Enovis (ENOV) 10-K 16 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 06, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Colfax CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1,420,800
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	CFX
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		123,328,077
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3,509

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 3,300,184	$ 3,185,753	$ 3,434,352
Cost of sales		2,270,709	2,193,371	2,362,666
Gross profit		1,029,475	992,382	1,071,686
Selling, general and administrative expense		732,340	696,800	748,340
Restructuring and other related charges	[1]	68,351	58,496	56,822
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge	[1]	152,700	238	1,486
Pension settlement loss (gain)	[1]	46,933	48	(582)
Operating income		29,151	236,800	265,620
Interest expense, net	[1]	41,137	30,276	47,502
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	[1]	(11,986)	206,524	218,118
Provision for income taxes		42,554	51,772	41,168
Net (loss) income from continuing operations		(54,540)	154,752	176,950
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		224,047	(9,561)	10,228
Net income		169,507	145,191	187,178
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes		18,417	17,080	19,439
Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation		$ 151,090	$ 128,111	$ 167,739
Net (loss) income per share - basic
Continuing operations		$ (0.59)	$ 1.12	$ 1.27
Discontinued operations		1.82	(0.08)	0.08
Consolidated operations		1.23	1.04	1.35
Net (loss) income per share - diluted
Continuing operations		(0.59)	1.12	1.26
Discontinued operations		1.81	(0.08)	0.08
Consolidated operations		$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 1.34
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of (Loss) income before income taxes to segment operating income:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 169,507	$ 145,191	$ 187,178
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $(2,433), $0, and $751	269,432	(330,488)	(317,909)
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax of $(19,569), $(8,989), and $19,349	(23,593)	17,692	11,659
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $2,808, $0, and $0	5,152	0	0
Changes in unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost, net of tax of $4,882, $9,247, and $6,373	4,167	4,810	29,323
Changes in deferred tax related to pension and other post-retirement benefit cost	0	0	3,817
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement net actuarial loss, net of tax of $2,463, $3,049, and $3,744	6,875	4,465	7,167
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement prior service cost, net of tax of $37, $93, and $115	93	155	133
Divestiture-related recognition of pension and other post-retirement cost and foreign currency translation, net of tax of $27,518, $0, and $0	167,857	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment resulting from Venezuela deconsolidation	0	2,378	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	429,983	(300,988)	(265,810)
Comprehensive income (loss)	599,490	(155,797)	(78,632)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	34,427	17,722	(3,347)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Colfax Corporation	$ 565,063	$ (173,519)	$ (75,285)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME [Parenthetical] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Foreign currency translation, tax	$ (2,433)	$ 0	$ 751
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, tax	(19,569)	(8,989)	19,349
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, tax	2,808	0	0
Changes in unrecognized pension and other post-retirement benefit cost, tax	4,882	9,247	6,373
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement net actuarial loss, tax	2,463	3,049	3,744
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement prior service cost, tax	37	93	115
Reclassification of unrecognized pension and other post-retirement cost, due to divestiture, tax	$ 27,518	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 262,019	$ 208,814
Short term investments	149,608	0
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $31,488 and $29,005	970,199	838,796
Inventories, net	429,627	364,972
Other current assets	258,379	175,721
Current portion of assets held for sale	0	150,275
Total current assets	2,069,832	1,738,578
Property, plant and equipment, net	552,802	505,431
Goodwill	2,538,544	2,350,996
Intangible assets, net	1,017,203	916,347
Other assets	531,316	520,031
Assets held for sale, less current portion	0	307,057
Total assets	6,709,697	6,338,440
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	5,766	5,406
Accounts payable	587,129	515,520
Customer advances and billing in excess of costs incurred	145,853	140,220
Accrued liabilities	358,632	311,326
Current portion of liabilities held for sale	0	87,183
Total current liabilities	1,097,380	1,059,655
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,055,305	1,286,738
Other liabilities	829,748	732,729
Liabilities held for sale, less current portion		165,974
Total liabilities	2,982,433	3,245,096
Equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 123,245,827 and 122,780,261 issued and outstanding	123	123
Additional paid-in capital	3,228,174	3,199,682
Retained earnings	846,490	685,411
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(574,372)	(988,345)
Total Colfax Corporation equity	3,500,415	2,896,871
Noncontrolling interest	226,849	196,473
Total equity	3,727,264	3,093,344
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,709,697	$ 6,338,440

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS _Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 31,488	$ 29,005
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	123,245,827	122,780,261
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	123,245,827	122,780,261

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
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 Colfax Corporation	167,739			167,739
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	19,439					19,439
Net income	187,178
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	(15,690)					(15,690)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (265,810)				(243,024)	(22,786)
Stock repurchase, Shares	(986,279)	(986,279)
Stock repurchase, Value	$ (27,367)	$ (1)	(27,366)
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)		676,126
Common stock-based award activity	$ 22,373		22,373
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	66,000	66,000
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	$ 3,428		3,428
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2015		123,486,425
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	3,256,556	$ 123	3,199,267	557,300	(686,715)	186,581
Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation	128,111			128,111
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	17,080					17,080
Net income	145,191
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	(7,830)					(7,830)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (300,988)				(301,630)	642
Stock repurchase, Shares	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)
Stock repurchase, Value	$ (20,812)	$ (1)	(20,811)
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)		293,836
Common stock-based award activity	$ 21,227	$ 1	21,226
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	0
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2016		122,780,261
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 3,093,344	$ 123	3,199,682	685,411	(988,345)	196,473
Cumulative effect of accounting change	9,989			9,989
Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation	151,090			151,090
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	18,417					18,417
Net income	169,507
Distributions to noncontrolling owners	(4,051)					(4,051)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	429,983				413,973	16,010
Common stock-based award activity (in shares)		465,566
Common stock-based award activity	$ 28,492		28,492
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	0
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2017		123,245,827
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 3,727,264	$ 123	$ 3,228,174	$ 846,490	$ (574,372)	$ 226,849

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQU8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY Consolidated Statements of Equity [Parenthetical] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income, tax	$ 15.7	$ 3.4	$ 26.2
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Other comprehensive income, tax			$ 0.4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 169,507	$ 145,191	$ 187,178
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and property, plant and equipment	183,751	6,082	12,505
Depreciation and amortization	132,203	137,176	142,037
Stock-based compensation expense	21,548	19,020	16,321
Non cash interest expense	4,519	4,176	10,101
Deferred income tax benefit	12,066	(1,682)	(22,717)
Gain on sale of facility	(11,243)	0	0
Gain on sale of business	(308,388)	0	0
Pension settlement loss (gain)	46,933	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net	(44,345)	(50,958)	64,048
Inventories, net	(34,023)	19,665	(390)
Accounts payable	10,266	37,083	965
Customer advances and billing in excess of costs incurred	(24,388)	(37,210)	(21,094)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	60,364	(31,569)	(85,141)
Net cash provided by operating activities	218,770	246,974	303,813
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed assets	(68,765)	(63,251)	(69,877)
Acquisitions, net of cash received	(346,764)	(25,992)	(196,007)
Proceeds from sale of business, net	490,308	0	0
Other, net	15,097	7,249	18,927
Net cash used in investing activities	89,876	(81,994)	(246,957)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under term credit facility	0	0	750,000
Payments under term credit facility	(65,628)	(37,500)	(1,232,872)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities and other	1,046,457	896,742	1,498,039
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities and other	(1,632,658)	(978,024)	(1,104,055)
Proceeds from Notes Payable	374,450	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	6,944	2,206	6,052
Repurchase of Common Stock	0	(20,812)	(27,367)
Other	(10,012)	(7,830)	(21,066)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(280,447)	(145,218)	(131,269)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalents	12,090	4,499	(33,566)
Increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents	40,289	24,261	(107,979)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	221,730	197,469	305,448
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	262,019	221,730	197,469
Non-cash consideration received from sale of business	$ 206,415	$ 0	$ 0

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 leading diversified industrial technology company that provides air and gas handling and fabrication technology products and services to customers around the world under the Howden and ESAB brands. Sale of Fluid Handling Business On December 11, 2017, the Company completed the sale of its Fluid Handling business (“Fluid Handling”) to CIRCOR International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“CIRCOR” or the “Buyer”), pursuant to a definitive purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) signed on September 24, 2017. See Note 4, “Discontinued Operations” for further information.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company determined that an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuelan bolivar and U.S. dollar, due to government controls, has restricted the Company’s Venezuelan operations’ ability to pay dividends and satisfy other obligations denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, other government-imposed restrictions affecting labor, production, and distribution are prohibiting the Company from controlling key operating decisions. These circumstances have caused the Company to no longer meet the accounting criteria of control in order to continue consolidating its Venezuelan operations. Therefore, the Company deconsolidated the financial statements of its Venezuelan operations as of September 30, 2016. As a result of the deconsolidation, the Company recorded a charge of $2.4 million , of which $0.5 million is included in Selling, general and administrative expense and $1.9 million is included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2016. Substantially all of this amount related to accumulated foreign currency translation charges previously included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Due to loss of control, the Company has applied the cost method of accounting for its Venezuelan operations beginning on September 30, 2016. Prior to, and at the date of deconsolidation, the Company’s Venezuelan operations represented less than 1% of the Company’s net assets, revenues and operating income. 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 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 Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes revenue and cost of sales on air and 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 Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred. As of December 31, 2017 , there were $219.8 million of revenues in excess of billings and $95.9 million of billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2016 , there were $174.9 million of revenues in excess of billings and $108.2 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 17, “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 Income 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 $42.9 million , $39.3 million and $38.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These amounts do not include development and application engineering costs incurred in conjunction with fulfilling customer orders and executing customer projects. Interest Expense, Net Interest expense, net includes interest income of $7.8 million , $6.6 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, primarily associated with interest bearing deposits in certain foreign subsidiaries. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all financial instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less. Short Term Investments Short term investments include the CIRCOR Shares received as part of the consideration received for the sale of Fluid Handling. The investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with any changes in fair value included in Other comprehensive income (loss). Trade Receivables Trade receivables 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 net realizable value. For air and 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. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are considered to be impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit or asset exceeds its fair value. The Company currently has two reporting units: Air and Gas Handling and Fabrication Technology. 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. In certain instances, the Company may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Goodwill of that reporting unit is impaired. In this case, pursuant to ASU 2017-04, which the Company elected to early adopt during the three months ended December 31, 2017, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value. Generally, the Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows and a market valuation approach. The discounted cash flow models indicate 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 flow models include: the weighted average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of our business; and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison 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. During the annual impairment analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to continued declines in various end markets for the Air and Gas Handling reporting unit, the Company decided to perform a quantitative analysis for this reporting unit as of September 29, 2017. The quantitative Goodwill impairment assessment for the Air and Gas Handling reporting unit resulted in a calculated fair value lower than carrying value. As a result, an impairment charge of $150.2 million , which equals the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, was recorded. A qualitative assessment of Goodwill was performed for the Fabrication Technology reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2017, which indicated no impairment existed. 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 more likely than not 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. From time-to-time, the Company has identified certain indefinite-lived intangible assets that, due to indicators present at the specific operation associated with the indefinite-lived intangible asset, should be tested for impairment prior to the annual impairment evaluation. During the year ended December 31, 2015, an analysis was performed to evaluate certain intangible assets related to a specific operation within the Company due to a decline in anticipated performance at the operation associated with those assets. The analysis determined an indefinite-lived trade name within the Company’s Fabrication Technology segment was impaired based upon relief from royalty measurements and resulted in a $1.5 million impairment loss calculated as the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value as of the date of the impairment test. The calculated fair value of the asset was $2.8 million and is included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy. The analyses performed as of October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015 resulted in no impairment charges. During the annual impairment analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, quantitative analyses were performed, as of September 29, 2017, for the Air and Gas Handling reporting unit trade names due to continued declines in various end markets. The analyses determined the fair value was lower than carrying value for one indefinite-lived trade name, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2.5 million for that trade name. The calculated fair value of the trade name was $11.7 million and is included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy. For another indefinite-lived intangible trade name, the analysis determined the fair value was marginally greater than its $22.1 million carrying value. A qualitative assessment was performed for the Fabrication Technology reporting unit trade names for the year ended December 31, 2017, which indicated no impairment existed. Impairment charges related to Goodwill and Indefinite-lived intangible assets are included in Goodwill and intangible assets impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Intangible assets 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 intangible assets 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 $31.0 million , $2.6 million and $9.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as a component of Restructuring and other related charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The aggregate carrying value of these assets subsequent to impairment was $53.7 million , $2.7 million and $21.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 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 issued senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of €350 million (as defined and further discussed in Note 11, “Debt”) during the year ended December 31, 2017 , which has been designated as a net investment hedge 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 Income 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 15, “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 Income. 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 Balance Sheets, consisted of the following: Year Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) Warranty liability, beginning of period $ 30,222 $ 35,634 Accrued warranty expense 17,760 17,368 Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties 1,453 4,701 Cost of warranty service work performed (22,600 ) (27,429 ) Acquisitions 5,277 304 Foreign exchange translation effect 2,065 (356 ) Warranty liability, end of period $ 34,177 $ 30,222 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. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are reported in Other assets and Other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in 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 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 Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 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 Income for that period. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction gains of $0.04 million and $3.4 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction gain of $2.6 million and $5.0 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , net foreign currency transaction losses of $3.7 million and a gain of $3.3 million were recognized in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. 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. Net deferred issuance costs of $9.2 million and $5.9 million , respectively, were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , which includes $12.3 million and $15.6 million , respectively, of accumulated amortization. As of December 31, 2017 , $3.8 million and $5.4 million of deferred issuance costs were included in Other assets and as a reduction of Long-term debt, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , $5.3 million and $0.6 million of deferred issuance costs were included in Other assets and as a reduction of Long-term debt, respectively. 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 11, “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.

Discontinued Operations (Notes)

