XML 119 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3.a.u2
Cover Page - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 21, 2020
Jun. 29, 2019
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Central Index Key 0001000697    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Entity Registrant Name WATERS CORP /DE/    
Entity File Number 01-14010    
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-3668640    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Address, Address Line One 34 Maple Street    
Entity Address, City or Town Milford    
Entity Address, State or Province MA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 01757    
City Area Code 508    
Trading Symbol WAT    
Local Phone Number 478-2000    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   62,158,045  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Public Float     $ 14,554,561,947