v3.21.1
COVER PAGE
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 02, 2021
shares
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date Apr. 02, 2021
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 001-34045
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 54-1887631
Entity Address, Address Line One 420 National Business Parkway,
Entity Address, Address Line Two 5th Floor
Entity Address, City or Town Annapolis Junction,
Entity Address, State or Province MD
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 20701
City Area Code (301)
Local Phone Number 323-9000
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Shell Company false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 135,597,331
Entity Registrant Name Colfax CORP
Entity Central Index Key 0001420800
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021
Amendment Flag false
Common Stock  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol CFX
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Tangible Equity Unit  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 5.75% Tangible Equity Units
Trading Symbol CFXA
Security Exchange Name NYSE