| Cover page Cover page | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | DANAHER CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-08089 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 59-1995548 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 800W |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Washington, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | DC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20037-1701 |
| City Area Code | 202 |
| Local Phone Number | 828-0850 |
| 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 | 0000313616 |
| Common stock | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | DHR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 4.75% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value |
| Trading Symbol | DHR.PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2022 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR F 06/30/22 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.7% Senior Notes Due 2022 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.700% Senior Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.7 01/04/22 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 2.5% Senior Notes Due 2025 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.500% Senior Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 2.5 07/08/25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.2% Senior Notes Due 2026 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.200% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 0.2 03/18/26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.2% Senior Notes Due 2027 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.200% Senior Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.2 06/30/27 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.45% Senior Notes Due 2028 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.450% Senior Notes due 2028 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 0.45 03/18/28 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.75% Senior Notes Due 2031 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.750% Senior Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 0.75 09/18/31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.35% Senior Notes Due 2039 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.350% Senior Notes due 2039 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.35 09/18/39 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.8% Senior Notes Due 2049 | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.800% Senior Notes due 2049 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.8 09/18/49 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
