Waters (WAT) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WATERS CORP /DE/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001000697	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
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	'	'	$8,523,967,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	85,176,112	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$440,796	$481,035
Investments	1,362,874	1,057,990
Accounts receivable, net	430,985	404,556
Inventories	242,800	229,565
Other current assets	78,800	84,580
Total current assets	2,556,255	2,257,726
Property, plant and equipment, net	324,932	273,279
Intangible assets, net	239,112	220,145
Goodwill	350,350	316,834
Other assets	111,980	100,166
Total assets	3,582,629	3,168,150
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable and debt	133,346	132,781
Accounts payable	64,961	54,724
Accrued employee compensation	43,305	31,910
Deferred revenue and customer advances	128,056	121,470
Accrued income taxes	19,770	60,888
Accrued warranty	12,962	12,353
Other current liabilities	85,132	90,116
Total current liabilities	487,532	504,242
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,190,000	1,045,000
Long-term portion of retirement benefits	74,723	101,225
Long-term income tax liabilities	25,436	24,772
Other long-term liabilities	41,765	25,554
Total long-term liabilities	1,331,924	1,196,551
Total liabilities	1,819,456	1,700,793
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 400,000 shares authorized, 155,246 and 153,696 shares issued, 84,819 and 86,390 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	1,552	1,537
Additional paid-in capital	1,270,608	1,155,504
Retained earnings	3,962,893	3,512,890
Treasury stock, at cost, 70,427 and 67,306 shares at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-3,477,759	-3,176,179
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	5,879	-26,395
Total stockholders' equity	1,763,173	1,467,357
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,582,629	$3,168,150

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	155,246,000	153,696,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	84,819,000	86,390,000
Treasury stock, shares	70,427,000	67,306,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Product sales	$1,312,503	$1,280,507	$1,322,136
Service sales	591,715	563,134	529,048
Total net sales	1,904,218	1,843,641	1,851,184
Cost of product sales	526,721	501,660	506,073
Cost of service sales	256,735	235,954	224,420
Total cost of sales	783,456	737,614	730,493
Gross profit	1,120,762	1,106,027	1,120,691
Selling and administrative expenses	492,965	477,270	490,011
Research and development expenses	100,536	96,004	92,347
Purchased intangibles amortization	9,918	13,829	9,733
Litigation provisions (Note 10)	'	7,434	'
Operating income	517,343	511,490	528,600
Other expense (Note 3)	-1,575	'	'
Interest expense	-30,050	-28,073	-21,971
Interest income	4,387	4,208	2,623
Income from operations before income taxes	490,105	487,625	509,252
Provision for income taxes	40,102	26,182	76,284
Net income	$450,003	$461,443	$432,968
Net income per basic common share	$5.27	$5.25	$4.77
Weighted-average number of basic common shares	85,426	87,841	90,833
Net income per diluted common share	$5.20	$5.19	$4.69
Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents	86,546	88,979	92,325

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$450,003	$461,443	$432,968
Foreign currency translation	11,843	17,279	-12,644
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments before reclassifications	134	-27	-1,604
Amounts reclassified to other expense for unrealized gains (losses) on investments	1,575	'	'
Amounts reclassified to selling and administrative expenses for unrealized gains (losses) on investments	'	-968	2,570
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments before income taxes	1,709	-995	966
Income tax (expense) benefit on unrealized gains (losses) on investments	-639	348	-339
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	1,070	-647	627
Retirement liability adjustment before reclassifications	27,888	-14,147	-20,511
Retirement liability amounts reclassified to selling and administrative expenses	3,678	3,055	1,676
Retirement liability adjustment	31,566	-11,092	-18,835
Income tax (expense) benefit on retirement liability adjustment	-12,205	4,120	6,592
Retirement liability adjustment, net of tax	19,361	-6,972	-12,243
Other comprehensive income (loss)	32,274	9,660	-24,260
Comprehensive income	$482,277	$471,103	$408,708

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$450,003	$461,443	$432,968
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Provisions for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	3,656	2,256	3,265
Stock-based compensation expense	31,708	29,183	27,579
Deferred income taxes	169	-52,219	-5,824
Depreciation	38,165	37,422	36,531
Amortization of intangibles	41,530	31,409	29,856
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable	-35,233	-39,836	-12,528
Increase in inventories	-11,389	-10,930	-8,707
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	5,033	-7,136	4,309
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-11,467	1,473	-12,071
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities	-28,127	563	-11,845
Increase in deferred revenue and customer advances	8,512	11,005	2,630
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities	-7,684	-15,353	11,211
Net cash provided by operating activities	484,876	449,280	497,374
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to property, plant, equipment and software capitalization	-118,450	-104,749	-85,436
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-41,395	-31,016	-11,100
Purchase of investments	-2,972,116	-1,815,988	-1,749,161
Maturities and sales of investments	2,667,232	1,655,359	1,489,721
Net cash used in investing activities	-464,729	-296,394	-355,976
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuances	1,032,209	218,324	598,528
Payments on debt	-886,644	-32,107	-373,751
Payments of debt issuance costs	-2,039	-497	-4,523
Proceeds from stock plans	68,958	28,869	60,153
Purchase of treasury shares	-301,580	-295,878	-370,835
Excess tax benefit related to stock option plans	15,842	10,568	32,239
Proceeds from (payments for) derivative contracts	8,666	4,186	-2,233
Net cash used in financing activities	-64,588	-66,535	-60,422
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4,202	10,694	-5,484
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-40,239	97,045	75,492
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	481,035	383,990	308,498
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	440,796	481,035	383,990
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'	'
Income taxes paid	55,928	59,446	50,313
Interest paid	$29,563	$28,305	$19,658

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands
Stockholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,068,797	$1,511	$970,068	$2,618,479	($2,509,466)	($11,795)
Number of common shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	151,054	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	432,968	'	'	432,968	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-24,260	'	'	'	'	-24,260
Issuance of common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	4,150	1	4,149	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, shares	58	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised	56,003	14	55,989	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised, shares	1,381	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit related to stock option plans	32,239	'	32,239	'	'	'
(Increase in) release of valuation allowance	176	'	176	'	'	'
Treasury stock	-370,835	'	'	'	-370,835	'
Stock-based compensation	27,340	2	27,338	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, shares	264	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,226,578	1,528	1,089,959	3,051,447	-2,880,301	-36,055
Number of common shares, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	152,757	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	461,443	'	'	461,443	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9,660	'	'	'	'	9,660
Issuance of common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	4,661	1	4,660	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, shares	66	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised	24,208	6	24,202	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised, shares	630	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit related to stock option plans	10,568	'	10,568	'	'	'
(Increase in) release of valuation allowance	-2,354	'	-2,354	'	'	'
Treasury stock	-295,878	'	'	'	-295,878	'
Stock-based compensation	28,471	2	28,469	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, shares	243	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,467,357	1,537	1,155,504	3,512,890	-3,176,179	-26,395
Number of common shares, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	153,696	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	450,003	'	'	450,003	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	32,274	'	'	'	'	32,274
Issuance of common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	4,817	1	4,816	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan, shares	58	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised	64,141	13	64,128	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised, shares	1,281	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit related to stock option plans	15,842	'	15,842	'	'	'
(Increase in) release of valuation allowance	-892	'	-892	'	'	'
Treasury stock	-301,580	'	'	'	-301,580	'
Stock-based compensation	31,211	1	31,210	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, shares	211	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,763,173	$1,552	$1,270,608	$3,962,893	($3,477,759)	$5,879
Number of common shares, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	155,246	'	'	'	'	'

Description_of_Business_and_Or

Description of Business and Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of Business and Organization [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Organization	'
	1  Description of Business and Organization
	Waters Corporation (“Waters®” or the “Company”) is an analytical instrument manufacturer that primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services, through its Waters Division, high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”) and mass spectrometry (“MS”) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. These systems are complementary products that are frequently employed together (“LC-MS”) and sold as integrated instrument systems using a common software platform. LC is a standard technique and is utilized in a broad range of industries to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials, and to purify a full range of compounds. MS instruments are used in drug discovery and development, including clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes (known as “proteomics”), nutritional safety analysis and environmental testing. LC-MS instruments combine a liquid phase sample introduction and separation system with mass spectrometric compound identification and quantification. Through its TA Division (“TA®”), the Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments, which are used in predicting the suitability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for life science research. The Company is also a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company's instruments, as well as other manufacturers' instruments, and are typically purchased by customers as part of the instrument system.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, product returns and allowances, bad debts, inventory valuation, equity investments, goodwill and intangible assets, warranty and installation provisions, income taxes, contingencies, litigation, retirement plan obligations and stock-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	Risks and Uncertainties
	The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the analytical instrument industry, including, but not limited to, global economic and financial market conditions, fluctuations in customer demand, development by its competitors of new technological innovations, levels of debt and debt service requirements, risk of disruption, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, dependence on key personnel, protection and litigation of proprietary technology, shifts in taxable income between tax jurisdictions and compliance with regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and similar foreign regulatory authorities and agencies.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls fifty percent or more of the voting shares. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	Translation of Foreign Currencies
	For most of the Company's foreign operations, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's net sales derived from operations outside the United States were 71% in 2013, 2012 and 2011. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the years presented.
	Seasonality of Business
	The Company typically experiences an increase in sales in the fourth quarter, as a result of purchasing habits for capital goods of customers that tend to exhaust their spending budgets by calendar year end.
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, primarily in bank deposits, U.S. and U.K. treasury bill money market funds and commercial paper. Investments with longer maturities are classified as investments, and are held primarily in U.S. treasury bills, Canadian government U.S. dollar-denominated treasury bills and commercial paper, bank deposits and corporate debt securities.
	Investments are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. All available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair market value and any unrealized holding gains and losses, to the extent deemed temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity, net of the related tax effects. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a decline in the value of the investment, the Company considers all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is “other than temporary” and marks the investment to market through a charge to the statement of operations. The Company classifies its investments exclusive of those categorized as cash equivalents.
	The Company maintains cash balances in various operating accounts in excess of federally insured limits, and in foreign subsidiary accounts in currencies other than U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1,738 million out of $1,804 million and $1,489 million out of $1,539 million, respectively, of the Company's total cash, cash equivalents and investments were held by foreign subsidiaries and may be subject to material tax effects on distribution to U.S. legal entities.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The allowance is based on a number of factors, including historical experience and the customer's credit-worthiness. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on at least a quarterly basis. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged against the allowance when the Company determines it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. The allowance for sales returns is the best estimate of the amount of future product returns related to current period revenue and is based on historical experience.
	The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
				Balance at									Balance at
				Beginning									End of
				of Period			Additions			Deductions			Period
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales
		Returns:
		2013		$	8,240		$	4,386		$	-5,569		$	7,057
		2012		$	8,584		$	7,298		$	-7,642		$	8,240
		2011		$	6,196		$	9,932		$	-7,544		$	8,584
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company sells its products and services to a significant number of large and small customers throughout the world, with net sales to the pharmaceutical industry of approximately 52% in 2013, 53% in 2012 and 52% in 2011. None of the Company's individual customers accounted for more than 2% of annual Company sales in 2013, 2012 or 2011. The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral, but in certain circumstances may require letters of credit or deposits. Historically, the Company has not experienced significant bad debt losses.
	Inventory
	The Company values all of its inventories at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis (“FIFO”).
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Appropriate short-term and long-term liabilities have also been recorded to recognize uncertain tax return reporting positions.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, while the costs of significant improvements are capitalized. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings — fifteen to thirty years; building improvements — five to ten years; leasehold improvements — the shorter of the economic useful life or life of lease; and production and other equipment — three to ten years. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of the assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the consolidated balance sheets and related gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. There were no material gains or losses from retirement or sale of assets in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Asset Impairments
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment. Whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates the fair value of the asset, relying on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. Any change in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of the Company's evaluation is separately identified in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The Company tests for goodwill impairment using a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level annually, or earlier, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Additionally, the Company performs an annual goodwill impairment assessment for its reporting units as of January 1 each year. The goodwill and other intangible assets accounting standards define a reporting unit as an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by management. For goodwill impairment review purposes, the Company has two reporting units, the Waters Division and TA Division. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units at the time of acquisition. Under the impairment test, if a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The fair value of reporting units was estimated using a discounted cash flows technique, which includes certain management assumptions, such as estimated future cash flows, estimated growth rates and discount rates.
	The Company's intangible assets include purchased technology; capitalized software development costs; costs associated with acquiring Company patents, trademarks and intellectual properties, such as licenses; debt issuance costs and acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”). Purchased intangibles are recorded at their fair market values as of the acquisition date and amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from one to fifteen years. Other intangibles are amortized over a period ranging from one to thirteen years. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the related debt. Acquired IPR&D is amortized from the date of completion over its estimated useful life. In addition, acquired IPR&D will be tested for impairment until completion of the acquired programs.
	Software Development Costs
	The Company capitalizes internal and external software development costs for products offered for sale in accordance with the accounting standards for the costs of software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Capitalized costs are amortized to cost of sales over the period of economic benefit, which approximates a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related software products, generally three to ten years. The Company capitalized $35 million and $34 million of direct expenses that were related to the development of software in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Net capitalized software included in intangible assets totaled $151 million and $138 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles”.
	The Company capitalizes internal software development costs for internal use in accordance with the accounting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets. Capitalized internal software development costs are amortized over the period of economic benefit, which approximates a straight-line basis over ten years. Net capitalized internal software included in property, plant and equipment totaled $3 million at both December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Other Investments
	The Company accounts for its investments that represent less than twenty percent ownership, and for which the Company does not have significant influence, using the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. Investments for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, and for which there is not a readily determinable market value, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and carries them at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. For investments in which the Company owns or controls between twenty and forty-nine percent of the voting shares, or over which it exerts significant influence over operating and financial policies, the equity method of accounting is used. The Company's share of net income or losses of equity investments is included in the consolidated statements of operations and was not material in any period presented. All long-term investments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are included in other assets and amounted to $3 million for both periods.
	Fair Value Measurements
	In accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, certain of the Company's assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data, such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The following table represents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
					Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					2013			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
		U.S. Treasury securities			$	556,539		$	-		$	556,539		$	-
		Foreign government securities				139,670			-			139,670			-
		Corporate debt securities				629,434			-			629,434			-
		Time deposits				74,050			-			74,050			-
		Equity securities				147			-			147			-
		Other cash equivalents				62,851			-			62,851			-
		Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets				31,203			-			31,203			-
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements			929			-			929			-
		Total		$	1,494,823		$	-		$	1,494,823		$	-
Liabilities:
	Foreign currency exchange contract
		agreements		$	88		$	-		$	88		$	-
		Total		$	88		$	-		$	88		$	-
The following table represents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
							Quoted Prices
							in Active			Significant
							Markets			Other			Significant
				Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
				December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
				2012			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Assets:
	U.S. Treasury securities			$	470,421		$	-		$	470,421		$	-
	Foreign government securities				313,237			-			313,237			-
	Corporate debt securities				311,607			-			311,607			-
	Time deposits				64,037			-			64,037			-
	Equity securities				70			-			70			-
	Other cash equivalents				44,850			-			44,850			-
	Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets				24,827			-			24,827			-
	Foreign currency exchange contract
		agreements			1,173			-			1,173			-
		Total		$	1,230,222		$	-		$	1,230,222		$	-
Liabilities:
	Foreign currency exchange contract
		agreements		$	693		$	-		$	693		$	-
		Total		$	693		$	-		$	693		$	-
The fair values of the Company's cash equivalents, investments, 401(k) restoration plan assets and foreign currency exchange contracts are determined through market and observable sources and have been classified as Level 2. These assets and liabilities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, typically utilizing third-party pricing services. The pricing services use many inputs to determine value, including reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, current spot rates and other industry and economic events. The Company validates the prices provided by third-party pricing services by reviewing their pricing methods and obtaining market values from other pricing sources. After completing these validation procedures, the Company did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by third-party pricing services as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The Company's cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and variable interest rate debt are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The carrying value of the Company's fixed interest rate debt was $400 million at both December 31, 2013 and 2012. The fair value of the Company's fixed rate debt is estimated using discounted cash flow models, based on estimated current rates offered for similar debt under current market conditions for the Company. The fair value of the Company's fixed interest rate debt was estimated to be $398 million and $413 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, using Level 2 inputs.
Derivative Transactions
The Company operates on a global basis and is exposed to the risk that its earnings, cash flows and stockholders' equity could be adversely impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The Company records its derivative transactions in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, which establish the accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. If the derivative is designated as a fair-value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings; ineffective portions of changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. In addition, disclosures required for derivative instruments and hedging activities include the Company's objectives for using derivative instruments, the level of derivative activity the Company engages in, as well as how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Company's financial position and performance.
The Company currently uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency risks. The Company's objectives for holding derivatives are to minimize foreign currency risk using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impact of foreign currency exposures. The Company documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items and links all derivatives designated as fair-value, cash flow or net investment hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets or to specific forecasted transactions. In addition, the Company considers the impact of its counterparties' credit risk on the fair value of the contracts as well as the ability of each party to execute under the contracts. The Company also assesses and documents, both at the hedges' inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows associated with the hedged items.
The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts, principally to hedge the impact of currency fluctuations on certain inter-company balances and short-term assets and liabilities. Principal hedged currencies include the Euro, Japanese yen, British pound and Singapore dollar. The periods of these forward contracts typically range from one to three months and have varying notional amounts, which are intended to be consistent with changes in the underlying exposures. Gains and losses on these forward contracts are recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company held forward foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $104 million, $134 million and $161 million, respectively.
The Company's foreign currency exchange contracts included in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
Other current assets			$	929		$	1,173
Other current liabilities			$	88		$	693
The following is a summary of the activity in the statements of operations related to the forward foreign exchange contracts (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
Realized gains (losses) on closed contracts			$	8,666		$	4,186		$	-2,233
Unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts				361			1,716			-1,035
	Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses)		$	9,027		$	5,902			-3,268
Stockholders' Equity
In May 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a two-year period. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company repurchased 3.1 million, 3.5 million and 4.5 million shares at a cost of $295 million, $290 million and $364 million, respectively, under the May 2012 authorization and other previously announced programs. As of December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 4.3 million shares at a cost of $402 million under the May 2012 repurchase program, leaving $348 million authorized for future purchases. In addition, the Company repurchased $6 million of common stock related to the vesting of restricted stock units during each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The Company believes that it has the financial flexibility to fund these share repurchases given current cash and debt levels, as well as to invest in research, technology and business acquisitions to further grow the Company's sales and profits.
Revenue Recognition
Sales of products and services are generally recorded based on product shipment and performance of service, respectively. The Company's deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets consists of the obligation on instrument service contracts and customer payments received in advance, prior to shipment of the instrument. Revenue is recognized when all of the following revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery or performance has occurred; the vendor's fee is fixed or determinable; collectibility is reasonably assured and, if applicable, upon acceptance when acceptance criteria with contractual cash holdback are specified. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales, net of amounts invoiced to the customer per the order.
Product shipments, including those for demonstration or evaluation, and service contracts are not recorded as revenue until a valid purchase order or master agreement is received, specifying fixed terms and prices. The Company generally recognizes product revenue when legal title has transferred and risk of loss passes to the customer. The Company structures its sales arrangements as shipping point or international equivalent and, accordingly, recognizes revenue upon shipment. In some cases, destination-based shipping terms are included in sales arrangements, in which cases revenue is generally recognized when the products arrive at the customer site.
The Company's method of revenue recognition for certain products requiring installation is accounted for in accordance with the multiple-element revenue recognition accounting standards. With respect to the installation obligations, the larger of the contractual cash holdback or the best estimate of selling price of the installation service is deferred when the product is shipped and revenue is recognized as a multiple-element arrangement when installation is complete. The Company determines the best estimate of selling price of installation based upon a number of factors, including hourly service billing rates and estimated installation hours.
Instrument service contracts are typically billed at the beginning of the maintenance period. The amount of the service contract is amortized ratably to revenue over the instrument maintenance period. There are no deferred costs associated with the service contract, as the cost of the service is recorded when the service is performed. No revenue is recognized until all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Sales of software are accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for software revenue recognition. The Company's software arrangements typically include software licenses and maintenance contracts. Software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable, and there are no significant post-delivery obligations remaining. The revenue associated with the software maintenance contract is recognized ratably over the maintenance term. Unspecified rights to software upgrades are typically sold as part of the maintenance contract on a when-and-if-available basis. The Company uses the residual method to allocate software revenue when a transaction includes multiple elements and vendor specific objective evidence of fair value of undelivered elements exists. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered element (maintenance) is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element (software license) and recognized as revenue.
Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales.
Product Warranty Costs
The Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale, which are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. The amount of the accrued warranty liability is based on historical information, such as past experience, product failure rates, number of units repaired and estimated costs of material and labor. The liability is reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly.
The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's accrued warranty liability for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
			Balance at									Balance at
			Beginning			Accruals for			Settlements			End of
			of Period			Warranties			Made			Period
Accrued warranty liability:
	2013		$	12,353		$	8,466		$	-7,857		$	12,962
	2012		$	13,258		$	7,212		$	-8,117		$	12,353
	2011		$	11,272		$	10,175		$	-8,189		$	13,258
Advertising Costs
All advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expenses for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $11 million, $13 million and $11 million, respectively.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including salaries and benefits, facilities costs, overhead costs, contract services and other outside costs. Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has two stock-based compensation plans, which are described in Note 12, “Stock-Based Compensation”.
Earnings Per Share
In accordance with the earnings per share accounting standards, the Company presents two earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts. Income per basic common share is based on income available to common shareholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Income per diluted common share includes additional dilution from potential common stock, such as stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding.
Retirement Plans
The Company sponsors various retirement plans, which are described in Note 14, “Retirement Plans”.
Comprehensive Income
The Company accounts for comprehensive income in accordance with the accounting standards for comprehensive income, which establish the accounting rules for reporting and displaying comprehensive income. These standards require that all components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements.
Subsequent Events
The Company did not have any material subsequent events, except for the recent acquisition discussed in Note 6, “Acquisitions”.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In July 2012, amended accounting guidance was issued for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill in order to simplify how companies test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The adoption of this standard in 2013 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2013, accounting guidance was issued to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of this standard in 2013 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In July 2013, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments [Abstract]	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments	'
	3 Marketable Securities
	The Company's marketable securities within cash equivalents and investments included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
			Cost		Gain		Loss		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	556,438	$	111	$	-10	$	556,539
	Foreign government securities			139,670		-		-		139,670
	Corporate debt securities			629,477		190		-233		629,434
	Time deposits			74,050		-		-		74,050
	Equity securities			77		70		-		147
		Total	$	1,399,712	$	371	$	-243	$	1,399,840
	Amounts included in:
		Cash equivalents	$	36,966	$	-	$	-	$	36,966
		Investments		1,362,746		371		-243		1,362,874
		Total	$	1,399,712	$	371	$	-243	$	1,399,840
			31-Dec-12
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
			Cost		Gain		Loss		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	470,421	$	-	$	-	$	470,421
	Foreign government securities			313,237		-		-		313,237
	Corporate debt securities			311,607		-		-		311,607
	Time deposits			64,037		-		-		64,037
	Equity securities			1,653		-		-1,583		70
		Total	$	1,160,955	$	-	$	-1,583	$	1,159,372
	Amounts included in:
		Cash equivalents	$	101,382	$	-	$	-	$	101,382
		Investments		1,059,573		-		-1,583		1,057,990
		Total	$	1,160,955	$	-	$	-1,583	$	1,159,372
	The estimated fair value of marketable debt securities by maturity date is as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Due in one year or less		$	1,011,459	$	1,057,990
	Due after one year through two years			314,184		-
		Total	$	1,325,643	$	1,057,990
	In the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a $1.6 million charge for an other-than-temporary impairment to an investment. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments were not material in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Items, Net Of Reserves Alternative [Abstract]	'
Inventories Disclosure	'
	4  Inventories
	Inventories are classified as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Raw materials		$	76,930	$	73,280
	Work in progress			19,656		16,133
	Finished goods			146,214		140,152
		Total inventories	$	242,800	$	229,565

