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Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended |
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Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Line Items] |  |
Accounts receivable, payment terms and conditions | Payment terms and conditions vary among the Company's revenue streams, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 60 days of product shipment. |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | $ 247,243 |
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] |  |
Revenue Recognition [Line Items] |  |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | $ 32,000 | $ 26,000

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- Definition Accounts receivable payment terms and conditions. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Deferred revenue and customer advances. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | wat_
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Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Revenue recognition. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
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Period Type: | duration

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |