| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PERKINELMER INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000031791 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State 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 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $1 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PKI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| M 1.875 Notes Due 20262 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.875% Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | PKI 21A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| M 0.600 Notes Due 2021 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.600% Notes due 2021 |
| Trading Symbol | PKI 21B |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| M 3.300 Notes Due 20291 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 3.300% Notes due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | PKI 29 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