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Discontinued Operations Sale of Fluid Handling Business During the three months ended September 29, 2017, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement to sell its Fluid Handling business to CIRCOR. The accounting requirements for reporting the divested business as a discontinued operation were met during the three months ended September 29, 2017. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented reflect the Fluid Handling business as a discontinued operation. In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the Buyer entered into various agreements to provide a framework for their relationship after the disposition, including a transition services agreement. The amounts to be billed for future transition services are not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations. The sale was completed on December 11, 2017. Total consideration for the sale was $864.9 million , consisting of $555.3 million of cash, 3.3 million shares of CIRCOR common stock (the “CIRCOR Shares”), valued at $141.6 million , and assumption of $168.0 million of net retirement liabilities. $65.0 million of the cash consideration is expected to be collected during 2018 and is included in Other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017. The CIRCOR shares are classified as Short term investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017. The consideration amount is subject to certain post-closing adjustments pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on disposal of $308.4 million which is included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Included in the gain calculation was a reduction of the accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the Fluid Handling business, which was $167.9 million , including $76.5 million in cumulative translation adjustments. Since the sale closing, the Company has not had material cash flows with the discontinued operation nor are there material items in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income that had been eliminated in consolidation prior to the disposal. The key components of income (loss) from discontinued operations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ 436,682 $ 461,294 $ 532,701 Cost of sales 294,946 308,025 352,613 Selling, general and administrative expense (1) 118,740 136,380 156,708 Divestiture-related expense, net (2) 5,257 — — Restructuring and other related items (3) (6,768 ) 15,674 4,355 Operating income (loss) 24,507 1,215 19,025 Interest income (loss) (4) 473 260 (241 ) Gain on disposal (5) 308,388 — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 333,368 1,475 18,784 Income taxes 109,321 11,036 8,556 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ 224,047 $ (9,561 ) $ 10,228 (1) Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company retained its asbestos-related contingencies and insurance coverages. However, as the Company did not retain an interest in the ongoing operations of the business subject to the contingencies, the Company has classified asbestos-related activity in its Consolidated Statements of Income as part of Income (loss) from discontinuing operations. See Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” for further information. (2) Primarily related to professional and consulting fees associated with due diligence and preparation of regulatory filings, as well as employee benefit arrangements and other disposition-related activities. (3) During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $12 million from the sale of a facility that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities. (4) Interest expense has not been allocated to the discontinued operations. (5) Calculated as the difference between total consideration received and net assets sold less costs to sell of $14.3 million . Included in the gain calculation is a reduction of $167.9 million of the accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the Fluid Handling business. The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale that were included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,916 Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,506 74,818 Inventories, net 38,885 Other current assets 23,656 Property, plant, and equipment, net 66,474 Goodwill 212,330 Intangible assets, net 15,302 Other assets 12,951 Total assets held for sale 457,332 Less: current portion 150,275 Total assets held for sale, less current portion 307,057 LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE Accounts payable $ 43,356 Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred 10,795 Accrued liabilities 33,032 Other Liabilities 165,974 Total liabilities held for sale 253,157 Less: current portion 87,183 Total liabilities held for sale, less current portion 165,974 Cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $65.2 million , $23.1 million , and $64.7 million , respectively. Cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations was $10.1 million , $3.9 million , and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Guidance Implemented in 2017 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. The ASU requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, except for inventory that is measured using the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The Company adopted the ASU during the year ended December 31, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”. The ASU, among other things, aims to simplify shared-based payment accounting by recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized before they can be recognized. The effect for excess tax benefits not previously recognized is recorded as a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings pursuant to a modified retrospective adoption method. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies are accounted for as discrete items in the period the stock awards vest or otherwise are settled. Further, the guidance requires that excess tax benefits be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows consistent with other income tax cash flows. The Company’s adoption of the ASU as of January 1, 2017 resulted in a cumulative catch-up adjustment that increased retained earnings by $10.0 million with a corresponding increase to U.S. deferred tax assets related to prior years’ unrecognized excess tax benefits. The Company has also elected to continue its entity-wide accounting policy to estimate the amount of awards that are expected to vest. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements”. Among other things, the ASU provides clarification on the presentation of the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The Company retrospectively adopted the ASU during the year ended December 31, 2017 and reclassified the carrying value of internal-use computer software from Property, plant and equipment, net to Intangible assets, net. The carrying value of internal-use computer software was $29.3 million and $32.3 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)”. The ASU modifies the measurement of a goodwill impairment loss from the portion of the carrying amount of goodwill that exceeds its implied fair value to the excess of the carrying amount of a reporting unit that exceeds its fair value. This eliminates step 2 of the goodwill impairment test under current guidance. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04 for the 2017 annual impairment tests performed as of the first day of the Company’s fourth quarter (September 29, 2017). The impact of the adoption is discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” New Accounting Guidance to be Implemented In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The ASU outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under U.S. GAAP and supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle of the ASU is that revenue should be recognized 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. The Company will apply the ASU and its related updates on a full retrospective basis as of January 1, 2018. The Company has completed a comprehensive assessment of customer contracts across the Company’s operating segments and evaluated the effect the ASU will have on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has concluded that the adoption of the ASU will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. As such, no cumulative catch-up adjustment will be recorded. The primary impact of adoption will be expanded disclosures that will enable users to better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, the Company has made appropriate revisions to its accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls, which took effect starting January 1, 2018, to comply with the effective date of the standard. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which requires various changes to the measurement and disclosure of equity investments. For the Company, the most relevant change under ASU 2016-01 is the elimination of the available-for-sale classification for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, at which point any changes in fair value of the Company’s Short term investments will be included as an adjustment to earnings, rather than other comprehensive income. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The ASU requires, among other things, a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities associated with the rights and obligations attributable to most leases but also recognize expenses similar to current lease accounting. The ASU also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, along with additional key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The new guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and provides for certain practical expedients. The Company is in the process of analyzing initial data gathered to evaluate the impact of adopting the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements, the related systems required to capture the increased reporting and disclosures associated with the ASU, and its use of practical expedients. The Company will apply the ASU and its related updates on a modified retrospective basis as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the guidance will have a material effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, resulting in the recording of an operating lease asset and liability. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The ASU eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold under current U.S. GAAP and broadens the information an entity must consider when developing its expected credit loss estimates to include forward-looking information. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 203)”. The ASU addresses eight specific cash flow issues and clarifies their presentation and classification in the Statement of Cash Flows. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company concluded that the adoption of the ASU will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements and will apply the ASU and its related updates on a retrospective basis as of January 1, 2018. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”. The ASU eliminates the exception that the tax effects of an intra-entity transfer (sales) are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or recovered through use. The resulting impact will be the recognition of tax expense in the seller’s jurisdiction and any deferred tax asset in the buyer’s jurisdiction in the period the transfer occurs. The new guidance will not apply to intra entity sales of inventory whose tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory is sold to a third party. This new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment effect recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”. This ASU requires that the service cost component of net benefit costs of pension and postretirement benefit plans be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs. Other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost will be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component, and only the service cost will be eligible for capitalization. The guidance should be applied retrospectively for the presentation requirements and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost. The ASU is effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018, and it is not expected that the guidance will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The ASU amends the current hedge accounting model and eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The ASU also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Companies are required to apply amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationship using modified retrospective method and apply prospective method for the presentation and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements and the timing of adoption. On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 allows registrants to include a provisional amount to account for the implications of the Tax Act where a reasonable estimate can be made and requires the completion of the accounting no later than one year from the date of enactment of the Tax Act or December 22, 2018. Additionally, the Company will file its 2017 U.S. income tax return in Q4 which may change our tax basis in temporary differences estimated as of December 31, 2017 which will result in an adjustment to the tax provision to the re-measurement amount recorded in the financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions The following acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position and results of operations from the respective date of acquisition: Air and Gas Handling During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company completed two acquisitions in our Air and Gas Handling segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of $219.6 million , subject to certain purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions will broaden the segment’s range of compression solutions and expand its product offering into smaller steam turbines. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company completed two acquisitions in our Air and Gas Handling segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of approximately $196 million . The acquisitions expanded our portfolio of gas compression products and enhanced our fan product offering with ventilation control software. Fabrication Technology During year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company completed three acquisitions in our Fabrication Technology segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of $129.2 million , subject to certain purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions will expand and improve the segment’s high quality welding equipment and consumables. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company completed an acquisition for total consideration, net of cash received, of approximately $26 million . This acquisition expanded our automation welding equipment portfolio. General During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income included $58.5 million , $1.3 million , and $47.9 million of Net sales associated with acquisitions consummated during the respective period. Net Income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders associated with acquisitions consummated during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was not material. Acquisitions consummated during the year ended December 31, 2017 are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the Company’s best estimate. These amounts are based upon certain valuations and studies that have yet to be finalized and are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Net (Loss) Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Net income per share from continuing operations was computed as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except share data) Computation of Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic: Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation (1) $ (72,957 ) $ 137,672 $ 157,511 Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic 123,229,806 122,911,581 124,101,033 Net (loss) income per share from continuing operations - basic $ (0.59 ) $ 1.12 $ 1.27 Computation of Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted: Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation (1) $ (72,957 ) $ 137,672 $ 157,511 Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic 123,229,806 122,911,581 124,101,033 Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units — 287,145 768,616 Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted 123,229,806 123,198,726 124,869,649 Net (loss) income per share from continuing operations - diluted $ (0.59 ) $ 1.12 $ 1.26 (1) Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation for the respective periods is calculated using Net (loss) income from continuing operations less the income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes. 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 excludes approximately 5.0 million , 4.5 million and 3.0 million outstanding stock-based compensation awards, respectively, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Included in the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per share from discontinued operations are 0.8 million potentially dilutive securities for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and Provision for income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes: Domestic operations $ (29,470 ) $ (34,015 ) $ (35,048 ) Foreign operations 17,484 240,539 253,166 $ (11,986 ) $ 206,524 $ 218,118 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes: Current: Federal $ 49,259 $ 621 $ 471 State (439 ) (592 ) 941 Foreign 53,274 60,651 67,740 $ 102,094 $ 60,680 $ 69,152 Deferred: Domestic operations $ (54,226 ) $ (2,924 ) $ (6,134 ) Foreign operations (5,314 ) (5,984 ) (21,850 ) (59,540 ) (8,908 ) (27,984 ) $ 42,554 $ 51,772 $ 41,168 See Note 4, “Discontinued Operations” for the income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes and related income taxes. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code which included how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. Key changes in the Tax Act which are relevant to the Company and generally effective January 1, 2018 include a flat corporate income tax rate of 21 percent to replace the marginal rates that range from 15 percent to 35 percent, elimination of the corporate alternative minimum tax, the creation of a territorial tax system replacing the worldwide tax system, a one-time tax on accumulated foreign subsidiary earnings to transition to the territorial system, a “minimum tax” on certain foreign earnings above an enumerated rate of return, a new base erosion anti-abuse tax that subjects certain payments made by a U.S. company to its foreign subsidiary to additional taxes, and an incentive for U.S. companies to sell, lease or license goods and services outside the U.S. by taxing the income at a reduced effective rate. The new tax also imposes limits on executive compensation and interest expense deductions, while permitting the immediate expensing for the cost of new investments in certain property acquired after September 27, 2017. On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 allows registrants to include a provisional amount to account for the implications of the Tax Act where a reasonable estimate can be made and requires the completion of the accounting no later than one year from the date of enactment of the Tax Act or December 22, 2018. Additionally, the Company will file its 2017 U.S. income tax return in Q4 which may change our tax basis in temporary differences estimated as of December 31, 2017 which will result in an adjustment to the tax provision to the re-measurement amount recorded in the financial statements. ASC 740 requires changes in tax rates and tax laws to be accounted for in the period of enactment in continuing operations. Accordingly, of significance, the Company included a provisional estimate of approximately $52 million for the Transition Tax, payable over 8 years. Generally, the foreign earnings subject to the Transition Tax can be distributed without additional U.S. tax; however, if distributed, the amount could be subject to foreign taxes and U.S. state and local taxes. The Company continues to evaluate the implications of the Tax Act and its implications including actions we may take to address our business objectives. Therefore, the Company continues to maintain its indefinite reinvestment of foreign earnings. The Company also included a provisional estimate of approximately $55 million tax benefit for the re-measurement of its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities to 21 percent. The Company’s Provision for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate $ (4,195 ) $ 72,283 $ 76,365 State taxes 86 228 768 Effect of tax rates on international operations (13,916 ) (27,831 ) (36,305 ) Change in enacted international tax rates 536 (2,419 ) (4,415 ) Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves 5,859 2,675 (55 ) Tax Act - re-measurement of U.S. deferred taxes (54,988 ) — — Tax Act - mandatory repatriation taxes 52,381 — — Non-deductible impairment expenses 52,570 — — Other 4,221 6,836 4,810 Provision for income taxes $ 42,554 $ 51,772 $ 41,168 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. As a result of the Tax Act becoming law on December 22, 2017 and the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% , the Company revalued its ending net U.S. deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017 and recognized a provisional $55 million tax benefit in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 . 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, are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Post-retirement benefit obligation $ 23,297 $ 66,911 Expenses currently not deductible 69,039 105,780 Net operating loss carryforward 142,700 211,205 Tax credit carryforward 4,148 10,882 Depreciation and amortization 10,001 7,879 Other 36,733 14,956 Valuation allowance (155,179 ) (153,740 ) Deferred tax assets, net $ 130,739 $ 263,873 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization $ (271,359 ) $ (292,906 ) UK and other foreign benefit obligation (11,317 ) (14,990 ) Inventory (12,109 ) (18,309 ) Outside basis differences and other (118,974 ) (178,166 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (413,759 ) $ (504,371 ) Total deferred tax liabilities, net $ (283,020 ) $ (240,498 ) 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, 2017 , the valuation allowance increased from $153.7 million to $155.2 million with a net increase of $17.3 million recognized in Provision for income taxes , a $18.9 million decrease due to reclassifications and the divestiture of Colfax Fluid Handling entities and a $3.1 million increase related to changes in foreign currency rates. Consideration was given to tax planning strategies and future 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 $16.3 million expiring in years 2022 through 2033. 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. At December 31, 2017 the Company also has $577.9 million foreign net operating loss carryforwards primarily in Brazil, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Sweden, and the United Kingdom that may subject to local tax restrictive limitations including changes in ownership. Generally, the foreign net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely, except in the Czech Republic and India where they will expire between 2019 and 2026. For the year ended December 31, 2017, after accounting for the Tax Act provisional amounts, all undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, which are indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., are provisionally estimated to be $950 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, 2014 $ 77,525 Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods 3,924 Addition for tax positions taken in the current period 924 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (22,473 ) Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (1,143 ) Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation (5,879 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 52,878 Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods 6,552 Addition for tax positions taken in the current period 1,418 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (53 ) Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (2,195 ) Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation 608 Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 59,208 Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods 1,521 Addition for tax positions taken in the current period 424 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (10,708 ) Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (3,677 ) Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation and U.S. tax rate changes (5,750 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 41,018 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, Germany, Indonesia, France, the Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil and various U.S. states. The Company files numerous group and separate tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, as well as international jurisdictions. In the U.S., tax years dating back to 2003 remain subject to examination, 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 2011. The Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits were $41.0 million and $59.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, inclusive of $5.4 million and $8.5 million , respectively, of interest and penalties. The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of Provision for income taxes , which was $1.3 million , $2.7 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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 $1.8 million .

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 : Air and Gas Handling Fabrication Technology Total (In thousands) Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 1,206,715 $ 1,391,421 $ 2,598,136 Goodwill attributable to acquisitions 1,317 15,242 16,559 Impact of foreign currency translation and other (154,489 ) (109,210 ) (263,699 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 1,053,543 1,297,453 2,350,996 Goodwill attributable to acquisitions (1) 107,024 74,180 181,204 Goodwill impairment (150,200 ) — (150,200 ) Impact of foreign currency translation and other 97,805 58,739 156,544 Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,108,172 $ 1,430,372 $ 2,538,544 Accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2017 $ (150,200 ) $ — $ (150,200 ) (1) Includes purchase accounting adjustments associated with the two air and gas handling acquisitions and three fabrication technology acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2017 . See Note 5, “Acquisitions” for further discussion. The following table summarizes the Company’s Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill: December 31, 2017 2016 Gross Accumulated Gross Accumulated (In thousands) Trade names – indefinite life $ 407,167 $ — $ 363,132 $ — Acquired customer relationships 622,893 (184,100 ) 541,419 (137,567 ) Acquired technology 170,453 (62,491 ) 137,902 (44,906 ) Software 100,098 (71,010 ) 82,235 (49,926 ) Acquired backlog 10,398 (2,600 ) — — Other intangible assets 48,695 (22,300 ) 40,398 (16,340 ) $ 1,359,704 $ (342,501 ) $ 1,165,086 $ (248,739 ) Amortization expense related to intangible assets was included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Selling, general and administrative expense $ 71,119 $ 57,365 $ 56,758 See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding impairment of Intangible assets. As of December 31, 2017 , total amortization expense for intangible assets is expected to be $76.5 million , $65.4 million , $62.1 million , $59.0 million and $52.8 million for the years ending December 31, 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 and 2022 , respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment,

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net December 31, Depreciable Life 2017 2016 (In years) (In thousands) Land n/a $ 47,584 $ 31,855 Buildings and improvements 5-40 322,431 292,448 Machinery and equipment 3-15 495,366 406,270 865,381 730,573 Accumulated depreciation (312,579 ) (225,142 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 552,802 $ 505,431 Depreciation expense, including the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , was $52.3 million , $52.5 million and $57.6 million , respectively. Impairment of fixed assets recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $30.9 million , $3.4 million and $9.3 million , respectively.

Inventories, Net

Inventories, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Inventories, Net Inventories, net consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 141,827 $ 121,886 Work in process 74,704 55,845 Finished goods 250,364 221,866 466,895 399,597 Less: customer progress payments (2,308 ) — Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory (34,960 ) (34,625 ) Inventories, net $ 429,627 $ 364,972

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Senior unsecured notes $ 414,862 $ — Term loans 615,095 678,286 Trade receivables financing arrangement — 63,399 Revolving credit facilities and other 31,114 550,459 Total Debt 1,061,071 1,292,144 Less: current portion (5,766 ) (5,406 ) Long-term debt $ 1,055,305 $ 1,286,738 On June 5, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “DB Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, as the borrower, certain U.S. subsidiaries of the Company identified therein, as guarantors, each of the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, swing line lender and global coordinator. The proceeds of the loans under the DB Credit Agreement were used by the Company to repay in full balances under its preexisting credit agreement, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. The DB Credit Agreement consists of an initial term loan in the aggregate amount of $750.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and a revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) with a commitment capacity of $1.3 billion , each of which had an initial maturity term of five years. The Revolver contains a $50.0 million swing line loan sub-facility. In conjunction with the DB Credit Agreement, the Company recorded a charge to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $4.7 million to write-off certain deferred financing fees and original issue discount and expensed $0.4 million of costs incurred in connection with the refinancing of the DB Credit Agreement. The Term Loan and the Revolver bear interest, at the election of the Company, at either the base rate (as defined in the DB Credit Agreement) or the Eurocurrency rate (as defined in the DB Credit Agreement), in each case, plus the applicable interest rate margin. The applicable interest rate margin is based upon either, whichever results in the lower applicable interest rate margin (subject to certain exceptions), the Company’s total leverage ratio and the corporate family rating of the Company as determined by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s (ranging from 1.25% to 2.00% , in the case of the Eurocurrency margin, and 0.25% to 1.00% , in the case of the base rate margin). Swing line loans bear interest at the applicable rate, as specified under the terms of the DB Credit Agreement, based upon the currency borrowed. As of December 31, 2017 , the weighted-average interest rate of borrowings under the DB Credit Agreement was 3.07% , excluding accretion of original issue discount and amortization of deferred financing fees, and there was $1.3 billion available on the revolving credit facility. On April 19, 2017 , we issued senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of €350 million (the “Euro Notes”). Euro Notes are due in April 2025 and have an interest rate of 3.25% . The proceeds from the Euro Notes offering were used to repay borrowings under our DB Credit Agreement and bilateral credit facilities totaling €283.5 million , as well as for general corporate purposes, and are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantees”). In conjunction with the issuance of the senior unsecured notes, the Company recorded $6.0 million of deferred financing fees. The Euro Notes and the Guarantees have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and are listed on the Irish stock exchange. The Company had an original issue discount of $3.7 million and deferred financing fees of $9.2 million included in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 , which will be accreted to Interest expense primarily using the effective interest method, over the life of the applicable debt agreement. In addition to the debt agreements discussed above, the Company is party to various bilateral credit facilities with a borrowing capacity of $217.9 million . As of December 31, 2017 , outstanding borrowings under these facilities total $22.8 million , with a weighted average borrowing rate of 1.00% . The Company is also party to letter of credit facilities with an aggregate capacity of $780.6 million . Total letters of credit of $418.8 million were outstanding as of December 31, 2017 . The Company was party to a receivables financing facility through a wholly-owned, special purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary which purchased trade receivables from certain of the Company’s subsidiaries on an ongoing basis and pledged 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. According to the receivable financing facility agreement, the program limit could not exceed $80 million and the scheduled termination date for the receivables financing facility was December 19, 2017 . As of December 15, 2017 , the Company paid off the total outstanding borrowings under the receivables financing facility which was $52.4 million and the agreement was terminated. The contractual maturities of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (1) : (In thousands) 2018 $ 5,766 2019 2,532 2020 618,750 Thereafter 443,111 Total contractual maturities 1,070,159 Debt discount (9,088 ) Total debt $ 1,061,071 (1) Represents scheduled payments required under the DB Credit Agreement through June 5, 2020 and the Euro Notes through April 15, 2025 , as well as the contractual maturities of other debt outstanding as of December 31, 2017 , and reflects management’s intention to repay scheduled maturities of the term loans outstanding under the DB Credit Agreement (if not extended) with proceeds from the revolving credit facility. Certain U.S. subsidiaries of the Company have agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the DB Credit Agreement. The DB Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur debt or liens, merge or consolidate with others, dispose of assets, make investments or pay dividends. In addition, the DB Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio, as defined therein, of generally not more than 3.5 to 1.0 and minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined therein, of 3.0 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter . The DB Credit Agreement contains various events of default (including failure to comply with the covenants under the DB Credit Agreement and related agreements) 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 Loan and the Revolver. As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with the covenants under the DB Credit Agreement.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Equity Common Stock The Company contributed 66,000 shares of newly issued Colfax Common stock to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan on May 21, 2015. No contributions of Colfax Common stock were made during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Share Repurchase Program On October 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company’s Common stock from time-to-time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, which were to be retired upon repurchase. The repurchase program was authorized until December 31, 2016 and did not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares. The timing and amount of shares repurchased was determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program was conducted pursuant to SEC Rule 10b-18. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company repurchased 1,000,000 shares and 986,279 shares, respectively, of its Common stock in open market transactions for $20.8 million and $27.4 million , respectively. The repurchase program expired as of December 31, 2016. On February 12, 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company’s Common stock from time-to-time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of shares repurchased is to be determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program has no expiration date and does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares. No shares have been repurchased to date. 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . 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 Changes in Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance at January 1, 2015 $ (240,513 ) $ (227,059 ) $ 23,881 $ — $ (443,691 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Net actuarial gain 28,349 — — — 28,349 Foreign currency translation adjustment 7,747 (301,011 ) (382 ) — (293,646 ) Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions — (550 ) — — (550 ) Gain on net investment hedges — — 14,537 — 14,537 Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges — — (2,873 ) — (2,873 ) Other 3,817 — — — 3,817 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 39,913 (301,561 ) 11,282 — (250,366 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 7,342 — — — 7,342 Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss) 47,255 (301,561 ) 11,282 — (243,024 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (193,258 ) $ (528,620 ) $ 35,163 $ — $ (686,715 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Net actuarial gain 4,815 — — — 4,815 Foreign currency translation adjustment 2,620 (312,017 ) 722 — (308,675 ) Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions — (22,530 ) — — (22,530 ) Gain on net investment hedges — — 18,537 — 18,537 Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges — — (789 ) — (789 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,435 (334,547 ) 18,470 — (308,642 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)(2) 4,634 2,378 — — 7,012 Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss) 12,069 (332,169 ) 18,470 — (301,630 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (181,189 ) $ (860,789 ) $ 53,633 $ — $ (988,345 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications: Net actuarial gain 4,185 — — — 4,185 Foreign currency translation adjustment (5,689 ) 288,354 18 — 282,683 Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities — — — 5,152 5,152 Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions — (29,372 ) — — (29,372 ) Loss on net investment hedges — — (32,388 ) — (32,388 ) Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges — — 8,875 — 8,875 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (1,504 ) 258,982 (23,495 ) 5,152 239,135 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 6,981 — — — 6,981 Divestiture-related recognition of pension and other post-retirement cost and foreign currency translation 91,374 76,483 — — 167,857 Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss) 96,851 335,465 (23,495 ) 5,152 413,973 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (84,338 ) $ (525,324 ) $ 30,138 $ 5,152 $ (574,372 ) (1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 14, “Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details. (2) Foreign currency translation adjustment reclassification is the result of deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations during the year ended December 31, 2016. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further discussion. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Noncontrolling interest increased by $16.0 million as a result of Other comprehensive income, primarily due to foreign currency translation adjustments. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , Noncontrolling interest increased by $0.6 million and decreased by $22.8 million , respectively, as a result of Other comprehensive loss, primarily due to foreign currency translation adjustment. Share-Based Payments On May 13, 2016, the Company adopted the Colfax Corporation 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) which replaced the Colfax Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan dated April 21, 2008, as amended and restated on April 2, 2012. The 2016 Plan provides the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors discretion in creating employee equity incentives. Awards under the 2016 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 Income, as payroll costs of the employees receiving the awards are recorded in the same line item. The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income reflect the following amounts related to stock-based compensation: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Stock-based compensation expense $ 21,548 $ 19,020 $ 16,321 Deferred tax benefit 7,079 6,271 5,342 As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had $36.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.1 years . The intrinsic value of awards exercised or issued upon vesting was $12.3 million , $6.5 million and $21.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Stock Options Under the 2016 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, 2017 2016 2015 Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years) 4.78 4.95 5.02 Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant) 1.92 % 1.41 % 1.62 % Volatility 32.15 % 42.50 % 28.75 % Dividend yield — — — Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 12.16 $ 9.47 $ 11.87 During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, expected volatility was estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price; during the year ended December 31, 2015, expected volatility was 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 (1) (In thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 4,327,827 $ 37.49 Granted 872,146 40.28 Exercised (319,902 ) 21.70 Forfeited and expired (440,486 ) 42.48 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 4,439,585 $ 38.68 4.40 $ 24,715 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2017 4,304,963 $ 38.47 4.38 $ 24,589 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,576,311 $ 42.61 3.26 $ 8,230 (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 2016 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 as determined at the time of grant. Under the 2016 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. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we granted certain employees PRSUs, the vesting of which is based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) ranking among a peer group over a three-year performance period. The awards also have a service requirement that equals to the respective performance periods. For these awards subject to market conditions, a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model) is used to calculate the fair value at grant date. The related compensation expense is recognized, on a straight-line basis, over the vesting period. The performance criteria have not yet been met for the PRSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The activity in the Company’s PRSUs and RSUs is as follows: PRSUs RSUs Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Nonvested at January 1, 2017 627,316 $ 36.25 583,898 $ 34.54 Granted 100,811 40.42 251,949 40.04 Vested (53,498 ) 41.06 (146,794 ) 39.94 Forfeited and expired (25,956 ) 68.30 (173,254 ) 36.50 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 648,673 $ 35.22 515,799 $ 35.03 The fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $7.3 million , $6.5 million and $8.9 million , respectively.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Accrued payroll $ 98,132 $ 87,045 Accrued taxes 53,939 35,429 Accrued asbestos-related liability 50,311 51,166 Warranty liability - current portion 32,428 29,233 Accrued restructuring liability - current portion 12,509 10,783 Accrued third-party commissions 14,014 10,432 Other 97,299 87,238 Accrued liabilities $ 358,632 $ 311,326 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, 2017 Balance at Beginning of Period Provisions Payments Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period (3) (In thousands) Restructuring and other related charges: Air and Gas Handling : Termination benefits (1) $ 4,855 $ 21,605 $ (14,929 ) $ 507 $ 12,038 Facility closure costs (2) 1,234 3,961 (5,397 ) (15 ) (217 ) 6,089 25,566 (20,326 ) 492 11,821 Non-cash charges (2) 26,628 52,194 Fabrication Technology: Termination benefits (1) 3,712 5,590 (8,732 ) 90 660 Facility closure costs (2) 981 6,198 (7,150 ) 13 42 4,693 11,788 (15,882 ) 103 702 Non-cash charges (2) 4,369 16,157 Corporate and Other: Facility closure costs (2) 203 — (133 ) 14 84 203 — (133 ) 14 84 Total $ 10,985 37,354 $ (36,341 ) $ 609 $ 12,607 Non-cash charges (2) 30,997 $ 68,351 (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. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded a $4.4 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Fabrication Technology segment, that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities. The Company recorded a $26.6 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Air and Gas Handling segment as part of the Corporate approved restructuring activities. (3) As of December 31, 2017 , $12.5 million and $0.1 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively. Year Ended December 31, 2016 Balance at Beginning of Period Provisions Payments Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period (3) (In thousands) Restructuring and other related charges: Air and Gas Handling : Termination benefits (1) $ 5,656 $ 13,599 $ (14,502 ) $ 102 $ 4,855 Facility closure costs (2) 894 9,159 (8,702 ) (117 ) 1,234 6,550 22,758 (23,204 ) (15 ) 6,089 Non-cash charges 3,668 26,426 Fabrication Technology: Termination benefits (1) 6,031 23,104 (25,263 ) (160 ) 3,712 Facility closure costs (2) 426 7,261 (6,611 ) (95 ) 981 6,457 30,365 (31,874 ) (255 ) 4,693 Non-cash charges 1,323 31,688 Corporate and Other: Facility closure costs (2) 625 — (344 ) (78 ) 203 625 — (344 ) (78 ) 203 Total $ 13,632 53,123 $ (55,422 ) $ (348 ) $ 10,985 Non-cash charges (2) 4,991 $ 58,114 (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, 2016 , $10.8 million and $0.2 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 $32.9 million during the year ending December 31, 2018 related to its restructuring activities.

Defined Benefit Plans Defined B

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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 31 st as the measurement date for all of its employee benefit plans. In connection with the sale of the Fluid Handling business, the Buyer assumed the Fluid Handling liability for all foreign defined benefit plans specific to the Fluid Handling business, a portion of the U.S. defined benefit plan, and certain other postretirement obligations. Net benefit cost for the Fluid Handling business is included in Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, within the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 4, “Discontinued Operations” for further information. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we settled a foreign pension plan - Charter Pension Scheme (CPS) - in connection with a third-party buyout arrangement. As a result of the settlement, we are no longer responsible for any liabilities under CPS and a loss of $46.5 million was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017. 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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 1,475,276 $ 1,550,643 $ 26,295 $ 33,093 Acquisitions 42,830 — 310 — Service cost 4,951 4,059 11 39 Interest cost 42,177 51,638 951 1,038 Plan amendment 19,389 — 35 — Actuarial loss (gain) 78,124 126,505 1,307 (5,689 ) Foreign exchange effect 82,425 (158,453 ) 6 — Benefits paid (93,009 ) (97,488 ) (1,875 ) (2,186 ) Divestitures (340,614 ) — (11,751 ) — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) — — Other 367 (37 ) — — Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 957,269 $ 1,475,276 $ 15,289 $ 26,295 Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year $ 947,803 $ 1,452,000 $ 15,289 $ 26,295 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 1,297,900 $ 1,337,405 $ — $ — Acquisitions 36,538 — — — Actual return on plan assets 111,630 191,562 — — Employer contribution 35,996 32,347 1,875 2,186 Foreign exchange effect 74,565 (164,316 ) — — Benefits paid (93,009 ) (97,488 ) (1,875 ) (2,186 ) Divestitures (204,673 ) — — — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) — — Other 46 (19 ) — — Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 904,346 $ 1,297,900 $ — $ — Funded status, end of year $ (52,923 ) $ (177,376 ) $ (15,289 ) $ (26,295 ) Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31: Non-current assets $ 65,060 $ 85,347 $ — $ — Assets held for sale, less current portion — 481 — — Current liabilities (4,171 ) (4,026 ) (1,507 ) (961 ) Non-current liabilities (113,812 ) (111,736 ) (13,782 ) (14,294 ) Current portion of liabilities held for sale — (1,047 ) — (1,213 ) Liabilities held for sale, less current portion — (146,395 ) — (9,827 ) Total $ (52,923 ) $ (177,376 ) $ (15,289 ) $ (26,295 ) The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $0.4 billion and $0.2 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and $0.6 billion and $0.4 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $0.4 billion and $0.2 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and $0.6 billion and $0.4 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . $0.3 billion of the projected benefit obligation and $0.2 billion of the fair value of plan assets were included in assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 . 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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 1,033,193 $ 1,075,223 Acquisitions 42,830 — Service cost 4,804 3,881 Interest cost 27,133 34,298 Plan amendments 19,389 — Actuarial loss (gain) 70,849 132,898 Foreign exchange effect 82,425 (158,453 ) Benefits paid (60,510 ) (53,028 ) Divestitures (136,114 ) — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) Other 41 (35 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 729,393 $ 1,033,193 Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year $ 719,927 $ 1,009,916 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 953,455 $ 981,249 Acquisitions 36,538 — Actual return on plan assets 59,924 158,992 Employer contribution 35,815 32,168 Foreign exchange effect 74,565 (164,316 ) Benefits paid (60,510 ) (53,028 ) Divestitures (28,102 ) — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) Other 47 (19 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 717,085 $ 953,455 Funded status, end of year $ (12,308 ) $ (79,738 ) Expected contributions to the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans for the year ending December 31, 2018 , related to plans as of December 31, 2017 , are $40.5 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 (In thousands) 2018 $ 54,204 $ 37,715 $ 1,507 2019 54,784 38,495 1,354 2020 55,179 39,024 1,205 2021 56,779 40,866 1,079 2022 56,773 41,150 1,008 2023- 2027 292,410 200,091 4,232 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 2017 2016 Allocation U.S. Plans: Equity securities: U.S. 44 % 44 % 30% - 45% International 16 % 15 % 10% - 20% Fixed income 39 % 36 % 30% - 50% Other — % 1 % 0% - 20% Cash and cash equivalents 1 % 4 % 0% - 5% Foreign Plans: Equity securities 31 % 32 % 25%-40% Fixed income securities 60 % 65 % 60%-75% Cash and cash equivalents 1 % 1 % 0% - 25% Other 8 % 2 % 0% - 10% A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented follows (see Note 15, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy): December 31, 2017 Measured at Net Asset Value (1) Level Level Level (In thousands) U.S. Plans: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 1,591 $ — $ — $ 1,591 Equity securities: U.S. large cap 49,351 — — — 49,351 U.S. small/mid cap 20,396 13,360 — — 33,756 International 29,236 — — — 29,236 Fixed income mutual funds: U.S. government and corporate 72,313 — — — 72,313 Other (2) — 1,015 — — 1,015 Foreign Plans: Cash and cash equivalents — 3,636 — — 3,636 Equity securities 78,681 142,152 — — 220,833 Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds — 430,546 2,077 — 432,623 Other (2) — 573 59,419 — 59,992 $ 249,977 $ 592,873 $ 61,496 $ — $ 904,346 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient (the “NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments, consisting of common/collective trusts, are valued using the NAV provided by the Trustee. The NAV is based on the underlying investments held by the fund, that are traded in an active market, less its liabilities. These investments are able to be redeemed in the near-term. (2) Represents diversified portfolio funds, reinsurance contracts and money market funds. December 31, 2016 Measured at Net Asset Value (1) Level Level Level (In thousands) U.S. Plans: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 16,517 $ — $ — $ 16,517 Equity securities: U.S. large cap $ 97,530 $ — $ — $ — $ 97,530 U.S. small/mid cap 41,141 12,116 — — 53,257 International 51,656 — — — 51,656 Fixed income mutual funds: U.S. government and corporate 123,663 — — — 123,663 Other (2) — 1,822 — — 1,822 Foreign Plans: Cash and cash equivalents — 8,758 — — 8,758 Equity securities 129,525 144,696 32,966 — 307,187 Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds — 292,288 321,657 — 613,945 Other (2) — 592 22,973 — 23,565 $ 443,515 $ 476,789 $ 377,596 $ — $ 1,297,900 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient (the “NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments, consisting primarily of common/collective trusts, are valued using the NAV provided by the Trustee. The NAV is based on the underlying investments held by the fund, that are traded in an active market, less its liabilities. These investments are able to be redeemed in the near-term. (2) Represents diversified portfolio funds, reinsurance contracts and money market funds. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive loss 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost $ 4,951 $ 4,059 $ 4,612 $ 11 $ 39 $ 33 Interest cost 42,177 51,638 54,807 951 1,038 1,170 Amortization 10,660 8,334 11,515 (839 ) (407 ) 259 Settlement loss (gain) 46,933 48 (582 ) — — — Divestitures loss (gain) (17,858 ) — — (13,744 ) — — Other — 37 525 207 — 174 Expected return on plan assets (48,484 ) (57,169 ) (58,107 ) — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 38,379 $ 6,947 $ 12,770 $ (13,414 ) $ 670 $ 1,636 Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss: Current year net actuarial (gain) loss $ 19,193 $ (9,523 ) $ (33,558 ) $ 1,307 $ (5,689 ) $ (6,410 ) Current year prior service cost 19,389 — — 35 — — Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost: Amortization of net loss (10,682 ) (8,362 ) (11,515 ) 971 655 (11 ) Settlement/divestiture/other (gain) loss (163,199 ) (74 ) (952 ) 1,787 — — Amortization of prior service cost 23 28 — (132 ) (248 ) (248 ) Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss $ (135,276 ) $ (17,931 ) $ (46,025 ) $ 3,968 $ (5,282 ) $ (6,669 ) Net periodic benefit cost of $7.7 million , $7.1 million and $8.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive loss of the foreign defined benefit pension plans, included in the table above: Foreign Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost $ 4,804 $ 3,881 $ 4,506 Interest cost 27,133 34,298 37,253 Amortization 4,229 1,870 4,272 Settlement loss (gain) 45,110 48 (582 ) Divestitures loss (gain) (56,798 ) — — Other — 37 525 Expected return on plan assets (27,714 ) (32,596 ) (32,921 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (3,236 ) $ 7,538 $ 13,053 Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss: Current year net actuarial loss (gain) $ 42,854 $ 4,867 $ (50,216 ) Current year prior service cost 19,389 — — Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost: Amortization of net loss (4,251 ) (1,898 ) (4,272 ) Settlement/divestiture/other (gain) loss (96,331 ) (74 ) (952 ) Amortization of prior service cost 23 28 — Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss $ (38,316 ) $ 2,923 $ (55,440 ) 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 December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 86,018 $ 221,294 $ (2,603 ) $ (6,878 ) Prior service cost — — 3 310 Total $ 86,018 $ 221,294 $ (2,600 ) $ (6,568 ) 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, 2018 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post- (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 4,602 $ (91 ) Prior service cost — 3 Total $ 4,602 $ (88 ) 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 December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate: All plans 2.6 % 2.9 % 3.4 % 3.9 % Foreign plans 2.4 % 2.6 % — — Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans 2.1 % 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average discount rate: All plans 2.9 % 3.6 % 3.3 % 3.9 % 4.0 % 3.6 % Foreign plans 2.6 % 3.5 % 3.3 % — — — Weighted-average expected return on plan assets: All plans 4.1 % 4.8 % 4.7 % — — — Foreign plans 3.3 % 4.1 % 3.9 % — — — Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans 1.6 % 1.5 % 1.6 % — — — 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 6.3% was assumed. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.50% by 2027 and remain at that level thereafter for benefits covered under the plans. 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, 2017 $ 88 $ (72 ) Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 809 (682 ) The Company maintains defined contribution plans covering certain union and non-union employees. The Company’s expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $29.0 million , $22.9 million and $26.5 million , respectively. Total expense included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $3.1 million , $2.8 million and $3.3 million .

Financial Instruments and Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 on a recurring basis for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows: December 31, 2017 Level Level Level Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 24,083 $ — $ — $ 24,083 Short term investments — 149,608 — 149,608 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges — 3,287 — 3,287 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 43 — 43 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 493 — 493 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 1,038 — 1,038 Deferred compensation plans — 6,374 — 6,374 $ 24,083 $ 160,843 $ — $ 184,926 Liabilities: Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges $ — $ 1,257 $ — $ 1,257 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 740 — 740 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 1,332 — 1,332 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 449 — 449 Deferred compensation plans — 6,374 — 6,374 $ — $ 10,152 $ — $ 10,152 December 31, 2016 Level Level Level Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 24,603 $ — $ — $ 24,603 Short term investments — — — — Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges — 992 — 992 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 1,285 — 1,285 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 4,224 — 4,224 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 120 — 120 Deferred compensation plans — 4,586 — 4,586 $ 24,603 $ 11,207 $ — $ 35,810 Liabilities: Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges $ — $ 11,280 $ — $ 11,280 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 256 — 256 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 469 — 469 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 1,004 — 1,004 Deferred compensation plans — 4,586 — 4,586 $ — $ 17,595 $ — $ 17,595 There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the year ended December 31, 2017 . 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. Short Term Investments The short term investments held by the Company are CIRCOR Shares received as part of the consideration for the sale of Fluid Handling. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company is prohibited from transferring any of the CIRCOR Shares for a period of six months following the date of closing (the “Lock-up Period”). Using available market inputs, the shares were valued and given an appropriate discount rate reflecting the Lock-up Period. Derivatives The Company periodically enters into foreign currency, interest rate swap and commodity derivative contracts. As the Company has manufacturing sites throughout the world and sells its products globally, the Company is exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies. As a result, the Company enters into cross currency swaps and forward contracts to mitigate this exchange rate risk. Additionally, to mitigate a portion of the foreign exchange risk associated with the translation of the net assets of foreign subsidiaries, the Company’s DB Credit Agreement includes debt denominated in Euro which has been designated as a net investment hedge. See Note 11, “Debt” for details. As the Company’s borrowings under the DB Credit Agreement include variable interest rates, the Company periodically enters into interest rate swap or collar agreements to mitigate interest rate risk. 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. 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, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges $ 37,143 $ 85,542 Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges 174,194 215,086 Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges 103,975 40,127 Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges 59,055 84,604 Total foreign currency derivatives $ 374,367 $ 425,359 The Company recognized the following in its Consolidated Financial Statements related to its derivative instruments: Year Ended 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Contracts Designated as Hedges: Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts: Unrealized gain (loss) $ 3,812 $ 1,847 $ (2,350 ) Realized gain (loss) 1,954 (4,771 ) (512 ) Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts: Unrealized gain (loss) 1,109 (1,269 ) (1,173 ) Realized (loss) gain (2,737 ) 2,570 756 Unrealized (loss) gain on net investment hedges (1) (32,388 ) 18,537 14,537 Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship: Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts: Unrealized (loss) gain (1,725 ) 1,464 2,129 Realized gain (loss) 1,712 (285 ) (5,164 ) Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts: Unrealized gain (loss) 1,472 (1,095 ) (214 ) Realized (loss) gain (358 ) (653 ) 1,132 (1) The unrealized (loss) gain on net investment hedges is attributable to the change in valuation of Euro denominated debt. 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 23% and 25% of the Company’s Accounts receivable, net as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. On September 24, 2017, we entered into the Purchase Agreement with CIRCOR, pursuant to which CIRCOR agreed to purchase certain subsidiaries and assets comprising the Fluid Handling business. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company will retain its asbestos-related contingencies and insurance coverages. However, as the Company will not retain an interest in the ongoing operations of the business subject to the contingencies, the Company has classified asbestos-related activity in its Consolidated Statements of Income as part of Income (loss) from discontinuing operations, net of taxes. Claims activity since December 31 related to asbestos claims is as follows: Year Ended 2017 2016 2015 (Number of claims) Claims unresolved, beginning of period (1) 20,567 20,583 21,681 Claims filed (2) 4,543 5,163 4,821 Claims resolved (3) (7,373 ) (5,179 ) (5,919 ) Claims unresolved, end of period 17,737 20,567 20,583 (In dollars) Average cost of resolved claims (4) $ 6,154 $ 8,872 $ 6,056 (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 a range of reasonably possible losses 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. The Company has evaluated the insurance assets for each subsidiary based upon the applicable policy language and allocation methodologies, and law pertaining to the affected subsidiary’s insurance policies. One of the subsidiaries 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. The subsidiary has sought coverage from certain excess layer insurers whose terms and conditions follow form to the umbrella carrier, which parties’ dispute was resolved by the Delaware state courts during 2016. This litigation confirmed 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), that the subsidiary has rights to excess insurance policies purchased by a former owner of the business, and that, based on the September 12, 2016 ruling by the Delaware Supreme Court, the subsidiary has a right to immediately access the excess layer policies. Further, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled in the subsidiary’s favor on a “trigger of coverage” issue, holding that every policy in place during or after the date of a claimant’s first significant exposure to asbestos was “triggered” and potentially could be accessed to cover that claimant’s claim. The Court also largely affirmed and reversed in part some of the prior lower court rulings on defense obligations and whether payment of such costs erode policy limits or are payable in addition to policy limits. Based upon these rulings, the Company currently estimates that the subsidiary’s future expected recovery percentage is approximately 91.8% of asbestos-related costs, with the subsidiary expected to be responsible for approximately 8.2% of its future asbestos-related costs. Since approximately mid-2011, the Company had funded $142.8 million of the subsidiary’s asbestos-related defense and indemnity costs through December 31, 2017 , which it expects to recover from insurers. Based on the above-referenced court rulings, the Company requested that its insurers reimburse all of the $94.9 million that remained outstanding at the time of the ruling, and the Company currently expects to receive substantially all of that amount. As of December 31, 2017, $60.1 million of that amount was reimbursed. Certain of the excess insurers have advised the subsidiary that they are still reviewing cost data relating to the other unreimbursed amounts. The subsidiary also has requested that certain excess insurers provide ongoing coverage for future asbestos-related defense and/or indemnity costs. The insurers to which the vast majority of pending claims have been tendered have not yet responded to this request. To the extent any disagreements concerning excess insurers’ payment obligations under the Delaware Supreme Court’s rulings remain, they are expected to be resolved by Delaware court action, which is still pending and has been remanded to the Delaware Superior Court for any further proceedings. In the interim, and while not impacting the results of operations, the Company’s cash funding for future asbestos-related defense and indemnity costs for which it expects reimbursement from insurers could range up to $10 million per quarter. 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. Court rulings in 2007 and 2009 clarified the insurers allocation methodology as mandated by the New Jersey courts, the allocation calculation related to amounts currently due from insurers, and amounts the Company expects to be reimbursed for asbestos-related costs incurred in future periods. A final judgment at the trial court level was rendered in 2011 and confirmed by the Appellate Division in 2014. In 2015, the New Jersey Supreme Court refused to grant certification of the appeals, effectively ending the matter. The subsidiary expects to be responsible for approximately 21.6% of all future asbestos-related costs. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded a $4.1 million pre-tax charge due to an 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. The pre-tax charge was comprised of an increase in asbestos-related liabilities of $20.2 million partially offset by an increase in expected insurance recoveries of $16.1 million . During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company recorded an $8 million increase in asbestos-related liabilities due to higher settlement values per claim. The related insurance asset was accordingly increased $6.4 million , resulting in a net pre-tax charge of $1.6 million . During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded an $8.3 million increase in asbestos-related liabilities due to higher settlement values per claim. The related insurance asset was accordingly increased $6.7 million , resulting in a net pre-tax charge of $1.6 million . For all periods, the net pre-tax charge is included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets included the following amounts related to asbestos-related litigation: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Long-term asbestos insurance asset (1) $ 284,454 $ 293,289 Long-term asbestos insurance receivable (1) 73,489 92,269 Accrued asbestos liability (2) 50,311 51,166 Long-term asbestos liability (3) 310,326 330,194 (1) Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the subsidiaries will pay through the next 12 months, 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. (3) 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 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: December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 2018 $ 32,208 2019 24,579 2020 18,051 2021 13,706 2022 10,485 Thereafter 53,403 Total $ 152,432 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company’s net rental expense related to operating leases was $38.5 million , $34.8 million and $35.6 million , respectively. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had $271.8 million of unconditional purchase obligations with suppliers, the majority of which is expected to be paid by December 31, 2018 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment Information Prior to the sale of the Fluid Handling business, the Company conducted its operations through three operating segments: Air and Gas Handling, Fluid Handling and Fabrication Technology. The Air and Gas Handling and Fluid Handling operating segments were aggregated into a single reportable segment. Subsequent to the sale, the Company now conducts its continuing operations through the Air and Gas Handling and Fabrication Technology operating segments, which also represent the Company’s reportable segments. ▪ Air and Gas Handling - a global supplier of centrifugal and axial fans, rotary heat exchangers, gas compressors, ventilation control systems and software, and aftermarket services; and ▪ Fabrication Technology - a global supplier of consumable products and equipment for use in the cutting, joining and automated welding of steels, aluminum and other metals and metal alloys. 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 certain other charges. The Company’s segment results were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: Air and Gas Handling $ 1,362,902 $ 1,385,261 $ 1,449,115 Fabrication Technology 1,937,282 1,800,492 1,985,237 Total Net sales $ 3,300,184 $ 3,185,753 $ 3,434,352 Segment operating income (loss) (1) : Air and Gas Handling $ 126,205 $ 150,130 $ 171,022 Fabrication Technology 224,362 195,435 199,823 Corporate and other (53,432 ) (49,983 ) (47,499 ) Total segment operating income $ 297,135 $ 295,582 $ 323,346 Depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges: Air and Gas Handling $ 51,004 $ 53,222 $ 52,442 Fabrication Technology 71,372 74,901 83,427 Corporate and other 1,316 704 1,172 Total depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges $ 123,692 $ 128,827 $ 137,041 Capital expenditures: Air and Gas Handling $ 18,942 $ 18,784 $ 26,814 Fabrication Technology 34,167 32,662 35,261 Corporate and other 277 3,595 313 Total capital expenditures $ 53,386 $ 55,041 $ 62,388 (1) The following is a reconciliation of (Loss) income before income taxes to segment operating income: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes $ (11,986 ) $ 206,524 $ 218,118 Interest expense 41,137 30,276 47,502 Restructuring and other related charges 68,351 58,496 56,822 Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge 152,700 238 1,486 Pension settlement loss (gain) 46,933 48 (582 ) Segment operating income $ 297,135 $ 295,582 $ 323,346 December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Investments in Equity Method Investees: Air and Gas Handling $ 7,151 $ 4,616 Fabrication Technology 41,754 38,217 $ 48,905 $ 42,833 Total Assets: Air and Gas Handling $ 2,845,190 $ 2,454,981 Fabrication Technology 3,291,205 2,936,445 Corporate and other 573,302 489,682 Total $ 6,709,697 $ 5,881,108 The detail of the Company’s operations by geography is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net Sales by Origin (1) : United States $ 782,200 $ 794,008 $ 738,051 Foreign locations 2,517,984 2,391,745 2,696,301 Total Net sales $ 3,300,184 $ 3,185,753 $ 3,434,352 (1) The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated. December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (1) : United States $ 121,023 $ 136,707 Germany 63,055 14,652 Czech Republic 61,281 72,568 India 57,387 38,900 China 55,455 54,623 Other Foreign Locations 194,601 187,981 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 552,802 $ 505,431 (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 - (unau

Selected Quarterly Data - (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Data - (unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Data—(unaudited) Provided below is selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Quarter Ended March 31, (1) June 30, September 29, (1) December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 733,630 $ 847,962 $ 844,509 $ 874,083 Gross profit 239,829 258,064 263,899 267,683 Net income (Loss) from continuing operations 38,390 41,864 49,622 (184,416 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes 3,097 16,611 2,082 202,257 Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation 38,542 53,394 45,863 13,291 Net income (loss) per share - basic Continuing operations $ 0.29 $ 0.30 $ 0.36 $ (1.53 ) Discontinued operations $ 0.03 $ 0.13 $ 0.02 $ 1.64 Consolidated operations $ 0.31 $ 0.43 $ 0.37 $ 0.11 Net income (loss) per share - diluted Continuing operations $ 0.29 $ 0.30 $ 0.35 $ (1.53 ) Discontinued operations $ 0.03 $ 0.13 $ 0.02 $ 1.63 Consolidated operations $ 0.31 $ 0.43 $ 0.37 $ 0.11 Quarter Ended April 1, July 1, September 30, December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 765,707 $ 841,117 $ 766,521 $ 812,408 Gross profit 241,692 262,386 238,314 249,990 Net Income from continuing operations 26,997 44,037 40,548 43,170 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (787 ) (74 ) (8,349 ) (351 ) Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation 22,615 39,754 27,970 37,772 Net income (loss) per share - basic Continuing operations $ 0.19 $ 0.32 $ 0.30 $ 0.31 Discontinued operations $ (0.01 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ — Consolidated operations $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 0.23 $ 0.31 Net income (loss) per share - diluted Continuing operations $ 0.19 $ 0.32 $ 0.30 $ 0.31 Discontinued operations $ (0.01 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ — Consolidated operations $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 0.23 $ 0.31 (1) The sum of the net income per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On February 12, 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company’s Common stock from time-to-time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of shares repurchased is to be determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program has no expiration date and does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares. No shares have been repurchased to date.

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUA

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Balance at Charged to Cost and (1) Charged to Other (2) Write-Offs Write-Downs and Foreign Balance at (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 29,005 $ 2,824 $ — $ (2,271 ) $ 1,930 $ 31,488 Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory 34,625 5,510 — (6,440 ) 1,266 34,961 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 153,740 17,269 (1,562 ) (17,432 ) 3,116 155,131 Year Ended December 31, 2016: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 27,582 $ 7,420 $ — $ (6,536 ) $ 539 $ 29,005 Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory 28,352 22,764 — (16,492 ) 1 34,625 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 161,030 21,013 (1,751 ) (14,813 ) (11,739 ) 153,740 Year Ended December 31, 2015: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 24,779 $ 5,219 $ — $ 691 $ (3,107 ) $ 27,582 Allowance for excess slow-moving and obsolete inventory 25,395 7,488 — (1,007 ) (3,524 ) 28,352 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 159,252 11,461 (3,862 ) (2,845 ) (2,976 ) 161,030 (1) Amounts charged to expense are net of recoveries for the respective period. (2) Represents amount charge to Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassifications to deferred tax asset accounts.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 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 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 Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes revenue and cost of sales on air and 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 Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred. As of December 31, 2017 , there were $219.8 million of revenues in excess of billings and $95.9 million of billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2016 , there were $174.9 million of revenues in excess of billings and $108.2 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 17, “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 Income 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 $42.9 million , $39.3 million and $38.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Interest Expense, Net Interest expense, net includes interest income of $7.8 million , $6.6 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, primarily associated with interest bearing deposits in certain foreign subsidiaries.
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 Trade receivables 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 net realizable value. For air and 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. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are considered to be impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit or asset exceeds its fair value. The Company currently has two reporting units: Air and Gas Handling and Fabrication Technology. 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. In certain instances, the Company may elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Goodwill of that reporting unit is impaired. In this case, pursuant to ASU 2017-04, which the Company elected to early adopt during the three months ended December 31, 2017, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value. Generally, the Company measures fair value of reporting units based on a present value of future discounted cash flows and a market valuation approach. The discounted cash flow models indicate 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 flow models include: the weighted average cost of capital; long-term rate of growth and profitability of our business; and working capital effects. The market valuation approach indicates the fair value of the business based on a comparison 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. During the annual impairment analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to continued declines in various end markets for the Air and Gas Handling reporting unit, the Company decided to perform a quantitative analysis for this reporting unit as of September 29, 2017. The quantitative Goodwill impairment assessment for the Air and Gas Handling reporting unit resulted in a calculated fair value lower than carrying value. As a result, an impairment charge of $150.2 million , which equals the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, was recorded. A qualitative assessment of Goodwill was performed for the Fabrication Technology reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2017, which indicated no impairment existed. 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 more likely than not 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. From time-to-time, the Company has identified certain indefinite-lived intangible assets that, due to indicators present at the specific operation associated with the indefinite-lived intangible asset, should be tested for impairment prior to the annual impairment evaluation. During the year ended December 31, 2015, an analysis was performed to evaluate certain intangible assets related to a specific operation within the Company due to a decline in anticipated performance at the operation associated with those assets. The analysis determined an indefinite-lived trade name within the Company’s Fabrication Technology segment was impaired based upon relief from royalty measurements and resulted in a $1.5 million impairment loss calculated as the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value as of the date of the impairment test. The calculated fair value of the asset was $2.8 million and is included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy. The analyses performed as of October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015 resulted in no impairment charges. During the annual impairment analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, quantitative analyses were performed, as of September 29, 2017, for the Air and Gas Handling reporting unit trade names due to continued declines in various end markets. The analyses determined the fair value was lower than carrying value for one indefinite-lived trade name, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2.5 million for that trade name. The calculated fair value of the trade name was $11.7 million and is included in Level Three of the fair value hierarchy. For another indefinite-lived intangible trade name, the analysis determined the fair value was marginally greater than its $22.1 million carrying value. A qualitative assessment was performed for the Fabrication Technology reporting unit trade names for the year ended December 31, 2017, which indicated no impairment existed. Impairment charges related to Goodwill and Indefinite-lived intangible assets are included in Goodwill and intangible assets impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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 Intangible assets 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 intangible assets 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 $31.0 million , $2.6 million and $9.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as a component of Restructuring and other related charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The aggregate carrying value of these assets subsequent to impairment was $53.7 million , $2.7 million and $21.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
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 issued senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of €350 million (as defined and further discussed in Note 11, “Debt”) during the year ended December 31, 2017 , which has been designated as a net investment hedge 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 Income 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 15, “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 Income. 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 Balance Sheets, consisted of the following: Year Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) Warranty liability, beginning of period $ 30,222 $ 35,634 Accrued warranty expense 17,760 17,368 Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties 1,453 4,701 Cost of warranty service work performed (22,600 ) (27,429 ) Acquisitions 5,277 304 Foreign exchange translation effect 2,065 (356 ) Warranty liability, end of period $ 34,177 $ 30,222
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. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are reported in Other assets and Other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is generally recognized in 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 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 Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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 Income for that period. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction gains of $0.04 million and $3.4 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company recognized net foreign currency transaction gain of $2.6 million and $5.0 million in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , net foreign currency transaction losses of $3.7 million and a gain of $3.3 million were recognized in Interest expense and Selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Income
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. Net deferred issuance costs of $9.2 million and $5.9 million , respectively, were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , which includes $12.3 million and $15.6 million , respectively, of accumulated amortization. As of December 31, 2017 , $3.8 million and $5.4 million of deferred issuance costs were included in Other assets and as a reduction of Long-term debt, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , $5.3 million and $0.6 million of deferred issuance costs were included in Other assets and as a reduction of Long-term debt, respectively. 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 11, “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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Guidance Implemented in 2017 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. The ASU requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, except for inventory that is measured using the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. The Company adopted the ASU during the year ended December 31, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”. The ASU, among other things, aims to simplify shared-based payment accounting by recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized before they can be recognized. The effect for excess tax benefits not previously recognized is recorded as a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings pursuant to a modified retrospective adoption method. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies are accounted for as discrete items in the period the stock awards vest or otherwise are settled. Further, the guidance requires that excess tax benefits be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows consistent with other income tax cash flows. The Company’s adoption of the ASU as of January 1, 2017 resulted in a cumulative catch-up adjustment that increased retained earnings by $10.0 million with a corresponding increase to U.S. deferred tax assets related to prior years’ unrecognized excess tax benefits. The Company has also elected to continue its entity-wide accounting policy to estimate the amount of awards that are expected to vest. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements”. Among other things, the ASU provides clarification on the presentation of the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The Company retrospectively adopted the ASU during the year ended December 31, 2017 and reclassified the carrying value of internal-use computer software from Property, plant and equipment, net to Intangible assets, net. The carrying value of internal-use computer software was $29.3 million and $32.3 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)”. The ASU modifies the measurement of a goodwill impairment loss from the portion of the carrying amount of goodwill that exceeds its implied fair value to the excess of the carrying amount of a reporting unit that exceeds its fair value. This eliminates step 2 of the goodwill impairment test under current guidance. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04 for the 2017 annual impairment tests performed as of the first day of the Company’s fourth quarter (September 29, 2017). The impact of the adoption is discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” New Accounting Guidance to be Implemented In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The ASU outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under U.S. GAAP and supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle of the ASU is that revenue should be recognized 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. The Company will apply the ASU and its related updates on a full retrospective basis as of January 1, 2018. The Company has completed a comprehensive assessment of customer contracts across the Company’s operating segments and evaluated the effect the ASU will have on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has concluded that the adoption of the ASU will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. As such, no cumulative catch-up adjustment will be recorded. The primary impact of adoption will be expanded disclosures that will enable users to better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, the Company has made appropriate revisions to its accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls, which took effect starting January 1, 2018, to comply with the effective date of the standard. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which requires various changes to the measurement and disclosure of equity investments. For the Company, the most relevant change under ASU 2016-01 is the elimination of the available-for-sale classification for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, at which point any changes in fair value of the Company’s Short term investments will be included as an adjustment to earnings, rather than other comprehensive income. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The ASU requires, among other things, a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities associated with the rights and obligations attributable to most leases but also recognize expenses similar to current lease accounting. The ASU also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases, along with additional key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The new guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and provides for certain practical expedients. The Company is in the process of analyzing initial data gathered to evaluate the impact of adopting the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements, the related systems required to capture the increased reporting and disclosures associated with the ASU, and its use of practical expedients. The Company will apply the ASU and its related updates on a modified retrospective basis as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the guidance will have a material effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, resulting in the recording of an operating lease asset and liability. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The ASU eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold under current U.S. GAAP and broadens the information an entity must consider when developing its expected credit loss estimates to include forward-looking information. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 203)”. The ASU addresses eight specific cash flow issues and clarifies their presentation and classification in the Statement of Cash Flows. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company concluded that the adoption of the ASU will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements and will apply the ASU and its related updates on a retrospective basis as of January 1, 2018. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”. The ASU eliminates the exception that the tax effects of an intra-entity transfer (sales) are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or recovered through use. The resulting impact will be the recognition of tax expense in the seller’s jurisdiction and any deferred tax asset in the buyer’s jurisdiction in the period the transfer occurs. The new guidance will not apply to intra entity sales of inventory whose tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory is sold to a third party. This new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment effect recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”. This ASU requires that the service cost component of net benefit costs of pension and postretirement benefit plans be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs. Other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost will be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component, and only the service cost will be eligible for capitalization. The guidance should be applied retrospectively for the presentation requirements and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost. The ASU is effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018, and it is not expected that the guidance will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The ASU amends the current hedge accounting model and eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The ASU also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Companies are required to apply amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationship using modified retrospective method and apply prospective method for the presentation and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements and the timing of adoption. On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 allows registrants to include a provisional amount to account for the implications of the Tax Act where a reasonable estimate can be made and requires the completion of the accounting no later than one year from the date of enactment of the Tax Act or December 22, 2018. Additionally, the Company will file its 2017 U.S. income tax return in Q4 which may change our tax basis in temporary differences estimated as of December 31, 2017 which will result in an adjustment to the tax provision to the re-measurement amount recorded in the financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 Balance Sheets, consisted of the following: Year Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) Warranty liability, beginning of period $ 30,222 $ 35,634 Accrued warranty expense 17,760 17,368 Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties 1,453 4,701 Cost of warranty service work performed (22,600 ) (27,429 ) Acquisitions 5,277 304 Foreign exchange translation effect 2,065 (356 ) Warranty liability, end of period $ 34,177 $ 30,222

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The key components of income (loss) from discontinued operations were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales $ 436,682 $ 461,294 $ 532,701 Cost of sales 294,946 308,025 352,613 Selling, general and administrative expense (1) 118,740 136,380 156,708 Divestiture-related expense, net (2) 5,257 — — Restructuring and other related items (3) (6,768 ) 15,674 4,355 Operating income (loss) 24,507 1,215 19,025 Interest income (loss) (4) 473 260 (241 ) Gain on disposal (5) 308,388 — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 333,368 1,475 18,784 Income taxes 109,321 11,036 8,556 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ 224,047 $ (9,561 ) $ 10,228 (1) Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company retained its asbestos-related contingencies and insurance coverages. However, as the Company did not retain an interest in the ongoing operations of the business subject to the contingencies, the Company has classified asbestos-related activity in its Consolidated Statements of Income as part of Income (loss) from discontinuing operations. See Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” for further information. (2) Primarily related to professional and consulting fees associated with due diligence and preparation of regulatory filings, as well as employee benefit arrangements and other disposition-related activities. (3) During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $12 million from the sale of a facility that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities. (4) Interest expense has not been allocated to the discontinued operations. (5) Calculated as the difference between total consideration received and net assets sold less costs to sell of $14.3 million . Included in the gain calculation is a reduction of $167.9 million of the accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the Fluid Handling business. The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale that were included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,916 Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,506 74,818 Inventories, net 38,885 Other current assets 23,656 Property, plant, and equipment, net 66,474 Goodwill 212,330 Intangible assets, net 15,302 Other assets 12,951 Total assets held for sale 457,332 Less: current portion 150,275 Total assets held for sale, less current portion 307,057 LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE Accounts payable $ 43,356 Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred 10,795 Accrued liabilities 33,032 Other Liabilities 165,974 Total liabilities held for sale 253,157 Less: current portion 87,183 Total liabilities held for sale, less current portion 165,974

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Net income per share from continuing operations was computed as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except share data) Computation of Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic: Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation (1) $ (72,957 ) $ 137,672 $ 157,511 Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic 123,229,806 122,911,581 124,101,033 Net (loss) income per share from continuing operations - basic $ (0.59 ) $ 1.12 $ 1.27 Computation of Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted: Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation (1) $ (72,957 ) $ 137,672 $ 157,511 Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic 123,229,806 122,911,581 124,101,033 Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units — 287,145 768,616 Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted 123,229,806 123,198,726 124,869,649 Net (loss) income per share from continuing operations - diluted $ (0.59 ) $ 1.12 $ 1.26 (1) Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation for the respective periods is calculated using Net (loss) income from continuing operations less the income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and Provision for income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes: Domestic operations $ (29,470 ) $ (34,015 ) $ (35,048 ) Foreign operations 17,484 240,539 253,166 $ (11,986 ) $ 206,524 $ 218,118 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes: Current: Federal $ 49,259 $ 621 $ 471 State (439 ) (592 ) 941 Foreign 53,274 60,651 67,740 $ 102,094 $ 60,680 $ 69,152 Deferred: Domestic operations $ (54,226 ) $ (2,924 ) $ (6,134 ) Foreign operations (5,314 ) (5,984 ) (21,850 ) (59,540 ) (8,908 ) (27,984 ) $ 42,554 $ 51,772 $ 41,168
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The Company’s Provision for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate $ (4,195 ) $ 72,283 $ 76,365 State taxes 86 228 768 Effect of tax rates on international operations (13,916 ) (27,831 ) (36,305 ) Change in enacted international tax rates 536 (2,419 ) (4,415 ) Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves 5,859 2,675 (55 ) Tax Act - re-measurement of U.S. deferred taxes (54,988 ) — — Tax Act - mandatory repatriation taxes 52,381 — — Non-deductible impairment expenses 52,570 — — Other 4,221 6,836 4,810 Provision for income taxes $ 42,554 $ 51,772 $ 41,168
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	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, are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Post-retirement benefit obligation $ 23,297 $ 66,911 Expenses currently not deductible 69,039 105,780 Net operating loss carryforward 142,700 211,205 Tax credit carryforward 4,148 10,882 Depreciation and amortization 10,001 7,879 Other 36,733 14,956 Valuation allowance (155,179 ) (153,740 ) Deferred tax assets, net $ 130,739 $ 263,873 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization $ (271,359 ) $ (292,906 ) UK and other foreign benefit obligation (11,317 ) (14,990 ) Inventory (12,109 ) (18,309 ) Outside basis differences and other (118,974 ) (178,166 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (413,759 ) $ (504,371 ) Total deferred tax liabilities, net $ (283,020 ) $ (240,498 )
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	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, 2014 $ 77,525 Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods 3,924 Addition for tax positions taken in the current period 924 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (22,473 ) Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (1,143 ) Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation (5,879 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 52,878 Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods 6,552 Addition for tax positions taken in the current period 1,418 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (53 ) Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (2,195 ) Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation 608 Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 59,208 Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods 1,521 Addition for tax positions taken in the current period 424 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (10,708 ) Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (3,677 ) Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation and U.S. tax rate changes (5,750 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 41,018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 : Air and Gas Handling Fabrication Technology Total (In thousands) Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 1,206,715 $ 1,391,421 $ 2,598,136 Goodwill attributable to acquisitions 1,317 15,242 16,559 Impact of foreign currency translation and other (154,489 ) (109,210 ) (263,699 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 1,053,543 1,297,453 2,350,996 Goodwill attributable to acquisitions (1) 107,024 74,180 181,204 Goodwill impairment (150,200 ) — (150,200 ) Impact of foreign currency translation and other 97,805 58,739 156,544 Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,108,172 $ 1,430,372 $ 2,538,544 Accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2017 $ (150,200 ) $ — $ (150,200 ) (1) Includes purchase accounting adjustments associated with the two air and gas handling acquisitions and three fabrication technology acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2017 . See Note 5, “Acquisitions” for further discussion.
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill: December 31, 2017 2016 Gross Accumulated Gross Accumulated (In thousands) Trade names – indefinite life $ 407,167 $ — $ 363,132 $ — Acquired customer relationships 622,893 (184,100 ) 541,419 (137,567 ) Acquired technology 170,453 (62,491 ) 137,902 (44,906 ) Software 100,098 (71,010 ) 82,235 (49,926 ) Acquired backlog 10,398 (2,600 ) — — Other intangible assets 48,695 (22,300 ) 40,398 (16,340 ) $ 1,359,704 $ (342,501 ) $ 1,165,086 $ (248,739 )
Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Amortization expense related to intangible assets was included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Selling, general and administrative expense $ 71,119 $ 57,365 $ 56,758

Property, Plant and Equipment36

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	December 31, Depreciable Life 2017 2016 (In years) (In thousands) Land n/a $ 47,584 $ 31,855 Buildings and improvements 5-40 322,431 292,448 Machinery and equipment 3-15 495,366 406,270 865,381 730,573 Accumulated depreciation (312,579 ) (225,142 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 552,802 $ 505,431

Inventories, Net (Tables)

Inventories, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventories, Net Inventories, net consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 141,827 $ 121,886 Work in process 74,704 55,845 Finished goods 250,364 221,866 466,895 399,597 Less: customer progress payments (2,308 ) — Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory (34,960 ) (34,625 ) Inventories, net $ 429,627 $ 364,972

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Senior unsecured notes $ 414,862 $ — Term loans 615,095 678,286 Trade receivables financing arrangement — 63,399 Revolving credit facilities and other 31,114 550,459 Total Debt 1,061,071 1,292,144 Less: current portion (5,766 ) (5,406 ) Long-term debt $ 1,055,305 $ 1,286,738
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The contractual maturities of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (1) : (In thousands) 2018 $ 5,766 2019 2,532 2020 618,750 Thereafter 443,111 Total contractual maturities 1,070,159 Debt discount (9,088 ) Total debt $ 1,061,071 (1) Represents scheduled payments required under the DB Credit Agreement through June 5, 2020 and the Euro Notes through April 15, 2025 , as well as the contractual maturities of other debt outstanding as of December 31, 2017 , and reflects management’s intention to repay scheduled maturities of the term loans outstanding under the DB Credit Agreement (if not extended) with proceeds from the revolving credit facility.

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive 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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . 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 Changes in Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance at January 1, 2015 $ (240,513 ) $ (227,059 ) $ 23,881 $ — $ (443,691 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Net actuarial gain 28,349 — — — 28,349 Foreign currency translation adjustment 7,747 (301,011 ) (382 ) — (293,646 ) Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions — (550 ) — — (550 ) Gain on net investment hedges — — 14,537 — 14,537 Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges — — (2,873 ) — (2,873 ) Other 3,817 — — — 3,817 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 39,913 (301,561 ) 11,282 — (250,366 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 7,342 — — — 7,342 Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss) 47,255 (301,561 ) 11,282 — (243,024 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (193,258 ) $ (528,620 ) $ 35,163 $ — $ (686,715 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Net actuarial gain 4,815 — — — 4,815 Foreign currency translation adjustment 2,620 (312,017 ) 722 — (308,675 ) Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions — (22,530 ) — — (22,530 ) Gain on net investment hedges — — 18,537 — 18,537 Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges — — (789 ) — (789 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,435 (334,547 ) 18,470 — (308,642 ) Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)(2) 4,634 2,378 — — 7,012 Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss) 12,069 (332,169 ) 18,470 — (301,630 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (181,189 ) $ (860,789 ) $ 53,633 $ — $ (988,345 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications: Net actuarial gain 4,185 — — — 4,185 Foreign currency translation adjustment (5,689 ) 288,354 18 — 282,683 Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities — — — 5,152 5,152 Loss on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions — (29,372 ) — — (29,372 ) Loss on net investment hedges — — (32,388 ) — (32,388 ) Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges — — 8,875 — 8,875 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (1,504 ) 258,982 (23,495 ) 5,152 239,135 Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) 6,981 — — — 6,981 Divestiture-related recognition of pension and other post-retirement cost and foreign currency translation 91,374 76,483 — — 167,857 Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss) 96,851 335,465 (23,495 ) 5,152 413,973 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (84,338 ) $ (525,324 ) $ 30,138 $ 5,152 $ (574,372 ) (1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 14, “Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details. (2) Foreign currency translation adjustment reclassification is the result of deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations during the year ended December 31, 2016. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further discussion.
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 Income reflect the following amounts related to stock-based compensation: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Stock-based compensation expense $ 21,548 $ 19,020 $ 16,321 Deferred tax benefit 7,079 6,271 5,342
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, 2017 2016 2015 Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years) 4.78 4.95 5.02 Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant) 1.92 % 1.41 % 1.62 % Volatility 32.15 % 42.50 % 28.75 % Dividend yield — — — Weighted-average fair value of options granted $ 12.16 $ 9.47 $ 11.87
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock option activity is as follows: Number Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate (1) (In thousands) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 4,327,827 $ 37.49 Granted 872,146 40.28 Exercised (319,902 ) 21.70 Forfeited and expired (440,486 ) 42.48 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 4,439,585 $ 38.68 4.40 $ 24,715 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2017 4,304,963 $ 38.47 4.38 $ 24,589 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,576,311 $ 42.61 3.26 $ 8,230 (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- Nonvested at January 1, 2017 627,316 $ 36.25 583,898 $ 34.54 Granted 100,811 40.42 251,949 40.04 Vested (53,498 ) 41.06 (146,794 ) 39.94 Forfeited and expired (25,956 ) 68.30 (173,254 ) 36.50 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 648,673 $ 35.22 515,799 $ 35.03

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Accrued payroll $ 98,132 $ 87,045 Accrued taxes 53,939 35,429 Accrued asbestos-related liability 50,311 51,166 Warranty liability - current portion 32,428 29,233 Accrued restructuring liability - current portion 12,509 10,783 Accrued third-party commissions 14,014 10,432 Other 97,299 87,238 Accrued liabilities $ 358,632 $ 311,326
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	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, 2017 Balance at Beginning of Period Provisions Payments Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period (3) (In thousands) Restructuring and other related charges: Air and Gas Handling : Termination benefits (1) $ 4,855 $ 21,605 $ (14,929 ) $ 507 $ 12,038 Facility closure costs (2) 1,234 3,961 (5,397 ) (15 ) (217 ) 6,089 25,566 (20,326 ) 492 11,821 Non-cash charges (2) 26,628 52,194 Fabrication Technology: Termination benefits (1) 3,712 5,590 (8,732 ) 90 660 Facility closure costs (2) 981 6,198 (7,150 ) 13 42 4,693 11,788 (15,882 ) 103 702 Non-cash charges (2) 4,369 16,157 Corporate and Other: Facility closure costs (2) 203 — (133 ) 14 84 203 — (133 ) 14 84 Total $ 10,985 37,354 $ (36,341 ) $ 609 $ 12,607 Non-cash charges (2) 30,997 $ 68,351 (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. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded a $4.4 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Fabrication Technology segment, that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities. The Company recorded a $26.6 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Air and Gas Handling segment as part of the Corporate approved restructuring activities. (3) As of December 31, 2017 , $12.5 million and $0.1 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively. Year Ended December 31, 2016 Balance at Beginning of Period Provisions Payments Foreign Currency Translation Balance at End of Period (3) (In thousands) Restructuring and other related charges: Air and Gas Handling : Termination benefits (1) $ 5,656 $ 13,599 $ (14,502 ) $ 102 $ 4,855 Facility closure costs (2) 894 9,159 (8,702 ) (117 ) 1,234 6,550 22,758 (23,204 ) (15 ) 6,089 Non-cash charges 3,668 26,426 Fabrication Technology: Termination benefits (1) 6,031 23,104 (25,263 ) (160 ) 3,712 Facility closure costs (2) 426 7,261 (6,611 ) (95 ) 981 6,457 30,365 (31,874 ) (255 ) 4,693 Non-cash charges 1,323 31,688 Corporate and Other: Facility closure costs (2) 625 — (344 ) (78 ) 203 625 — (344 ) (78 ) 203 Total $ 13,632 53,123 $ (55,422 ) $ (348 ) $ 10,985 Non-cash charges (2) 4,991 $ 58,114 (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, 2016 , $10.8 million and $0.2 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.

