CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 58,475	$ 43,963	$ 99,962	$ 70,173
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $1,013, $2,190, $(1,082) and $2,436	107,911	(134,022)	167,911	(154,064)
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax of $(8,859), $1,181, $(8,623) and $(1,699)	(13,416)	4,233	(14,353)	(5,320)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement net actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,176, $775, $1,936 and $1,450	962	1,272	2,636	2,632
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement prior service cost, net of tax of $23, $26, $47 and $48	39	36	77	76
Other comprehensive income (loss)	95,496	(128,481)	156,271	(156,676)
Comprehensive income (loss)	153,971	(84,518)	256,233	(86,503)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	8,267	2,001	15,044	9,028
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Colfax Corporation	$ 145,704	$ (86,519)	$ 241,189	$ (95,531)