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	5  Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Land and land improvements		$	37,156	$	35,734
	Buildings and leasehold improvements			205,638		196,554
	Production and other equipment			336,135		317,285
	Construction in progress			80,420		37,750
		Total property, plant and equipment		659,349		587,323
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			-334,417		-314,044
		Property, plant and equipment, net	$	324,932	$	273,279
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company retired and disposed of approximately $19 million, $6 million and $6 million of property, plant and equipment, respectively, most of which was fully depreciated and no longer in use. Gains and losses on disposal were immaterial.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	6  Acquisitions
	The Company accounts for business acquisitions under the accounting standards for business combinations and the results of each acquisition have been included in the Company's consolidated results from the respective acquisition dates.
	In January 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of ULSP B.V., a manufacturer of solutions for ultra low temperature applications, for approximately $3 million in cash.
	In December 2013, the Company acquired the net assets of LaserComp Inc. (“LaserComp”), a manufacturer of thermal conductivity measurement instruments, for approximately $12 million in cash. LaserComp was acquired to expand TA's thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company's distribution channels. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $5 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of technology, customer relationships and trade name. The Company is amortizing the technology and customer relationships over ten years and seven years, respectively. The remaining purchase price of $6 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
	In December 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Expert Systems Solutions S.r.l. (“ESS”), a manufacturer of advanced thermal analysis instruments, for approximately $3 million in cash. ESS was acquired to expand TA's thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company's distribution channels. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $1 million of the purchase price to an intangible asset comprised of technology, which will be amortized over ten years. The remaining purchase price of $2 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	In August 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Nonlinear Dynamics Ltd. (“Nonlinear Dynamics”), a developer of proteomics and metabolomics software, for approximately $23 million in cash. Waters and Nonlinear Dynamics collaborated on the development of the Company's TransOmics™ Informatics, a scalable solution for proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics analysis, which was introduced in 2012. Nonlinear Dynamics will develop the next-generation software that will be a key component of the Company's future high-end MS instruments. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $3 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of software, customer relationships and trade name. The Company is amortizing the software and customer relationships over five years. The remaining purchase price of $20 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	In July 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Scarabaeus Mess-und Prodktionstechnik GmbH (“Scarabaeus”), a manufacturer of rheometers for the rubber and elastomer markets, for approximately $4 million in cash. Scarabaeus was acquired to expand TA's thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company's distribution channels. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. The Company has allocated $2 million of the purchase price to intangible assets comprised of completed technology, software and customer relationships. The Company is amortizing acquired technology over ten years and the software and customer relationships over seven years. The remaining purchase price of $3 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired in each business acquisition were determined using various income-approach valuation techniques, which use Level 3 inputs. The following table presents the fair values as of the respective acquisition dates, as determined by the Company, of 100% of the assets and liabilities owned and recorded in connection with the acquisitions of LaserComp, ESS, Nonlinear Dynamics and Scarabaeus (in thousands):
	Cash		$	295
	Accounts receivable			1,616
	Inventory			975
	Intangible assets			10,844
	Goodwill			31,231
	Other assets			377
		Total assets acquired		45,338
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities			2,013
	Deferred tax liability			1,635
		Cash consideration paid	$	41,690
	In July 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Blue Reference, Inc. (“Blue Reference”), a U.S.-based developer and distributor of software products used for the real-time mining and analysis of multiple-application scientific databases, for $14 million in cash. The Company has integrated the Blue Reference technology into software product platforms to further differentiate its offerings by providing customers with a more efficient scientific information assessment process, where there is an ongoing need for immediacy and interactivity of multiple scientific databases.
	In February 2012, the Company acquired the net assets of its Israeli sales and service distributor for $6 million in cash.
	In January 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Baehr Thermoanalyse GmbH (“Baehr”), a German manufacturer of a wide range of thermal analyzers, for $12 million in cash, including the assumption of $1 million of debt. Baehr was acquired to expand TA's thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company's distribution channels.
	In July 2011, the Company acquired the net assets of Anter Corporation (“Anter”), a manufacturer of thermal analyzers used to measure thermal expansion and shrinkage, thermal conductivity and resistivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of a wide range of materials, for $11 million in cash. Anter was acquired to expand TA's thermal analysis instrument product offering and to leverage the Company's distribution channels.
	The principal factor that resulted in recognition of goodwill in these acquisitions is that the purchase price was based, in part, on cash flow projections assuming the integration of any acquired technology, distribution channels and products with the Company's products, which is of considerably greater value than utilizing each of the acquired companies' technology, customer access or products on a stand-alone basis. The goodwill also includes value assigned to assembled workforce, which cannot be recognized as an intangible asset. Specifically, the goodwill acquired with Nonlinear Dynamics consists of the value assigned to the workforce and the future incremental sales synergies anticipated when Nonlinear Dynamics develops the future next-generation software. This new software, which will be a key component of the Company's future high-end MS instruments, has not yet been developed.
	In each acquisition, the sellers provided the Company with customary representations, warranties and indemnification, which would be settled in the future if and when a breach of the contractual representation or warranty condition occurs. The pro forma effect of the ongoing operations for Waters, LaserComp, ESS, Nonlinear Dynamics, Scarabaeus, Blue Reference, the Israeli sales and service distributor, Baehr and Anter, either individually or in the aggregate, as though these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the periods covered by this report was not significant.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
	7  Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	The carrying amount of goodwill was $350 million and $317 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company's acquisitions increased goodwill by $31 million (see Note 6) and the effect of foreign currency translation increased goodwill by $2 million in 2013.
	The Company's intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12
							Weighted-						Weighted-
			Gross				Average		Gross				Average
			Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization
			Amount		Amortization		Period		Amount		Amortization		Period
	Purchased intangibles		$	167,604	$	105,347	10	years	$	154,749	$	94,498	11	years
	Capitalized software			340,070		189,415	7	years		293,589		155,394	5	years
	Licenses			3,909		3,390	7	years		7,112		6,361	6	years
	Patents and other
		intangibles		49,902		24,221	8	years		40,290		19,342	8	years
		Total	$	561,485	$	322,373	8	years	$	495,740	$	275,595	7	years
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired $11 million of purchased intangibles as a result of the acquisitions of Nonlinear Dynamics, Scarabaeus, LaserComp and ESS (see Note 6). In addition, the gross carrying value of intangible assets and accumulated amortization for intangible assets increased by $14 million and $9 million, respectively, in the year ended December 31, 2013 due to the effects of foreign currency translation. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $42 million, $31 million and $30 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Included in amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 is a one-time $4 million charge to purchased intangibles amortization expense related to the discontinuance of a product trade name intangible asset. Amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be between $44 million and $49 million per year for each of the next five years. The increase in amortization expense in 2013 and for the next five years is primarily due to amortization associated with capitalized software costs related to the launch of new software product platforms in the first quarter of 2013. The carrying value of the new software platform was approximately $112 million as of December 31, 2013 and will be amortized over ten years.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure	'
	8  Debt
	In June 2013, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “2013 Credit Agreement”) that provides for a $1.1 billion revolving facility and a $300 million term loan facility. The revolving facility and term loan facility both mature on June 25, 2018 and require no scheduled prepayments before that date. The Company used $860 million of the proceeds from the 2013 Credit Agreement to repay the outstanding amounts under the Company's existing multi-borrower credit agreement dated July 2011 (the “2011 Credit Agreement”). Waters terminated the 2011 Credit Agreement early without penalty.
	The interest rates applicable to the 2013 Credit Agreement are, at the Company's option, equal to either the alternate base rate calculated daily (which is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 1/2% per annum, or (c) the adjusted LIBO rate on such day (or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) for a deposit in U.S. dollars with a maturity of one month plus 1% per annum) or the applicable 1, 2, 3 or 6 month adjusted LIBO rate, in each case, plus an interest rate margin based upon the Company's leverage ratio, which can range between 0 to 12.5 basis points for alternate base rate loans and between 75 basis points and 112.5 basis points for adjusted LIBO rate loans. The facility fee on the 2013 Credit Agreement ranges between 12.5 basis points and 25 basis points. The 2013 Credit Agreement requires that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the 2013 Credit Agreement includes negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for investment grade credit facilities.
	At December 31, 2013, $125 million of the outstanding portions of the revolving facilities have been classified as short-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet due to the fact that the Company expects to utilize this portion of the revolving line of credit to fund its working capital needs within the next twelve months and can repay and re-borrow from the facility without penalty. The remaining $490 million of the outstanding portions of the revolving facilities have been classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, as no repayments are required prior to the maturity date in 2018 and this portion is not expected to be repaid within the next twelve months.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued and sold senior unsecured notes with a face value of $200 million. At both December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a total of $400 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes. Interest on the senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually each year. The Company may prepay all or some of the senior unsecured notes at any time in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding, plus the applicable make-whole amount. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the note purchase agreement) of the Company, the Company may be required to prepay the senior unsecured notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. These senior unsecured notes require that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, these senior unsecured notes include customary negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
	The Company had the following outstanding debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Foreign subsidiary lines of credit		$	8,346	$	7,781
	Credit agreements			125,000		125,000
		Total notes payable and debt		133,346		132,781
	Senior unsecured notes - Series A - 3.75%, due February 2015			100,000		100,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series B - 5.00%, due February 2020			100,000		100,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series C - 2.50%, due March 2016			50,000		50,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series D - 3.22%, due March 2018			100,000		100,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series E - 3.97%, due March 2021			50,000		50,000
	Credit agreements			790,000		645,000
		Total long-term debt		1,190,000		1,045,000
	Total debt		$	1,323,346	$	1,177,781
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a total amount available to borrow under the existing credit agreements of $483 million and $428 million, respectively, after outstanding letters of credit. The weighted-average interest rates applicable to the senior unsecured notes and credit agreement borrowings collectively were 1.94% and 2.11% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also had available short-term lines of credit totaling $87 million and $107 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for the purpose of short-term borrowing and issuance of commercial guarantees. The weighted-average interest rates applicable to the short-term borrowings were 2.00% at both December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9  Income Taxes
	Income tax data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):
					Year Ended December 31,
					2013			2012			2011
	The components of income from operations before income taxes are
		as follows:
		Domestic			$	116,067		$	116,071		$	102,998
		Foreign				374,038			371,554			406,254
			Total		$	490,105		$	487,625		$	509,252
					Year Ended December 31,
					2013			2012			2011
	The current and deferred components of the provision for income
		taxes on operations are as follows:
		Current			$	39,933		$	78,401		$	82,108
		Deferred				169			-52,219			-5,824
			Total		$	40,102		$	26,182		$	76,284
	The jurisdictional components of the provision for income taxes on
		operations are as follows:
		Federal			$	-702		$	39,840		$	33,242
		State				5,142			5,599			5,661
		Foreign				35,662			-19,257			37,381
			Total		$	40,102		$	26,182		$	76,284
	The differences between income taxes computed at the United States
		statutory rate and the provision for income taxes are summarized
		as follows:
		Federal tax computed at U.S. statutory income tax rate			$	171,537		$	170,669		$	178,238
		Settlement of tax audits				-30,552			-6,035			-1,617
		State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit				3,342			3,639			3,679
		Net effect of foreign operations				-96,461			-102,858			-100,911
		Recognition of deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S.
			net operating loss			-			-36,410			-
		Other, net				-7,764			-2,823			-3,105
			Provision for income taxes		$	40,102		$	26,182		$	76,284
	The four principal jurisdictions in which the Company manufactures are the U.S., Ireland, the United Kingdom and Singapore, where the marginal effective tax rates were approximately 37.5%, 12.5%, 23.25% and 0%, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. The Company has a contractual tax rate in Singapore of 0% through March 2016, based upon achievement of contractual milestones that the Company expects to continue to meet. The current statutory tax rate in Singapore is 17%.
	The Company's effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 8.2%, 5.4% and 15.0%, respectively. The income tax provision for 2013 included a $31 million net tax benefit related to the completion of tax audit examinations. In addition, the research and development tax credit (“R&D Tax Credit”) was retroactively extended in January 2013 for the 2012 and 2013 tax years. The entire $3 million benefit related to the 2012 tax year was recorded in the first quarter of 2013, and the 2013 benefit is included in the annual effective tax rate. The net income tax benefits related to the completed tax audit examinations and the 2012 R&D Tax Credit decreased the Company's effective tax rate by 6.9 percentage points in 2013. The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2012 included a $36 million tax benefit related to the Company's refinancing of certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to recognize a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company also recorded a $6 million tax benefit related to tax audit settlements in the U.S. These tax benefits decreased the Company's effective tax rate by 8.6 percentage points in the year ended December 31, 2012. Included in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011 is $2 million of tax benefit related to the reversal of a reserve for interest related to a tax audit settlement in the United Kingdom. This tax benefit decreased the Company's effective tax rate by 0.3 percentage points in the year ended December 31, 2012. The remaining differences between the effective tax rates for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were primarily attributable to differences in the proportionate amounts of pre-tax income recognized in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates.
	The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax (liabilities) are summarized as follows (in thousands):
						December 31,
						2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
		Net operating losses and credits				$	116,567		$	119,405
		Depreciation					7,163			14,555
		Stock-based compensation					22,684			25,024
		Deferred compensation					25,391			29,666
		Revaluation of equity investments					3,832			3,919
		Inventory					3,651			3,658
		Accrued liabilities and reserves					23,268			36,711
		Other					15,289			19,038
			Total deferred tax assets				217,845			251,976
		Valuation allowance					-94,952			-93,576
			Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance				122,893			158,400
	Deferred tax liabilities:
		Capitalized software					-18,012			-15,726
		Amortization					-3,798			-3,980
		Indefinite-lived intangibles					-18,840			-18,252
		Other					-			-4
			Total deferred tax liabilities				-40,650			-37,962
				Net deferred tax assets		$	82,243		$	120,438
	Net deferred tax assets of $32 million and $51 million are included in other current assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and net deferred tax assets of $69 million are included in other assets for both periods. Net deferred tax liabilities of $1 million and $18 million are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, at December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and the related valuation allowance increased due to the aforementioned tax benefit related to the Company's refinancing of inter-company debt arrangements. This deferred tax asset was established for $111 million, for which a $75 million valuation allowance was established and a $36 million tax benefit was recorded in the income tax provision. The Company's net deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards are approximately $32 million as of December 31, 2013, which represent the future tax benefit of foreign net operating loss carryforwards that do not expire under current law.
	The income tax benefits associated with non-qualified stock option compensation expense recognized for tax purposes and credited to additional paid-in capital were $16 million, $11 million and $32 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013, there were unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $3 billion. The Company has not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on these earnings as it is the Company's current intention to permanently reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. Because of the complexity of U.S. and foreign tax rules applicable to the distribution of earnings from foreign subsidiaries to U.S. legal entities, the determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on these earnings is not practicable. Events that could trigger a tax might include U.S. acquisitions or other investments funded by cash distributions or loans from a foreign subsidiary.
	The Company accounts for its uncertain tax return reporting positions in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes, which require financial statement reporting of the expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax reporting positions on the presumption that all concerned tax authorities possess full knowledge of those tax reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of those unrecognized tax benefits associated with those reporting positions for the time value of money.
	The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
					2013			2012			2011
Balance at the beginning of the period				$	64,390		$	73,199		$	71,523
	Realization of uncertain U.S. tax benefits				-			-5,625			-
	Changes resulting from completion of tax examinations				-35,279			-			-
	Other changes in uncertain tax benefits				-4,395			-3,184			1,676
Balance at the end of the period				$	24,716		$	64,390		$	73,199
The Company's uncertain tax positions are taken with respect to income tax return reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2007, which are the periods that generally remain open to income tax audit examination by income tax authorities. The Company continuously monitors the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments for related changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits, related net interest and penalties, and deferred tax assets and liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company concluded tax audit disputes with tax authorities in the U.S. and Japan that were related to matters for which the Company had previously recorded uncertain tax benefits of approximately $35 million. The resolution of these tax audit disputes also entailed net global assessments against the Company of approximately $4 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $35 million reduction in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits and a $4 million increase in its current tax liabilities in the year ended December 31, 2013, which reduced the provision for income taxes and increased net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 by $31 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Company expects to record additional reductions in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits and related net interest and penalties of approximately $6 million within the next twelve months due to the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments. The Company does not expect to record any other material reductions in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Litigation [Abstract]	'
Litigation	'
	10  Litigation
	From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it has meritorious arguments in its current litigation matters and believes any outcome, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2012, a $3 million payment was made to settle a complaint that was filed against the Company alleging patent infringement.
	The Company has been engaged in ongoing patent litigation with Agilent Technologies GmbH (“Agilent”) in Germany. In July 2005, Agilent brought an action against the Company alleging that certain features of the Alliance pump continued to infringe certain of its patents. In August 2006, following a trial in this action, the German court ruled that the Company did not infringe the patents. Agilent filed an appeal in this action. A hearing on this appeal was held in January 2008. The appeals court affirmed the finding of the trial court that the Company did not infringe and Agilent appealed this finding to the German Federal Court of Justice. In December 2012, Agilent won this appeal and the Company recorded a $4 million provision for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with this litigation. The accrued patent litigation expense is in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Other_Commitments_and_Continge

