111			82,340
	Accrued asbestos liability(3)	53,849			50,175
	Long-term asbestos liability(4)	342,776			346,099
	(1) Included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(2) Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(3) Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries
	will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against
	asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Company’s insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed
	Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(4) Included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The Company’s segment results were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Gas and fluid handling	$	422,209		$	573,949
	Fabrication technology	488,861			480,382
		$	911,070		$	1,054,331
	Segment operating income (loss)(1):
	Gas and fluid handling	$	36,257		$	55,998
	Fabrication technology	57,346			53,863
	Corporate and other	(12,397		)	(15,811		)
		$	81,206		$	94,050
	(1) The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:
		Three Months Ended
		27-Mar-15			28-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Income before income taxes	$	65,409		$	75,416
	Interest expense	12,044			12,322
	Restructuring and other related charges	3,753			6,312
	Segment operating income	$	81,206		$	94,050
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	The detail of the Company’s Net sales by product type is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 27, 2015			March 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Gas handling	$	300,239		$	424,167
	Fluid handling	121,970			149,782
	Welding and cutting	488,861			480,382
	Total Net sales	$	911,070		$	1,054,331

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income available to Colfax Corporation common shareholders	$52,056	$24,877
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic	123,947,392	112,495,104
Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units	1,145,243	1,600,653
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted	125,092,635	114,095,757
Net income per share - basic and diluted	$0.42	$0.22

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details_T

Net Income Per Share (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Preferred, Amount		5.7
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2.1	0.5

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income before income taxes	$65,409,000	[1]	$75,416,000	[1]
Provision for income taxes	9,134,000		20,579,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	14.00%		27.30%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	$13,000,000
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($443,691)	($46,600)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-182,735	-7,244
Gain (loss) on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	-4,107	4,751
Gain on net investment hedges	28,685	1,985
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	-6,511	-2,089
Other	2,110
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-162,558	-2,597
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,216	1,893
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-160,342	-704
Ending balance	-604,033	-47,304
Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-240,513	-163,092
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,833	-112
Gain (loss) on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	0	0
Gain on net investment hedges	0	0
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	0	0
Other	2,110
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	7,943	-112
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,216	1,893
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	10,159	1,781
Ending balance	-230,354	-161,311
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-227,059	123,021
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-188,344	-7,134
Gain (loss) on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	-4,107	4,751
Gain on net investment hedges	0	0
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	0	0
Other	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-192,451	-2,383
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-192,451	-2,383
Ending balance	-419,510	120,638
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Hedging Activities [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	23,881	-6,529
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-224	2
Gain (loss) on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions	0	0
Gain on net investment hedges	28,685	1,985
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	-6,511	-2,089
Other	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	21,950	-102
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	21,950	-102
Ending balance	$45,831	($6,631)

Equity_Details_1

Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Amortization of net loss, before tax	$3,092	[1]	$2,004	[1]
Amortization of net loss, tax	-938	[1]	-173	[1]
Amortization of net loss, net of tax	2,154	[1]	1,831	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, before tax	62	[1]	62	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, tax	0	[1]	0	[1]
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax	62	[1]	62	[1]
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	3,154		2,066
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	-938		-173
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$2,216		$1,893
[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 9, bNet Periodic Benefit Cost - Defined Benefit Plansb for additional details.

Equity_Textuals_Details

Equity Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($2.90)	($3.20)

Inventories_Net_Details

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$169,184	$164,115
Work in process	87,564	81,110
Finished goods	242,287	239,808
Inventory, Gross	499,035	485,033
Less: customer progress payments	-10,123	-7,728
Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	-33,211	-34,573
Inventories, net	$455,701	$442,732

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	$1,438,495	$1,539,244
Less: current portion	-10,268	-9,855
Long-term debt	1,428,227	1,529,389
Term loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	1,168,989	1,212,908
Trade receivables financing arrangement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	80,000	80,000
Revolving credit facilities and other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Debt	$189,506	$246,336