Defined Benefit Plans Defined41

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 1,475,276 $ 1,550,643 $ 26,295 $ 33,093 Acquisitions 42,830 — 310 — Service cost 4,951 4,059 11 39 Interest cost 42,177 51,638 951 1,038 Plan amendment 19,389 — 35 — Actuarial loss (gain) 78,124 126,505 1,307 (5,689 ) Foreign exchange effect 82,425 (158,453 ) 6 — Benefits paid (93,009 ) (97,488 ) (1,875 ) (2,186 ) Divestitures (340,614 ) — (11,751 ) — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) — — Other 367 (37 ) — — Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 957,269 $ 1,475,276 $ 15,289 $ 26,295 Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year $ 947,803 $ 1,452,000 $ 15,289 $ 26,295 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 1,297,900 $ 1,337,405 $ — $ — Acquisitions 36,538 — — — Actual return on plan assets 111,630 191,562 — — Employer contribution 35,996 32,347 1,875 2,186 Foreign exchange effect 74,565 (164,316 ) — — Benefits paid (93,009 ) (97,488 ) (1,875 ) (2,186 ) Divestitures (204,673 ) — — — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) — — Other 46 (19 ) — — Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 904,346 $ 1,297,900 $ — $ — Funded status, end of year $ (52,923 ) $ (177,376 ) $ (15,289 ) $ (26,295 ) Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31: Non-current assets $ 65,060 $ 85,347 $ — $ — Assets held for sale, less current portion — 481 — — Current liabilities (4,171 ) (4,026 ) (1,507 ) (961 ) Non-current liabilities (113,812 ) (111,736 ) (13,782 ) (14,294 ) Current portion of liabilities held for sale — (1,047 ) — (1,213 ) Liabilities held for sale, less current portion — (146,395 ) — (9,827 ) Total $ (52,923 ) $ (177,376 ) $ (15,289 ) $ (26,295 ) The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $0.4 billion and $0.2 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and $0.6 billion and $0.4 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $0.4 billion and $0.2 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and $0.6 billion and $0.4 billion , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . $0.3 billion of the projected benefit obligation and $0.2 billion of the fair value of plan assets were included in assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 . 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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 1,033,193 $ 1,075,223 Acquisitions 42,830 — Service cost 4,804 3,881 Interest cost 27,133 34,298 Plan amendments 19,389 — Actuarial loss (gain) 70,849 132,898 Foreign exchange effect 82,425 (158,453 ) Benefits paid (60,510 ) (53,028 ) Divestitures (136,114 ) — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) Other 41 (35 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 729,393 $ 1,033,193 Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year $ 719,927 $ 1,009,916 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 953,455 $ 981,249 Acquisitions 36,538 — Actual return on plan assets 59,924 158,992 Employer contribution 35,815 32,168 Foreign exchange effect 74,565 (164,316 ) Benefits paid (60,510 ) (53,028 ) Divestitures (28,102 ) — Settlements (354,647 ) (1,591 ) Other 47 (19 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 717,085 $ 953,455 Funded status, end of year $ (12,308 ) $ (79,738 )
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during each respective fiscal year: Pension Benefits Other Post-Retirement Benefits All Plans Foreign Plans (In thousands) 2018 $ 54,204 $ 37,715 $ 1,507 2019 54,784 38,495 1,354 2020 55,179 39,024 1,205 2021 56,779 40,866 1,079 2022 56,773 41,150 1,008 2023- 2027 292,410 200,091 4,232
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 2017 2016 Allocation U.S. Plans: Equity securities: U.S. 44 % 44 % 30% - 45% International 16 % 15 % 10% - 20% Fixed income 39 % 36 % 30% - 50% Other — % 1 % 0% - 20% Cash and cash equivalents 1 % 4 % 0% - 5% Foreign Plans: Equity securities 31 % 32 % 25%-40% Fixed income securities 60 % 65 % 60%-75% Cash and cash equivalents 1 % 1 % 0% - 25% Other 8 % 2 % 0% - 10% A summary of the Company’s pension plan assets for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented follows (see Note 15, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy): December 31, 2017 Measured at Net Asset Value (1) Level Level Level (In thousands) U.S. Plans: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 1,591 $ — $ — $ 1,591 Equity securities: U.S. large cap 49,351 — — — 49,351 U.S. small/mid cap 20,396 13,360 — — 33,756 International 29,236 — — — 29,236 Fixed income mutual funds: U.S. government and corporate 72,313 — — — 72,313 Other (2) — 1,015 — — 1,015 Foreign Plans: Cash and cash equivalents — 3,636 — — 3,636 Equity securities 78,681 142,152 — — 220,833 Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds — 430,546 2,077 — 432,623 Other (2) — 573 59,419 — 59,992 $ 249,977 $ 592,873 $ 61,496 $ — $ 904,346 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient (the “NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments, consisting of common/collective trusts, are valued using the NAV provided by the Trustee. The NAV is based on the underlying investments held by the fund, that are traded in an active market, less its liabilities. These investments are able to be redeemed in the near-term. (2) Represents diversified portfolio funds, reinsurance contracts and money market funds. December 31, 2016 Measured at Net Asset Value (1) Level Level Level (In thousands) U.S. Plans: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 16,517 $ — $ — $ 16,517 Equity securities: U.S. large cap $ 97,530 $ — $ — $ — $ 97,530 U.S. small/mid cap 41,141 12,116 — — 53,257 International 51,656 — — — 51,656 Fixed income mutual funds: U.S. government and corporate 123,663 — — — 123,663 Other (2) — 1,822 — — 1,822 Foreign Plans: Cash and cash equivalents — 8,758 — — 8,758 Equity securities 129,525 144,696 32,966 — 307,187 Non-U.S. government and corporate bonds — 292,288 321,657 — 613,945 Other (2) — 592 22,973 — 23,565 $ 443,515 $ 476,789 $ 377,596 $ — $ 1,297,900 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient (the “NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments, consisting primarily of common/collective trusts, are valued using the NAV provided by the Trustee. The NAV is based on the underlying investments held by the fund, that are traded in an active market, less its liabilities. These investments are able to be redeemed in the near-term. (2) Represents diversified portfolio funds, reinsurance contracts and money market funds.
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive loss 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost $ 4,951 $ 4,059 $ 4,612 $ 11 $ 39 $ 33 Interest cost 42,177 51,638 54,807 951 1,038 1,170 Amortization 10,660 8,334 11,515 (839 ) (407 ) 259 Settlement loss (gain) 46,933 48 (582 ) — — — Divestitures loss (gain) (17,858 ) — — (13,744 ) — — Other — 37 525 207 — 174 Expected return on plan assets (48,484 ) (57,169 ) (58,107 ) — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 38,379 $ 6,947 $ 12,770 $ (13,414 ) $ 670 $ 1,636 Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss: Current year net actuarial (gain) loss $ 19,193 $ (9,523 ) $ (33,558 ) $ 1,307 $ (5,689 ) $ (6,410 ) Current year prior service cost 19,389 — — 35 — — Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost: Amortization of net loss (10,682 ) (8,362 ) (11,515 ) 971 655 (11 ) Settlement/divestiture/other (gain) loss (163,199 ) (74 ) (952 ) 1,787 — — Amortization of prior service cost 23 28 — (132 ) (248 ) (248 ) Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss $ (135,276 ) $ (17,931 ) $ (46,025 ) $ 3,968 $ (5,282 ) $ (6,669 ) Net periodic benefit cost of $7.7 million , $7.1 million and $8.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations. The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and Other comprehensive loss of the foreign defined benefit pension plans, included in the table above: Foreign Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Service cost $ 4,804 $ 3,881 $ 4,506 Interest cost 27,133 34,298 37,253 Amortization 4,229 1,870 4,272 Settlement loss (gain) 45,110 48 (582 ) Divestitures loss (gain) (56,798 ) — — Other — 37 525 Expected return on plan assets (27,714 ) (32,596 ) (32,921 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (3,236 ) $ 7,538 $ 13,053 Change in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss: Current year net actuarial loss (gain) $ 42,854 $ 4,867 $ (50,216 ) Current year prior service cost 19,389 — — Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost: Amortization of net loss (4,251 ) (1,898 ) (4,272 ) Settlement/divestiture/other (gain) loss (96,331 ) (74 ) (952 ) Amortization of prior service cost 23 28 — Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss $ (38,316 ) $ 2,923 $ (55,440 )
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 December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 86,018 $ 221,294 $ (2,603 ) $ (6,878 ) Prior service cost — — 3 310 Total $ 86,018 $ 221,294 $ (2,600 ) $ (6,568 ) 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, 2018 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post- (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 4,602 $ (91 ) Prior service cost — 3 Total $ 4,602 $ (88 )
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 December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate: All plans 2.6 % 2.9 % 3.4 % 3.9 % Foreign plans 2.4 % 2.6 % — — Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans 2.1 % 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average discount rate: All plans 2.9 % 3.6 % 3.3 % 3.9 % 4.0 % 3.6 % Foreign plans 2.6 % 3.5 % 3.3 % — — — Weighted-average expected return on plan assets: All plans 4.1 % 4.8 % 4.7 % — — — Foreign plans 3.3 % 4.1 % 3.9 % — — — Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans 1.6 % 1.5 % 1.6 % — — —
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, 2017 $ 88 $ (72 ) Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 809 (682 )

Financial Instruments and Fai42

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 on a recurring basis for each fair value hierarchy level for the periods presented is as follows: December 31, 2017 Level Level Level Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 24,083 $ — $ — $ 24,083 Short term investments — 149,608 — 149,608 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges — 3,287 — 3,287 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 43 — 43 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 493 — 493 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 1,038 — 1,038 Deferred compensation plans — 6,374 — 6,374 $ 24,083 $ 160,843 $ — $ 184,926 Liabilities: Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges $ — $ 1,257 $ — $ 1,257 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 740 — 740 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 1,332 — 1,332 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 449 — 449 Deferred compensation plans — 6,374 — 6,374 $ — $ 10,152 $ — $ 10,152 December 31, 2016 Level Level Level Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 24,603 $ — $ — $ 24,603 Short term investments — — — — Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges — 992 — 992 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 1,285 — 1,285 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 4,224 — 4,224 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 120 — 120 Deferred compensation plans — 4,586 — 4,586 $ 24,603 $ 11,207 $ — $ 35,810 Liabilities: Foreign currency contracts related to sales - designated as hedges $ — $ 11,280 $ — $ 11,280 Foreign currency contracts related to sales - not designated as hedges — 256 — 256 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - designated as hedges — 469 — 469 Foreign currency contracts related to purchases - not designated as hedges — 1,004 — 1,004 Deferred compensation plans — 4,586 — 4,586 $ — $ 17,595 $ — $ 17,595 There were no transfers in or out of Level One, Two or Three during the year ended December 31, 2017 .
Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Notional Values	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had foreign currency contracts with the following notional values: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Foreign currency contracts sold - not designated as hedges $ 37,143 $ 85,542 Foreign currency contracts sold - designated as hedges 174,194 215,086 Foreign currency contracts purchased - not designated as hedges 103,975 40,127 Foreign currency contracts purchased - designated as hedges 59,055 84,604 Total foreign currency derivatives $ 374,367 $ 425,359
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 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Contracts Designated as Hedges: Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts: Unrealized gain (loss) $ 3,812 $ 1,847 $ (2,350 ) Realized gain (loss) 1,954 (4,771 ) (512 ) Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchase contracts: Unrealized gain (loss) 1,109 (1,269 ) (1,173 ) Realized (loss) gain (2,737 ) 2,570 756 Unrealized (loss) gain on net investment hedges (1) (32,388 ) 18,537 14,537 Contracts Not Designated in a Hedge Relationship: Foreign Currency Contracts - related to customer sales contracts: Unrealized (loss) gain (1,725 ) 1,464 2,129 Realized gain (loss) 1,712 (285 ) (5,164 ) Foreign Currency Contracts - related to supplier purchases contracts: Unrealized gain (loss) 1,472 (1,095 ) (214 ) Realized (loss) gain (358 ) (653 ) 1,132 (1) The unrealized (loss) gain on net investment hedges is attributable to the change in valuation of Euro denominated debt.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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: Year Ended 2017 2016 2015 (Number of claims) Claims unresolved, beginning of period (1) 20,567 20,583 21,681 Claims filed (2) 4,543 5,163 4,821 Claims resolved (3) (7,373 ) (5,179 ) (5,919 ) Claims unresolved, end of period 17,737 20,567 20,583 (In dollars) Average cost of resolved claims (4) $ 6,154 $ 8,872 $ 6,056 (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, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Long-term asbestos insurance asset (1) $ 284,454 $ 293,289 Long-term asbestos insurance receivable (1) 73,489 92,269 Accrued asbestos liability (2) 50,311 51,166 Long-term asbestos liability (3) 310,326 330,194 (1) Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the subsidiaries will pay through the next 12 months, 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. (3) Included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Lessee, Operating Lease, Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The Company’s minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows: December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 2018 $ 32,208 2019 24,579 2020 18,051 2021 13,706 2022 10,485 Thereafter 53,403 Total $ 152,432

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: Air and Gas Handling $ 1,362,902 $ 1,385,261 $ 1,449,115 Fabrication Technology 1,937,282 1,800,492 1,985,237 Total Net sales $ 3,300,184 $ 3,185,753 $ 3,434,352 Segment operating income (loss) (1) : Air and Gas Handling $ 126,205 $ 150,130 $ 171,022 Fabrication Technology 224,362 195,435 199,823 Corporate and other (53,432 ) (49,983 ) (47,499 ) Total segment operating income $ 297,135 $ 295,582 $ 323,346 Depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges: Air and Gas Handling $ 51,004 $ 53,222 $ 52,442 Fabrication Technology 71,372 74,901 83,427 Corporate and other 1,316 704 1,172 Total depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges $ 123,692 $ 128,827 $ 137,041 Capital expenditures: Air and Gas Handling $ 18,942 $ 18,784 $ 26,814 Fabrication Technology 34,167 32,662 35,261 Corporate and other 277 3,595 313 Total capital expenditures $ 53,386 $ 55,041 $ 62,388 (1) The following is a reconciliation of (Loss) income before income taxes to segment operating income: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes $ (11,986 ) $ 206,524 $ 218,118 Interest expense 41,137 30,276 47,502 Restructuring and other related charges 68,351 58,496 56,822 Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge 152,700 238 1,486 Pension settlement loss (gain) 46,933 48 (582 ) Segment operating income $ 297,135 $ 295,582 $ 323,346 December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Investments in Equity Method Investees: Air and Gas Handling $ 7,151 $ 4,616 Fabrication Technology 41,754 38,217 $ 48,905 $ 42,833 Total Assets: Air and Gas Handling $ 2,845,190 $ 2,454,981 Fabrication Technology 3,291,205 2,936,445 Corporate and other 573,302 489,682 Total $ 6,709,697 $ 5,881,108
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	The detail of the Company’s operations by geography is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net Sales by Origin (1) : United States $ 782,200 $ 794,008 $ 738,051 Foreign locations 2,517,984 2,391,745 2,696,301 Total Net sales $ 3,300,184 $ 3,185,753 $ 3,434,352 (1) The Company attributes revenues from external customers to individual countries based upon the country in which the sale was originated.
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (1) : United States $ 121,023 $ 136,707 Germany 63,055 14,652 Czech Republic 61,281 72,568 India 57,387 38,900 China 55,455 54,623 Other Foreign Locations 194,601 187,981 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 552,802 $ 505,431 (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 - (un45

Selected Quarterly Data - (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 . Quarter Ended March 31, (1) June 30, September 29, (1) December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 733,630 $ 847,962 $ 844,509 $ 874,083 Gross profit 239,829 258,064 263,899 267,683 Net income (Loss) from continuing operations 38,390 41,864 49,622 (184,416 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes 3,097 16,611 2,082 202,257 Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation 38,542 53,394 45,863 13,291 Net income (loss) per share - basic Continuing operations $ 0.29 $ 0.30 $ 0.36 $ (1.53 ) Discontinued operations $ 0.03 $ 0.13 $ 0.02 $ 1.64 Consolidated operations $ 0.31 $ 0.43 $ 0.37 $ 0.11 Net income (loss) per share - diluted Continuing operations $ 0.29 $ 0.30 $ 0.35 $ (1.53 ) Discontinued operations $ 0.03 $ 0.13 $ 0.02 $ 1.63 Consolidated operations $ 0.31 $ 0.43 $ 0.37 $ 0.11 Quarter Ended April 1, July 1, September 30, December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 765,707 $ 841,117 $ 766,521 $ 812,408 Gross profit 241,692 262,386 238,314 249,990 Net Income from continuing operations 26,997 44,037 40,548 43,170 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (787 ) (74 ) (8,349 ) (351 ) Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation 22,615 39,754 27,970 37,772 Net income (loss) per share - basic Continuing operations $ 0.19 $ 0.32 $ 0.30 $ 0.31 Discontinued operations $ (0.01 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ — Consolidated operations $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 0.23 $ 0.31 Net income (loss) per share - diluted Continuing operations $ 0.19 $ 0.32 $ 0.30 $ 0.31 Discontinued operations $ (0.01 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ — Consolidated operations $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 0.23 $ 0.31 (1) The sum of the net income per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies Warranty Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Warranty Costs [Abstract]
Warranty liability, beginning of period	$ 30,222	$ 35,634
Accrued warranty expense	17,760	17,368
Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties	1,453	4,701
Cost of warranty service work performed	(22,600)	(27,429)
Acquisitions	5,277	304
Foreign exchange translation effect	2,065	(356)
Warranty liability, end of period	$ 34,177	$ 30,222

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, € in Millions		Apr. 19, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 19, 2017USD ($)
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount					$ (2,400)
Venezuelan Subsidiaries, Percentage of Total Net Assets					less than 1%
Venezuelan Subsidiaries, Percentage of Total Revenues					less than 1%
Venezuelan Subsidiaries, Percentage of Total Operating Income					less than 1%
Revenues in excess of billings on long-term contracts			$ 219,800		$ 174,900
Billings in excess of revenues on long-term contracts			95,900		108,200
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			150,200
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)			2,500
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure			11,700
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names			22,100
Non-cash impairment provisions	[1]				4,991
Proceeds from Notes Payable			374,450		0	$ 0
Deferred Finance Costs, Net			9,200		5,900
Deferred issuance costs, accumulated amortization			12,300		15,600
Asset Impairments Related to Facility Closures [Member]
Non-cash impairment provisions			31,000	[1]	2,600	9,300
Fair Value of Long-Lived Assets Impaired During the Year			53,700		2,700	21,100
Interest expense [Member]
Interest Income, Other			7,800		6,600	5,000
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain			0		2,600	(3,700)
Selling, general and administrative expense [Member]
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount					(500)
Research and development costs			42,900		39,300	38,000
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain			3,400		5,000	(3,300)
Income Loss From Discontinued Operations [Member]
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount					(1,900)
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ 0
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)						1,500
Fair Value of Indefinite-Lived Trade Names Impaired During the Year						$ 2,800
Non-cash impairment provisions					1,323
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			15 years
Other Assets [Member]
Deferred Finance Costs, Net			$ 3,800		5,300
Long-term Debt [Member]
Deferred Finance Costs, Net			$ 5,400		$ 600
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			7 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			30 years
Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Excluding Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			2 years
Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Excluding Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			20 years
Senior Notes [Member]
Proceeds from Notes Payable | €		€ 350
Deferred Finance Costs, Net							$ 6,000
[1]	Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a $4.4 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Fabrication Technology segment, that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities. The Company recorded a $26.6 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Air and Gas Handling segment as part of the Corporate approved restructuring activities.

Recently Issued Accounting Pr48

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Details Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	$ 9,989
Capitalized Computer Software, Net	29,300	$ 32,300
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	$ 10,000

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions		Dec. 11, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business												$ 308,388	$ 0	$ 0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Statement of Income
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes			$ 202,257	$ 2,082	$ 16,611	$ 3,097	$ (351)	$ (8,349)	$ (74)	$ (787)		224,047	(9,561)	10,228
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current portion of assets held for sale			0				150,275					0	150,275
Assets held for sale, less current portion			0				307,057					0	307,057
Current portion of liabilities held for sale			$ 0				87,183					0	87,183
Liabilities held for sale, less current portion							165,974						165,974
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Divestiture, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax												27,518	0	0
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation												167,857
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations												65,200	23,100	64,700
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations												10,100	3,900	5,100
Fluid Handling [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total consideration for sale		$ 864,900
Cash consideration for sale		$ 555,300
Shares consideration for sale, Shares		3.3
Shares consideration for sale, Value		$ 141,600
Net retirement liabilities as part of the sale		168,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	[1]											308,388	0	0
Recognition of foreign currency translation adjustments related to divestiture		$ 76,500
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Statement of Income
Net sales												436,682	461,294	532,701
Cost of sales												294,946	308,025	352,613
Selling, general and administrative expense	[2]											118,740	136,380	156,708
Divestiture-related expense, net	[3]											5,257	0	0
Restructuring and other related items	[4]											(6,768)	15,674	4,355
Operating income (loss)												24,507	1,215	19,025
Interest income	[5]											473	260
Interest expense	[5]													(241)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes												333,368	1,475	18,784
Income taxes												109,321	11,036	8,556
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes												224,047	(9,561)	$ 10,228
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents							12,916						12,916
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,506							74,818						74,818
Inventories, net							38,885						38,885
Other current assets							23,656						23,656
Property, plant, and equipment, net							66,474						66,474
Goodwill							212,330						212,330
Intangible assets, net							15,302						15,302
Other Assets							12,951						12,951
Total assets held for sale							457,332						457,332
Current portion of assets held for sale							150,275						150,275
Assets held for sale, less current portion							307,057						307,057
Accounts payable							43,356						43,356
Customer advances and billings in excess of costs incurred							10,795						10,795
Accrued liabilities							33,032						33,032
Other Liabilities							165,974						165,974
Total liabilities held for sale							253,157						253,157
Current portion of liabilities held for sale							87,183						87,183
Liabilities held for sale, less current portion							$ 165,974						$ 165,974
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets												12,000
Other expense related to divestiture												14,300
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Divestiture, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax												167,857
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation												$ 167,900
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Fluid Handling [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash consideration for sale											$ 65,000
[1]	Calculated as the difference between total consideration received and net assets sold less costs to sell of $14.3 million. Included in the gain calculation is a reduction of $167.9 million of the accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the Fluid Handling business.
[2]	Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company retained its asbestos-related contingencies and insurance coverages. However, as the Company did not retain an interest in the ongoing operations of the business subject to the contingencies, the Company has classified asbestos-related activity in its Consolidated Statements of Income as part of Income (loss) from discontinuing operations. See Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” for further information.
[3]	Primarily related to professional and consulting fees associated with due diligence and preparation of regulatory filings, as well as employee benefit arrangements and other disposition-related activities.
[4]	During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $12 million from the sale of a facility that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities.
[5]	Interest expense has not been allocated to the discontinued operations.

Acquisitions (Details Textual)

Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)acquisition	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)acquisition	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)acquisition
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	$ 58.5	$ 1.3	$ 47.9
Air and Gas [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of Businesses Acquired | acquisition	2		2
Total Consideration, Net of Cash Received	$ 219.6		$ 196
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Business Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of Businesses Acquired | acquisition	3	1
Total Consideration, Net of Cash Received	$ 129.2	$ 26

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation		$ 13,291	$ 45,863	$ 53,394	$ 38,542	$ 37,772	$ 27,970	$ 39,754	$ 22,615	$ (72,957)	[1]	$ 137,672	[1]	$ 157,511	[1]
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - basic										123,229,806		122,911,581		124,101,033
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic		$ (1.53)	$ 0.36	$ 0.30	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 0.30	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ (0.59)		$ 1.12		$ 1.27
Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation	[1]									$ (72,957)		$ 137,672		$ 157,511
Net effect of potentially dilutive securities - stock options and restricted stock units										0		287,145		768,616
Weighted-average shares of Common stock outstanding - diluted										123,229,806		123,198,726		124,869,649
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted		$ (1.53)	$ 0.35	$ 0.30	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 0.30	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ (0.59)		$ 1.12		$ 1.26
[1]	Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation for the respective periods is calculated using Net (loss) income from continuing operations less the income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes.

