Waters (WAT) 10-Q 1 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WATERS CORP /DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001000697	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Document Period End Date	28-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
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	$8,843,973,000	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	83,964,134

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$428,691	$440,796
Investments	1,488,869	1,362,874
Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $7,732 and $7,057 at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	401,919	430,985
Inventories	272,764	242,800
Other current assets	88,363	78,800
Total current assets	2,680,606	2,556,255
Property, plant and equipment, net	328,598	324,932
Intangible assets, net	237,064	239,112
Goodwill	354,079	350,350
Other assets	127,183	111,980
Total assets	3,727,530	3,582,629
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable and debt	233,403	133,346
Accounts payable	65,086	64,961
Accrued employee compensation	30,613	43,305
Deferred revenue and customer advances	164,179	128,056
Accrued income taxes	3,959	19,770
Accrued warranty	12,475	12,962
Other current liabilities	84,875	85,132
Total current liabilities	594,590	487,532
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,160,000	1,190,000
Long-term portion of retirement benefits	59,875	74,723
Long-term income tax liability	23,407	25,436
Other long-term liabilities	46,173	41,765
Total long-term liabilities	1,289,455	1,331,924
Total liabilities	1,884,045	1,819,456
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6, 7 and 10)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 400,000 shares authorized, 156,107 and 155,246 shares issued, 83,941 and 84,819 shares outstanding at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,561	1,552
Additional paid-in capital	1,336,049	1,270,608
Retained earnings	4,129,724	3,962,893
Treasury stock, at cost, 72,166 and 70,427 shares at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-3,662,931	-3,477,759
Accumulated other comprehensive income	39,082	5,879
Total stockholders' equity	1,843,485	1,763,173
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,727,530	$3,582,629

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns	$7,732	$7,057
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	156,107,000	155,246,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	83,941,000	84,819,000
Treasury stock, shares	72,166,000	70,427,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Product sales	$321,265	$305,211	$606,060	$598,925
Service sales	160,536	145,904	306,249	282,528
Total net sales	481,801	451,115	912,309	881,453
Cost of product sales	131,303	123,704	253,778	237,456
Cost of service sales	70,550	64,625	135,794	125,441
Total cost of sales	201,853	188,329	389,572	362,897
Gross profit	279,948	262,786	522,737	518,556
Selling and administrative expenses	131,930	123,062	258,565	241,722
Research and development expenses	26,977	24,650	51,723	49,962
Purchased intangibles amortization	2,646	2,382	5,293	4,775
Operating income	118,395	112,692	207,156	222,097
Other expense (Note 2)	'	-1,575	'	-1,575
Interest expense	-7,971	-7,580	-15,460	-14,765
Interest income	1,700	1,179	3,158	2,366
Income from operations before income taxes	112,124	104,716	194,854	208,123
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	15,595	15,402	28,023	-2,250
Net income	$96,529	$89,314	$166,831	$210,373
Net income per basic common share	$1.14	$1.04	$1.97	$2.45
Weighted-average number of basic common shares	84,462	85,482	84,731	85,814
Net income per diluted common share	$1.13	$1.03	$1.95	$2.42
Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents	85,177	86,576	85,538	86,950

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Net income	$96,529	$89,314	$166,831	$210,373
Foreign currency translation	5,883	-765	32,600	-29,478
Unrealized gains on investments before reclassifications	594	203	736	145
Amounts reclassified to other expense	'	1,576	'	1,576
Unrealized gains on investments before income taxes	594	1,779	736	1,721
Income tax expense from unrealized gains on investments	-33	-550	-31	-535
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	561	1,229	705	1,186
Retirement liability adjustment before reclassifications	'	'	-931	'
Retirement liability amounts reclassified to selling and administrative expenses	516	973	1,032	1,735
Retirement liability adjustment before income taxes	516	973	101	1,735
Income tax expense from retirement liability adjustment	-335	-360	-203	-642
Retirement liability adjustment, net of tax	181	613	-102	1,093
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,625	1,077	33,203	-27,199
Comprehensive income	$103,154	$90,391	$200,034	$183,174

