Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2011		Jul. 03, 2010		Jul. 02, 2011		Jul. 03, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,897.4		$ 2,595.7		$ 5,618.8		$ 5,222.6
Segment Income	510.3	[1]	447.4	[1]	988.5	[1]	902.3	[1]
Depreciation	51.4		47.5		100.3		94.4
Analytical Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,282.3		1,074.9		2,460.0		2,158.3
Segment Income	271.2	[1]	213.8	[1]	518.8	[1]	437.1	[1]
Depreciation	24.5		21.6		47.0		43.3
Laboratory Products and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,756.9		1,653.7		3,442.2		3,324.3
Segment Income	239.1	[1]	233.6	[1]	469.7	[1]	465.2	[1]
Depreciation	26.9		25.9		53.3		51.1
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (141.8)		$ (132.9)		$ (283.4)		$ (260.0)

[1] Represents operating income before certain charges to cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses; restructuring and other costs, net; and amortization of acquisition-related intangibles.