Net Income Per Share (Details T

Net Income Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	5	4.5	3
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.8

Income Taxes Domestic and Forei

Income Taxes Domestic and Foreign (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Domestic operations	$ (29,470)	$ (34,015)	$ (35,048)
Foreign operations	17,484	240,539	253,166
Income before income taxes	(11,986)	206,524	218,118
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	49,259	621	471
State	(439)	(592)	941
Foreign	53,274	60,651	67,740
Current income tax	102,094	60,680	69,152
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Domestic operations	(54,226)	(2,924)	(6,134)
Foreign operations	(5,314)	(5,984)	(21,850)
Deferred income tax	(59,540)	(8,908)	(27,984)
Provision for income taxes	$ 42,554	$ 51,772	$ 41,168

Income Taxes Reconciliation (De

Income Taxes Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Rate [Abstract]
Taxes calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate	$ (4,195)	$ 72,283	$ 76,365
State taxes	86	228	768
Effect of tax rates on international operations	(13,916)	(27,831)	(36,305)
Change in enacted international tax rates	536	(2,419)	(4,415)
Changes in valuation allowance and tax reserves	5,859	2,675	(55)
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(54,988)	0	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount	52,381	0	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount	52,570	0	0
Other	4,221	6,836	4,810
Provision for income taxes	$ 42,554	$ 51,772	$ 41,168

Income Taxes Deferred Tax Asset

Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Post-retirement benefit obligation	$ 23,297	$ 66,911
Expenses currently not deductible	69,039	105,780
Net operating loss carryforward	142,700	211,205
Tax credit carryforward	4,148	10,882
Depreciation and amortization	10,001	7,879
Other	36,733	14,956
Valuation allowance	(155,179)	(153,740)
Deferred tax assets, net	130,739	263,873
Depreciation and amortization	(271,359)	(292,906)
UK and other foreign benefit obligation	(11,317)	(14,990)
Inventory	(12,109)	(18,309)
Outside basis differences and other	(118,974)	(178,166)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(413,759)	(504,371)
Total deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (283,020)	$ (240,498)

Income Taxes Gross Unrecognized

Income Taxes Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of unrecognized tax beneits [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 59,208	$ 52,878	$ 77,525
Addition for tax positions taken in prior periods	1,521	6,552	3,924
Addition for tax positions taken in current period	424	1,418	924
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities	(10,708)	(53)	(22,473)
Reductions resulting from a lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(3,677)	(2,195)	(1,143)
Other, including the impact of foreign currency translation	(5,750)	608	(5,879)
Ending Balance	$ 41,018	$ 59,208	$ 52,878

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Liability	$ 52,000
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	54,988	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	155,179	153,740
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	950,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	41,018	59,208	52,878	$ 77,525
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	5,400	8,500
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	1,300	$ 2,700	$ 1,800
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	1,800
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense, Net	17,300
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Reduction recognized in OCI	(18,900)
Valuation Allowances And Reserves Foreign Currency Translation	3,100
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	16,300
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 577,900

Goodwill and Intangible Asset58

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	$ 2,350,996		$ 2,598,136
Goodwill attributable to acquisitions	181,204	[1]	16,559
Goodwill impairment	(150,200)
Impact of foreign currency translation and other	156,544		(263,699)
Balance end of period	2,538,544		2,350,996
Accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2017	(150,200)
Air and Gas [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	1,053,543		1,206,715
Goodwill attributable to acquisitions	107,024	[1]	1,317
Goodwill impairment	(150,200)
Impact of foreign currency translation and other	97,805		(154,489)
Balance end of period	1,108,172		1,053,543
Accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2017	(150,200)
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	1,297,453		1,391,421
Goodwill attributable to acquisitions	74,180	[1]	15,242
Goodwill impairment	0
Impact of foreign currency translation and other	58,739		(109,210)
Balance end of period	1,430,372		$ 1,297,453
Accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2017	$ 0
[1]	Includes purchase accounting adjustments associated with the two air and gas handling acquisitions and three fabrication technology acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 5, “Acquisitions” for further discussion.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset59

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	$ 22,100
Accumulated Amortization	(342,501)	$ (248,739)
Intangible Assets, Gross	1,359,704	1,165,086
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	(184,100)	(137,567)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	622,893	541,419
Acquired Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	(62,491)	(44,906)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	170,453	137,902
Software [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	(71,010)	(49,926)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	100,098	82,235
Backlog [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	(2,600)	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	10,398	0
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	(22,300)	(16,340)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	48,695	40,398
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets Schedule [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	$ 407,167	$ 363,132

Goodwill and Intangible Asset60

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 71,119	$ 57,365	$ 56,758

Goodwill and Intangible Asset61

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2018	$ 76.5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2019	65.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2020	62.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2021	59
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, 2022	$ 52.8

Property, Plant and Equipment62

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 865,381	$ 730,573
Accumulated depreciation	(312,579)	(225,142)
Property, plant and equipment, net	552,802	505,431
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	47,584	31,855
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 322,431	292,448
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	$ 495,366	$ 406,270
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

Property, Plant and Equipment63

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 30.9	$ 3.4	$ 9.3
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 52.3	$ 52.5	$ 57.6

Inventories, Net (Details)

Inventories, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 141,827	$ 121,886
Work in process	74,704	55,845
Finished goods	250,364	221,866
Inventory, Gross	466,895	399,597
Less: customer progress payments	(2,308)	0
Less: allowance for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory	(34,960)	(34,625)
Inventories, net	$ 429,627	$ 364,972

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: current portion	$ (5,766)	$ (5,406)
Long-term debt	1,055,305	1,286,738
Total debt	1,061,071	1,292,144
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	414,862	0
Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	615,095	678,286
Trade receivables financing arrangement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	0	63,399
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 31,114	$ 550,459

Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturiti

Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	[1]	$ 5,766
2,019	[1]	2,532
2,020	[1]	618,750
Thereafter		443,111
Total contractual maturities		1,070,159
Debt discount		(9,088)
Total debt		$ 1,061,071	$ 1,292,144
[1]	Represents scheduled payments required under the DB Credit Agreement through June 5, 2020 and the Euro Notes through April 15, 2025, as well as the contractual maturities of other debt outstanding as of December 31, 2017, and reflects management’s intention to repay scheduled maturities of the term loans outstanding under the DB Credit Agreement (if not extended) with proceeds from the revolving credit facility.

Debt (Details Textual)

Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	Dec. 15, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 19, 2017EUR (€)	Jun. 05, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Rate	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 19, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument, Carrying Value				$ 1,070,159
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost						$ 4,700
Expenses Incurred During Refinance Of Debt						400
Debt discount				3,700
Deferred Finance Costs, Net				9,200	$ 5,900
Letters of Credit, Maximum Capacity				780,600
Letters of Credit, Amount Outstanding				418,800
Proceeds from Notes Payable				374,450	$ 0	$ 0
Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument, Carrying Value			$ 750,000
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
Trade receivables financing arrangement [Member]
Trade receivables financing arrangement, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 80,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 52,400
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 1,300,000
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				$ 1,300,000
Swingline Subfacility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 50,000
DB credit agreement [Member]
Eurocurrency Rate Loan Interest Rate Margin Percentage, Minimum | Rate				1.25%
Eurocurrency Rate Interest Rate Loan Margin Percentage, Maximum | Rate				2.00%
Base Rate Loan Interest Rate Margin Percentage, Minimum | Rate				0.25%
Base Rate Loan Interest Rate Margin Percentage, Maximum | Rate				1.00%
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				3.07%
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description				Certain U.S. subsidiaries of the Company have agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the DB Credit Agreement. The DB Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur debt or liens, merge or consolidate with others, dispose of assets, make investments or pay dividends. In addition, the DB Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio, as defined therein, of generally not more than 3.5 to 1.0 and minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined therein, of 3.0 to 1.0, measured at the end of each quarter
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance				As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with the covenants under the DB Credit Agreement.
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital				3.5
Interest Coverage Ratio Required				3
Bilateral agreements [Member]
Debt Instrument, Carrying Value				$ 22,800
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 217,900
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				1.00%
Senior Notes [Member]
Deferred Finance Costs, Net							$ 6,000
Proceeds from Notes Payable | €		€ 350
Euro Bond Coupon Rate				3.25%
Repayments of Debt | €		€ 283.5

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ (988,345)		$ (686,715)		$ (443,691)
Net actuarial gain (loss)		4,185		4,815		28,349
Foreign currency translation adjustment		282,683		(308,675)		(293,646)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		5,152
(Loss) gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions		(29,372)		(22,530)		(550)
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges		(32,388)		18,537		14,537
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges		8,875		(789)		(2,873)
Other		0		0		3,817
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		239,135		(308,642)		(250,366)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss		6,981	[1]	7,012		7,342	[1]
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation		167,857
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income		413,973		(301,630)		(243,024)
Ending balance		(574,372)		(988,345)		(686,715)
Net Unrecognized Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Cost [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(181,189)		(193,258)		(240,513)
Net actuarial gain (loss)		4,185		4,815		28,349
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(5,689)		2,620		7,747
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		0
(Loss) gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions		0		0		0
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges		0		0		0
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges		0		0		0
Other						3,817
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(1,504)		7,435		39,913
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss	[1]	6,981		4,634		7,342
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation		91,374
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income		96,851		12,069		47,255
Ending balance		(84,338)		(181,189)		(193,258)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(860,789)		(528,620)		(227,059)
Net actuarial gain (loss)		0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustment		288,354		(312,017)		(301,011)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		0
(Loss) gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions		(29,372)		(22,530)		(550)
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges		0		0		0
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges		0		0		0
Other						0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		258,982		(334,547)		(301,561)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss		0	[1]	2,378	[2]	0	[1]
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation		76,483
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income		335,465		(332,169)		(301,561)
Ending balance		(525,324)		(860,789)		(528,620)
Unrealized (Loss) Gain On Hedging Activities [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		53,633		35,163		23,881
Net actuarial gain (loss)		0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustment		18		722		(382)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		0
(Loss) gain on long-term intra-entity foreign currency transactions		0		0		0
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges		(32,388)		18,537		14,537
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges		8,875		(789)		(2,873)
Other						0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(23,495)		18,470		11,282
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss		0	[1]	0		0	[1]
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation		0
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income		(23,495)		18,470		11,282
Ending balance		30,138		$ 53,633		$ 35,163
Changes in Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		5,152
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		5,152
Divestiture Related Recognition of Pension and Other Postretirement Costs and Foreign Currency Translation		0
Net current period Other comprehensive (loss) income		5,152
Ending balance		$ 5,152
[1]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 14, “Defined Benefit Plans” for additional details.
[2]	Foreign currency translation adjustment reclassification is the result of deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan operations during the year ended December 31, 2016. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further discussion.

Equity Stock-based compensation

Equity Stock-based compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 21,548	$ 19,020	$ 16,321
Deferred tax benefit	$ 7,079	$ 6,271	$ 5,342

Equity Option Valuation Assumpt

Equity Option Valuation Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected period that options will be outstanding (in years)	4 years 9 months 12 days	4 years 11 months 11 days	5 years 6 days
Interest rate (based on U.S. Treasury yields at the time of grant)	1.92%	1.41%	1.62%
Volatility	32.15%	42.50%	28.75%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$ 12.16	$ 9.47	$ 11.87

Equity Option Award Activity (D

Equity Option Award Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Option Activity [Abstract]
Number of options, Outstanding | shares	4,327,827
Number of options, Granted | shares	872,146
Number of options, Exercised | shares	(319,902)
Number of options, Forfeited and expired | shares	(440,486)
Number of options, Outstanding | shares	4,439,585
Number of options, Vested or expected to vest | shares	4,304,963
Number of options, Exercisable | shares	1,576,311
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 37.49
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted | $ / shares	40.28
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercised | $ / shares	21.70
Weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited and expired | $ / shares	42.48
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding | $ / shares	38.68
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested or expected to vest | $ / shares	38.47
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 42.61
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	4 years 4 months 25 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested or expected to vest	4 years 4 months 18 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	3 years 3 months 2 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding | $	$ 24,715	[1]
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested or expected to vest | $	24,589	[1]
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable | $	$ 8,230	[1]
[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.

Equity PRSU and RSU Activity (D

Equity PRSU and RSU Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of units, Nonvested | shares	627,316
Number of units, Granted | shares	100,811
Number of units, Vested | shares	(53,498)
Number of units, Forfeited and expired | shares	25,956
Number of units, Nonvested | shares	648,673
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested | $ / shares	$ 36.25
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Granted | $ / shares	40.42
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Vested | $ / shares	41.06
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Forfeited and expired | $ / shares	68.30
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested | $ / shares	$ 35.22
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of units, Nonvested | shares	583,898
Number of units, Granted | shares	251,949
Number of units, Vested | shares	(146,794)
Number of units, Forfeited and expired | shares	173,254
Number of units, Nonvested | shares	515,799
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested | $ / shares	$ 34.54
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Granted | $ / shares	40.04
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Vested | $ / shares	39.94
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Forfeited and expired | $ / shares	36.50
Weighted-average grant date fair value, Nonvested | $ / shares	$ 35.03

Equity Textuals (Details)

Equity Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 12, 2018	Oct. 11, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan (in shares)	0	0	66,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount					$ 100,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		1,000,000	986,279
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value		$ 20,812	$ 27,367
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 16,000	600	(22,800)
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$ 36,200
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 1 month
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$ 12,300	6,500	21,800
Stock Option Plan 2016 Description	Under the 2016 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.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	$ 7,300	$ 6,500	$ 8,900
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
10 Percent Shareholder of Common Stock [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	5 years
Equity Incentive, Purchase Price Percentage of Market Value	110.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 100,000

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued payroll		$ 98,132	$ 87,045
Accrued taxes		53,939	35,429
Accrued asbestos-related liability	[1]	50,311	51,166
Warranty liability - current portion		32,428	29,233
Accrued restructuring liability - current portion		12,509	10,783
Accrued third-party commissions		14,014	10,432
Other		97,299	87,238
Accrued liabilities		$ 358,632	$ 311,326
[1]	Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the subsidiaries will pay through the next 12 months, 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.

Accrued Liabilities Restructuri

Accrued Liabilities Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 10,985	[1]	$ 13,632
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges		37,354		53,123
Non-cash charges	[2]			4,991
Provisions		68,351		58,114
Payments		(36,341)		(55,422)
Foreign Currency Translation		609		(348)
Balance at End of Period		12,607	[3]	10,985	[1]
Accrued restructuring liability - current portion		12,509		10,783
Accrued restructuring liability - noncurrent portion		100		200
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost		32,900
Air and Gas [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		6,089	[1]	6,550
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges		25,566		22,758
Non-cash charges				3,668
Provisions		52,194		26,426
Payments		(20,326)		(23,204)
Foreign Currency Translation		492		(15)
Balance at End of Period		11,821	[3]	6,089	[1]
Non cash impairment restructuring provisions		26,628
Air and Gas [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	[4]	4,855	[1]	5,656
Provisions	[4]	21,605		13,599
Payments	[4]	(14,929)		(14,502)
Foreign Currency Translation	[4]	507		102
Balance at End of Period	[4]	12,038	[3]	4,855	[1]
Air and Gas [Member] | Facility Closure Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	[2]	1,234	[1]	894
Provisions	[2]	3,961		9,159
Payments	[2]	(5,397)		(8,702)
Foreign Currency Translation	[2]	(15)		(117)
Balance at End of Period	[2]	(217)	[3]	1,234	[1]
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		4,693	[1]	6,457
Restructuring provisions before non-cash charges		11,788		30,365
Non-cash charges				1,323
Provisions		16,157		31,688
Payments		(15,882)		(31,874)
Foreign Currency Translation		103		(255)
Balance at End of Period		702	[3]	4,693	[1]
Non cash impairment restructuring provisions		4,369
Fabrication Technology [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	[4]	3,712	[1]	6,031
Provisions	[4]	5,590		23,104
Payments	[4]	(8,732)		(25,263)
Foreign Currency Translation	[4]	90		(160)
Balance at End of Period	[4]	660	[3]	3,712	[1]
Fabrication Technology [Member] | Facility Closure Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	[2]	981	[1]	426
Provisions	[2]	6,198		7,261
Payments	[2]	(7,150)		(6,611)
Foreign Currency Translation	[2]	13		(95)
Balance at End of Period	[2]	42	[3]	981	[1]
Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		203	[1],[2]	625
Provisions		0	[2]	0
Payments		(133)	[2]	(344)
Foreign Currency Translation		14	[2]	(78)
Balance at End of Period	[2]	84	[3]	203	[1]
Corporate and Other [Member] | Facility Closure Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	[2]	$ 203	[1]	625
Provisions	[2]			0
Payments	[2]			(344)
Foreign Currency Translation	[2]			(78)
Balance at End of Period	[1],[2]			$ 203
[1]	As of December 31, 2016, $10.8 million and $0.2 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.
[2]	Includes the cost of relocating associates, relocating equipment and lease termination expense in connection with the closure of facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a $4.4 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Fabrication Technology segment, that was previously closed as part of restructuring activities. The Company recorded a $26.6 million non-cash impairment charge for a facility in our Air and Gas Handling segment as part of the Corporate approved restructuring activities.
[3]	As of December 31, 2017, $12.5 million and $0.1 million of the Company’s restructuring liability was included in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities, respectively.
[4]	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.

