| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | DANAHER CORP /DE/ |
| Entity Address, State or Province | DC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000313616 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-08089 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 59-1995548 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | N.W. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 800W |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Washington |
| 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 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | DHR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 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 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR F 06/30/22 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.7 Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.700% Senior Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.7 01/04/22 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 2.5 Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 2.500% Senior Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 2.5 07/08/25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.2 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.200% Senior Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.2 06/30/27 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 0.2 Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.200% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 0.2 03/18/26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 0.45 Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.450% Senior Notes due 2028 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 0.45 03/18/28 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 0.75 Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.750% Senior Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 0.75 09/18/31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.35 Senior Notes Due 2039 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.350% Senior Notes due 2039 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.35 09/18/39 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.8 Senior Notes Due 2049 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.800% Senior Notes due 2049 |
| Trading Symbol | DHR 1.8 09/18/49 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
