Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	21. Subsequent Events The Company assessed events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2013 for potential recognition and disclosure in the consolidated financial statements. No events have occurred that would require adjustment to the consolidated financial statements. Acquisitions Effective January 1, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Heidelberg CSAT GmbH, a German-based developer of digital printing systems that are installed in-packaging-line for the identification of pharmaceutical and medical products. The business will become part of Markem-Imaje, which is an operating unit of Dover's Printing & Identification segment. In addition, effective February 3, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of MS Printing Solutions Srl, an Italian-based manufacturer of innovative digital ink jet printing systems for the textile and specialty material industries. The business will become an operating unit of Dover's Printing & Identification segment. Total purchase price for these acquisitions, subject to normal closing adjustments, was approximately $116.0 million. Spin-Off of Certain Communication Technologies Business and Subsequent Segment Structure On February 6, 2014, Dover announced that its Board of Directors approved the separation of Knowles from Dover through the pro rata distribution by Dover of 100% of the common stock of Knowles to Dover's stockholders on February 28, 2014. In addition, on February 10, 2014, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission declared Knowles' Registration Statement on Form 10 effective. As a result, the following is expected to occur: (1) the distribution of Knowles' shares would be made on February 28, 2014 to Dover stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2014, the record date for the distribution, (2) on the distribution date, Dover stockholders will receive one share of Knowles common stock for every two shares of Dover common stock held as of the record date, and (3) following the distribution, Knowles will be an independent, publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (utilizing ticker symbol "KN") and Dover will retain no ownership interest in Knowles. The distribution has been structured to be tax-free to Dover and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While Dover expects to complete the spin-off of Knowles on February 28, 2014, there can be no assurance that it will be completed on the anticipated schedule or that its terms will not change. Following the spin-off of Knowles, the Company expects to align its segment structure to ensure it is properly organized to execute its future growth plans. In connection with executing its new segment structure, the Company anticipates incurring incremental nonrecurring charges, including severance expense. No accrual has been recorded related to these actions, however, the Company does not anticipate these nonrecurring charges to be significant.

21. Subsequent Events

The Company assessed events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2013 for potential recognition and disclosure in the consolidated financial statements. No events have occurred that would require adjustment to the consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Effective January 1, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Heidelberg CSAT GmbH, a German-based developer of digital printing systems that are installed in-packaging-line for the identification of pharmaceutical and medical products. The business will become part of Markem-Imaje, which is an operating unit of Dover's Printing & Identification segment.

In addition, effective February 3, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of MS Printing Solutions Srl, an Italian-based manufacturer of innovative digital ink jet printing systems for the textile and specialty material industries. The business will become an operating unit of Dover's Printing & Identification segment.

Total purchase price for these acquisitions, subject to normal closing adjustments, was approximately $116.0 million.

Spin-Off of Certain Communication Technologies Business and Subsequent Segment Structure

On February 6, 2014, Dover announced that its Board of Directors approved the separation of Knowles from Dover through the pro rata distribution by Dover of 100% of the common stock of Knowles to Dover's stockholders on February 28, 2014. In addition, on February 10, 2014, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission declared Knowles' Registration Statement on Form 10 effective. As a result, the following is expected to occur: (1) the distribution of Knowles' shares would be made on February 28, 2014 to Dover stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2014, the record date for the distribution, (2) on the distribution date, Dover stockholders will receive one share of Knowles common stock for every two shares of Dover common stock held as of the record date, and (3) following the distribution, Knowles will be an independent, publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (utilizing ticker symbol "KN") and Dover will retain no ownership interest in Knowles. The distribution has been structured to be tax-free to Dover and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While Dover expects to complete the spin-off of Knowles on February 28, 2014, there can be no assurance that it will be completed on the anticipated schedule or that its terms will not change.

Following the spin-off of Knowles, the Company expects to align its segment structure to ensure it is properly organized to execute its future growth plans. In connection with executing its new segment structure, the Company anticipates incurring incremental nonrecurring charges, including severance expense. No accrual has been recorded related to these actions, however, the Company does not anticipate these nonrecurring charges to be significant.