XML 87 R80.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Debt Outstanding Debt (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2014
Feb. 03, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Principal Outstanding 10,491.9us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount $ 14,422.5us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount  
Fair Value Hedge Accounting Adjustments 12.9us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfFairValueHedge (0.5)us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfFairValueHedge  
Unamortized Premium (Discount), Net (17.5)us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet 142.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet  
Debt Obligations - Carrying Value 10,487.3us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations 14,564.0us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations  
Less: Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations 987.7us-gaap_DebtCurrent 2,212.4us-gaap_DebtCurrent  
Long-term Obligations 9,499.6us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations 12,351.6us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations  
4.15% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/1/2024 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Term 10 years    
Commercial Paper [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Principal Outstanding 250.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
 
Debt Obligations - Carrying Value 250.0us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
0us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
 
Term Loan      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Mar. 31, 2016  
Effective Interest Rate   1.63%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
1,275.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
 
Debt Obligations - Carrying Value 0us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
1,275.0us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
 
Debt, Covenant, Maximum Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio of Debt to EBITDA   4.5tmo_DebtCovenantMaximumConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatioOfDebtToEbitda
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
 
Debt, Covenant, Maximum Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio Of Debt To EBITDA by August 2015   3.5tmo_DebtCovenantMaximumConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatioOfDebtToEbitdaAfterEighteenMonths
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
 
Debt, Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio   3tmo_DebtCovenantMinimumConsolidatedInterestCoverageRatio
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
 
Senior Notes [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt Obligations - Carrying Value 10,195.4us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
13,265.8us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Call Feature   Each of the notes may be redeemed at any time at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus a specified make-whole premium plus accrued interest  
Business Combination, Fair Value of Long-term Debt in Excess of Par Value     207tmo_BusinessCombinationFairValueOfLongTermDebtInExcessOfParValue
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.05% 3-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/21/2014 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   2.05%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes205Due2014Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   3 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Feb. 21, 2014  
Principal Outstanding 300.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes205Due2014Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes205Due2014Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.25% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 11/20/2014 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes325Due2014Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Nov. 20, 2014  
Principal Outstanding 400.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes325Due2014Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes325Due2014Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.40% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 3/1/2015 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   4.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes440Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Mar. 01, 2015  
Effective Interest Rate   0.56%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes440Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes440Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
500.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes440Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.20% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 5/1/2015 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.20%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   May 01, 2015  
Effective Interest Rate   1.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 450.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
450.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.00% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 6/1/2015 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes5Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Jun. 01, 2015  
Effective Interest Rate   5.12%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes5Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 250.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes5Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
250.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes5Due2015Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.50% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 1/15/2016 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes350Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Jan. 15, 2016  
Effective Interest Rate   1.04%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes350Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes350Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
400.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes350Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.20% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 3/1/2016 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.20%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Mar. 01, 2016  
Effective Interest Rate   3.21%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 900.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
900.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes320Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.25% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 8/15/2016 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   2.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes225Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Aug. 15, 2016  
Effective Interest Rate   2.29%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes225Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 1,000.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes225Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,000.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes225Due2016Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 1.30% 3-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/1/2017 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   1.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes130Due2017Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   3 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Feb. 01, 2017  
Effective Interest Rate   1.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes130Due2017Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 900.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes130Due2017Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
900.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes130Due2017Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 1.85% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 1/15/2018 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   1.85%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes185Due2018Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Jan. 15, 2018  
Effective Interest Rate   1.85%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes185Due2018Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 500.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes185Due2018Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
500.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes185Due2018Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.40% 5-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/1/2019 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   2.40%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes240Due2019Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   5 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Feb. 01, 2019  
Effective Interest Rate   2.44%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes240Due2019Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 900.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes240Due2019Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
900.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes240Due2019Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 6.00% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 3/1/2020 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes600Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Mar. 01, 2020  
Effective Interest Rate   2.98%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes600Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes600Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
750.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes600Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.70% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 5/1/2020 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   4.70%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes470Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   May 01, 2020  
Effective Interest Rate   4.70%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes470Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 300.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes470Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
300.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes470Due2020Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.00% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 1/15/2021 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes500Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Jan. 15, 2021  
Effective Interest Rate   3.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes500Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes500Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
400.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes500Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.50% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 3/1/2021 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   4.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes450Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Mar. 01, 2021  
Effective Interest Rate   4.58%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes450Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 1,000.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes450Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,000.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes450Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.60% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 8/15/2021 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.60%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes360Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Aug. 15, 2021  
Effective Interest Rate   4.29%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes360Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 1,100.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes360Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,100.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes360Due2021Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.30% 7-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/15/2022 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes330Due2022Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   7 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Feb. 15, 2022  
Effective Interest Rate   3.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes330Due2022Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes330Due2022Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
800.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes330Due2022Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.15% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 1/15/2023 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   3.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes315Due2023Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Jan. 15, 2023  
Effective Interest Rate   3.21%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes315Due2023Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 800.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes315Due2023Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
800.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes315Due2023Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.15% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/1/2024 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   4.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes415Due2024Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Feb. 01, 2024  
Effective Interest Rate   4.07%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes415Due2024Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 1,000.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes415Due2024Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,000.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes415Due2024Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 2.00% 10-Year Senior Notes, Due 4/15/2025 (euro denominated) [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   2.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes200Due2025Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   10 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Apr. 15, 2025  
Effective Interest Rate   2.03%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes200Due2025Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes200Due2025Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
774.3us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes200Due2025Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.30% 30-Year Senior Notes, Due 2/1/2044 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated Interest Rate   5.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes530Due2044Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Debt Instrument, Term   30 years  
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date   Feb. 01, 2044  
Effective Interest Rate   5.30%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes530Due2044Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Principal Outstanding 400.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes530Due2044Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
400.0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= tmo_SeniorNotes530Due2044Member
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
 
Other Debt [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Principal Outstanding 41.9us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= tmo_OtherDebtMember
23.2us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= tmo_OtherDebtMember
 
Debt Obligations - Carrying Value 41.9us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= tmo_OtherDebtMember
$ 23.2us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= tmo_OtherDebtMember