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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 02, 2016
Apr. 29, 2016
Jul. 04, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name WATERS CORP /DE/    
Entity Trading Symbol WAT    
Entity Central Index Key 0001000697    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1    
Document Period End Date Apr. 02, 2016    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 10,641,836,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   80,941,488