Other Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Other Commitments And Contingencies	'
	11  Other Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease agreements, expiring at various dates through 2026, cover buildings, office equipment and automobiles. Rental expense was $30 million, $30 million and $28 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Future minimum rents payable as of December 31, 2013 under non-cancelable leases with initial terms exceeding one year are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	23,668
	2015		17,953
	2016		11,475
	2017		7,276
	2018 and thereafter		18,060
	The Company licenses certain technology and software from third parties. Future minimum license fees payable under existing license agreements as of December 31, 2013 are immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2014 and thereafter.
	The Company enters into standard indemnification agreements in its ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally the Company's business partners or customers, in connection with patent, copyright or other intellectual property infringement claims by any third party with respect to its current products, as well as claims relating to property damage or personal injury resulting from the performance of services by the Company or its subcontractors. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. Historically, the Company's costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims relating to such indemnity agreements have been minimal and management accordingly believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is immaterial.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	12  Stock-Based Compensation
	In May 2012, the Company's shareholders approved the Company's 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”). As of December 31, 2013, the 2012 Plan has 4.9 million shares available for grant in the form of incentive or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units or other types of awards. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options or restricted stock unit conversion. Under the 2012 Plan, the exercise price for stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. The 2012 Plan is scheduled to terminate on May 9, 2022. Options generally will expire no later than ten years after the date on which they are granted and will become exercisable as directed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and generally vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period. A SAR may be granted alone or in conjunction with an option or other award. Shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units may be issued under the 2012 Plan for such consideration as is determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards outstanding.
	In May 2009, the Company's shareholders approved the 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which eligible employees may contribute up to 15% of their earnings toward the quarterly purchase of the Company's common stock. The plan makes available 0.9 million shares of the Company's common stock, which includes the remaining shares available under the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. As of December 31, 2013, 1.2 million shares have been issued under both the 2009 and 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Each plan period lasts three months beginning on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. The purchase price for each share of stock is the lesser of 90% of the market price on the first day of the plan period or 100% of the market price on the last day of the plan period. Stock-based compensation expense related to this plan was $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs in accordance with the accounting standards for stock-based compensation, which require that all share-based payments to employees be recognized in the statements of operations based on their fair values. The Company recognizes the expense using the straight-line attribution method. The stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards that ultimately are expected to vest; therefore, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The stock-based compensation accounting standards require forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company's results of operations could be materially impacted. In addition, if the Company employs different assumptions in the application of these standards, the compensation expense that the Company records in the future periods may differ significantly from what the Company has recorded in the current period.
	The consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 include the following stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and the employee stock purchase plan (in thousands):
				2013			2012			2011
	Cost of sales			$	2,523		$	2,694		$	2,566
	Selling and administrative expenses				25,252			22,679			21,891
	Research and development expenses				3,933			3,810			3,122
		Total stock-based compensation		$	31,708		$	29,183		$	27,579
	Stock Options
	In determining the fair value of the stock options, the Company makes a variety of assumptions and estimates, including volatility measures, expected yields and expected stock option lives. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company uses implied volatility on its publicly-traded options as the basis for its estimate of expected volatility. The Company believes that implied volatility is the most appropriate indicator of expected volatility because it is generally reflective of historical volatility and expectations of how future volatility will differ from historical volatility. The expected life assumption for grants is based on historical experience for the population of non-qualified stock optionees. The risk-free interest rate is the yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term approximating the expected term used as the input to the Black-Scholes model. The relevant data used to determine the value of the stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	Options Issued and Significant Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Fair Values		2013		2012		2011
	Options issued in thousands		428		699		658
	Risk-free interest rate		1.70%		1.00%		1.10%
	Expected life in years		5		6		6
	Expected volatility		0.248		0.265		0.376
	Expected dividends		-		-		-
	Weighted-Average Exercise Price and Fair Value of Options on the Date of Grant		2013			2012			2011
	Exercise price		$	97.74		$	86.55		$	79.1
	Fair value		$	27.37		$	23.97		$	29.67
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the plans for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
					Number of Shares		Exercise Price per Share						Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012				4,809		$	23.19	to	$	87.06		$	63.34
		Granted			428		$	88.71	to	$	103.47		$	97.74
		Exercised			-1,281		$	23.19	to	$	79.15		$	50.89
		Canceled			-39		$	36.25	to	$	79.15		$	72.42
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013				3,917		$	33.12	to	$	103.47		$	71.08
	The following table details the weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2013 by range of exercise prices (in thousands, except per share data):
												Remaining
							Number			Weighted-		Contractual		Number		Weighted-
							of Shares			Average		Life of Options		of Shares		Average
	Exercise Price Range						Outstanding			Exercise Price		Outstanding		Exercisable		Exercise Price
	$	33.12	to	$	48.99		901		$	43.85		2.4		898	$	43.88
	$	49	to	$	78.99		840		$	64.59		5		707	$	64.68
	$	79	to	$	103.47		2,176		$	84.86		8.4		637	$	80.63
			Total				3,917		$	71.08		6.3		2,242	$	60.88
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the total intrinsic value of the stock options exercised (i.e., the difference between the market price at exercise and the price paid by the employee to exercise the options) was $64 million, $31 million and $67 million, respectively. The total cash received from the exercise of these stock options was $64 million, $24 million and $56 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding stock options at December 31, 2013 was $113 million. Options exercisable at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 2.2 million, 2.9 million and 2.9 million, respectively. The weighted-average exercise prices of options exercisable at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $60.88, $54.00 and $47.95, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the exercisable outstanding stock options at December 31, 2013 was 4.5 years.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had 3.9 million stock options which are vested and expected to vest. The intrinsic value, weighted-average price and remaining contractual life of the vested and expected to vest stock options were $113 million, $70.89 and 6.1 years, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
	As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were $40 million, $45 million and $45 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards that are expected to vest. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.4 years.
	Restricted Stock
	During each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company granted 12 thousand shares of restricted stock. The weighted-average fair value per share on the grant date of the restricted stock granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $88.71, $78.10 and $61.63, respectively. The Company has recorded $2 million, $1 million and $1 million of compensation expense in each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to the restricted stock grants. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 36 thousand unvested shares of restricted stock outstanding with a total of less than $1 million of unrecognized compensation costs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock unit award activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
				Shares		Weighted-Average Price
	Unvested at December 31, 2012			574		$	67.28
		Granted		303		$	94.74
		Vested		-207		$	60.65
		Forfeited		-28		$	72.27
	Unvested at December 31, 2013			642		$	82.16
	Restricted stock units are generally issued annually in February and vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period. The amount of compensation costs recognized for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 on the restricted stock units expected to vest were $12 million, $13 million and $13 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there were $37 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the restricted stock unit awards that are expected to vest. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.7 years.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	13  Earnings Per Share
	Basic and diluted EPS calculations are detailed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	450,003	85,426	$	5.27
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,120
	Net income per diluted common share		$	450,003	86,546	$	5.2
			Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	461,443	87,841	$	5.25
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,138
	Net income per diluted common share		$	461,443	88,979	$	5.19
			Year Ended December 31, 2011
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	432,968	90,833	$	4.77
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,492
	Net income per diluted common share		$	432,968	92,325	$	4.69
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company had 1.1 million, 2.0 million and 1.3 million stock options that were antidilutive, respectively, due to having higher exercise prices than the Company's average stock price during the period. These securities were not included in the computation of diluted EPS. The effect of dilutive securities was calculated using the treasury stock method.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	14  Retirement Plans
	U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the Waters Employee Investment Plan, a 401(k) defined contribution plan, immediately upon hire. Employees may contribute from 1% to 30% of eligible pay on a pre-tax basis and the Company makes matching contributions of 100% for contributions up to 6% of eligible pay. Employees are 100% vested in employee and Company matching contributions. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company's matching contributions amounted to $13 million, $12 million and $12 million, respectively.
	The Company maintains two defined benefit plans in the U.S. for which the pay credit accruals have been frozen, the Waters Retirement Plan and the Waters Retirement Restoration Plan (collectively, the “U.S. Pension Plans”). The Company also sponsors other employee benefit plans in the U.S., including a retiree healthcare plan, which provides reimbursement for medical expenses and is contributory. There are various employee benefit plans outside the United States (both defined benefit and defined contribution plans). Certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans (“Non-U.S. Pension Plans”) are included in the disclosures below, which are required under the accounting standards for retirement benefits.
	The Company contributed $12 million, $11 million and $10 million in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to the non-U.S. plans (primarily defined contribution plans) which are currently outside of the scope of the required disclosures. The eligibility and vesting of non-U.S. plans are generally consistent with local laws and regulations.
	The net periodic pension cost is made up of several components that reflect different aspects of the Company's financial arrangements as well as the cost of benefits earned by employees. These components are determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method and are based on certain actuarial assumptions. The Company's accounting policy is to reflect in the projected benefit obligation all benefit changes to which the Company is committed as of the current valuation date; use a market-related value of assets to determine pension expense; amortize increases in prior service costs on a straight-line basis over the expected future service of active participants as of the date such costs are first recognized; and amortize cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the larger of the market-related value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation over the expected future service of active participants.
	Summary data for the U.S. Pension Plans, U.S. retiree healthcare plan and Non-U.S. Pension Plans are presented in the following tables, using the measurement dates of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
						2013									2012
						U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
						Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
						Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Projected benefit obligation, January 1					$	145,047		$	10,788		$	64,857		$	136,256		$	9,146		$	29,195
		Service cost					-			1,733			5,079			9			1,447			4,318
		Interest cost					5,505			333			1,966			5,806			350			1,988
		Actuarial (gains) losses					-13,328			-1,292			-925			6,184			325			5,790
		Benefits paid					-2,631			-542			-1,743			-3,208			-480			-1,011
		Plan amendments					-			-			232			-			-			-
		Other plans					-			-			227			-			-			25,041
		Currency impact					-			-			-577			-			-			-464
	Projected benefit obligation, December 31					$	134,593		$	11,020		$	69,116		$	145,047		$	10,788		$	64,857
	The accumulated benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Accumulated benefit obligation				$	134,592			**		$	58,471		$	145,045			**		$	55,937
	**	Not applicable.
	The reconciliation of the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
						2013									2012
						U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
						Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
						Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Fair value of plan assets, January 1					$	106,572		$	5,357		$	35,859		$	91,610		$	4,319		$	12,798
		Actual return on plan assets					19,755			693			1,948			11,761			516			1,007
		Company contributions					4,820			290			4,104			6,409			275			4,243
		Employee contributions					-			818			612			-			727			566
		Benefits paid					-2,631			-542			-1,743			-3,208			-480			-1,011
		Other plans					-			-			-			-			-			18,382
		Currency impact					-			-			40			-			-			-126
	Fair value of plan assets, December 31					$	128,516		$	6,616		$	40,820		$	106,572		$	5,357		$	35,859
	The summary of the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Projected benefit obligation				$	-134,593		$	-11,020		$	-69,116		$	-145,047		$	-10,788		$	-64,857
	Fair value of plan assets					128,516			6,616			40,820			106,572			5,357			35,859
	Projected benefit obligation in
		excess of fair value of plan assets			$	-6,077		$	-4,404		$	-28,296		$	-38,475		$	-5,431		$	-28,998
	The summary of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Long-term assets				$	-		$	-		$	1,370		$	-		$	-		$	1,407
	Current liabilities					-			-262			-193			-140			-283			-175
	Long-term liabilities					-6,077			-4,142			-29,473			-38,335			-5,148			-30,230
	Net amount recognized at December 31				$	-6,077		$	-4,404		$	-28,296		$	-38,475		$	-5,431		$	-28,998
	The summary of the components of net periodic pension costs for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012									2011
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension		Healthcare		Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans		Plan		Plans
Service cost				$	-		$	915		$	4,467		$	9		$	720		$	3,752		$	7	$	545	$	1,872
Interest cost					5,505			333			1,966			5,806			350			1,988			6,166		364		1,079
Expected return on plan
	assets				-8,034			-355			-901			-7,619			-287			-838			-7,443		-277		-313
Net amortization:
	Prior service credit				-			-54			-216			-			-54			-267			-		-53		-89
	Net actuarial loss				3,432			-			516			3,009			-			367			1,782		-		37
Net periodic pension cost				$	903		$	839		$	5,832		$	1,205		$	729		$	5,002		$	512	$	579	$	2,586
The summary of the changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):
				2013									2012									2011
				U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.
				Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension		Healthcare		Pension
				Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans		Plan		Plans
Prior service cost				$	-		$	-		$	232		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-3,619
Net (loss) gain arising
	during the year				-25,048			-1,629			-1,940			2,042			96			5,622			23,170		546		481
Amortization:
	Prior service credit				-			54			216			-			54			267			-		53		89
	Net loss				-3,432			-			-516			-3,009			-			-367			-1,782		-		-37
Other Plans					-			-			-			-			-			5,970			-		-		-
Currency impact					-			-			497			-			-			424			-		-		55
Total recognized in other
	comprehensive income (loss)			$	-28,480		$	-1,575		$	-1,511		$	-967		$	150		$	11,916		$	21,388	$	599	$	-3,031
The summary of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders' equity for the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
				2013									2012
				U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
				Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
				Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
Net actuarial (loss) gain				$	-27,999		$	1,233		$	-11,190		$	-56,479		$	-395		$	-13,674
Prior service credit					-			52			1,933			-			105			2,938
Total				$	-27,999		$	1,285		$	-9,257		$	-56,479		$	-290		$	-10,736
The summary of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be included in next year's net periodic benefit cost for the plans at December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		2013
		U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
		Pension			Healthcare			Pension
		Plans			Plan			Plans
Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	-1,941		$	16		$	-373
Prior service credit			-			52			187
Total		$	-1,941		$	68		$	-186
The plans' investment asset mix is as follow at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
				2013						2012
				U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.		U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.
				Pension		Healthcare		Pension		Pension		Healthcare		Pension
				Plans		Plan		Plans		Plans		Plan		Plans
Equity securities				75%		59%		0%		65%		57%		0%
Debt securities				24%		25%		0%		33%		22%		0%
Cash and cash equivalents				1%		16%		16%		2%		21%		17%
Insurance contracts and other				0%		0%		84%		0%		0%		83%
Total				100%		100%		100%		100%		100%		100%
The plans' investment policies include the following asset allocation guidelines:
		U.S. Pension and U.S. Retiree						Non-U.S.
		Healthcare Plans						Pension Plans
		Policy Target		Range				Policy Target
Equity securities		60%		40%	-	80%		0%
Debt securities		25%		20%	-	60%		0%
Cash and cash equivalents		5%		0%	-	20%		20%
Other		10%		0%	-	20%		80%
The asset allocation policy for the U.S. Pension Plans and U.S. retiree healthcare plan was developed in consideration of the following long-term investment objectives: achieving a return on assets consistent with the investment policy, achieving portfolio returns which exceed the average return for similarly invested funds and maximizing portfolio returns with at least a return of 2.5% above the one-year constant maturity Treasury bond yield over reasonable measurement periods and based on reasonable market cycles.
Within the equity portfolio of the U.S. retirement plans, investments are diversified among market capitalization and investment strategy. The Company targets a 20% allocation of its U.S. retirement plans' equity portfolio to be invested in financial markets outside of the United States. The Company does not invest in its own stock within the U.S. retirement plans' assets.
The fair value of the Company's retirement plan assets are as follows at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
					Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					2013			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
U.S. Pension Plans:
	Mutual funds(a)				$	117,718		$	117,718		$	-		$	-
	Common stocks(b)					3,123			3,123			-			-
	Cash equivalents(c)					650			-			650			-
	Hedge funds(d)					7,025			-			-			7,025
		Total U.S. Pension Plans				128,516			120,841			650			7,025
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan:
	Mutual funds(e)					5,589			5,589			-			-
	Cash equivalents(c)					1,027			-			1,027			-
		Total U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan				6,616			5,589			1,027			-
Non-U.S. Pension Plans:
	Cash equivalents(c)					6,400			6,400			-			-
	Bank and insurance investment contracts(f)					34,420			-			-			34,420
		Total Non-U.S. Pension Plans				40,820			6,400			-			34,420
			Total fair value of retirement plan assets		$	175,952		$	132,830		$	1,677		$	41,445
The fair value of the Company's retirement plan assets are as follows at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
					Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					2012			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
U.S. Pension Plans:
	Mutual funds(g)				$	93,061		$	92,830		$	231		$	-
	Common stocks(b)					4,886			4,886			-			-
	Cash equivalents(c)					2,359			-			2,359			-
	Hedge funds(d)					6,266			-			-			6,266
		Total U.S. Pension Plans				106,572			97,716			2,590			6,266
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan:
	Mutual funds(h)					4,236			4,236			-			-
	Cash equivalents(c)					1,121			-			1,121			-
		Total U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan				5,357			4,236			1,121			-
Non-U.S. Pension Plans:
	Cash equivalents(c)					6,162			6,162			-			-
	Bank and insurance investment contracts(f)					29,697			-			-			29,697
		Total Non-U.S. Pension Plans				35,859			6,162			-			29,697
			Total fair value of retirement plan assets		$	147,788		$	108,114		$	3,711		$	35,963
The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 41% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 33% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 26% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
Represents primarily amounts invested in common stock of technology, healthcare, financial, energy and consumer staples and discretionary U.S. companies.
Primarily represents money market funds held with various financial institutions.
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.
The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 58% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 12% in the common stock of international growth companies and 30% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
Amount represents bank and insurance guaranteed investment contracts.
The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 34% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 27% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 39% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 63% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 9% in the common stock of international growth companies and 28% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 retirement plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
										Insurance
										Guaranteed
							Hedge			Investment
				Total			Funds			Contracts
Fair value of assets, December 31, 2011				$	13,057		$	6,018		$	7,039
	Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation)				4,524			248			4,276
	Other Plans				18,382			-			18,382
Fair value of assets, December 31, 2012					35,963			6,266			29,697
	Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation)				5,482			759			4,723
Fair value of assets, December 31, 2013				$	41,445		$	7,025		$	34,420
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
Discount rate		4.82%		3.29%		3.90%		3.10%		4.33%		3.29%
Increases in compensation levels		4.75%		2.54%		4.75%		2.59%		4.75%		2.91%
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
Discount rate		3.61%		3.10%		4.26%		3.29%		5.10%		3.63%
Return on plan assets		6.94%		2.40%		7.12%		1.88%		7.20%		2.50%
Increases in compensation levels		4.75%		2.59%		4.75%		2.91%		4.75%		2.90%
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered historical returns and future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio and historical expenses paid by the plan. A one-quarter percentage point increase in the assumed long-term rate of return on assets would decrease the Company's net periodic benefit cost for the Waters Retirement Plan by less than $1 million. A one-quarter percentage point increase in the discount rate would decrease the Company's net periodic benefit cost for the Waters Retirement Plan by less than $1 million.
During fiscal year 2014, the Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $8 million to $10 million to the Company's defined benefit plans. Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		U.S. Pension and			Non-U.S.
		Retiree Healthcare			Pension
		Plans			Plans			Total
2014		$	7,162		$	982		$	8,144
2015			7,191			1,176			8,367
2016			7,516			3,236			10,752
2017			8,097			1,844			9,941
2018			8,654			1,841			10,495
2019 - 2023			55,140			14,750			69,890