Defined Benefit Plans Defined76

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans Obligation and Asset Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 1,297,900
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	904,346	$ 1,297,900
Foreign Plan [Member]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,033,193	1,075,223
Acquisitions	42,830	0
Service cost	4,804	3,881	$ 4,506
Interest cost	27,133	34,298	37,253
Plan amendments	19,389	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	70,849	132,898
Foreign exchange effect	82,425	(158,453)
Benefits paid	(60,510)	(53,028)
Divestitures	(136,114)	0
Settlements	(354,647)	(1,591)
Other	41	(35)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	729,393	1,033,193	1,075,223
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	719,927	1,009,916
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	953,455	981,249
Acquisitions	36,538	0
Actual return on plan assets	59,924	158,992
Employer contribution	35,815	32,168
Foreign exchange effect	74,565	(164,316)
Benefits paid	(60,510)	(53,028)
Divestitures	(28,102)	0
Settlements	(354,647)	(1,591)
Other	47	(19)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	717,085	953,455	981,249
Funded status, end of year	(12,308)	(79,738)
Pension Plan [Member]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,475,276	1,550,643
Acquisitions	42,830	0
Service cost	4,951	4,059	4,612
Interest cost	42,177	51,638	54,807
Plan amendments	19,389	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	78,124	126,505
Foreign exchange effect	82,425	(158,453)
Benefits paid	(93,009)	(97,488)
Divestitures	(340,614)	0
Settlements	(354,647)	(1,591)
Other	367	(37)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	957,269	1,475,276	1,550,643
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	947,803	1,452,000
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	1,297,900	1,337,405
Acquisitions	36,538	0
Actual return on plan assets	111,630	191,562
Employer contribution	35,996	32,347
Foreign exchange effect	74,565	(164,316)
Benefits paid	(93,009)	(97,488)
Divestitures	(204,673)	0
Settlements	(354,647)	(1,591)
Other	46	(19)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	904,346	1,297,900	1,337,405
Funded status, end of year	(52,923)	(177,376)
Non-current assets	65,060	85,347
Assets held for sale, less current portion	0	481
Current liabilities	(4,171)	(4,026)
Non-current liabilities	(113,812)	(111,736)
Current portion of liabilities held for sale	0	(1,047)
Liabilities held for sale, less current portion	0	(146,395)
Total	(52,923)	(177,376)
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	26,295	33,093
Acquisitions	310	0
Service cost	11	39	33
Interest cost	951	1,038	1,170
Plan amendments	35	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,307	(5,689)
Foreign exchange effect	6	0
Benefits paid	(1,875)	(2,186)
Divestitures	(11,751)	0
Settlements	0	0
Other	0	0
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	15,289	26,295	33,093
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year	15,289	26,295
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Acquisitions	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contribution	1,875	2,186
Foreign exchange effect	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,875)	(2,186)
Divestitures	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Other	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status, end of year	(15,289)	(26,295)
Non-current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale, less current portion	0	0
Current liabilities	(1,507)	(961)
Non-current liabilities	(13,782)	(14,294)
Current portion of liabilities held for sale	0	(1,213)
Liabilities held for sale, less current portion	0	(9,827)
Total	$ (15,289)	$ (26,295)

Defined Benefit Plans Defined77

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Expected Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Foreign Plan [Member]
2,018	$ 37,715
2,019	38,495
2,020	39,024
2,021	40,866
2,022	41,150
2023- 2027	200,091
Pension Plan [Member]
2,018	54,204
2,019	54,784
2,020	55,179
2,021	56,779
2,022	56,773
2023- 2027	292,410
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
2,018	1,507
2,019	1,354
2,020	1,205
2,021	1,079
2,022	1,008
2023- 2027	$ 4,232

Defined Benefit Plans Plan Asse

Defined Benefit Plans Plan Asset Allocation (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
US Equity Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	44.00%	44.00%
US Equity Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	30.00%
US Equity Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	45.00%
International Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	16.00%	15.00%
International Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	10.00%
International Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	20.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	39.00%	36.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	30.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	50.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	60.00%	65.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	60.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	75.00%
Other [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%	1.00%
Other [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%
Other [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	20.00%
Other [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	8.00%	2.00%
Other [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%
Other [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	10.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	1.00%	4.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	5.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	1.00%	1.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	25.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	31.00%	32.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	25.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	40.00%

Defined Benefit Plans Plan As79

Defined Benefit Plans Plan Asset Allocation, Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 904,346		$ 1,297,900
Level One [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	592,873		476,789
Level Two [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	61,496		377,596
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Measured at Net Asset Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	249,977	[1]	443,515	[2]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,591		16,517
Domestic Plan [Member] | US Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	49,351		97,530
Domestic Plan [Member] | US Small and Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	33,756		53,257
Domestic Plan [Member] | International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	29,236		51,656
Domestic Plan [Member] | US Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	72,313		123,663
Domestic Plan [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,015	[3]	1,822	[4]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,591		16,517
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | US Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | US Small and Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,360		12,116
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | US Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,015	[3]	1,822	[4]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | US Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | US Small and Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | US Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[3]	0	[4]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Small and Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | US Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[3]	0	[4]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[2]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | US Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	49,351	[1]	97,530	[2]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | US Small and Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	20,396	[1]	41,141	[2]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	29,236	[1]	51,656	[2]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | US Government and Corporate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	72,313	[1]	123,663	[2]
Domestic Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1],[3]	0	[2],[4]
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	717,085		953,455		$ 981,249
Foreign Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,636		8,758
Foreign Plan [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59,992	[3]	23,565	[4]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	220,833		307,187
Foreign Plan [Member] | Non US Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	432,623		613,945
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,636		8,758
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	573	[3]	592	[4]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	142,152		144,696
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level One [Member] | Non US Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	430,546		292,288
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59,419	[3]	22,973	[4]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		32,966
Foreign Plan [Member] | Level Two [Member] | Non US Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,077		321,657
Foreign Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[3]	0	[4]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non US Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[2]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[1],[3]	0	[2],[4]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	78,681	[1]	129,525	[2]
Foreign Plan [Member] | Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] | Non US Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[2]
[1]	Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient (the “NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments, consisting of common/collective trusts, are valued using the NAV provided by the Trustee. The NAV is based on the underlying investments held by the fund, that are traded in an active market, less its liabilities. These investments are able to be redeemed in the near-term.
[2]	Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient (the “NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments, consisting primarily of common/collective trusts, are valued using the NAV provided by the Trustee. The NAV is based on the underlying investments held by the fund, that are traded in an active market, less its liabilities. These investments are able to be redeemed in the near-term.
[3]	Represents diversified portfolio funds, reinsurance contracts and money market funds.
[4]	Represents diversified portfolio funds, reinsurance contracts and money market funds.

Defined Benefit Plans Net Perio

Defined Benefit Plans Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension settlement loss (gain)	[1]	$ 46,933	$ 48	$ (582)
Current year net actuarial (gain) loss		(4,167)	(4,810)	(29,323)
Foreign Plan [Member]
Service cost		4,804	3,881	4,506
Interest cost		27,133	34,298	37,253
Amortization		4,229	1,870	4,272
Pension settlement loss (gain)		45,110	48	(582)
Defined Benefit Plan, Divestiture Gain (Loss)		(56,798)	0	0
Other		0	37	525
Expected return on plan assets		(27,714)	(32,596)	(32,921)
Net periodic benefit cost		(3,236)	7,538	13,053
Current year net actuarial (gain) loss		42,854	4,867	(50,216)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax		19,389	0	0
Amortization of net loss		(4,251)	(1,898)	(4,272)
Settlement loss		(96,331)	(74)	(952)
Amortization of prior service cost		23	28	0
Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss		(38,316)	2,923	(55,440)
Pension Plan [Member]
Service cost		4,951	4,059	4,612
Interest cost		42,177	51,638	54,807
Amortization		10,660	8,334	11,515
Pension settlement loss (gain)		46,933	48	(582)
Defined Benefit Plan, Divestiture Gain (Loss)		(17,858)	0	0
Other		0	37	525
Expected return on plan assets		(48,484)	(57,169)	(58,107)
Net periodic benefit cost		38,379	6,947	12,770
Current year net actuarial (gain) loss		19,193	(9,523)	(33,558)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax		19,389	0	0
Amortization of net loss		(10,682)	(8,362)	(11,515)
Settlement loss		(163,199)	(74)	(952)
Amortization of prior service cost		23	28	0
Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss		(135,276)	(17,931)	(46,025)
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Service cost		11	39	33
Interest cost		951	1,038	1,170
Amortization		(839)	(407)	259
Pension settlement loss (gain)		0	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Divestiture Gain (Loss)		(13,744)	0	0
Other		207	0	174
Expected return on plan assets		0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost		(13,414)	670	1,636
Current year net actuarial (gain) loss		1,307	(5,689)	(6,410)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax		35	0	0
Amortization of net loss		971	655	(11)
Settlement loss		1,787	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost		(132)	(248)	(248)
Total recognized in Other comprehensive loss		$ 3,968	$ (5,282)	$ (6,669)
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of (Loss) income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Defined Benefit Plans Defined81

Defined Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Plan [Member]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ 86,018	$ 221,294
Prior service cost	0	0
Total	86,018	221,294
Net Actuarial Loss Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	4,602
Prior Service Cost Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year	4,602
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(2,603)	(6,878)
Prior service cost	3	310
Total	(2,600)	$ (6,568)
Net Actuarial Loss Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	(91)
Prior Service Cost Estimated To Be Recognized As A Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in the Next Fiscal Year	3
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year	$ (88)

Defined Benefit Plans Key Econo

Defined Benefit Plans Key Economic Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plan [Member]
Weighted-average discount rate, benefit obligation	2.60%	2.90%
Weighted-average discount rate, net periodic benefit cost	2.90%	3.60%	3.30%
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets, net periodic benefit cost	4.10%	4.80%	4.70%
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average discount rate, benefit obligation	3.40%	3.90%
Weighted-average discount rate, net periodic benefit cost	3.90%	4.00%	3.60%
Foreign Plan [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Weighted-average discount rate, benefit obligation	2.40%	2.60%
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans, benefit obligation	2.10%	1.60%
Weighted-average discount rate, net periodic benefit cost	2.60%	3.50%	3.30%
Weighted-average expected return on plan assets, net periodic benefit cost	3.30%	4.10%	3.90%
Weighted-average rate of increase in compensation levels for active foreign plans, net periodic benefit cost	1.60%	1.50%	1.60%

Defined Benefit Plans Health Ca

Defined Benefit Plans Health Care Assumption Effect (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	$ 88
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	(72)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	809
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	$ (682)

Defined Benefit Plans Details T

Defined Benefit Plans Details Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation		$ 400,000	$ 600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets		200,000	400,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Benefit Obligation		400,000	600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets		200,000	400,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement	[1]	$ (46,933)	(48)	$ 582
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year		6.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year		$ 40,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate		4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate, Description		The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.50% by 2027 and remain at that level thereafter for benefits covered under the plans.
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost		$ 29,000	22,900	26,500
CPS Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement		(46,500)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement		(46,933)	(48)	582
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)		38,379	6,947	12,770
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Divestiture		340,614	0
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Held For Sale, Non-Current		0	146,395
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)		7,700	7,100	8,600
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost		$ 3,100	2,800	$ 3,300
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Divestiture			300,000
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Held For Sale, Non-Current			$ 200,000
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of (Loss) income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Financial Instruments and Fai85

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash equivalents	$ 24,083	$ 24,603
Short term investments	149,608	0
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	6,374	4,586
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	6,374	4,586
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	184,926	35,810
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	10,152	17,595
Level One [Member]
Cash equivalents	24,083	24,603
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	24,083	24,603
Level Two [Member]
Short term investments	149,608
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	6,374	4,586
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	6,374	4,586
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	160,843	11,207
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	10,152	17,595
Customer Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	3,287	992
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	43	1,285
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	1,257	11,280
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	740	256
Customer Sales Contracts [Member] | Level Two [Member]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	3,287	992
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	43	1,285
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	1,257	11,280
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	740	256
Supplier Purchase Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	493	4,224
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	1,038	120
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	1,332	469
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	449	1,004
Supplier Purchase Contracts [Member] | Level Two [Member]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	493	4,224
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	1,038	120
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	1,332	469
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	$ 449	$ 1,004

Financial Instruments and Fai86

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Nontional Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 374,367	$ 425,359
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Customer Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	37,143	85,542
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Supplier Purchase Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	103,975	40,127
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Customer Sales Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	174,194	215,086
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Supplier Purchase Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 59,055	$ 84,604

Financial Instruments and Fai87

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax		$ (32,388)	$ 18,537	$ 14,537
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax	[1]	(32,388)	18,537	14,537
Customer Sales Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		3,812	1,847	(2,350)
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net		1,954	(4,771)	(512)
Customer Sales Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		(1,725)	1,464	2,129
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net		1,712	(285)	(5,164)
Supplier Purchase Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		1,109	(1,269)	(1,173)
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net		(2,737)	2,570	756
Supplier Purchase Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives		1,472	(1,095)	(214)
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net		$ (358)	$ (653)	$ 1,132
[1]	The unrealized (loss) gain on net investment hedges is attributable to the change in valuation of Euro denominated debt.

Financial Instruments and Fai88

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 1.1	$ 1.3
China
Concentration of Credit Risk Accounts Receivable percentage	23.00%	25.00%

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Claims Rollforward (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Asbestos_claims	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Asbestos_claims	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Asbestos_claims
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Claims unresolved, beginning of period	[1]	20,567	20,583	21,681
Claims filed	[1],[2]	4,543	5,163	4,821
Claims resolved	[1],[3]	(7,373)	(5,179)	(5,919)
Claims unresolved, end of period	[1]	17,737	20,567	20,583
Average cost of resolved claims | $	[4]	$ 6,154	$ 8,872	$ 6,056
[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.

Commitments and Contingencies A

Commitments and Contingencies Asbestos Litigation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term asbestos insurance asset	[1]	$ 284,454	$ 293,289
Long-term asbestos insurance receivable	[1]	73,489	92,269
Accrued asbestos liability	[2]	50,311	51,166
Long-term asbestos liability	[3]	$ 310,326	$ 330,194
[1]	Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Represents current accruals for probable and reasonably estimable asbestos-related liability cost that the Company believes the subsidiaries will pay through the next 12 months, 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.
[3]	Included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments and Contingencies O

Commitments and Contingencies Operating Lease (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 32,208
2,019	24,579
2,020	18,051
2,021	13,706
2,022	10,485
Thereafter	53,403
Total	$ 152,432

Commitments and Contingencies92

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2010
Future Claims Period	15 years
Pretax Charge, Asbestos-Related	$ 1,600,000	$ 1,600,000	$ 4,100,000
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims, Gross, Incurred Loss	8,300,000	8,000,000	20,200,000
Asbestos Insurance Asset Increase	6,700,000	6,400,000	16,100,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	38,500,000	$ 34,800,000	$ 35,600,000
Purchase Obligation	$ 271,800,000
Subsidiary 1 [Member]
Indemnification Period				20 years
Future Expected Recovery Percentage	91.80%
Future Expected Asbestos Cost Percentage	8.20%
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims, Gross, Payment for Claims	$ 142.8
Asbestos-Related Insurance Proceeds	60,100,000
Funding Requirement Amount	10,000,000
Requested Insurer Reimburse [Member]
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims, Gross, Payment for Claims	$ 94,900,000
Subsidiary 2 [Member]
Future Expected Asbestos Cost Percentage	21.60%

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net sales		$ 874,083	$ 844,509	$ 847,962	$ 733,630	$ 812,408	$ 766,521	$ 841,117	$ 765,707	$ 3,300,184	$ 3,185,753	$ 3,434,352
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	[1]									(11,986)	206,524	218,118
Interest expense, net	[1]									41,137	30,276	47,502
Restructuring and other related charges	[1]									68,351	58,496	56,822
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge	[1]									152,700	238	1,486
Pension settlement loss (gain)	[1]									46,933	48	(582)
Segment Operating Income	[1]									297,135	295,582	323,346
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges										123,692	128,827	137,041
Capital expenditures										53,386	55,041	62,388
Equity Method Investments		48,905				42,833				48,905	42,833
Assets		6,709,697				6,338,440				6,709,697	6,338,440
Air and Gas [Member]
Net sales										1,362,902	1,385,261	1,449,115
Segment Operating Income	[1]									126,205	150,130	171,022
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges										51,004	53,222	52,442
Capital expenditures										18,942	18,784	26,814
Equity Method Investments		7,151				4,616				7,151	4,616
Assets		2,845,190				2,454,981				2,845,190	2,454,981
Fabrication Technology [Member]
Net sales										1,937,282	1,800,492	1,985,237
Segment Operating Income	[1]									224,362	195,435	199,823
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges										71,372	74,901	83,427
Capital expenditures										34,167	32,662	35,261
Equity Method Investments		41,754				38,217				41,754	38,217
Assets		3,291,205				2,936,445				3,291,205	2,936,445
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Operating Income	[1]									(53,432)	(49,983)	(47,499)
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges										1,316	704	1,172
Capital expenditures										277	3,595	$ 313
Assets		573,302				489,682				573,302	489,682
All Segments [Member]
Assets		$ 6,709,697				$ 5,881,108				$ 6,709,697	$ 5,881,108
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of (Loss) income before income taxes to segment operating income:

Segment Information Net Sales a

Segment Information Net Sales and PPE by Geography (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net sales		$ 874,083	$ 844,509	$ 847,962	$ 733,630	$ 812,408	$ 766,521	$ 841,117	$ 765,707	$ 3,300,184	$ 3,185,753	$ 3,434,352
Property, plant and equipment, net		552,802				505,431				552,802	505,431
United States
Net sales	[1]									782,200	794,008	738,051
Property, plant and equipment, net	[2]	121,023				136,707				121,023	136,707
GERMANY
Property, plant and equipment, net	[2]	63,055				14,652				63,055	14,652
Czech Republic
Property, plant and equipment, net	[2]	61,281				72,568				61,281	72,568
INDIA
Property, plant and equipment, net	[2]	57,387				38,900				57,387	38,900
China
Property, plant and equipment, net	[2]	55,455				54,623				55,455	54,623
Other Foreign Locations
Net sales	[1]									2,517,984	2,391,745	$ 2,696,301
Property, plant and equipment, net	[2]	$ 194,601				$ 187,981				$ 194,601	$ 187,981
[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.

Selected Quarterly Data - (un95

Selected Quarterly Data - (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 874,083	$ 844,509	$ 847,962	$ 733,630	$ 812,408	$ 766,521	$ 841,117	$ 765,707	$ 3,300,184		$ 3,185,753		$ 3,434,352
Gross profit	267,683	263,899	258,064	239,829	249,990	238,314	262,386	241,692	1,029,475		992,382		1,071,686
Net income (Loss) from continuing operations	(184,416)	49,622	41,864	38,390	43,170	40,548	44,037	26,997	169,507		145,191		187,178
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	202,257	2,082	16,611	3,097	(351)	(8,349)	(74)	(787)	224,047		(9,561)		10,228
Net income attributable to Colfax Corporation	$ 13,291	$ 45,863	$ 53,394	$ 38,542	$ 37,772	$ 27,970	$ 39,754	$ 22,615	$ (72,957)	[1]	$ 137,672	[1]	$ 157,511	[1]
Net (loss) income per share - basic
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic	$ (1.53)	$ 0.36	$ 0.30	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 0.30	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ (0.59)		$ 1.12		$ 1.27
Net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations - basic	1.64	0.02	0.13	0.03	0	(0.07)	0	(0.01)	1.82		(0.08)		0.08
Net income (loss) per share from consolidated operations - basic	0.11	0.37	0.43	0.31	0.31	0.23	0.32	0.18	1.23		1.04		1.35
Net (loss) income per share - diluted
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted	(1.53)	0.35	0.30	0.29	0.31	0.30	0.32	0.19	(0.59)		1.12		1.26
Net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations - diluted	1.63	0.02	0.13	0.03	0	(0.07)	0	(0.01)	1.81		(0.08)		0.08
Net income (loss) per share from consolidated operations - diluted	$ 0.11	$ 0.37	$ 0.43	$ 0.31	$ 0.31	$ 0.23	$ 0.32	$ 0.18	$ 1.22		$ 1.04		$ 1.34
[1]	Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Colfax Corporation for the respective periods is calculated using Net (loss) income from continuing operations less the income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes.

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 12, 2018	Oct. 11, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 100
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 100

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND Q97

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 29,005	$ 27,582	$ 24,779
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	2,824	7,420	5,219
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	(2,271)	(6,536)	691
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Adjustments	1,930	539	(3,107)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	31,488	29,005	27,582
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	34,625	28,352	25,395
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	5,510	22,764	7,488
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	(6,440)	(16,492)	(1,007)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Adjustments	1,266	1	(3,524)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	34,961	34,625	28,352
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	153,740	161,030	159,252
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	17,269	21,013	11,461
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts	(1,562)	(1,751)	(3,862)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	(17,432)	(14,813)	(2,845)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Adjustments	3,116	(11,739)	(2,976)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 155,131	$ 153,740	$ 161,030