| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PerkinElmer, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MA |
| Entity File Number | 001-05075 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-2052042 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 940 Winter Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Waltham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02451 |
| City Area Code | 781 |
| Local Phone Number | 663-6900 |
| 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 | 0000031791 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $1 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PKI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.875% Notes due 2026 [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.875% Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | PKI 21A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.600% Notes due 2021 [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.600% Notes due 2021 |
| Trading Symbol | PKI 21B |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