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	15  Business Segment Information
	The accounting standards for segment reporting establish standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and require selected information for those segments to be presented in interim financial reports of public business enterprises. They also establish standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company's business activities, for which discrete financial information is available, are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the chief operating decision maker. As a result of this evaluation, the Company determined that it has two operating segments: Waters Division and TA Division.
	Waters Division is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing LC and MS instruments, columns and other chemistry consumables that can be integrated and used along with other analytical instruments. TA Division is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments. The Company's two divisions are its operating segments and each has similar economic characteristics; product processes; products and services; types and classes of customers; methods of distribution and regulatory environments. Because of these similarities, the two segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment for financial statement purposes. Please refer to the consolidated financial statements for financial information regarding the one reportable segment of the Company.
	Net sales for the Company's products and services are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
					2013			2012			2011
	Product net sales:
		Waters instrument systems			$	840,608		$	828,458		$	878,367
		Chemistry				304,130			294,787			292,506
		TA instrument systems				167,765			157,262			151,263
			Total product sales			1,312,503			1,280,507			1,322,136
	Service net sales:
		Waters service				532,323			509,412			480,553
		TA service				59,392			53,722			48,495
			Total service sales			591,715			563,134			529,048
	Total net sales				$	1,904,218		$	1,843,641		$	1,851,184
	Geographic sales information is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
						2013			2012			2011
	Net Sales:
		United States				$	557,734		$	531,912		$	530,606
		Europe					573,786			549,341			574,770
		Asia:
			China				240,535			212,701			175,409
			Japan				170,115			207,340			211,893
			Asia Other				216,229			215,612			222,082
				Total Asia			626,879			635,653			609,384
		Other					145,819			126,735			136,424
	Total net sales					$	1,904,218		$	1,843,641		$	1,851,184
	The Other category includes Canada, Latin America and Puerto Rico. Net sales are attributable to geographic areas based on the region of destination. None of the Company's individual customers accounts for more than 2% of annual Company sales.
	Long-lived assets information at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented below (in thousands):
				2013			2012
	Long-lived assets:
		United States		$	174,143		$	173,932
		Europe			138,962			89,389
		Asia			10,412			8,467
		Other			1,415			1,491
	Total long-lived assets			$	324,932		$	273,279
	The Other category includes Canada, Latin America and Puerto Rico. Long-lived assets exclude goodwill, other intangible assets and other assets.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results

Unaudited Quarterly Results	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Quarterly Results	'
	16  Unaudited Quarterly Results
	The Company's unaudited quarterly results are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):
				First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2013			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Total
	Net sales			$	430,338	$	451,115	$	457,317	$	565,448	$	1,904,218
	Cost of sales				174,568		188,329		191,568		228,991		783,456
		Gross profit			255,770		262,786		265,749		336,457		1,120,762
	Selling and administrative expenses				118,660		123,062		120,563		130,680		492,965
	Research and development expenses				25,312		24,650		23,599		26,975		100,536
	Purchased intangibles amortization				2,393		2,382		2,518		2,625		9,918
		Operating income			109,405		112,692		119,069		176,177		517,343
	Other expense (Note 3)				-		-1,575		-		-		-1,575
	Interest expense				-7,185		-7,580		-7,358		-7,927		-30,050
	Interest income				1,187		1,179		946		1,075		4,387
		Income from operations before
			income taxes		103,407		104,716		112,657		169,325		490,105
	Provision for income tax (benefit) expense				-17,652		15,402		14,609		27,743		40,102
		Net income		$	121,059	$	89,314	$	98,048	$	141,582	$	450,003
	Net income per basic common share				1.41		1.04		1.15		1.67		5.27
	Weighted-average number of basic
		common shares			86,049		85,482		85,185		85,006		85,426
	Net income per diluted common share				1.39		1.03		1.14		1.65		5.2
	Weighted-average number of diluted
		common shares and equivalents			87,215		86,576		86,364		86,017		86,546
				First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2012			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Total
	Net sales			$	420,458	$	451,465	$	449,952	$	521,766	$	1,843,641
	Cost of sales				167,290		179,259		182,702		208,363		737,614
		Gross profit			253,168		272,206		267,250		313,403		1,106,027
	Selling and administrative expenses				117,119		122,682		115,322		122,147		477,270
	Research and development expenses				23,347		23,943		23,756		24,958		96,004
	Purchased intangibles amortization				2,485		2,458		6,427		2,459		13,829
	Litigation provisions				-		3,000		-		4,434		7,434
		Operating income			110,217		120,123		121,745		159,405		511,490
	Interest expense				-6,491		-6,878		-7,107		-7,597		-28,073
	Interest income				769		1,031		1,184		1,224		4,208
		Income from operations before
			income taxes		104,495		114,276		115,822		153,032		487,625
	Provision for income tax expense (benefit)				15,829		16,552		16,713		-22,912		26,182
		Net income		$	88,666	$	97,724	$	99,109	$	175,944	$	461,443
	Net income per basic common share				1		1.11		1.13		2.03		5.25
	Weighted-average number of basic
		common shares			88,992		88,317		87,411		86,712		87,841
	Net income per diluted common share				0.98		1.09		1.12		2		5.19
	Weighted-average number of diluted
		common shares and equivalents			90,269		89,381		88,451		87,851		88,979
	The Company typically experiences an increase in sales in the fourth quarter, as a result of purchasing habits for capital goods of customers that tend to exhaust their spending budgets by calendar year end. Selling and administrative expenses are typically higher in the second and third quarters over the first quarter in each year as the Company's annual payroll merit increases take effect. Selling and administrative expenses will vary in the fourth quarter in relation to performance in the quarter and for the year.
	In the first quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a $31 million net tax benefit related to the completion of tax audit examinations. In addition, the R&D Tax Credit was retroactively extended in January 2013 for the 2012 and 2013 tax years. The entire $3 million benefit related to the 2012 tax year was recorded in the first quarter of 2013, and the 2013 benefit is included in the annual effective tax rate (see Note 9). The Company recorded litigation provisions in the second and fourth quarters of 2012 for damages and fees estimated to be incurred in connection with complaints filed against the Company relating to patent infringement lawsuits (see Note 10). In the third quarter of 2012, the Company incurred a one-time $4 million charge to purchased intangibles amortization expense related to the discontinuance of a product trade name intangible asset (see Note 7). In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a $36 million tax benefit related to the reduction in a deferred tax asset valuation reserve associated with the Company's refinancing of certain of its inter-company debt arrangements, which enabled the Company to recognize a deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S. net operating loss carryforward (see Note 9). In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company also recorded a $6 million tax benefit related to tax audit settlements in the U.S.

Description_of_Business_and_Or1

Description of Business and Organization (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of Business and Organization [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Waters Corporation (“Waters®” or the “Company”) is an analytical instrument manufacturer that primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services, through its Waters Division, high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”) and mass spectrometry (“MS”) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. These systems are complementary products that are frequently employed together (“LC-MS”) and sold as integrated instrument systems using a common software platform. LC is a standard technique and is utilized in a broad range of industries to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials, and to purify a full range of compounds. MS instruments are used in drug discovery and development, including clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes (known as “proteomics”), nutritional safety analysis and environmental testing. LC-MS instruments combine a liquid phase sample introduction and separation system with mass spectrometric compound identification and quantification. Through its TA Division (“TA®”), the Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments, which are used in predicting the suitability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for life science research. The Company is also a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company's instruments, as well as other manufacturers' instruments, and are typically purchased by customers as part of the instrument system.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, product returns and allowances, bad debts, inventory valuation, equity investments, goodwill and intangible assets, warranty and installation provisions, income taxes, contingencies, litigation, retirement plan obligations and stock-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls fifty percent or more of the voting shares. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	'
	Translation of Foreign Currencies
	For most of the Company's foreign operations, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments Policy	'
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, primarily in bank deposits, U.S. and U.K. treasury bill money market funds and commercial paper. Investments with longer maturities are classified as investments, and are held primarily in U.S. treasury bills, Canadian government U.S. dollar-denominated treasury bills and commercial paper, bank deposits and corporate debt securities.
	Investments are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. All available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair market value and any unrealized holding gains and losses, to the extent deemed temporary, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity, net of the related tax effects. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a decline in the value of the investment, the Company considers all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is “other than temporary” and marks the investment to market through a charge to the statement of operations. The Company classifies its investments exclusive of those categorized as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The allowance is based on a number of factors, including historical experience and the customer's credit-worthiness. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on at least a quarterly basis. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged against the allowance when the Company determines it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. The allowance for sales returns is the best estimate of the amount of future product returns related to current period revenue and is based on historical experience.
Inventory Policy	'
	Inventory
	The Company values all of its inventories at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis (“FIFO”).
Income Tax Policy	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Appropriate short-term and long-term liabilities have also been recorded to recognize uncertain tax return reporting positions.
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, while the costs of significant improvements are capitalized. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings — fifteen to thirty years; building improvements — five to ten years; leasehold improvements — the shorter of the economic useful life or life of lease; and production and other equipment — three to ten years. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of the assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the consolidated balance sheets and related gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Asset Impairments
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment. Whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates the fair value of the asset, relying on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. Any change in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of the Company's evaluation is separately identified in the consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill Policy	'
	The Company tests for goodwill impairment using a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level annually, or earlier, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Additionally, the Company performs an annual goodwill impairment assessment for its reporting units as of January 1 each year. The goodwill and other intangible assets accounting standards define a reporting unit as an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by management. For goodwill impairment review purposes, the Company has two reporting units, the Waters Division and TA Division. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units at the time of acquisition. Under the impairment test, if a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The fair value of reporting units was estimated using a discounted cash flows technique, which includes certain management assumptions, such as estimated future cash flows, estimated growth rates and discount rates.
Other Intangible Assets Policy	'
	Purchased intangibles are recorded at their fair market values as of the acquisition date and amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from one to fifteen years. Other intangibles are amortized over a period ranging from one to thirteen years. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the related debt. Acquired IPR&D is amortized from the date of completion over its estimated useful life. In addition, acquired IPR&D will be tested for impairment until completion of the acquired programs.
Software Development Costs for Software to be Sold	'
	The Company capitalizes internal and external software development costs for products offered for sale in accordance with the accounting standards for the costs of software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Capitalized costs are amortized to cost of sales over the period of economic benefit, which approximates a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related software products, generally three to ten years.
Internal Use Software Policy	'
	The Company capitalizes internal software development costs for internal use in accordance with the accounting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets. Capitalized internal software development costs are amortized over the period of economic benefit, which approximates a straight-line basis over ten years.
Equity and Cost Method Investments	'
	Other Investments
	The Company accounts for its investments that represent less than twenty percent ownership, and for which the Company does not have significant influence, using the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. Investments for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, and for which there is not a readily determinable market value, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and carries them at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. For investments in which the Company owns or controls between twenty and forty-nine percent of the voting shares, or over which it exerts significant influence over operating and financial policies, the equity method of accounting is used.
Fair Value Measurements Policy	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	In accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, certain of the Company's assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data, such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	The Company's cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and variable interest rate debt are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	The fair value of the Company's fixed rate debt is estimated using discounted cash flow models, based on estimated current rates offered for similar debt under current market conditions for the Company.
Derivatives Policy	'
	The Company records its derivative transactions in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, which establish the accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. If the derivative is designated as a fair-value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings; ineffective portions of changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. In addition, disclosures required for derivative instruments and hedging activities include the Company's objectives for using derivative instruments, the level of derivative activity the Company engages in, as well as how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Company's financial position and performance.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales of products and services are generally recorded based on product shipment and performance of service, respectively. The Company's deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets consists of the obligation on instrument service contracts and customer payments received in advance, prior to shipment of the instrument. Revenue is recognized when all of the following revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery or performance has occurred; the vendor's fee is fixed or determinable; collectibility is reasonably assured and, if applicable, upon acceptance when acceptance criteria with contractual cash holdback are specified. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales, net of amounts invoiced to the customer per the order.
	Product shipments, including those for demonstration or evaluation, and service contracts are not recorded as revenue until a valid purchase order or master agreement is received, specifying fixed terms and prices. The Company generally recognizes product revenue when legal title has transferred and risk of loss passes to the customer. The Company structures its sales arrangements as shipping point or international equivalent and, accordingly, recognizes revenue upon shipment. In some cases, destination-based shipping terms are included in sales arrangements, in which cases revenue is generally recognized when the products arrive at the customer site.
	The Company's method of revenue recognition for certain products requiring installation is accounted for in accordance with the multiple-element revenue recognition accounting standards. With respect to the installation obligations, the larger of the contractual cash holdback or the best estimate of selling price of the installation service is deferred when the product is shipped and revenue is recognized as a multiple-element arrangement when installation is complete. The Company determines the best estimate of selling price of installation based upon a number of factors, including hourly service billing rates and estimated installation hours.
	Instrument service contracts are typically billed at the beginning of the maintenance period. The amount of the service contract is amortized ratably to revenue over the instrument maintenance period. There are no deferred costs associated with the service contract, as the cost of the service is recorded when the service is performed. No revenue is recognized until all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
	Sales of software are accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for software revenue recognition. The Company's software arrangements typically include software licenses and maintenance contracts. Software license revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is probable, and there are no significant post-delivery obligations remaining. The revenue associated with the software maintenance contract is recognized ratably over the maintenance term. Unspecified rights to software upgrades are typically sold as part of the maintenance contract on a when-and-if-available basis. The Company uses the residual method to allocate software revenue when a transaction includes multiple elements and vendor specific objective evidence of fair value of undelivered elements exists. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered element (maintenance) is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element (software license) and recognized as revenue.
	Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales.
Product Warranty Costs	'
	Product Warranty Costs
	The Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale, which are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. The amount of the accrued warranty liability is based on historical information, such as past experience, product failure rates, number of units repaired and estimated costs of material and labor. The liability is reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	All advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Research and Development Expenses	'
	Research and Development Expenses
	Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including salaries and benefits, facilities costs, overhead costs, contract services and other outside costs. Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred.
Earnings Per Share Policy	'
	Earnings Per Share
	In accordance with the earnings per share accounting standards, the Company presents two earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts. Income per basic common share is based on income available to common shareholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Income per diluted common share includes additional dilution from potential common stock, such as stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding.
	The effect of dilutive securities was calculated using the treasury stock method.
Comprehensive Income Policy	'
	Comprehensive Income
	The Company accounts for comprehensive income in accordance with the accounting standards for comprehensive income, which establish the accounting rules for reporting and displaying comprehensive income. These standards require that all components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In July 2012, amended accounting guidance was issued for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill in order to simplify how companies test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The adoption of this standard in 2013 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, accounting guidance was issued to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of this standard in 2013 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Acquisitions_Policies

Acquisitions (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations Policy	'
	The Company accounts for business acquisitions under the accounting standards for business combinations and the results of each acquisition have been included in the Company's consolidated results from the respective acquisition dates.

