| Document and Entity Information | May 21, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | TELEFLEX INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000096943 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 21, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-5353 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-1147939 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 550 E. Swedesford Rd |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Wayne |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19087 |
| City Area Code | (610) |
| Local Phone Number | 255-6800 |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $1 per share |
| Trading Symbol | TFX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
