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v2.4.1.9

Retirement Plans (Details 11) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | $ 202,981 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets |  | $ 175,952 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets |  |
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance | 41,445 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 35,963 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation) of defined benefit plan assets | 4,832 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 5,482 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 46,277 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 41,445 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
U.S. Pension Plans |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance |  |  |  |  | 106,572 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 135,887 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  | 128,516 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  | 106,572 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 7,334 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 7,025 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
U.S. Pension Plans | Hedge Funds [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 7,334 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | [1] | 7,025 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | [1] |
U.S. Pension Plans | Hedge Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance | 7,025 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | [1] | 6,266 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation) of defined benefit plan assets | 309 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 759 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 7,334 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | [1] | 7,025 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | [1] |
Non-U.S. Pension Plans |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance |  |  |  |  | 35,859 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 59,568 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 40,820 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 35,859 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 38,943 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 34,420 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | 38,943 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | [2] | 34,420 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | [2] |
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance | 34,420 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | [2] | 29,697 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation) of defined benefit plan assets | 4,523 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  | 4,723 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member |  |
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance | $ 38,943 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | [2] | $ 34,420 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | [2] |
[1] | Hedge fund invests in both short and long term U.S. common stocks. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from large to small capitalization stocks and from a net long position to a net short position.
[2] | Amount represents bank and insurance guaranteed investment contracts.

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- Definition Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 50 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29635418&loc=d3e12355-114930 + Details
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- Definition The amount of increase or decrease in the fair value of plan assets during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
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