Income_Taxes_Policies

Income Taxes (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Uncertain Income Tax Reporting Positions Policy	'
	The Company accounts for its uncertain tax return reporting positions in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes, which require financial statement reporting of the expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax reporting positions on the presumption that all concerned tax authorities possess full knowledge of those tax reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of those unrecognized tax benefits associated with those reporting positions for the time value of money.

StockBased_Compensation_Polici

Stock-Based Compensation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Policy	'
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs in accordance with the accounting standards for stock-based compensation, which require that all share-based payments to employees be recognized in the statements of operations based on their fair values. The Company recognizes the expense using the straight-line attribution method. The stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards that ultimately are expected to vest; therefore, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The stock-based compensation accounting standards require forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company's results of operations could be materially impacted. In addition, if the Company employs different assumptions in the application of these standards, the compensation expense that the Company records in the future periods may differ significantly from what the Company has recorded in the current period.
	Stock Options
	In determining the fair value of the stock options, the Company makes a variety of assumptions and estimates, including volatility measures, expected yields and expected stock option lives. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company uses implied volatility on its publicly-traded options as the basis for its estimate of expected volatility. The Company believes that implied volatility is the most appropriate indicator of expected volatility because it is generally reflective of historical volatility and expectations of how future volatility will differ from historical volatility. The expected life assumption for grants is based on historical experience for the population of non-qualified stock optionees. The risk-free interest rate is the yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term approximating the expected term used as the input to the Black-Scholes model.

Earnings_Per_Share_Policies

Earnings Per Share (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share Policy	'
	Earnings Per Share
	In accordance with the earnings per share accounting standards, the Company presents two earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts. Income per basic common share is based on income available to common shareholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Income per diluted common share includes additional dilution from potential common stock, such as stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding.
	The effect of dilutive securities was calculated using the treasury stock method.

Retirement_Plans_Policies

Retirement Plans (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Policy	'
	The net periodic pension cost is made up of several components that reflect different aspects of the Company's financial arrangements as well as the cost of benefits earned by employees. These components are determined using the projected unit credit actuarial cost method and are based on certain actuarial assumptions. The Company's accounting policy is to reflect in the projected benefit obligation all benefit changes to which the Company is committed as of the current valuation date; use a market-related value of assets to determine pension expense; amortize increases in prior service costs on a straight-line basis over the expected future service of active participants as of the date such costs are first recognized; and amortize cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the larger of the market-related value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation over the expected future service of active participants.

Business_Segment_Information_P

Business Segment Information (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Policy	'
	The accounting standards for segment reporting establish standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and require selected information for those segments to be presented in interim financial reports of public business enterprises. They also establish standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company's business activities, for which discrete financial information is available, are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the chief operating decision maker. As a result of this evaluation, the Company determined that it has two operating segments: Waters Division and TA Division.
	Waters Division is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing LC and MS instruments, columns and other chemistry consumables that can be integrated and used along with other analytical instruments. TA Division is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments. The Company's two divisions are its operating segments and each has similar economic characteristics; product processes; products and services; types and classes of customers; methods of distribution and regulatory environments. Because of these similarities, the two segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment for financial statement purposes.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Returns Roll Forward [Abstract]	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Returns Roll Forward	'
	The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
				Balance at									Balance at
				Beginning									End of
				of Period			Additions			Deductions			Period
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales
		Returns:
		2013		$	8,240		$	4,386		$	-5,569		$	7,057
		2012		$	8,584		$	7,298		$	-7,642		$	8,240
		2011		$	6,196		$	9,932		$	-7,544		$	8,584
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis	'
	The following table represents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
					Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					2013			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
		U.S. Treasury securities			$	556,539		$	-		$	556,539		$	-
		Foreign government securities				139,670			-			139,670			-
		Corporate debt securities				629,434			-			629,434			-
		Time deposits				74,050			-			74,050			-
		Equity securities				147			-			147			-
		Other cash equivalents				62,851			-			62,851			-
		Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets				31,203			-			31,203			-
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements			929			-			929			-
			Total		$	1,494,823		$	-		$	1,494,823		$	-
	Liabilities:
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements		$	88		$	-		$	88		$	-
			Total		$	88		$	-		$	88		$	-
	The following table represents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
					Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					2012			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
		U.S. Treasury securities			$	470,421		$	-		$	470,421		$	-
		Foreign government securities				313,237			-			313,237			-
		Corporate debt securities				311,607			-			311,607			-
		Time deposits				64,037			-			64,037			-
		Equity securities				70			-			70			-
		Other cash equivalents				44,850			-			44,850			-
		Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets				24,827			-			24,827			-
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements			1,173			-			1,173			-
			Total		$	1,230,222		$	-		$	1,230,222		$	-
	Liabilities:
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements		$	693		$	-		$	693		$	-
			Total		$	693		$	-		$	693		$	-
Summary of Derivative Instruments by Risk Exposure [Abstract]	'
Gains (Losses) on Foreign Exchange Contracts	'
	The following is a summary of the activity in the statements of operations related to the forward foreign exchange contracts (in thousands):
				Year Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Realized gains (losses) on closed contracts			$	8,666		$	4,186		$	-2,233
	Unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts				361			1,716			-1,035
		Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses)		$	9,027		$	5,902			-3,268
Fair Value of Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts	'
	The Company's foreign currency exchange contracts included in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):
				31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Other current assets			$	929		$	1,173
	Other current liabilities			$	88		$	693
Warranty Accrual Roll Forward [Abstract]	'
Warranty Accrual Roll Forward	'
	The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's accrued warranty liability for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
				Balance at									Balance at
				Beginning			Accruals for			Settlements			End of
				of Period			Warranties			Made			Period
	Accrued warranty liability:
		2013		$	12,353		$	8,466		$	-7,857		$	12,962
		2012		$	13,258		$	7,212		$	-8,117		$	12,353
		2011		$	11,272		$	10,175		$	-8,189		$	13,258

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
	3 Marketable Securities
	The Company's marketable securities within cash equivalents and investments included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
			Cost		Gain		Loss		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	556,438	$	111	$	-10	$	556,539
	Foreign government securities			139,670		-		-		139,670
	Corporate debt securities			629,477		190		-233		629,434
	Time deposits			74,050		-		-		74,050
	Equity securities			77		70		-		147
		Total	$	1,399,712	$	371	$	-243	$	1,399,840
	Amounts included in:
		Cash equivalents	$	36,966	$	-	$	-	$	36,966
		Investments		1,362,746		371		-243		1,362,874
		Total	$	1,399,712	$	371	$	-243	$	1,399,840
			31-Dec-12
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
			Cost		Gain		Loss		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	470,421	$	-	$	-	$	470,421
	Foreign government securities			313,237		-		-		313,237
	Corporate debt securities			311,607		-		-		311,607
	Time deposits			64,037		-		-		64,037
	Equity securities			1,653		-		-1,583		70
		Total	$	1,160,955	$	-	$	-1,583	$	1,159,372
	Amounts included in:
		Cash equivalents	$	101,382	$	-	$	-	$	101,382
		Investments		1,059,573		-		-1,583		1,057,990
		Total	$	1,160,955	$	-	$	-1,583	$	1,159,372
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The estimated fair value of marketable debt securities by maturity date is as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Due in one year or less		$	1,011,459	$	1,057,990
	Due after one year through two years			314,184		-
		Total	$	1,325,643	$	1,057,990

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Items, Net Of Reserves Alternative [Abstract]	'
Inventory, Net of Reserves	'
	Inventories are classified as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Raw materials		$	76,930	$	73,280
	Work in progress			19,656		16,133
	Finished goods			146,214		140,152
		Total inventories	$	242,800	$	229,565

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Table	'
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Land and land improvements		$	37,156	$	35,734
	Buildings and leasehold improvements			205,638		196,554
	Production and other equipment			336,135		317,285
	Construction in progress			80,420		37,750
		Total property, plant and equipment		659,349		587,323
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			-334,417		-314,044
		Property, plant and equipment, net	$	324,932	$	273,279

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquired Assets and Liabilities	'
	The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired in each business acquisition were determined using various income-approach valuation techniques, which use Level 3 inputs. The following table presents the fair values as of the respective acquisition dates, as determined by the Company, of 100% of the assets and liabilities owned and recorded in connection with the acquisitions of LaserComp, ESS, Nonlinear Dynamics and Scarabaeus (in thousands):
	Cash		$	295
	Accounts receivable			1,616
	Inventory			975
	Intangible assets			10,844
	Goodwill			31,231
	Other assets			377
		Total assets acquired		45,338
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities			2,013
	Deferred tax liability			1,635
		Cash consideration paid	$	41,690

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class	'
	The Company's intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12
							Weighted-						Weighted-
			Gross				Average		Gross				Average
			Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization
			Amount		Amortization		Period		Amount		Amortization		Period
	Purchased intangibles		$	167,604	$	105,347	10	years	$	154,749	$	94,498	11	years
	Capitalized software			340,070		189,415	7	years		293,589		155,394	5	years
	Licenses			3,909		3,390	7	years		7,112		6,361	6	years
	Patents and other
		intangibles		49,902		24,221	8	years		40,290		19,342	8	years
		Total	$	561,485	$	322,373	8	years	$	495,740	$	275,595	7	years

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Outstanding Debt	'
	The Company had the following outstanding debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013		2012
	Foreign subsidiary lines of credit		$	8,346	$	7,781
	Credit agreements			125,000		125,000
		Total notes payable and debt		133,346		132,781
	Senior unsecured notes - Series A - 3.75%, due February 2015			100,000		100,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series B - 5.00%, due February 2020			100,000		100,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series C - 2.50%, due March 2016			50,000		50,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series D - 3.22%, due March 2018			100,000		100,000
	Senior unsecured notes - Series E - 3.97%, due March 2021			50,000		50,000
	Credit agreements			790,000		645,000
		Total long-term debt		1,190,000		1,045,000
	Total debt		$	1,323,346	$	1,177,781

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Components of Income Taxes	'
	Income tax data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):
					Year Ended December 31,
					2013			2012			2011
	The components of income from operations before income taxes are
		as follows:
		Domestic			$	116,067		$	116,071		$	102,998
		Foreign				374,038			371,554			406,254
			Total		$	490,105		$	487,625		$	509,252
					Year Ended December 31,
					2013			2012			2011
	The current and deferred components of the provision for income
		taxes on operations are as follows:
		Current			$	39,933		$	78,401		$	82,108
		Deferred				169			-52,219			-5,824
			Total		$	40,102		$	26,182		$	76,284
	The jurisdictional components of the provision for income taxes on
		operations are as follows:
		Federal			$	-702		$	39,840		$	33,242
		State				5,142			5,599			5,661
		Foreign				35,662			-19,257			37,381
			Total		$	40,102		$	26,182		$	76,284
	The differences between income taxes computed at the United States
		statutory rate and the provision for income taxes are summarized
		as follows:
		Federal tax computed at U.S. statutory income tax rate			$	171,537		$	170,669		$	178,238
		Settlement of tax audits				-30,552			-6,035			-1,617
		State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit				3,342			3,639			3,679
		Net effect of foreign operations				-96,461			-102,858			-100,911
		Recognition of deferred tax asset associated with a non-U.S.
			net operating loss			-			-36,410			-
		Other, net				-7,764			-2,823			-3,105
			Provision for income taxes		$	40,102		$	26,182		$	76,284
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax (liabilities) are summarized as follows (in thousands):
						December 31,
						2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
		Net operating losses and credits				$	116,567		$	119,405
		Depreciation					7,163			14,555
		Stock-based compensation					22,684			25,024
		Deferred compensation					25,391			29,666
		Revaluation of equity investments					3,832			3,919
		Inventory					3,651			3,658
		Accrued liabilities and reserves					23,268			36,711
		Other					15,289			19,038
			Total deferred tax assets				217,845			251,976
		Valuation allowance					-94,952			-93,576
			Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance				122,893			158,400
	Deferred tax liabilities:
		Capitalized software					-18,012			-15,726
		Amortization					-3,798			-3,980
		Indefinite-lived intangibles					-18,840			-18,252
		Other					-			-4
			Total deferred tax liabilities				-40,650			-37,962
				Net deferred tax assets		$	82,243		$	120,438
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	'
	The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
					2013			2012			2011
	Balance at the beginning of the period				$	64,390		$	73,199		$	71,523
		Realization of uncertain U.S. tax benefits				-			-5,625			-
		Changes resulting from completion of tax examinations				-35,279			-			-
		Other changes in uncertain tax benefits				-4,395			-3,184			1,676
	Balance at the end of the period				$	24,716		$	64,390		$	73,199

Other_Commitments_and_Continge1

Other Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelabe Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Due Under Non-Cancelable Leases	'
	Future minimum rents payable as of December 31, 2013 under non-cancelable leases with initial terms exceeding one year are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	23,668
	2015		17,953
	2016		11,475
	2017		7,276
	2018 and thereafter		18,060

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 include the following stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and the employee stock purchase plan (in thousands):
				2013			2012			2011
	Cost of sales			$	2,523		$	2,694		$	2,566
	Selling and administrative expenses				25,252			22,679			21,891
	Research and development expenses				3,933			3,810			3,122
		Total stock-based compensation		$	31,708		$	29,183		$	27,579
Relevant Data Used to Determine the Value of Stock Options Granted During the Period	'
	The relevant data used to determine the value of the stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	Options Issued and Significant Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Fair Values		2013		2012		2011
	Options issued in thousands		428		699		658
	Risk-free interest rate		1.70%		1.00%		1.10%
	Expected life in years		5		6		6
	Expected volatility		0.248		0.265		0.376
	Expected dividends		-		-		-
	Weighted-Average Exercise Price and Fair Value of Options on the Date of Grant		2013			2012			2011
	Exercise price		$	97.74		$	86.55		$	79.1
	Fair value		$	27.37		$	23.97		$	29.67
Stock Options Outstanding Roll Forward	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the plans for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
					Number of Shares		Exercise Price per Share						Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012				4,809		$	23.19	to	$	87.06		$	63.34
		Granted			428		$	88.71	to	$	103.47		$	97.74
		Exercised			-1,281		$	23.19	to	$	79.15		$	50.89
		Canceled			-39		$	36.25	to	$	79.15		$	72.42
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013				3,917		$	33.12	to	$	103.47		$	71.08
Stock Options Outstanding by Exercise Price Range	'
	The following table details the weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2013 by range of exercise prices (in thousands, except per share data):
												Remaining
							Number			Weighted-		Contractual		Number		Weighted-
							of Shares			Average		Life of Options		of Shares		Average
	Exercise Price Range						Outstanding			Exercise Price		Outstanding		Exercisable		Exercise Price
	$	33.12	to	$	48.99		901		$	43.85		2.4		898	$	43.88
	$	49	to	$	78.99		840		$	64.59		5		707	$	64.68
	$	79	to	$	103.47		2,176		$	84.86		8.4		637	$	80.63
			Total				3,917		$	71.08		6.3		2,242	$	60.88
Restricted Stock Units Unvested Roll Forward	'
	The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock unit award activity for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
				Shares		Weighted-Average Price
	Unvested at December 31, 2012			574		$	67.28
		Granted		303		$	94.74
		Vested		-207		$	60.65
		Forfeited		-28		$	72.27
	Unvested at December 31, 2013			642		$	82.16

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	'
	Basic and diluted EPS calculations are detailed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	450,003	85,426	$	5.27
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,120
	Net income per diluted common share		$	450,003	86,546	$	5.2
			Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	461,443	87,841	$	5.25
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,138
	Net income per diluted common share		$	461,443	88,979	$	5.19
			Year Ended December 31, 2011
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	432,968	90,833	$	4.77
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,492
	Net income per diluted common share		$	432,968	92,325	$	4.69