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.69%
Debt discount	$11,500,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	9,100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	752,900,000
DB Letter of Credit Subfacility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	199,900,000
Letters of Credit, Maximum Capacity	671,300,000
Letters of Credit, Amount Outstanding	359,400,000
Trade receivables financing arrangement [Member]
Trade receivables financing arrangement, maximum borrowing capacity	80,000,000
Trade receivables financing arrangement, outstanding borrowings	$80,000,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.90%

Accrued_Liabilities_Chart_Deta

Accrued Liabilities Chart (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued payroll	$112,353		$120,068
Advance payments from customers	54,053		58,049
Accrued taxes and deferred tax liability - current portion	61,901		58,009
Accrued asbestos-related liability	53,849	[1]	50,175	[1]
Warranty liability - current portion	45,077		47,966
Accrued restructuring liability - current portion	14,078		21,846
Accrued third-party commissions	11,530		11,026
Other	129,098		128,254
Accrued liabilities	$481,939		$495,393
[1]	Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Companybs insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Warranty_Liability_Rollforward

Warranty Liability Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Warranty liability, beginning of period	$51,135	$61,472
Accrued warranty expense	4,461	4,667
Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	-844	277
Cost of warranty service work performed	-5,606	-5,519
Foreign exchange translation effect	-2,566	-236
Warranty liability, end of period	$46,580	$60,661

Restructuring_Rollforward_Deta

Restructuring Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015
Balance at Beginning of Period	$23,010
Provisions	3,753
Payments	-9,106
Foreign Currency Translation	-1,281
Balance at End of Period	15,101	[1]
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges	2,478
Non-cash impairment restructuring provisions	1,275
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	8,996
Provisions	2,645
Payments	-3,808
Foreign Currency Translation	-677
Balance at End of Period	5,881
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges	1,370
Non-cash impairment restructuring provisions	1,275
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	13,092
Provisions	1,108
Payments	-5,223
Foreign Currency Translation	-563
Balance at End of Period	8,414
Corporate and Other [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	922
Provisions	0
Payments	-75
Foreign Currency Translation	-41
Balance at End of Period	806
Termination benefits [Member] | Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	7,551	[2]
Provisions	969	[2]
Payments	-3,290	[2]
Foreign Currency Translation	-538	[2]
Balance at End of Period	4,692	[2]
Termination benefits [Member] | Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	11,155	[2]
Provisions	931	[2]
Payments	-5,149	[2]
Foreign Currency Translation	-366	[2]
Balance at End of Period	6,571	[2]
Facility closure costs [Member] | Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,445	[3]
Provisions	401	[3]
Payments	-518	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-139	[3]
Balance at End of Period	1,189	[3]
Facility closure costs [Member] | Fabrication Technology [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,937	[3]
Provisions	177	[3]
Payments	-74	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-197	[3]
Balance at End of Period	1,843	[3]
Facility closure costs [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period	922	[3]
Provisions	0	[3]
Payments	-75	[3]
Foreign Currency Translation	-41	[3]
Balance at End of Period	$806	[3]
[1]	As of MarchB 27, 2015, $14.1 million and $1.0 million of the Companybs restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.
[2]	Includes severance and other termination benefits, including outplacement services. The Company recognizes the cost of involuntary termination benefits at the communication date or ratably over any remaining expected future service period. Voluntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability and an expense when employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
[3]	Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities.

Accrued_Liabilities_Details_Te

Accrued Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$14,078,000	$21,846,000
Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent	1,023,000
Expected Remaining Restructuring and Related Charges For Year	$45,000,000

Net_Periodic_Benefit_CostDefin2

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Pension Benefits-U.S. Plans: [Member]
Service cost	$0	$0
Interest cost	4,293	4,556
Expected return on plan assets	-6,020	-5,815
Amortization	1,901	1,298
Net periodic benefit cost	174	39
Pension Benefits-Non U.S. Plans: [Member]
Service cost	1,207	897
Interest cost	9,759	12,406
Expected return on plan assets	-8,656	-10,729
Amortization	1,078	658
Net periodic benefit cost	3,388	3,232
Other Post-Retirement Benefits: [Member]
Service cost	51	34
Interest cost	326	298
Amortization	175	110
Net periodic benefit cost	$552	$442