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$166,831	$210,373
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Provisions for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	1,511	1,090
Provisions on inventory	2,800	2,297
Stock-based compensation	16,353	15,307
Deferred income taxes	-7,912	-4,172
Depreciation	21,417	18,091
Amortization of intangibles	23,800	19,593
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Decrease in accounts receivable	28,870	25,966
Increase in inventories	-31,558	-20,822
Increase in other current assets	-6,838	-2,729
Increase in other assets	-10,545	-8,453
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities	-5,727	-44,107
Increase in deferred revenue and customer advances	36,835	24,914
Decrease in other liabilities	-13,750	-528
Net cash provided by operating activities	222,087	236,820
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant, equipment and software capitalization	-44,151	-61,276
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-3,615	'
Purchase of investments	-1,178,731	-1,563,959
Maturity of investments	1,052,736	1,427,272
Net cash used in investing activities	-173,761	-197,963
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from debt issuances	76,424	961,171
Payments on debt	-6,367	-871,043
Payments of debt issuance costs	'	-1,958
Proceeds from stock plans	40,671	19,170
Purchase of treasury shares	-185,172	-171,079
Excess tax benefit related to stock option plans	8,871	6,634
(Payments for) proceeds from debt swaps and other derivative contracts	-100	4,029
Net cash used in financing activities	-65,673	-53,076
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	5,242	-11,771
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-12,105	-25,990
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	440,796	481,035
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$428,691	$455,045

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	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.
	The Company's interim fiscal quarter typically ends on the thirteenth Saturday of each quarter. Since the Company's fiscal year end is December 31, the first and fourth fiscal quarters may not consist of thirteen complete weeks. The Company's second fiscal quarters for 2014 and 2013 ended on June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively.
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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 at the dates of the financial statements. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	It is management's opinion that the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which are normal and recurring) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2014.
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, while investments with longer maturities are classified as investments. 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 June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $1,876 million out of $1,918 million and $1,738 million out of $1,804 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.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	During the three and six months ended June 28, 2014, the Company recorded a $4 million impairment charge related to a write-down in the fair value of a building in the U.K. The building is currently classified as held-for-sale and recorded in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 28, 2014 at a fair value of $5 million, which was determined based on a real estate market analysis.
	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 June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 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 June 28, 2014 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
								for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					Total at			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					28-Jun-14			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
		U.S. Treasury securities			$	547,668		$	-		$	547,668		$	-
		Foreign government securities				49,991			-			49,991			-
		Corporate debt securities				872,666			-			872,666			-
		Time deposits				67,367			-			67,367			-
		Equity securities				147			-			147			-
		Other cash equivalents				55,000			-			55,000			-
		Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets				32,830			-			32,830			-
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements			64			-			64			-
			Total		$	1,625,733		$	-		$	1,625,733		$	-
	Liabilities:
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements		$	180		$	-		$	180		$	-
			Total		$	180		$	-		$	180		$	-
	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 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 June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	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 June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Company's fixed interest rate debt was 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 $406 million and $398 million at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, using Level 2 inputs.
	Derivative Transactions
	The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage exposures to foreign currency by hedging 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 Brazilian real. At June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held forward foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $107 million and $104 million, respectively.
	The Company's foreign currency exchange contracts included in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):
				28-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
Other current assets			$	64		$	929
Other current liabilities			$	180		$	88
The following is a summary of the activity in the statements of operations related to the forward foreign exchange contracts (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13			28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13
Realized gains (losses) on closed contracts		$	214		$	3,335		$	-100		$	4,029
Unrealized losses on open contracts			-76			-128			-957			-698
Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses)		$	138		$	3,207		$	-1,057		$	3,331
Stockholders' Equity
In May 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a three-year period. In May 2014, the Company's Board of Directors also authorized the extension of the May 2012 program until May 2015, permitting the repurchase of the remaining $221 million under that program. During the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, the Company repurchased 1.7 million and 1.8 million shares of the Company's outstanding common stock at a cost of $178 million and $165 million, respectively, under the May 2012 authorization. As of June 28, 2014, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 6.0 million shares at a cost of $580 million under the May 2012 repurchase program, leaving a total of $920 million authorized for future repurchases. In addition, the Company repurchased $7 million and $6 million of common stock related to the vesting of restricted stock units during the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively.
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 six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 (in thousands):
		Balance at									Balance at
		Beginning			Accruals for			Settlements			End of
		of Period			Warranties			Made			Period
Accrued warranty liability:
28-Jun-14		$	12,962		$	3,230		$	-3,717		$	12,475
29-Jun-13		$	12,353		$	3,710		$	-3,955		$	12,108
Subsequent Events
The Company did not have any material subsequent events, except as described in Note 4 and Note 6.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]	'
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
	2 Marketable Securities
	The Company's marketable securities within cash equivalents and investments included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
			Cost		Gain		Loss		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	547,265	$	418	$	-15	$	547,668
	Foreign government securities			49,991		-		-		49,991
	Corporate debt securities			872,275		500		-109		872,666
	Time deposits			67,367		-		-		67,367
	Equity securities			77		70		-		147
		Total	$	1,536,975	$	988	$	-124	$	1,537,839
	Amounts included in:
		Cash equivalents	$	48,970	$	-	$	-	$	48,970
		Investments		1,488,005		988		-124		1,488,869
		Total	$	1,536,975	$	988	$	-124	$	1,537,839
			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
	The estimated fair value of marketable debt securities by maturity date is as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14		31-Dec-13
	Due in one year or less		$	863,584	$	1,011,459
	Due after one year through two years			606,741		314,184
		Total	$	1,470,325	$	1,325,643
	In the three and six months ended June 29, 2013, the Company recorded a $1.6 million charge for an other-than-temporary impairment to an investment.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Inventory Items, Net Of Reserves Alternative [Abstract]	'
Inventories Disclosure	'
	3  Inventories
	Inventories are classified as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14		31-Dec-13
	Raw materials		$	88,054	$	76,930
	Work in progress			20,317		19,656
	Finished goods			164,393		146,214
		Total inventories	$	272,764	$	242,800

