Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Tax Benefit (Expense)

No definition available.

Name:	dhr_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentTaxBenefitExpense
Namespace Prefix:	dhr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Discounts, Premiums And Debt Issuance Costs

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dhr_DebtDiscountsPremiumsAndDebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	dhr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Fee to Convert to Term Loan, Percent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dhr_DebtInstrumentFeetoConverttoTermLoanPercent
Namespace Prefix:	dhr_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Maturity, at Point in Time

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dhr_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageMaturityatPointinTime
Namespace Prefix:	dhr_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face amount or stated value per share of common stock.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of shares issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or payments in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4332-108586

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4304-108586

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Indebtedness divided by net capital.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_CreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_A364DayFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_EurodollarMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_EuroDenominatedCommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_USDollarDenominatedCommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_A1.0SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_A1.65SeniorUnsecuredNotesDue2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=dhr_ZeroCouponLYONSDue2021Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Financing (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, € in Millions			1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Mar. 23, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 28, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2018 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017 EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 10,617,800,000		$ 10,617,800,000	$ 10,617,800,000			$ 10,522,100,000
Debt discounts, premiums and debt issuance costs	$ 20,000,000		$ 20,000,000	20,000,000			$ 25,000,000
Repayments of long-term debt				$ 503,900,000	$ 562,400,000
Common stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Debt conversion, converted instrument, tax benefit				$ 4,200,000
Long-term debt \| Revolving credit facility \| Credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit	$ 4,000,000,000		$ 4,000,000,000	4,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0		0	0
Short-term debt \| Revolving credit facility \| 364-day facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit		$ 1,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0		0	0
Debt instrument, fee to convert to term loan, percent		0.75%
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percent		0.06%
Short-term debt \| Revolving credit facility \| 364-day facility \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital		0.65
LIBOR \| Short-term debt \| Revolving credit facility \| 364-day facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		0.815%
Federal funds \| Short-term debt \| Revolving credit facility \| 364-day facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		0.50%
Eurodollar \| Short-term debt \| Revolving credit facility \| 364-day facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		1.00%
Commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 3,300,000,000		$ 3,300,000,000	$ 3,300,000,000
Commercial paper \| Euro-denominated commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt, interest rate	(0.30%)		(0.30%)	(0.30%)		(0.30%)
Weighted average maturity, at point in time	45 days
Long-term debt	$ 3,324,300,000		$ 3,324,300,000	$ 3,324,300,000		€ 2,900.0	$ 1,993,900,000	€ 1,700.0
Commercial paper \| U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0		0	0			436,900,000
Senior notes \| 1.0% senior unsecured notes due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	695,600,000		695,600,000	695,600,000			718,400,000
Debt instrument, face value \| €						€ 600.0		€ 600.0
Senior notes \| 1.65% senior unsecured notes due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0		0	0			499,200,000
Repayments of long-term debt			500,000,000
Convertible debt \| Zero-coupon Liquid Yield Option Notes (LYONs) due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 58,300,000		$ 58,300,000	$ 58,300,000			$ 69,100,000
Shares issued under debt conversion, shares \| shares				487
Debt conversion, converted instrument, tax benefit				$ 4,000,000