| Cover | Jan. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | DOVER CORPORATION |
| Entity File Number | 1-4018 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 53-0257888 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3005 Highland Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Downers Grove, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60515 |
| City Area Code | (630) |
| Local Phone Number | 541-1540 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000029905 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| 0.750 Notes Due 2027 [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.750% Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | DOV 27 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.250 Notes Due 2026 [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.250% Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | DOV 26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | DOV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