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Projected Benefit Obligation	'
	The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
						2013									2012
						U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
						Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
						Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Projected benefit obligation, January 1					$	145,047		$	10,788		$	64,857		$	136,256		$	9,146		$	29,195
		Service cost					-			1,733			5,079			9			1,447			4,318
		Interest cost					5,505			333			1,966			5,806			350			1,988
		Actuarial (gains) losses					-13,328			-1,292			-925			6,184			325			5,790
		Benefits paid					-2,631			-542			-1,743			-3,208			-480			-1,011
		Plan amendments					-			-			232			-			-			-
		Other plans					-			-			227			-			-			25,041
		Currency impact					-			-			-577			-			-			-464
	Projected benefit obligation, December 31					$	134,593		$	11,020		$	69,116		$	145,047		$	10,788		$	64,857
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	'
	The accumulated benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Accumulated benefit obligation				$	134,592			**		$	58,471		$	145,045			**		$	55,937
	**	Not applicable.
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	The reconciliation of the fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
						2013									2012
						U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
						Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
						Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Fair value of plan assets, January 1					$	106,572		$	5,357		$	35,859		$	91,610		$	4,319		$	12,798
		Actual return on plan assets					19,755			693			1,948			11,761			516			1,007
		Company contributions					4,820			290			4,104			6,409			275			4,243
		Employee contributions					-			818			612			-			727			566
		Benefits paid					-2,631			-542			-1,743			-3,208			-480			-1,011
		Other plans					-			-			-			-			-			18,382
		Currency impact					-			-			40			-			-			-126
	Fair value of plan assets, December 31					$	128,516		$	6,616		$	40,820		$	106,572		$	5,357		$	35,859
Defined Benefit, Funded Status of Plan	'
	The summary of the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Projected benefit obligation				$	-134,593		$	-11,020		$	-69,116		$	-145,047		$	-10,788		$	-64,857
	Fair value of plan assets					128,516			6,616			40,820			106,572			5,357			35,859
	Projected benefit obligation in
		excess of fair value of plan assets			$	-6,077		$	-4,404		$	-28,296		$	-38,475		$	-5,431		$	-28,998
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	'
	The summary of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Long-term assets				$	-		$	-		$	1,370		$	-		$	-		$	1,407
	Current liabilities					-			-262			-193			-140			-283			-175
	Long-term liabilities					-6,077			-4,142			-29,473			-38,335			-5,148			-30,230
	Net amount recognized at December 31				$	-6,077		$	-4,404		$	-28,296		$	-38,475		$	-5,431		$	-28,998
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The summary of the components of net periodic pension costs for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012									2011
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension		Healthcare		Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans		Plan		Plans
	Service cost				$	-		$	915		$	4,467		$	9		$	720		$	3,752		$	7	$	545	$	1,872
	Interest cost					5,505			333			1,966			5,806			350			1,988			6,166		364		1,079
	Expected return on plan
		assets				-8,034			-355			-901			-7,619			-287			-838			-7,443		-277		-313
	Net amortization:
		Prior service credit				-			-54			-216			-			-54			-267			-		-53		-89
		Net actuarial loss				3,432			-			516			3,009			-			367			1,782		-		37
	Net periodic pension cost				$	903		$	839		$	5,832		$	1,205		$	729		$	5,002		$	512	$	579	$	2,586
Defined Beneift Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The summary of the changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012									2011
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension		Healthcare		Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans		Plan		Plans
	Prior service cost				$	-		$	-		$	232		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-3,619
	Net (loss) gain arising
		during the year				-25,048			-1,629			-1,940			2,042			96			5,622			23,170		546		481
	Amortization:
		Prior service credit				-			54			216			-			54			267			-		53		89
		Net loss				-3,432			-			-516			-3,009			-			-367			-1,782		-		-37
	Other Plans					-			-			-			-			-			5,970			-		-		-
	Currency impact					-			-			497			-			-			424			-		-		55
	Total recognized in other
		comprehensive income (loss)			$	-28,480		$	-1,575		$	-1,511		$	-967		$	150		$	11,916		$	21,388	$	599	$	-3,031
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The summary of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders' equity for the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
					2013									2012
					U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
					Pension			Healthcare			Pension			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
					Plans			Plan			Plans			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Net actuarial (loss) gain				$	-27,999		$	1,233		$	-11,190		$	-56,479		$	-395		$	-13,674
	Prior service credit					-			52			1,933			-			105			2,938
	Total				$	-27,999		$	1,285		$	-9,257		$	-56,479		$	-290		$	-10,736
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year	'
	The summary of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be included in next year's net periodic benefit cost for the plans at December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
			2013
			U.S.			U.S. Retiree			Non-U.S.
			Pension			Healthcare			Pension
			Plans			Plan			Plans
	Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	-1,941		$	16		$	-373
	Prior service credit			-			52			187
	Total		$	-1,941		$	68		$	-186
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	'
	The plans' investment asset mix is as follow at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
					2013						2012
					U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.		U.S.		U.S. Retiree		Non-U.S.
					Pension		Healthcare		Pension		Pension		Healthcare		Pension
					Plans		Plan		Plans		Plans		Plan		Plans
	Equity securities				75%		59%		0%		65%		57%		0%
	Debt securities				24%		25%		0%		33%		22%		0%
	Cash and cash equivalents				1%		16%		16%		2%		21%		17%
	Insurance contracts and other				0%		0%		84%		0%		0%		83%
	Total				100%		100%		100%		100%		100%		100%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Asset Allocations	'
	The plans' investment policies include the following asset allocation guidelines:
			U.S. Pension and U.S. Retiree						Non-U.S.
			Healthcare Plans						Pension Plans
			Policy Target		Range				Policy Target
	Equity securities		60%		40%	-	80%		0%
	Debt securities		25%		20%	-	60%		0%
	Cash and cash equivalents		5%		0%	-	20%		20%
	Other		10%		0%	-	20%		80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets	'
	The fair value of the Company's retirement plan assets are as follows at December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
									Quoted Prices
									in Active			Significant
									Markets			Other			Significant
						Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
						December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
						2013			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	U.S. Pension Plans:
		Mutual funds(a)				$	117,718		$	117,718		$	-		$	-
		Common stocks(b)					3,123			3,123			-			-
		Cash equivalents(c)					650			-			650			-
		Hedge funds(d)					7,025			-			-			7,025
			Total U.S. Pension Plans				128,516			120,841			650			7,025
	U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan:
		Mutual funds(e)					5,589			5,589			-			-
		Cash equivalents(c)					1,027			-			1,027			-
			Total U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan				6,616			5,589			1,027			-
	Non-U.S. Pension Plans:
		Cash equivalents(c)					6,400			6,400			-			-
		Bank and insurance investment contracts(f)					34,420			-			-			34,420
			Total Non-U.S. Pension Plans				40,820			6,400			-			34,420
				Total fair value of retirement plan assets		$	175,952		$	132,830		$	1,677		$	41,445
	The fair value of the Company's retirement plan assets are as follows at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
									Quoted Prices
									in Active			Significant
									Markets			Other			Significant
						Total at			for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
						December 31,			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
						2012			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	U.S. Pension Plans:
		Mutual funds(g)				$	93,061		$	92,830		$	231		$	-
		Common stocks(b)					4,886			4,886			-			-
		Cash equivalents(c)					2,359			-			2,359			-
		Hedge funds(d)					6,266			-			-			6,266
			Total U.S. Pension Plans				106,572			97,716			2,590			6,266
	U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan:
		Mutual funds(h)					4,236			4,236			-			-
		Cash equivalents(c)					1,121			-			1,121			-
			Total U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan				5,357			4,236			1,121			-
	Non-U.S. Pension Plans:
		Cash equivalents(c)					6,162			6,162			-			-
		Bank and insurance investment contracts(f)					29,697			-			-			29,697
			Total Non-U.S. Pension Plans				35,859			6,162			-			29,697
				Total fair value of retirement plan assets		$	147,788		$	108,114		$	3,711		$	35,963
	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 41% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 33% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 26% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
	Represents primarily amounts invested in common stock of technology, healthcare, financial, energy and consumer staples and discretionary U.S. companies.
	Primarily represents money market funds held with various financial institutions.
	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.
	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 58% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 12% in the common stock of international growth companies and 30% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
	Amount represents bank and insurance guaranteed investment contracts.
	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 34% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 27% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 39% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 63% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 9% in the common stock of international growth companies and 28% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Level 3 retirement plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
											Insurance
											Guaranteed
								Hedge			Investment
					Total			Funds			Contracts
	Fair value of assets, December 31, 2011				$	13,057		$	6,018		$	7,039
		Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation)				4,524			248			4,276
		Other Plans				18,382			-			18,382
	Fair value of assets, December 31, 2012					35,963			6,266			29,697
		Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation)				5,482			759			4,723
	Fair value of assets, December 31, 2013				$	41,445		$	7,025		$	34,420
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation	'
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
			2013				2012				2011
			U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Discount rate		4.82%		3.29%		3.90%		3.10%		4.33%		3.29%
	Increases in compensation levels		4.75%		2.54%		4.75%		2.59%		4.75%		2.91%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
			2013				2012				2011
			U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.		U.S.		Non-U.S.
	Discount rate		3.61%		3.10%		4.26%		3.29%		5.10%		3.63%
	Return on plan assets		6.94%		2.40%		7.12%		1.88%		7.20%		2.50%
	Increases in compensation levels		4.75%		2.59%		4.75%		2.91%		4.75%		2.90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments	'
	Estimated future benefit payments as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
			U.S. Pension and			Non-U.S.
			Retiree Healthcare			Pension
			Plans			Plans			Total
	2014		$	7,162		$	982		$	8,144
	2015			7,191			1,176			8,367
	2016			7,516			3,236			10,752
	2017			8,097			1,844			9,941
	2018			8,654			1,841			10,495
	2019 - 2023			55,140			14,750			69,890

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	'
	Net sales for the Company's products and services are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
					2013			2012			2011
	Product net sales:
		Waters instrument systems			$	840,608		$	828,458		$	878,367
		Chemistry				304,130			294,787			292,506
		TA instrument systems				167,765			157,262			151,263
			Total product sales			1,312,503			1,280,507			1,322,136
	Service net sales:
		Waters service				532,323			509,412			480,553
		TA service				59,392			53,722			48,495
			Total service sales			591,715			563,134			529,048
	Total net sales				$	1,904,218		$	1,843,641		$	1,851,184
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Area	'
	Geographic sales information is presented below for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
						2013			2012			2011
	Net Sales:
		United States				$	557,734		$	531,912		$	530,606
		Europe					573,786			549,341			574,770
		Asia:
			China				240,535			212,701			175,409
			Japan				170,115			207,340			211,893
			Asia Other				216,229			215,612			222,082
				Total Asia			626,879			635,653			609,384
		Other					145,819			126,735			136,424
	Total net sales					$	1,904,218		$	1,843,641		$	1,851,184
Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area	'
	Long-lived assets information at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented below (in thousands):
				2013			2012
	Long-lived assets:
		United States		$	174,143		$	173,932
		Europe			138,962			89,389
		Asia			10,412			8,467
		Other			1,415			1,491
	Total long-lived assets			$	324,932		$	273,279

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_Ta

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results	'
	The Company's unaudited quarterly results are summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):
				First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2013			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Total
	Net sales			$	430,338	$	451,115	$	457,317	$	565,448	$	1,904,218
	Cost of sales				174,568		188,329		191,568		228,991		783,456
		Gross profit			255,770		262,786		265,749		336,457		1,120,762
	Selling and administrative expenses				118,660		123,062		120,563		130,680		492,965
	Research and development expenses				25,312		24,650		23,599		26,975		100,536
	Purchased intangibles amortization				2,393		2,382		2,518		2,625		9,918
		Operating income			109,405		112,692		119,069		176,177		517,343
	Other expense (Note 3)				-		-1,575		-		-		-1,575
	Interest expense				-7,185		-7,580		-7,358		-7,927		-30,050
	Interest income				1,187		1,179		946		1,075		4,387
		Income from operations before
			income taxes		103,407		104,716		112,657		169,325		490,105
	Provision for income tax (benefit) expense				-17,652		15,402		14,609		27,743		40,102
		Net income		$	121,059	$	89,314	$	98,048	$	141,582	$	450,003
	Net income per basic common share				1.41		1.04		1.15		1.67		5.27
	Weighted-average number of basic
		common shares			86,049		85,482		85,185		85,006		85,426
	Net income per diluted common share				1.39		1.03		1.14		1.65		5.2
	Weighted-average number of diluted
		common shares and equivalents			87,215		86,576		86,364		86,017		86,546
				First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2012			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Total
	Net sales			$	420,458	$	451,465	$	449,952	$	521,766	$	1,843,641
	Cost of sales				167,290		179,259		182,702		208,363		737,614
		Gross profit			253,168		272,206		267,250		313,403		1,106,027
	Selling and administrative expenses				117,119		122,682		115,322		122,147		477,270
	Research and development expenses				23,347		23,943		23,756		24,958		96,004
	Purchased intangibles amortization				2,485		2,458		6,427		2,459		13,829
	Litigation provisions				-		3,000		-		4,434		7,434
		Operating income			110,217		120,123		121,745		159,405		511,490
	Interest expense				-6,491		-6,878		-7,107		-7,597		-28,073
	Interest income				769		1,031		1,184		1,224		4,208
		Income from operations before
			income taxes		104,495		114,276		115,822		153,032		487,625
	Provision for income tax expense (benefit)				15,829		16,552		16,713		-22,912		26,182
		Net income		$	88,666	$	97,724	$	99,109	$	175,944	$	461,443
	Net income per basic common share				1		1.11		1.13		2.03		5.25
	Weighted-average number of basic
		common shares			88,992		88,317		87,411		86,712		87,841
	Net income per diluted common share				0.98		1.09		1.12		2		5.19
	Weighted-average number of diluted
		common shares and equivalents			90,269		89,381		88,451		87,851		88,979

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
Valuation Allowance Roll Forward	'
	WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013
							Amounts
			Balance at		Charged to		Recorded in		Balance at
			Beginning		Provision for		Additional Paid-		End of
			of Period		Income Taxes*		In Capital**		Period
	Valuation allowance for
		deferred tax assets:
		2013	$	93,576	$	484	$	892	$	94,952
		2012	$	10,248	$	80,974	$	2,354	$	93,576
		2011	$	10,361	$	63	$	-176	$	10,248
	*	These amounts have been recorded as part of the income statement provision for income taxes. The income statement effects of these amounts have largely been offset by amounts related to changes in other deferred tax balance sheet accounts.
	**	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded amounts associated with the tax benefit related to stock option plans in additional paid-in capital. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company released valuation allowances on a portion of the deferred tax assets created by the tax benefit related to stock option plans that had been previously established in additional paid-in capital.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ2

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

20 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

9-May-12

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Programs authorized by Board of Directors [Member]

Programs authorized by Board of Directors [Member]

Programs authorized by Board of Directors [Member]

Related to Vesting of Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Related to Vesting of Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Related to Vesting of Restricted Stock Units [Member]

May 2012 Program [Member]

May 2012 Program [Member]

Internal-Use Software [Member]

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Purchased intangibles [Member]

Purchased intangibles [Member]

Purchased intangibles [Member]

Purchased intangibles [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Patents and other intangibles [Member]

Patents and other intangibles [Member]

Patents and other intangibles [Member]

Patents and other intangibles [Member]

Unsecured debt [Member]

Unsecured debt [Member]

Held by foreign subsidiaries [Member]

Held by foreign subsidiaries [Member]

US Treasury Securities

US Treasury Securities

Foreign Government Debt Securities

Foreign Government Debt Securities

Corporate Debt Securities

Corporate Debt Securities

Time Deposits

Time Deposits

Equity Securities

Equity Securities

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Buildings [Member]

Building Improvements [Member]

Production and other equipment [Member]

Buildings [Member]

Building Improvements [Member]

Production and other equipment [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

US Treasury Securities

US Treasury Securities

Foreign Government Debt Securities

Foreign Government Debt Securities

Corporate Debt Securities

Corporate Debt Securities

Time Deposits

Time Deposits

Equity Securities

Equity Securities

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Returns Roll Forward [Abstract]

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Allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns, balance at beginning of period

$8,240,000

$8,584,000

$6,196,000

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Additions to allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns

4,386,000

7,298,000

9,932,000

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Deductions from allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns

-5,569,000

-7,642,000

-7,544,000

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Allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns, balance at end of period

7,057,000

8,240,000

8,584,000

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Allowance for doubtful accounts description

'Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility.

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Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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Consolidated entities

'The Company consolidates entities in which it owns or controls fifty percent or more of the voting shares.

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Percent of net sales derived from operations outside United States

71.00%

71.00%

71.00%

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Foreign currency transactions disclosures

'Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the years presented.

'Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the years presented.

'Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the years presented.

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Percent of net sales to pharmaceutical industry

52.00%

53.00%

52.00%

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Cost method of investments disclosures

'The Company accounts for its investments that represent less than twenty percent ownership, and for which the Company does not have significant influence, using the accounting standards for investments in debt and equity securities. Investments for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, and for which there is not a readily determinable market value, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and carries them at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value.

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method of investments disclosures

'For investments in which the Company owns or controls between twenty and forty-nine percent of the voting shares, or over which it exerts significant influence over operating and financial policies, the equity method of accounting is used. The Company’s share of net income or losses of equity investments is included in the consolidated statements of operations and was not material in any period presented.

'The Company’s share of net income or losses of equity investments is included in the consolidated statements of operations and was not material in any period presented.

