v3.21.2
COVER PAGE
 9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2021
shares
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date Oct. 01, 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 2711 Centerville Road,
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 400
Entity Address, City or Town Wilmington,
Entity Address, State or Province DE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 19808
City Area Code (302)
Local Phone Number 252-9160
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 154,781,842
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