| COVER PAGE | Feb. 18, 2021 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 18, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Colfax CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34045 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1887631 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 420 National Business Parkway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 5th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Annapolis Junction |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20701 |
| City Area Code | 301 |
| Local Phone Number | 323-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001420800 |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CFX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Tangible Equity Unit | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 5.75% Tangible Equity Units |
| Trading Symbol | CFXA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