'The Company’s share of net income or losses of equity investments is included in the consolidated statements of operations and was not material in any period presented.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term investments

3,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising expense

11,000,000

13,000,000

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of net sales to an individual customer

2.00%

2.00%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of foreign exchange contracts

104,000,000

134,000,000

161,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses) on forward foreign exchange contracts

9,027,000

5,902,000

-3,268,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Realized gains (losses) on foreign exchange contracts

8,666,000

4,186,000

-2,233,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign exchange contracts

361,000

1,716,000

-1,035,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of foreign exchange contracts

'The periods of these forward contracts typically range from one to three months and have varying notional amounts, which are intended to be consistent with changes in the underlying exposures.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments, Fair Value

1,399,840,000

1,159,372,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

556,539,000

470,421,000

139,670,000

313,237,000

629,434,000

311,607,000

74,050,000

64,037,000

147,000

70,000

'

'

556,539,000

470,421,000

139,670,000

313,237,000

629,434,000

311,607,000

74,050,000

64,037,000

147,000

70,000

Other cash equivalents

62,851,000

44,850,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,851,000

44,850,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets

31,203,000

24,827,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,203,000

24,827,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward foreign exchange contract assets

929,000

1,173,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

929,000

1,173,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of total assets measured on a recurring basis

1,494,823,000

1,230,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,494,823,000

1,230,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward foreign exchange contract liabilities

88,000

693,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88,000

693,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of total liabilities measured on a recurring basis

88,000

693,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88,000

693,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash equivalents description

'Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, primarily in bank deposits, U.S. and U.K. treasury bill money market funds and commercial paper.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

1,804,000,000

1,539,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,738,000,000

1,489,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

1,190,000,000

1,045,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

398,000,000

413,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, average useful life in years

'8 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'11 years

'1 year

'15 years

'7 years

'5 years

'3 years

'10 years

'8 years

'8 years

'1 year

'13 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized software development costs for software sold to customers, net

151,000,000

138,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additions to capitalized software development costs for software sold to customers

35,000,000

34,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Useful life of property, plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'15 years

'5 years

'3 years

'30 years

'10 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment disposition disclosures

'There were no material gains or losses from retirement or sale of assets in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

'There were no material gains or losses from retirement or sale of assets in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

'There were no material gains or losses from retirement or sale of assets in 2013, 2012 and 2011.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized costs for sofware developed for internal use, net

3,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program authorization amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

750,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock shares acquired

'

'

'

3.1

3.5

4.5

'

'

'

4.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock

301,580,000

295,878,000

370,835,000

295,000,000

290,000,000

364,000,000

6,000,000

6,000,000

6,000,000

402,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program remaining amount authorized for future purchases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

348,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program period, in years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warranty Accrual Roll Forward [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued warranty liability, balance at beginning of period

12,353,000

13,258,000

11,272,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accruals for warranties

8,466,000

7,212,000

10,175,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlements made

-7,857,000

-8,117,000

-8,189,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued warranty liability, balance at end of period

$12,962,000

$12,353,000

$13,258,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	$1,399,712	$1,160,955	'
Unrealized Gain	'	371	'	'
Unrealized Loss	'	-243	-1,583	'
Fair Value	'	1,399,840	1,159,372	'
Debt securities due in one year or less	'	1,011,459	1,057,990	'
Debt securities due after one year through two years	'	314,184	'	'
Debt securities	'	1,325,643	1,057,990	'
Loss on investments	-1,575	-1,575	'	'
Realized investment gains losses, description	'	'Realized gains and losses on sales of investments were not material in 2013, 2012 and 2011.	'Realized gains and losses on sales of investments were not material in 2013, 2012 and 2011.	'Realized gains and losses on sales of investments were not material in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	36,966	101,382	'
Fair Value	'	36,966	101,382	'
Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	1,362,746	1,059,573	'
Unrealized Gain	'	371	'	'
Unrealized Loss	'	-243	-1,583	'
Fair Value	'	1,362,874	1,057,990	'
US Treasury Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	556,438	470,421	'
Unrealized Gain	'	111	'	'
Unrealized Loss	'	-10	'	'
Fair Value	'	556,539	470,421	'
Foreign Government Debt Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	139,670	313,237	'
Fair Value	'	139,670	313,237	'
Corporate Debt Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	629,477	311,607	'
Unrealized Gain	'	190	'	'
Unrealized Loss	'	-233	'	'
Fair Value	'	629,434	311,607	'
Time Deposits	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	74,050	64,037	'
Fair Value	'	74,050	64,037	'
Equity Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	77	1,653	'
Unrealized Gain	'	70	'	'
Unrealized Loss	'	'	-1,583	'
Fair Value	'	$147	$70	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Items, Net Of Reserves Alternative [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$76,930	$73,280
Work in progress	19,656	16,133
Finished goods	146,214	140,152
Total inventories	$242,800	$229,565

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$659,349,000	$587,323,000	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment	-334,417,000	-314,044,000	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	324,932,000	273,279,000	'
Property, plant and equipment retirements and disposals	19,000,000	6,000,000	6,000,000
Land and land improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	37,156,000	35,734,000	'
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	205,638,000	196,554,000	'
Production and other equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	336,135,000	317,285,000	'
Construction in progress [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$80,420,000	$37,750,000	'

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 19, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

ULSP [Member]

LaserComp [Member]

LaserComp [Member]

LaserComp [Member]

ESS [Member]

ESS [Member]

ESS [Member]

Nonlinear Dynamics [Member]

Nonlinear Dynamics [Member]

Scarabaeus [Member]

Scarabaeus [Member]

Scarabaeus [Member]

Scarabaeus [Member]

Acquisitions in 2013 [Member]

Anter [Member]

Baehr [Member]

Baehr [Member]

Israeli sales and service distributor [Member]

Blue Reference [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Unpatented Technology [Member]

Unpatented Technology [Member]

Unpatented Technology [Member]

Software and Customer Relationships [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$295,000

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,616,000

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

975,000

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

350,350,000

316,834,000

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

20,000,000

'

3,000,000

'

'

31,231,000

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets acquired

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

3,000,000

'

2,000,000

'

'

10,844,000

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

377,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,338,000

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued expenses and other liabilities acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,013,000

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liability acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,635,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cash consideration paid for acquired entity

'

'

3,000,000

12,000,000

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

23,000,000

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

41,690,000

11,000,000

12,000,000

'

6,000,000

14,000,000

Debt acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000

'

'

Weighted-average useful life of acquired intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'10 years

'

'

'10 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'10 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma effect of business acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

The pro forma effect of the ongoing operations for Waters, LaserComp, ESS, Nonlinear Dynamics, Scarabaeus, Blue Reference, the Israeli sales and service distributor, Baehr and Anter, either individually or in the aggregate, as though these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the periods covered by this report was not significant.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Purchased intangibles [Member]

Purchased intangibles [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Capitalized software [Member]

Licenses [Member]

Licenses [Member]

Patents and other intangibles [Member]

Patents and other intangibles [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Acquisitions in 2013 [Member]

New software platform [Member]

Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

$350,350,000

$316,834,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$31,231,000

Goodwill foreign currency translation adjustments

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,844,000

Intangible assets, gross foreign currency translation adjustments

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, accumulated amortization foreign currency translation adjustments

9,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of intangibles

41,530,000

31,409,000

29,856,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

4,000,000

'

Estimated future amortization expense for the next twelve months, range minimum

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for the next twelve months, range maximum

49,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year two, range minimum

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year two, range maximum

49,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year three, range minimum

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year three, range maximum

49,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year four, range minimum

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year four, range maximum

49,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year five, range minimum

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated future amortization expense for year five, range maximum

49,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, gross

561,485,000

495,740,000

'

167,604,000

154,749,000

340,070,000

293,589,000

'

3,909,000

7,112,000

49,902,000

40,290,000

'

'

'

Intangible assets, accumulated amortization

322,373,000

275,595,000

'

105,347,000

94,498,000

189,415,000

155,394,000

'

3,390,000

6,361,000

24,221,000

19,342,000

'

'

'

Intangible assets, average useful life in years

'8 years

'7 years

'

'10 years

'11 years

'7 years

'5 years

'10 years

'7 years

'6 years

'8 years

'8 years

'

'

'

Intangible assets, net

$239,112,000

$220,145,000

'

'

'

'

'

$112,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 01, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 01, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 15, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 15, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 15, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 15, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 25, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 25, 2013

Long Term Debt [Member]

Long Term Debt [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series A [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series A [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series A [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series B [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series B [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series B [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series C [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series C [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series C [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series D [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series D [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series D [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series E [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series E [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series E [Member]

Foreign subsidiary lines of credit [Member]

Foreign subsidiary lines of credit [Member]

Unsecured debt [Member]

Unsecured debt [Member]

Unsecured debt [Member]

Credit Agreement dated July 2011 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated July 2011 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated July 2011 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated June 2013 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated June 2013 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated June 2013 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated June 2013 [Member]

Revolving facilities [Member]

Term loan facility [Member]

Revolving facilities [Member]

Revolving facilities [Member]

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face value of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

$1,100,000,000

Stated interest rate on debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.75%

'

'

5.00%

'

'

2.50%

'

'

3.22%

'

'

3.97%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate terms on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The interest rates applicable to the 2013 Credit Agreement are, at the Company’s option, equal to either the alternate base rate calculated daily (which is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 1/2% per annum, or (c) the adjusted LIBO rate on such day (or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) for a deposit in U.S. dollars with a maturity of one month plus 1% per annum) or the applicable 1, 2, 3 or 6 month adjusted LIBO rate, in each case, plus an interest rate margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio, which can range between 0 to 12.5 basis points for alternate base rate loans and between 75 basis points and 112.5 basis points for adjusted LIBO rate loans.

'

'

'

Debt facility fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The facility fee on the 2013 Credit Agreement ranges between 12.5 basis points and 25 basis points.

'

'

'

Call feature on debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Company may prepay all or some of the senior unsecured notes at any time in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding, plus the applicable make-whole amount. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the note purchase agreement) of the Company, the Company may be required to prepay the senior unsecured notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt covenant description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'These senior unsecured notes require that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter.

'

'

'

'

'

'The 2013 Credit Agreement requires that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter.

'

'

'

Notes payable and debt

133,346,000

132,781,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,346,000

7,781,000

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

125,000,000

'

Long-term debt

1,190,000,000

1,045,000,000

'

'

100,000,000

100,000,000

'

100,000,000

100,000,000

'

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

100,000,000

100,000,000

'

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

645,000,000

'

790,000,000

'

490,000,000

'

Total debt

1,323,346,000

1,177,781,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest rate

'

'

1.94%

2.11%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unused borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

428,000,000

'

483,000,000

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

87,000,000

107,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Voluntary prepayment of long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$860,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8.20%	5.40%	15.00%
Percentage point change in effective tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6.9	-8.6	-0.3
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit related to stock option plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$15,842,000	$10,568,000	$32,239,000
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,000,000,000	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from operations before income taxes	169,325,000	112,657,000	104,716,000	103,407,000	153,032,000	115,822,000	114,276,000	104,495,000	490,105,000	487,625,000	509,252,000
Current income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39,933,000	78,401,000	82,108,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	169,000	-52,219,000	-5,824,000
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-702,000	39,840,000	33,242,000
State income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,142,000	5,599,000	5,661,000
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,662,000	-19,257,000	37,381,000
Federal tax computed at U.S. statutory income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	171,537,000	170,669,000	178,238,000
Settlement of tax audits	'	'	'	-30,552,000	-6,035,000	'	'	'	-30,552,000	-6,035,000	-1,617,000
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,342,000	3,639,000	3,679,000
Net effect of foreign operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-96,461,000	-102,858,000	-100,911,000
Recognition of deferred tax asset associated with non-U.S. net operating loss	'	'	'	'	-36,410,000	'	'	'	'	-36,410,000	'
Other income tax reconciliation adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,764,000	-2,823,000	-3,105,000
Provision for income taxes	27,743,000	14,609,000	15,402,000	-17,652,000	-22,912,000	16,713,000	16,552,000	15,829,000	40,102,000	26,182,000	76,284,000
Related to Fiscal Year 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
R&D Tax Credit	'	'	'	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	3,000,000	'	'
Domestic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	116,067,000	116,071,000	102,998,000
Marginal effective income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37.50%	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$374,038,000	$371,554,000	$406,254,000
Ireland [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marginal effective income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12.50%	'	'
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marginal effective income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23.25%	'	'
Singapore [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marginal effective income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	'	'
Statutory tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17.00%	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards and credits deferred tax assets	$116,567,000	$119,405,000
Depreciation deferred tax assets	7,163,000	14,555,000
Stock-based compensation deferred tax assets	22,684,000	25,024,000
Deferred compensation deferred tax assets	25,391,000	29,666,000
Revaluation of equity method investments deferred tax assets	3,832,000	3,919,000
Inventory deferred tax assets	3,651,000	3,658,000
Accrued liabilities and reserves deferred tax assets	23,268,000	36,711,000
Other deferred tax assets	15,289,000	19,038,000
Total deferred tax assets	217,845,000	251,976,000
Valuation allowance	-94,952,000	-93,576,000
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	122,893,000	158,400,000
Capitalized software deferred tax liabilities	-18,012,000	-15,726,000
Amortization deferred tax liabilities	-3,798,000	-3,980,000
Indefinite-lived intangibles deferred tax liabilities	-18,840,000	-18,252,000
Other deferred tax liabilities	0	-4,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	-40,650,000	-37,962,000
Net deferred tax assets	82,243,000	120,438,000
Current net deferred tax assets	32,000,000	51,000,000
Noncurrent net deferred tax assets	69,000,000	69,000,000
Current net deferred tax liabilities	1,000,000	'
Noncurrent net deferred tax liabilities	18,000,000	'
Refinancing of inter-company debt [Member]	'	'
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards and credits deferred tax assets	'	111,000,000
Valuation allowance	'	-75,000,000
Net operating losses and credits [Member]	'	'
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$32,000,000	'

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at the beginning of the period	$64,390,000	$64,390,000	$73,199,000	$71,523,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from settlements with taxing authorities	'	-35,279,000	-5,625,000	'
Other changes in uncertain tax benefits	'	-4,395,000	-3,184,000	1,676,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at the end of the period	'	24,716,000	64,390,000	73,199,000
Reversal of interest on unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	'	2,000,000
Provision for income tax audit settlement	'	4,000,000	'	'
Net tax benefit related to completed tax audit examinations	31,000,000	31,000,000	'	'
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months	'	$6,000,000	'	'

Litigation_Details

Litigation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Litigation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Litigation provisions (Note 10)	$4,434	$3,000	$7,434

Other_Commitments_and_Continge2

Other Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rental expense	$30,000,000	$30,000,000	$28,000,000
Future minimum rents payable, year 1	23,668,000	'	'
Future minimum rents payable, year 2	17,953,000	'	'
Future minimum rents payable, year 3	11,475,000	'	'
Future minimum rents payable, year 4	7,276,000	'	'
Future minimum rents payable in five years and thereafter	$18,060,000	'	'
Future minimum license fees payable	'Future minimum license fees payable under existing license agreements as of December 31, 2013 are immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2014 and thereafter.	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

12-May-09

Range $33.12 to $48.99 [Member]

Range $49.00 to $78.99 [Member]

Range $79.00 to $103.47 [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Unit Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Unit Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Unit Plan [Member]

Cost of sales [Member]

Cost of sales [Member]

Cost of sales [Member]

Selling and administrative expenses [Member]

Selling and administrative expenses [Member]

Selling and administrative expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan of 2009 [Member]

Additional Disclosures Related to Stock Options [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of options exercised in the period

$64,000,000

$31,000,000

$67,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of options outstanding

113,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average remaining contractual term of options exercisable

'4 years 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of options outstanding which are vested and expected to vest

3,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options which are vested and expect to vest

113,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options which are vested and expected to vest

$70.89

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average remaining contractual term of outstanding options which are vested and expected to vest

'6 years 1 month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum contribution allowed under employee stock purchase plan as % of employee's earnings

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total number of shares authorized for purchase under employee stock purchase plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

Total number of shares purchased under employee stock purchase plan

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price calculation for shares of stock under employee stock purchase plan

'The purchase price for each share of stock is the lesser of 90% of the market price on the first day of the plan period or 100% of the market price on the last day of the plan period.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense related to employee stock purchase plan

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plan period employee stock purchase plan, in months

3

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

Stock-Based Compensation Allocation of Recognized Period Expense [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocated stock-based compensation expense

31,708,000

29,183,000

27,579,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,523,000

2,694,000

2,566,000

25,252,000

22,679,000

21,891,000

3,933,000

3,810,000

3,122,000

'

Stock-Based Compensation by Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares available for grant

4,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Terms of stock-based awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Options generally will expire no later than ten years after the date on which they are granted and will become exercisable as directed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and generally vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period.

'

'

'

'

'

'Restricted stock units are generally issued annually in February and vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested shares at beginning of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

574,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

12,000

12,000

303,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-207,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-28,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested shares at end of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,000

'

'

642,000

574,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares unvested at beginning of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$67.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$88.71

$78.10

$61.63

$94.74

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$60.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$72.27

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares unvested at end of period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$82.16

$67.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

12,000,000

13,000,000

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

45,000,000

45,000,000

'

'

'

37,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards, less than $1 million

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'less than $1 million

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 5 months

'

'

'0 years 11 months

'

'

'3 years 8 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from stock plans

68,958,000

28,869,000

60,153,000

'

'

'

64,000,000

24,000,000

56,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Options by Exercise Price Range [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of outstanding options

'

'

'

901,000

840,000

2,176,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options

'

'

'

$43.85

$64.59

$84.86

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding

'6 years 4 months

'

'

'2 years 5 months

'5 years 0 months

'8 years 5 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of options exercisable

2,242,000

2,900,000

2,900,000

898,000

707,000

637,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of exercisable options

$60.88

$54

$47.95

$43.88

$64.68

$80.63

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Option Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, risk free interest rate

1.70%

1.00%

1.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, expected life in years

'5 years

'6 years

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, expected volatility

24.80%

26.50%

37.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, expected dividends

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted

$27.37

$23.97

$29.67

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Options Outstanding Roll Forward [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding at beginning of period

4,809,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options granted

428,000

699,000

658,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercised

-1,281,000

-630,000

-1,381,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options canceled

-39,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding at end of period

3,917,000

4,809,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding at beginning of period

$63.34

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of options granted

$97.74

$86.55

$79.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of options exercised

$50.89

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options canceled

$72.42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding at end of period

$71.08

$63.34

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options outstanding at beginning of period, lower range limit

$23.19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options outstanding at beginning of period, upper range limit

$87.06

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options granted, lower range limit

$88.71

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options granted, upper range limit

$103.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options exercised, lower range limit

$23.19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options exercised, upper range limit

$79.15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options canceled, lower range limit

$36.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options canceled, upper range limit

$79.15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options outstanding at end of period, lower range limit

$33.12

$23.19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options outstanding at end of period, upper range limit

$103.47

$87.06

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$141,582	$98,048	$89,314	$121,059	$175,944	$99,109	$97,724	$88,666	$450,003	$461,443	$432,968
Net income per basic common share	$1.67	$1.15	$1.04	$1.41	$2.03	$1.13	$1.11	$1	$5.27	$5.25	$4.77
Net income per diluted common share	$1.65	$1.14	$1.03	$1.39	$2	$1.12	$1.09	$0.98	$5.20	$5.19	$4.69
Weighted-average number of basic common shares	85,006,000	85,185,000	85,482,000	86,049,000	86,712,000	87,411,000	88,317,000	88,992,000	85,426,000	87,841,000	90,833,000
Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,120,000	1,138,000	1,492,000
Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents	86,017,000	86,364,000	86,576,000	87,215,000	87,851,000	88,451,000	89,381,000	90,269,000	86,546,000	88,979,000	92,325,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,100,000	2,000,000	1,300,000

