Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions The following acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position and results of operations from the respective date of acquisition: Air and Gas Handling During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed two acquisitions in our Air and Gas Handling segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of $219.6 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions will broaden the segment’s range of compression solutions and expand its product offering into smaller steam turbines. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company completed two acquisitions in our Air and Gas Handling segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of approximately $196 million. The acquisitions expanded our portfolio of gas compression products and enhanced our fan product offering with ventilation control software. Fabrication Technology During year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed three acquisitions in our Fabrication Technology segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of $129.2 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions will expand and improve the segment’s high quality welding equipment and consumables. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company completed an acquisition for total consideration, net of cash received, of approximately $26 million. This acquisition expanded our automation welding equipment portfolio. General During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income included $58.5 million, $1.3 million, and $47.9 million of Net sales associated with acquisitions consummated during the respective period. Net Income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders associated with acquisitions consummated during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was not material. Acquisitions consummated during the year ended December 31, 2017 are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the Company’s best estimate. These amounts are based upon certain valuations and studies that have yet to be finalized and are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed.

Acquisitions

The following acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position and results of operations from the respective date of acquisition:

Air and Gas Handling

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed two acquisitions in our Air and Gas Handling segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of $219.6 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions will broaden the segment’s range of compression solutions and expand its product offering into smaller steam turbines.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company completed two acquisitions in our Air and Gas Handling segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of approximately $196 million. The acquisitions expanded our portfolio of gas compression products and enhanced our fan product offering with ventilation control software.

Fabrication Technology

During year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed three acquisitions in our Fabrication Technology segment for total consideration, net of cash received, of $129.2 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions will expand and improve the segment’s high quality welding equipment and consumables.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company completed an acquisition for total consideration, net of cash received, of approximately $26 million. This acquisition expanded our automation welding equipment portfolio.

General

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income included $58.5 million, $1.3 million, and $47.9 million of Net sales associated with acquisitions consummated during the respective period. Net Income attributable to Colfax Corporation common shareholders associated with acquisitions consummated during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was not material.

Acquisitions consummated during the year ended December 31, 2017 are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the Company’s best estimate. These amounts are based upon certain valuations and studies that have yet to be finalized and are subject to adjustment once the detailed analyses are completed.