Financing Transactions (Public Offering Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 21, 2011	Jun. 21, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 01, 2010
Financing Transactions
Shares issued in public offering in connection with acquisition	19,250,000
Danaher common stock purchase price in public offering	$ 51.75	$ 51.75
Net proceeds from underwritten public offering of the Company's common stock	$ 966,000	$ 966,000	$ 1,060,272	$ 117,200