Retirement_Plans_Details_1

Retirement Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Method used to amortize net gains and losses in defined benefit plan	'amortize cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the larger of the market-related value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation over the expected future service of active participants.	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual vesting percentage on 401(k) match	100.00%	'	'
Annual vesting percentage on employee 401(k) contributions	100.00%	'	'
Other Non-U S Retirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Retirement Plan Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Company contributions to retirement plans	$12,000,000	$11,000,000	$10,000,000
U S Defined Contribution Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee 401(k) contributions, lower range limit	1.00%	'	'
Employee 401(k) contributions, upper range limit	30.00%	'	'
Company 401(k) matching contribution rate	100.00%	'	'
Company 401(k) matching contribution limit	6.00%	'	'
Company contributions to defined contribution plans	13,000,000	12,000,000	12,000,000
Minimum	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated future employer contributions to defined benefit plans in the next fiscal year	8,000,000	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated future employer contributions to defined benefit plans in the next fiscal year	10,000,000	'	'
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	134,592,000	145,045,000	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	$58,471,000	$55,937,000	'

Retirement_Plans_Details_2

Retirement Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation, beginning balance	$145,047	$136,256	'
Service cost, including contributions by plan participants	0	9	'
Interest cost	5,505	5,806	6,166
Actuarial (gains) losses	-13,328	6,184	'
Benefits paid	-2,631	-3,208	'
Projected benefit obligation, ending balance	134,593	145,047	136,256
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation, beginning balance	10,788	9,146	'
Service cost, including contributions by plan participants	1,733	1,447	'
Interest cost	333	350	364
Actuarial (gains) losses	-1,292	325	'
Benefits paid	-542	-480	'
Projected benefit obligation, ending balance	11,020	10,788	9,146
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation, beginning balance	64,857	29,195	'
Service cost, including contributions by plan participants	5,079	4,318	'
Interest cost	1,966	1,988	1,079
Actuarial (gains) losses	-925	5,790	'
Benefits paid	-1,743	-1,011	'
Plan amendments impact on projected benefit obligation	232	'	'
Other plans' impact on projected benefit obligation	227	25,041	'
Foreign currency impact on projected benefit obligation	-577	-464	'
Projected benefit obligation, ending balance	$69,116	$64,857	$29,195

Retirement_Plans_Details_3

Retirement Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance	$175,952	$147,788
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance	106,572	91,610
Actual return on defined benefit plan assets	19,755	11,761
Company contributions	4,820	6,409
Benefits paid	-2,631	-3,208
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance	128,516	106,572
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance	5,357	4,319
Actual return on defined benefit plan assets	693	516
Company contributions	290	275
Employee contributions	818	727
Benefits paid	-542	-480
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance	6,616	5,357
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance	35,859	12,798
Actual return on defined benefit plan assets	1,948	1,007
Company contributions	4,104	4,243
Employee contributions	612	566
Benefits paid	-1,743	-1,011
Other plans' impact on fair value of defined benefit plan assets	'	18,382
Foreign currency impact on plan assets	40	-126
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance	$40,820	$35,859

Retirement_Plans_Details_4

Retirement Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	$175,952	$147,788	'
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	-134,593	-145,047	-136,256
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	128,516	106,572	91,610
Funded status of defined benefit plan	-6,077	-38,475	'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	-11,020	-10,788	-9,146
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6,616	5,357	4,319
Funded status of defined benefit plan	-4,404	-5,431	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	-69,116	-64,857	-29,195
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	40,820	35,859	12,798
Funded status of defined benefit plan	($28,296)	($28,998)	'

Retirement_Plans_Details_5

Retirement Plans (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term portion of retirement benefits	($74,723)	($101,225)
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Current defined benefit plan liabilities	0	-140
Long-term portion of retirement benefits	-6,077	-38,335
Net amount of defined benefit plan recognized in balance sheet	-6,077	-38,475
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Current defined benefit plan liabilities	-262	-283
Long-term portion of retirement benefits	-4,142	-5,148
Net amount of defined benefit plan recognized in balance sheet	-4,404	-5,431
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term defined benefit plan assets	1,370	1,407
Current defined benefit plan liabilities	-193	-175
Long-term portion of retirement benefits	-29,473	-30,230
Net amount of defined benefit plan recognized in balance sheet	($28,296)	($28,998)

Retirement_Plans_Details_6

Retirement Plans (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	($31,566)	$11,092	$18,835
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	0	9	7
Interest cost	5,505	5,806	6,166
Expected return on plan assets	-8,034	-7,619	-7,443
Net amortization: Net actuarial loss	3,432	3,009	1,782
Net periodic pension cost	903	1,205	512
Net (loss) gain arising	-25,048	2,042	23,170
Amortization: Net loss recognized in net periodic pension cost	-3,432	-3,009	-1,782
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-28,480	-967	21,388
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	915	720	545
Interest cost	333	350	364
Expected return on plan assets	-355	-287	-277
Net amortization: Prior service credit	-54	-54	-53
Net periodic pension cost	839	729	579
Net (loss) gain arising	-1,629	96	546
Amortization: Prior service credit recognized in net periodic pension cost	54	54	53
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,575	150	599
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	4,467	3,752	1,872
Interest cost	1,966	1,988	1,079
Expected return on plan assets	-901	-838	-313
Net amortization: Prior service credit	-216	-267	-89
Net amortization: Net actuarial loss	516	367	37
Net periodic pension cost	5,832	5,002	2,586
Prior service credit (cost)	232	0	-3,619
Net (loss) gain arising	-1,940	5,622	481
Amortization: Prior service credit recognized in net periodic pension cost	216	267	89
Amortization: Net loss recognized in net periodic pension cost	-516	-367	-37
Other plans' impact on other comprehensive income (loss)	0	5,970	0
Foreign currency impact on defined benefit plan amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	497	424	55
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	($1,511)	$11,916	($3,031)

Retirement_Plans_Details_7

Retirement Plans (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plan recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	($27,999)	($56,479)
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-27,999	-56,479
Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plan to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year	-1,941	'
Defined benefit plan amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the next fiscal year	-1,941	'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plan recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	1,233	-395
Prior service credit from defined benefit plan recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	52	105
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,285	-290
Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plan to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year	16	'
Prior service credit from defined benefit plan to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year	52	'
Defined benefit plan amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the next fiscal year	68	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plan recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	-11,190	-13,674
Prior service credit from defined benefit plan recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	1,933	2,938
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,257	-10,736
Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plan to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year	-373	'
Prior service credit from defined benefit plan to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year	187	'
Defined benefit plan amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the next fiscal year	($186)	'

Retirement_Plans_Details_8

Retirement Plans (Details 8)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity Securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	75.00%	65.00%
U.S. Pension Plans | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	24.00%	33.00%
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	1.00%	2.00%
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Equity Securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	59.00%	57.00%
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	25.00%	22.00%
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	16.00%	21.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	16.00%	17.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Insurance Contracts and Other [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total defined benefit plan asset allocation	84.00%	83.00%

Retirement_Plans_Details_9

Retirement Plans (Details 9)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan investment goals	'The asset allocation policy for the U.S. Pension Plans and U.S. retiree healthcare plan was developed in consideration of the following long-term investment objectives: achieving a return on assets consistent with the investment policy, achieving portfolio returns which exceed the average return for similarly invested funds and maximizing portfolio returns with at least a return of 2.5% above the one-year constant maturity Treasury bond yield over reasonable measurement periods and based on reasonable market cycles.
Defined benefit plan diversification	'The Company targets a 20% allocation of its U.S. retirement plans’ equity portfolio to be invested in financial markets outside of the United States.
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Equity Securities	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	60.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Equity Securities | Minimum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	40.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Equity Securities | Maximum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	80.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	25.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	20.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	60.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	5.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Minimum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	0.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Maximum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	20.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Insurance Contracts and Other [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	10.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Insurance Contracts and Other [Member] | Minimum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	0.00%
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member] | Insurance Contracts and Other [Member] | Maximum	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	20.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Equity Securities	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	0.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Debt Securities [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	0.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	20.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Insurance Contracts and Other [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Target plan asset allocation in defined benefit plan	80.00%

Retirement_Plans_Details_10

Retirement Plans (Details 10) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	$175,952		$147,788		'
Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	132,830		108,114		'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	1,677		3,711		'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	41,445		35,963		13,057
U.S. Pension Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	128,516		106,572		91,610
U.S. Pension Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	120,841		97,716		'
U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	650		2,590		'
U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	7,025		6,266		'
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	117,718	[1]	93,061	[2]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Large-Cap U S Companies [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Components of plan asset categories	41.00%		34.00%		'
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | International Growth Companies [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Components of plan asset categories	33.00%		27.00%		'
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Components of plan asset categories	26.00%		39.00%		'
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	117,718	[1]	92,830	[2]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	'		231	[2]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity Securities	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	3,123	[3]	4,886	[3]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	3,123	[3]	4,886	[3]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	650	[4]	2,359	[4]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	650	[4]	2,359	[4]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	7,025	[5]	6,266	[5]	'
U.S. Pension Plans | Hedge Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	7,025	[5]	6,266	[5]	6,018
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6,616		5,357		4,319
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	5,589		4,236		'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	1,027		1,121		'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	5,589	[6]	4,236	[7]	'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | Large-Cap U S Companies [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Components of plan asset categories	58.00%		63.00%		'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | International Growth Companies [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Components of plan asset categories	12.00%		9.00%		'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Components of plan asset categories	30.00%		28.00%		'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	5,589	[6]	4,236	[7]	'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	1,027	[4]	1,121	[4]	'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	1,027	[4]	1,121	[4]	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	40,820		35,859		12,798
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6,400		6,162		'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	34,420		29,697		'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6,400	[4]	6,162	[4]	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6,400	[4]	6,162	[4]	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	34,420	[8]	29,697	[8]	'
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	$34,420	[8]	$29,697	[8]	$7,039
[1]	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 41% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 33% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 26% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
[2]	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 34% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 27% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 39% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
[3]	Represents primarily amounts invested in common stock of technology, healthcare, financial, energy and consumer staples and discretionary U.S. companies.
[4]	Primarily represents money market funds held with various financial institutions.
[5]	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.
[6]	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 58% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 12% in the common stock of international growth companies and 30% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
[7]	The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 63% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 9% in the common stock of international growth companies and 28% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
[8]	Amount represents bank and insurance guaranteed investment contracts.

Retirement_Plans_Details_11

Retirement Plans (Details 11) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Non-U.S. Pension Plans

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member]

Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member]

Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member]

Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, beginning balance

$175,952

$147,788

$35,963

$13,057

$128,516

$106,572

$91,610

$7,025

$6,266

$7,025

[1]

$6,266

[1]

$6,266

[1]

$6,018

$12,798

$40,820

$34,420

$29,697

$34,420

[2]

$29,697

[2]

$29,697

[2]

$7,039

Net purchases (sales) and appreciation (depreciation) of defined benefit plan assets

'

'

5,482

4,524

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

759

248

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,723

4,276

Other plans' impact on fair value of defined benefit plan assets

'

'

'

18,382

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,382

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,382

Fair value of defined benefit plan assets, ending balance

$175,952

$147,788

$41,445

$35,963

$128,516

$106,572

$91,610

$7,025

$6,266

$7,025

[1]

$6,266

[1]

$7,025

[1]

$6,266

[1]

$35,859

$40,820

$34,420

$29,697

$34,420

[2]

$29,697

[2]

$34,420

[2]

$29,697

[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.

Retirement_Plans_Details_12

Retirement Plans (Details 12)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate assumptions used in calculating projected benefit obligation	4.82%	3.90%	4.33%
Rate of compensation increase assumptions used in calculating projected benefit obligation	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Discount rate assumptions used in calculating net periodic pension cost	3.61%	4.26%	5.10%
Return on assets assumptions used in calculating net periodic pension cost	6.94%	7.12%	7.20%
Rate of compensation increase assumptions used in calculating net periodic pension cost	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate assumptions used in calculating projected benefit obligation	3.29%	3.10%	3.29%
Rate of compensation increase assumptions used in calculating projected benefit obligation	2.54%	2.59%	2.91%
Discount rate assumptions used in calculating net periodic pension cost	3.10%	3.29%	3.63%
Return on assets assumptions used in calculating net periodic pension cost	2.40%	1.88%	2.50%
Rate of compensation increase assumptions used in calculating net periodic pension cost	2.59%	2.91%	2.90%
Waters Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effect of one-quarter percentage point increase in discount rate on net periodic benefit cost	'less than $1 million	'	'
Effect of one-quarter percentage point increase in return on assets on net periodic benefit cost	'less than $1 million	'	'

Retirement_Plans_Details_13

Retirement Plans (Details 13) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Expected future benefit payments, year 1	$8,144
Expected future benefit payments, year 2	8,367
Expected future benefit payments, year 3	10,752
Expected future benefit payments, year 4	9,941
Expected future benefit payments, year 5	10,495
Expected future benefit payments, year 6-10	69,890
U. S. Pension Plans And U. S. Retiree Healthcare Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Expected future benefit payments, year 1	7,162
Expected future benefit payments, year 2	7,191
Expected future benefit payments, year 3	7,516
Expected future benefit payments, year 4	8,097
Expected future benefit payments, year 5	8,654
Expected future benefit payments, year 6-10	55,140
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Expected future benefit payments, year 1	982
Expected future benefit payments, year 2	1,176
Expected future benefit payments, year 3	3,236
Expected future benefit payments, year 4	1,844
Expected future benefit payments, year 5	1,841
Expected future benefit payments, year 6-10	$14,750

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Product sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,312,503	$1,280,507	$1,322,136
Service sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	591,715	563,134	529,048
Total net sales	565,448	457,317	451,115	430,338	521,766	449,952	451,465	420,458	1,904,218	1,843,641	1,851,184
Maximum percentage of net sales to an individual customer	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Long-lived assets	324,932	'	'	'	273,279	'	'	'	324,932	273,279	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	557,734	531,912	530,606
Long-lived assets	174,143	'	'	'	173,932	'	'	'	174,143	173,932	'
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	573,786	549,341	574,770
Long-lived assets	138,962	'	'	'	89,389	'	'	'	138,962	89,389	'
China [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	240,535	212,701	175,409
Japan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	170,115	207,340	211,893
Asia Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	216,229	215,612	222,082
Total Asia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	626,879	635,653	609,384
Long-lived assets	10,412	'	'	'	8,467	'	'	'	10,412	8,467	'
Other Geographic Area [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	145,819	126,735	136,424
Long-lived assets	1,415	'	'	'	1,491	'	'	'	1,415	1,491	'
Waters instrument systems [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	840,608	828,458	878,367
Chemistry [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	304,130	294,787	292,506
TA instrument systems [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	167,765	157,262	151,263
Waters service [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	532,323	509,412	480,553
TA service [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$59,392	$53,722	$48,495

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_De

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$41,530,000	$31,409,000	$29,856,000
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement of tax audits	'	'	'	-30,552,000	-6,035,000	'	'	'	-30,552,000	-6,035,000	-1,617,000
Recognition of deferred tax asset associated with non-U.S. net operating loss	'	'	'	'	-36,410,000	'	'	'	'	-36,410,000	'
Unaudited Quarterly Results [Line items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	565,448,000	457,317,000	451,115,000	430,338,000	521,766,000	449,952,000	451,465,000	420,458,000	1,904,218,000	1,843,641,000	1,851,184,000
Cost of sales	228,991,000	191,568,000	188,329,000	174,568,000	208,363,000	182,702,000	179,259,000	167,290,000	783,456,000	737,614,000	730,493,000
Gross profit	336,457,000	265,749,000	262,786,000	255,770,000	313,403,000	267,250,000	272,206,000	253,168,000	1,120,762,000	1,106,027,000	1,120,691,000
Selling and administrative expenses	130,680,000	120,563,000	123,062,000	118,660,000	122,147,000	115,322,000	122,682,000	117,119,000	492,965,000	477,270,000	490,011,000
Research and development expenses	26,975,000	23,599,000	24,650,000	25,312,000	24,958,000	23,756,000	23,943,000	23,347,000	100,536,000	96,004,000	92,347,000
Purchased intangibles amortization	2,625,000	2,518,000	2,382,000	2,393,000	2,459,000	6,427,000	2,458,000	2,485,000	9,918,000	13,829,000	9,733,000
Litigation provisions (Note 10)	'	'	'	'	4,434,000	'	3,000,000	'	'	7,434,000	'
Operating income	176,177,000	119,069,000	112,692,000	109,405,000	159,405,000	121,745,000	120,123,000	110,217,000	517,343,000	511,490,000	528,600,000
Other expense (Note 3)	'	'	-1,575,000	'	'	'	'	'	-1,575,000	'	'
Interest expense	-7,927,000	-7,358,000	-7,580,000	-7,185,000	-7,597,000	-7,107,000	-6,878,000	-6,491,000	-30,050,000	-28,073,000	-21,971,000
Interest income	1,075,000	946,000	1,179,000	1,187,000	1,224,000	1,184,000	1,031,000	769,000	4,387,000	4,208,000	2,623,000
Income from operations before income taxes	169,325,000	112,657,000	104,716,000	103,407,000	153,032,000	115,822,000	114,276,000	104,495,000	490,105,000	487,625,000	509,252,000
Provision for income taxes	27,743,000	14,609,000	15,402,000	-17,652,000	-22,912,000	16,713,000	16,552,000	15,829,000	40,102,000	26,182,000	76,284,000
Net income	141,582,000	98,048,000	89,314,000	121,059,000	175,944,000	99,109,000	97,724,000	88,666,000	450,003,000	461,443,000	432,968,000
Net income per basic common share	$1.67	$1.15	$1.04	$1.41	$2.03	$1.13	$1.11	$1	$5.27	$5.25	$4.77
Weighted-average number of basic common shares	85,006	85,185	85,482	86,049	86,712	87,411	88,317	88,992	85,426	87,841	90,833
Net income per diluted common share	$1.65	$1.14	$1.03	$1.39	$2	$1.12	$1.09	$0.98	$5.20	$5.19	$4.69
Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents	86,017	86,364	86,576	87,215	87,851	88,451	89,381	90,269	86,546	88,979	92,325
Related to Fiscal Year 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
R&D Tax Credit	'	'	'	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	3,000,000	'	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	'	'	'	'	'	$4,000,000	'	'	'	$4,000,000	'

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Valuation allowance, beginning balance	$93,576	$10,248	$10,361
Valuation allowance charged to provision for income taxes	484	80,974	63
Valuation allowance amounts recorded in additional paid in capital	892	2,354	-176
Valuation allowance, ending balance	$94,952	$93,576	$10,248