Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$ 537,001	$ 1,632,980
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $117,397 and $111,707 , respectively	3,049,895	2,097,974
Inventories	1,781,352	1,165,623
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	904,109	1,168,878
Total current assets	6,272,357	6,065,455
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,100,990	1,129,781
Investment in joint venture	521,882	511,283
Other assets	739,686	809,136
Goodwill	14,474,323	10,393,738
Other intangible assets, net	5,840,209	3,307,737
Total assets	29,949,447	22,217,130
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	98,392	40,761
Trade accounts payable	1,422,438	1,124,821
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,651,198	2,155,120
Total current liabilities	4,172,028	3,320,702
Other long-term liabilities	3,598,851	2,339,755
Long-term debt	5,206,800	2,783,907
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock - $0.01 par value, 1 billion shares authorized; 761,067 and 729,516 issued; 687,730 and 656,360 outstanding, respectively	7,611	7,295
Additional paid-in capital	3,877,240	2,412,401
Retained earnings	13,056,869	10,945,928
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(36,937)	345,386
Total Danaher stockholders' equity	16,904,783	13,711,010
Non-controlling interest	66,985	61,756
Total stockholders' equity	16,971,768	13,772,766
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 29,949,447	$ 22,217,130