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	4 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. (“ULSP”), a manufacturer of instrumentation componentry that enable ultra low temperature generation, for approximately $4 million in cash. ULSP's core business is the manufacturing and servicing of high quality low temperature coolers for thermal analysis and rheology applications. ULSP was acquired to bring the manufacturing of these devices in-house and to expand the Company's product offering. 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 $3 million has been accounted for as goodwill. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	The principal factor that resulted in recognition of goodwill in the acquisition of ULSP 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.
	In this 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 impact of the acquisition of ULSP on the Company's revenues and net income since the acquisition date for the six months ended June 28, 2014 was immaterial.
	The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired were determined using various income-approach valuation techniques, which use Level 3 inputs. The following table presents the fair values as of the acquisition date, as determined by the Company, of 100% of the assets and liabilities owned and recorded in connection with the acquisition of ULSP (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable and other current assets		$	448
	Property, plant and equipment			50
	Intangible assets			657
	Goodwill			2,754
		Total assets acquired		3,909
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			130
	Deferred tax liability			164
		Cash consideration paid	$	3,615
	In July 2014, the Company acquired the net assets of Medimass Research, Development and Service Kft., a developer of mass spectrometry-related technologies with the potential to be used for a variety of applications, for approximately $23 million in cash.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
	5  Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	The carrying amount of goodwill was $354 million and $350 million at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. During the six months ended June 28, 2014, the Company's acquisitions increased goodwill by $3 million (Note 4) and the effect of foreign currency translation increased goodwill by $1 million.
	The Company's intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14						31-Dec-13
							Weighted-						Weighted-
			Gross				Average		Gross				Average
			Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization
			Amount		Amortization		Period		Amount		Amortization		Period
	Purchased intangibles		$	167,957	$	110,099	10	years	$	167,604	$	105,347	10	years
	Capitalized software			353,556		202,588	7	years		340,070		189,415	7	years
	Licenses			5,807		3,596	6	years		3,909		3,390	7	years
	Patents and other
		intangibles		53,127		27,100	8	years		49,902		24,221	8	years
		Total	$	580,447	$	343,383	8	years	$	561,485	$	322,373	8	years
	During the six months ended June 28, 2014, the Company acquired $1 million of purchased intangibles as a result of the acquisition of ULSP (Note 4). During the six months ended June 28, 2014, the effect of foreign currency translation decreased the gross carrying value of intangible assets and accumulated amortization for intangible assets by $4 million and $2 million, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $12 million and $10 million for the three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $24 million and $20 million for the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively. The increase in purchased intangibles amortization for both the three and six months ended June 28, 2014 is primarily due to acquisitions made in 2013 and 2014. Amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $49 million per year for each of the next five years. The increase in amortization expense in 2014 and for the next five years is due to amortization associated with acquisitions and capitalized software costs related to the launch of new software product platforms. The net carrying value of the new software platforms were approximately $113 million as of June 28, 2014 and are being amortized over ten years.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure	'
	6  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 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 June 28, 2014, $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 $560 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.
	As of both June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 June 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
	The Company had the following outstanding debt at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Foreign subsidiary lines of credit		$	8,403		$	8,346
	Senior unsecured notes - Series A - 3.75%, due February 2015			100,000			-
	2013 Credit Agreement			125,000			125,000
		Total notes payable and debt		233,403			133,346
	Senior unsecured notes - Series A - 3.75%, due February 2015			-			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
	2013 Credit Agreement			860,000			790,000
		Total long-term debt		1,160,000			1,190,000
	Total debt		$	1,393,403		$	1,323,346