Fair_Value_Hierarchy_Details

Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash equivalents	$22,707	$23,143
Deferred compensation plans	3,487	2,941
Deferred compensation plans liability	3,487	2,941
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	34,243	34,073
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,907	14,253
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash equivalents	22,707	23,143
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	22,707	23,143
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Deferred compensation plans	3,487	2,941
Deferred compensation plans liability	3,487	2,941
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,536	10,930
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,907	14,253
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	4,185	4,524
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	1,616	1,007
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	11,438	7,163
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	2,876	2,793
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	4,185	4,524
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	1,616	1,007
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	11,438	7,163
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	2,876	2,793
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	1,987	1,980
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	261	478
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	569	695
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	537	661
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Assets	1,987	1,980
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Assets	261	478
Foreign currency contracts designated as hedges, Liabilities	569	695
Foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, Liability	$537	$661

Foreign_Currency_Contracts_Not

Foreign Currency Contracts Notional Values (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative, Notional Amount	$403,080	$465,605
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	135,568	124,838
Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	195,103	250,743
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts | Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	37,762	36,080
Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts | Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$34,647	$53,944

Gain_Loss_On_Derivative_Instru

Gain (Loss) On Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Gain on net investment hedges	$28,685		$1,985
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Gain on net investment hedges	28,685	[1]	1,985	[1]
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-5,759		-1,388
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	452		-809
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-2,553		-605
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	1,313		437
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to customer sales contracts
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	526		-169
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	-3,726		-951
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts related to supplier purchase contracts
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Contracts	-144		-695
Realized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Contracts	$579		$1,350
[1]	The unrealized gain on net investment hedges is attributable to the change in valuation of Euro denominated debt.

Financial_Instruments_and_Fair2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$1.40	$1.50

Claims_Rollforward_Details

Claims Rollforward (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
	Asbestos_claims		Asbestos_claims
Claims unresolved, beginning of period	21,681	[1]	22,393	[1]
Claims filed(2)	1,226	[1],[2]	1,199	[1],[2]
Claims resolved(3)	-1,058	[1],[3]	-1,044	[1],[3]
Claims unresolved, end of period	21,849	[1]	22,548	[1]
[1]	Excludes claims filed by one legal firm that have been badministratively dismissed.b
[2]	Claims filed include all asbestos claims for which notification has been received or a file has been opened.
[3]	Claims resolved include all asbestos claims that have been settled, dismissed or that are in the process of being settled or dismissed based upon agreements or understandings in place with counsel for the claimants.

Asbestos_Litigation_Details_1

Asbestos Litigation (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 27, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current asbestos insurance asset(1)	$34,296	[1]	$34,540	[1]
Long-term asbestos insurance asset(2)	279,094	[2]	282,679	[2]
Long-term asbestos insurance receivable(2)	91,111	[2]	82,340	[2]
Accrued asbestos liability(3)	53,849	[3]	50,175	[3]
Long-term asbestos liability(4)	$342,776	[4]	$346,099	[4]
[1]	Included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	Represents current reserves for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes its subsidiaries will pay through the next 15 years, overpayments by certain insurers and unpaid legal costs related to defending themselves against asbestos-related liability claims and legal action against the Companybs insurers, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	Included in Other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2015
Future Claims Period	15 years

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 27, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Net sales	$911,070		$1,054,331
Income before income taxes	65,409	[1]	75,416	[1]
Interest expense	12,044	[1]	12,322	[1]
Restructuring and other related charges	3,753	[1]	6,312	[1]
Segment Operating Income (loss)	81,206	[1]	94,050	[1]
Gas Handling [Member]
Net sales	300,239		424,167
Fluid Handling [Member]
Net sales	121,970		149,782
Welding and Cutting [Member]
Net sales	488,861		480,382
Gas and Fluid Handling [Member]
Net sales	422,209		573,949
Segment Operating Income (loss)	36,257		55,998
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Net sales	488,861		480,382
Segment Operating Income (loss)	57,346		53,863
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Operating Income (loss)	($12,397)		($15,811)
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of Income before income taxes to segment operating income: