CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017	Sep. 28, 2018	Sep. 29, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,202	$ 51,704	$ 106,023	$ 151,667
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $(2,689), $(551), $1,880 and $(1,633)	(46,437)	89,771	(187,235)	257,682
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging activities, net of tax of $252, $(6,249), $3,352 and $(14,872)	136	(7,755)	7,156	(22,108)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement net actuarial loss, net of tax of $165, $722, $641 and $2,658	670	2,466	2,503	5,102
Amortization of pension and other post-retirement prior service cost, net of tax of $0, $24, $0 and $71	1	38	2	115
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(45,630)	84,520	(177,574)	240,791
Comprehensive (loss) income	(10,428)	136,224	(71,551)	392,458
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4,524)	5,041	(9,483)	20,085
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Colfax Corporation	$ (5,904)	$ 131,183	$ (62,068)	$ 372,373