	As of June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a total amount available to borrow of $413 million and $483 million, respectively, after outstanding letters of credit, under the 2013 Credit Agreement. The weighted-average interest rates applicable to the senior unsecured notes and 2013 Credit Agreement borrowings collectively were 2.08% and 1.94% at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also had available short-term lines of credit totaling $93 million and $87 million at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for the purpose of short-term borrowing and issuance of commercial guarantees. At June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted-average interest rates applicable to these short-term borrowings were 2.05% and 2.00%, respectively.
	On June 30, 2014 (fiscal third quarter), the Company issued and sold the following senior unsecured notes:
	Senior						Face Value
	Unsecured Notes		Term		Interest Rate		(in millions)		Maturity Date
	Series F		7 years		3.40%		$	100	Jun-21
	Series G		10 years		3.92%		$	50	Jun-24
	Series H		10 years		Floating Rate*		$	50	Jun-24
	*Series H senior unsecured notes bear interest at 3 month LIBOR for that floating rate interest period plus 1.25%.
	All of the proceeds from the issuance of the new senior unsecured notes were used to repay outstanding portions of the revolving facilities. Interest on the Series F and G senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually each year. Interest on Series H senior unsecured notes is payable quarterly. 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 or prepayment premium for Series H senior unsecured notes. Other provisions for these senior unsecured notes are similar to the existing senior unsecured notes, as described above.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	7  Income Taxes
	The Company's effective tax rate was 13.9% and 14.7% for the three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate was 14.4% for the six months ended June 28, 2014 and a tax benefit of 1.1% for the six months ended June 29, 2013. The income tax provision for the six months ended June 29, 2013 included a $31 million 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 was included in the 2013 annual effective tax rate. This R&D Tax Credit expired at the end of 2013 and is not applicable for 2014. 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 16.4 percentage points in the six months ended June 29, 2013. The remaining differences between the quarter and year-to-date effective tax rates for 2014 and 2013 were primarily attributable to differences in the proportionate amounts of pre-tax income recognized in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates.
	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 reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of 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 six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	24,716	$	64,390
		Changes resulting from completion of tax examinations		-		-35,279
		Other changes in uncertain tax benefits		-1,952		-1,670
	Balance at the end of the period		$	22,764	$	27,441
	With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examinations in significant jurisdictions for the years ended on or before December 31, 2009. However, carryforward attributes that were generated in years beginning on or before January 1, 2010 may still be adjusted upon examination by tax authorities if the attributes are utilized. 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 six months ended June 29, 2013, the Company recorded a $31 million reduction in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits due to the completion of certain tax audit examinations, which reduced the provision for income taxes and increased net income for the six months ended June 29, 2013 by $31 million. As of June 28, 2014, 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.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	8  Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company maintains various shareholder-approved, stock-based compensation plans which allow for the issuance of incentive or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or other types of awards (e.g. restricted stock units).
	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 were 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 three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 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):
				Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
				28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13			28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Cost of sales			$	672		$	657		$	1,428	$	1,325
	Selling and administrative expenses				6,555			6,215			12,990		11,971
	Research and development expenses				997			1,004			1,935		2,011
		Total stock-based compensation		$	8,224		$	7,876		$	16,353	$	15,307
	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 the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 are as follows:
	Options Issued and Significant Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Fair Values		28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Options issued in thousands		32		32
	Risk-free interest rate		1.90%		1.00%
	Expected life in years		4		5
	Expected volatility		0.245		0.26
	Expected dividends		-		-
	Weighted-Average Exercise Price and Fair Value of Options on the Date of Grant		28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13
	Exercise price		$	99.22		$	88.71
	Fair value		$	22.38		$	22.03
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the plans for the six months ended June 28, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
					Number of Shares		Price per Share					Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013				3,917		$	33.12	to	$	103.47	$	71.08
		Granted			32			$	99.22			$	99.22
		Exercised			-632		$	33.12	to	$	87.06	$	60.26
		Canceled			-21		$	79.15	to	$	98.21	$	88.02
	Outstanding at June 28, 2014				3,296		$	37.84	to	$	103.47	$	73.32
	Restricted Stock
	During the six months ended June 28, 2014, the Company granted twelve thousand shares of restricted stock. The fair value of these awards on the grant date was $99.22 per share.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock unit award activity for the six months ended June 28, 2014 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
				Shares		Weighted-Average Price
	Unvested at December 31, 2013			642		$	82.16
		Granted		134		$	112.59
		Vested		-190		$	66.26
		Forfeited		-14		$	83.8
	Unvested at June 28, 2014			572		$	94.53
	Restricted stock units are generally granted annually in February and vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	9  Earnings Per Share
	Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations are detailed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
			Three Months Ended June 28, 2014
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	96,529	84,462	$	1.14
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			715
	Net income per diluted common share		$	96,529	85,177	$	1.13
			Three Months Ended June 29, 2013
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	89,314	85,482	$	1.04
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,094
	Net income per diluted common share		$	89,314	86,576	$	1.03
			Six Months Ended June 28, 2014
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	166,831	84,731	$	1.97
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			807
	Net income per diluted common share		$	166,831	85,538	$	1.95
			Six Months Ended June 29, 2013
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	210,373	85,814	$	2.45
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,136
	Net income per diluted common share		$	210,373	86,950	$	2.42
	For both the three and six months ended June 28, 2014, the Company had 0.6 million stock options that were antidilutive due to having higher exercise prices than the Company's average stock price during the period. For both the three and six months ended June 29, 2013, the Company had 1.3 million stock options that were antidilutive. 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	10  Retirement Plans
	The Company sponsors various retirement plans. The summary of the components of net periodic pension costs for the plans for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			28-Jun-14						29-Jun-13
			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
	Service cost		$	-	$	199	$	1,212	$	-	$	238	$	1,152
	Interest cost			1,595		118		592		1,419		85		499
	Expected return on plan
		assets		-2,308		-107		-392		-2,038		-88		-228
	Net amortization:
		Prior service credit		-		-13		-47		-		-13		-62
		Net actuarial loss (gain)		485		-4		97		881		-		131
	Net periodic pension
		(benefit) cost	$	-228	$	193	$	1,462	$	262	$	222	$	1,492
			Six Months Ended
			28-Jun-14						29-Jun-13
			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
	Service cost		$	-	$	398	$	2,424	$	-	$	476	$	2,304
	Interest cost			3,190		236		1,184		2,838		170		998
	Expected return on plan
		assets		-4,616		-214		-784		-4,076		-176		-456
	Net amortization:
		Prior service credit		-		-26		-94		-		-26		-124
		Net actuarial loss (gain)		970		-8		194		1,762		-		262
	Net periodic pension
		(benefit) cost	$	-456	$	386	$	2,924	$	524	$	444	$	2,984
	During the six months ended June 28, 2014, the Company contributed $1 million to the Company's U.S. pension plans. In addition, the Company made one-time contributions totaling $21 million to certain Non-U.S. pension plans during the six months ended June 28, 2014. During fiscal year 2014, the Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $29 million to $31 million to the Company's defined benefit plans.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Business Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	11  Business Segment Information
	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 three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 (in thousands):
				Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
				28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13		28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Product net sales:
		Waters instrument systems		$	206,184	$	195,468	$	382,548	$	379,992
		Chemistry			76,577		74,454		151,780		147,587
		TA instrument systems			38,504		35,289		71,732		71,346
			Total product sales		321,265		305,211		606,060		598,925
	Service net sales:
		Waters service			145,075		132,256		277,117		256,024
		TA service			15,461		13,648		29,132		26,504
			Total service sales		160,536		145,904		306,249		282,528
	Total net sales			$	481,801	$	451,115	$	912,309	$	881,453

