XML 46 R35.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.7.0.1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
May 31, 2014 | Apr. 01, 2017 | Apr. 02, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2016
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Long-term investments |  | $ 7,000,000 |  |
Acquired in-process research and development |  | 5,000,000 |  |
Potential payments under licensing arrangements |  | $ 7,000,000 |  |
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cash equivalents description |  | Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, while investments with longer maturities are classified as investments. |  |
Cash, cash equivalents and investments |  | $ 2,966,000,000 |  | $ 2,813,000,000
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Foreign currency exposure |  | The Company is a global company that operates in over 35 countries and, as a result, the Company’s net sales, cost of sales, operating expenses and balance sheet amounts are significantly impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is exposed to currency price risk on foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations when it translates its non-U.S. dollar foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars, and when any of the Company’s subsidiaries purchase or sell products or services in a currency other than its own currency. |  |
Maturity period of foreign exchange contracts |  | The Company periodically aggregates its net worldwide balances by currency and then enters into foreign currency exchange contracts that mature within 90 days to hedge a portion of the remaining balance to minimize some of the Company’s currency price risk exposure. |  |
Notional amount of foreign exchange contracts |  | $ 124,000,000 |  | 120,000,000
Realized losses on foreign exchange contracts |  | (1,438,000) | $ (1,895,000) |
Unrealized losses on foreign exchange contracts |  | (132,000) | (28,000) |
Cumulative net pre-tax losses on foreign exchange contracts |  | (1,570,000) | (1,923,000) |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 2,601,038,000 |  | 2,432,195,000
Debt [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  | 1,642,099,000 |  | 1,701,966,000
Warranty Accrual Roll Forward [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Accrued warranty liability, balance at beginning of period |  | 13,391,000 | 13,349,000 |
Accruals for warranties |  | 1,815,000 | 1,681,000 |
Settlements made |  | (2,208,000) | (2,198,000) |
Accrued warranty liability, balance at end of period |  | 12,998,000 | 12,832,000 |
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Restructuring charges |  | 9,000,000 | $ 3,000,000 |
Restructuring reserve |  | 6,000,000 |  |
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets |  | 32,894,000 |  | 30,954,000
Forward foreign exchange contract assets |  | 183,000 |  | 60,000
Fair value of total assets measured on a recurring basis |  | 2,634,115,000 |  | 2,463,209,000
Contingent consideration |  | 3,010,000 |  | 3,007,000
Forward foreign exchange contract liabilities |  | 985,000 |  | 730,000
Fair value of total liabilities measured on a recurring basis |  | 3,995,000 |  | 3,737,000
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets |  | 32,894,000 |  | 30,954,000
Fair value of total assets measured on a recurring basis |  | 32,894,000 |  | 30,954,000
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Forward foreign exchange contract assets |  | 183,000 |  | 60,000
Fair value of total assets measured on a recurring basis |  | 2,601,221,000 |  | 2,432,255,000
Forward foreign exchange contract liabilities |  | 985,000 |  | 730,000
Fair value of total liabilities measured on a recurring basis |  | 985,000 |  | 730,000
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  | 3,010,000 |  | 3,007,000
Fair value of total liabilities measured on a recurring basis |  | 3,010,000 |  | 3,007,000
Held in currencies other than U.S. dollars [Member] |  |  |  |
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cash, cash equivalents and investments |  | $ 295,000,000 |  | 261,000,000
Programs authorized by Board of Directors [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Treasury stock shares acquired |  | 0.5 | 0.7 |
Treasury stock |  | $ 82,000,000 | $ 89,000,000 |
Related to Vesting of Restricted Stock Units [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Treasury stock |  | 7,000,000 | $ 6,000,000 |
May 2014 Program [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Stock repurchase program authorization amount | $ 750,000,000 |  |  |
Stock repurchase program remaining amount authorized for future purchases |  | 41,000,000 |  |
Stock repurchase program period | 3 years |  |  |
US Treasury Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 522,012,000 |  | 570,313,000
US Treasury Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 522,012,000 |  | 570,313,000
Foreign Government Debt Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 3,981,000 |  | 17,991,000
Foreign Government Debt Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 3,981,000 |  | 17,991,000
Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 1,769,436,000 |  | 1,643,838,000
Corporate Debt Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 1,769,436,000 |  | 1,643,838,000
Time Deposits | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 305,462,000 |  | 199,906,000
Time Deposits | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 305,462,000 |  | 199,906,000
Equity Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 147,000 |  | 147,000
Equity Securities | Fair Value Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Marketable securities |  | 147,000 |  | 147,000
Unsecured debt |  |  |  |
Debt [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  | 700,000,000 |  | 700,000,000
Unsecured debt | Fixed interest rate [Member] |  |  |  |
Debt [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  | 610,000,000 |  | 610,000,000
Fair value of debt instrument |  | 608,000,000 |  | 603,000,000
Held by foreign subsidiaries [Member] |  |  |  |
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Cash, cash equivalents and investments |  | $ 2,929,000,000 |  | $ 2,766,000,000

X
- Definition An element designated to encapsulate any additional information related to cash and cash equivalents not otherwise addressed by the existing taxonomy. Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdditionalCashAndCashEquivalentRelatedText
