Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$ 1,541,335	$ 537,001
Trade accounts receivable, net	2,984,728	3,049,895
Inventories:
Finished goods	935,987	930,914
Work in process	304,079	262,191
Raw material and supplies	642,304	588,247
Total inventories	1,882,370	1,781,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	499,567	904,109
Total current assets	6,908,000	6,272,357
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,870,658 and $1,665,983, respectively	2,062,952	2,100,990
Investment in joint venture	560,629	521,882
Other assets	893,162	739,686
Goodwill	15,056,604	14,474,323
Other intangible assets, net	6,104,073	5,840,209
Total assets	31,585,420	29,949,447
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	55,063	98,392
Trade accounts payable	1,492,632	1,422,438
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,386,994	2,651,198
Total current liabilities	3,934,689	4,172,028
Other long-term liabilities	4,038,807	3,598,851
Long-term debt	4,659,158	5,206,800
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock - $0.01 par value	7,718	7,611
Additional paid-in capital	3,961,867	3,877,240
Retained earnings	14,766,627	13,056,869
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	149,874	(36,937)
Total Danaher stockholders' equity	18,886,086	16,904,783
Non-controlling interests	66,680	66,985
Total stockholders' equity	18,952,766	16,971,768
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 31,585,420	$ 29,949,447