Recent_Accounting_Standard_Cha

Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments	'
	12 Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments
	Recently Adopted 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. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2014 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this guidance is to significantly enhance comparability and clarify principles of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) [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.
Fiscal Period Description	'
	The Company's interim fiscal quarter typically ends on the thirteenth Saturday of each quarter. Since the Company's fiscal year end is December 31, the first and fourth fiscal quarters may not consist of thirteen complete weeks. The Company's second fiscal quarters for 2014 and 2013 ended on June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively.
Basis of Accounting	'
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America.
	It is management's opinion that the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which are normal and recurring) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2014.
Consolidation Policy	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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 at the dates of the financial statements. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Policy	'
	Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, while investments with longer maturities are classified as investments.
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 June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 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.
Product Warranty Policy	'
	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.

Acquisitions_Policies

Acquisitions (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
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 reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of unrecognized tax benefits associated with those reporting positions for the time value of money.

StockBased_Compensation_Polici

Stock-Based Compensation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
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 were 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share Policy	'
	The effect of dilutive securities was calculated using the treasury stock method.

Recent_Accounting_Standard_Cha1

Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted 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. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2014 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 May 2014, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this guidance is to significantly enhance comparability and clarify principles of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table represents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 28, 2014 (in thousands):
								Quoted Prices
								in Active			Significant
								Markets			Other			Significant
								for Identical			Observable			Unobservable
					Total at			Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					28-Jun-14			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
		U.S. Treasury securities			$	547,668		$	-		$	547,668		$	-
		Foreign government securities				49,991			-			49,991			-
		Corporate debt securities				872,666			-			872,666			-
		Time deposits				67,367			-			67,367			-
		Equity securities				147			-			147			-
		Other cash equivalents				55,000			-			55,000			-
		Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets				32,830			-			32,830			-
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements			64			-			64			-
			Total		$	1,625,733		$	-		$	1,625,733		$	-
	Liabilities:
		Foreign currency exchange contract
			agreements		$	180		$	-		$	180		$	-
			Total		$	180		$	-		$	180		$	-
	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		$	-
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):
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
			28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13			28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13
	Realized gains (losses) on closed contracts		$	214		$	3,335		$	-100		$	4,029
	Unrealized losses on open contracts			-76			-128			-957			-698
	Cumulative net pre-tax gains (losses)		$	138		$	3,207		$	-1,057		$	3,331
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):
				28-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Other current assets			$	64		$	929
	Other current liabilities			$	180		$	88
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 six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 (in thousands):
			Balance at									Balance at
			Beginning			Accruals for			Settlements			End of
			of Period			Warranties			Made			Period
	Accrued warranty liability:
	28-Jun-14		$	12,962		$	3,230		$	-3,717		$	12,475
	29-Jun-13		$	12,353		$	3,710		$	-3,955		$	12,108