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66048111&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65884222&loc=d3e22054-111558 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (aa) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73527792&loc=d3e27232-111563 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66010992&loc=d3e26610-111562 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid Investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Short-term investments, exclusive of cash equivalents, generally consist of marketable securities intended to be sold within one year (or the normal operating cycle if longer) and may include trading securities, available-for-sale securities, or held-to-maturity securities (if maturing within one year), as applicable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824906&loc=SL20225862-175312 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624163-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51825145&loc=SL20226000-175313 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 860 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4D -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64830801&loc=SL51823488-111719 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 860 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4D -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64830801&loc=SL51823488-111719 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824906&loc=SL20225862-175312 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624163-113959 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51825145&loc=SL20226000-175313 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition General discussion of the entity's foreign currency derivative activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579240-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579245-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41620-113959 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41641-113959 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41638-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DescriptionOfForeignCurrencyDerivativeActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of the sources of foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure faced by the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41641-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41620-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579240-113959 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41638-113959 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579245-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DescriptionOfForeignCurrencyExposure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value of obligations measured on a recurring basis. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66048111&loc=d3e19207-110258 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66048111&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate impact of foreign currency derivatives on earnings for the period. Includes impact of foreign currency cash flow hedge ineffectiveness and the ineffectiveness of fair value hedging derivatives and full change in fair value of the foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624171-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5618551-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4D -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624177-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativesRecordedInEarningsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value of financial and nonfinancial obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66048111&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs of long-term debt classified as noncurrent and excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MovementInStandardProductWarrantyAccrualRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value portion of other assets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of the write-off for research and development assets that were acquired in a transaction other than a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16265-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentAssetAcquiredOtherThanThroughBusinessCombinationWrittenOff
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate standard product warranty liability. Does not include the balance for the extended product warranty liability. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (c)(1),(c)(5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68068213&loc=d3e12565-110249 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrual
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of decrease in the standard product warranty accrual from payments made in cash or in kind to satisfy claims under the terms of the standard product warranty. Excludes extended product warranties. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph ((c)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68068213&loc=d3e12565-110249 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase in the standard product warranty accrual from warranties issued. Excludes extended product warranties. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph ((c)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68068213&loc=d3e12565-110249 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StandardProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of stock repurchase plan authorized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Period which shares may be purchased under a stock repurchase plan authorized by an entity's Board of Directors, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramPeriodInForce1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount remaining of a stock repurchase plan authorized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405813&loc=d3e23239-112655 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wat_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | wat_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wat_CashEquivalentsAndInvestmentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | wat_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wat_DerivativeNotionalAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | wat_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of additional payments that could be required for the achievement of certain milestones under a licensing agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wat_PotentialPaymentsUnderLicensingArrangements
Namespace Prefix: | wat_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate impact of foreign currency derivatives closed during the period on earnings for the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wat_RealizedGainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativesRecordedInEarningsNet
Namespace Prefix: | wat_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate impact of foreign currency derivatives that remain open at the end of the period on earnings for the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | wat_UnrealizedGainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativesRecordedInEarningsNet
Namespace Prefix: | wat_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis=us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | wat_CashCashEquivalentsAndInvestmentsCurrencyAxisAxis=wat_HeldInCurrenciesOtherThanUsDollarsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | wat_StockRepurchaseProgramAxis=wat_ProgramsAuthorizedByBoardOfDirectorsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | wat_StockRepurchaseProgramAxis=wat_RelatedToVestingOfRestrictedStockUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | wat_StockRepurchaseProgramAxis=wat_May2014ProgramMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_BankTimeDepositsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | wat_DebtInterestRateTypeAxis=wat_FixedInterestRateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | wat_CashCashEquivalentsAndInvestmentsGeographyAxis=wat_HeldByForeignSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |