Other Charges, Net - Restructuring Plans (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	$ 3.8
Cost of Revenue
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	2.0
Other Charges
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	1.8
BSI
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	3.8
Inventory provisions for inventory write-downs	0.2
Severance costs	2.3
Exit related costs	1.3
BSI | Bruker BioSpin Group
Restructuring charges
Severance and exit costs	$ 2.3
Reduction in employee headcount (as a percent)	9.00%
Cumulative restructuring expenses and other on-time charges from inception	$ 18.5
BSI | Bruker BioSpin Group | Cost of Revenue
Restructuring charges
Severance and exit costs	1.3
BSI | Bruker BioSpin Group | Other Charges
Restructuring charges
Severance and exit costs	1.0
BSI | Bruker BioSpin Group | Inventory write-downs and asset impairments
Restructuring charges
Cumulative restructuring expenses and other on-time charges from inception	4.2
BSI | Bruker BioSpin Group | Severance and Exit Costs
Restructuring charges
Cumulative restructuring expenses and other on-time charges from inception	$ 14.3