Consolidated Condensed Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 30, 2012
Consolidated Condensed Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock issued in connection with LYONs' conversions, tax benefit	$ 10

Tax benefit of stock issued during period value conversion of convertible securities

No definition available.

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