Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$ 1,043,283	$ 537,001
Trade accounts receivable, net	2,996,457	3,049,895
Inventories:
Finished goods	971,293	930,914
Work in process	289,046	262,191
Raw material and supplies	628,740	588,247
Total inventories	1,889,079	1,781,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	614,404	904,109
Total current assets	6,543,223	6,272,357
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,786,308 and $1,665,983, respectively	2,104,811	2,100,990
Investment in joint venture	549,865	521,882
Other assets	787,902	739,686
Goodwill	14,573,310	14,474,323
Other intangible assets, net	5,861,848	5,840,209
Total assets	30,420,959	29,949,447
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	63,108	98,392
Trade accounts payable	1,465,982	1,422,438
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,383,476	2,651,198
Total current liabilities	3,912,566	4,172,028
Other long-term liabilities	3,754,475	3,598,851
Long-term debt	4,862,716	5,206,800
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock - $0.01 par value	7,668	7,611
Additional paid-in capital	4,015,732	3,877,240
Retained earnings	13,652,469	13,056,869
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	147,436	(36,937)
Total Danaher stockholders' equity	17,823,305	16,904,783
Non-controlling interests	67,897	66,985
Total stockholders' equity	17,891,202	16,971,768
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 30,420,959	$ 29,949,447