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
	2 Marketable Securities
	The Company's marketable securities within cash equivalents and investments included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
			Cost		Gain		Loss		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	547,265	$	418	$	-15	$	547,668
	Foreign government securities			49,991		-		-		49,991
	Corporate debt securities			872,275		500		-109		872,666
	Time deposits			67,367		-		-		67,367
	Equity securities			77		70		-		147
		Total	$	1,536,975	$	988	$	-124	$	1,537,839
	Amounts included in:
		Cash equivalents	$	48,970	$	-	$	-	$	48,970
		Investments		1,488,005		988		-124		1,488,869
		Total	$	1,536,975	$	988	$	-124	$	1,537,839
			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
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	'
	The estimated fair value of marketable debt securities by maturity date is as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14		31-Dec-13
	Due in one year or less		$	863,584	$	1,011,459
	Due after one year through two years			606,741		314,184
		Total	$	1,470,325	$	1,325,643

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Inventory Items, Net Of Reserves Alternative [Abstract]	'
Inventory, Net of Reserves	'
	Inventories are classified as follows (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14		31-Dec-13
	Raw materials		$	88,054	$	76,930
	Work in progress			20,317		19,656
	Finished goods			164,393		146,214
		Total inventories	$	272,764	$	242,800

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquired Assets and Liabilities	'
	The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired were determined using various income-approach valuation techniques, which use Level 3 inputs. The following table presents the fair values as of the acquisition date, as determined by the Company, of 100% of the assets and liabilities owned and recorded in connection with the acquisition of ULSP (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable and other current assets		$	448
	Property, plant and equipment			50
	Intangible assets			657
	Goodwill			2,754
		Total assets acquired		3,909
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			130
	Deferred tax liability			164
		Cash consideration paid	$	3,615

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
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):
			28-Jun-14						31-Dec-13
							Weighted-						Weighted-
			Gross				Average		Gross				Average
			Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization
			Amount		Amortization		Period		Amount		Amortization		Period
	Purchased intangibles		$	167,957	$	110,099	10	years	$	167,604	$	105,347	10	years
	Capitalized software			353,556		202,588	7	years		340,070		189,415	7	years
	Licenses			5,807		3,596	6	years		3,909		3,390	7	years
	Patents and other
		intangibles		53,127		27,100	8	years		49,902		24,221	8	years
		Total	$	580,447	$	343,383	8	years	$	561,485	$	322,373	8	years

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Outstanding Debt	'
	The Company had the following outstanding debt at June 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14			31-Dec-13
	Foreign subsidiary lines of credit		$	8,403		$	8,346
	Senior unsecured notes - Series A - 3.75%, due February 2015			100,000			-
	2013 Credit Agreement			125,000			125,000
		Total notes payable and debt		233,403			133,346
	Senior unsecured notes - Series A - 3.75%, due February 2015			-			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
	2013 Credit Agreement			860,000			790,000
		Total long-term debt		1,160,000			1,190,000
	Total debt		$	1,393,403		$	1,323,346
Schedule of Debt Issuances	'
	On June 30, 2014 (fiscal third quarter), the Company issued and sold the following senior unsecured notes:
	Senior						Face Value
	Unsecured Notes		Term		Interest Rate		(in millions)		Maturity Date
	Series F		7 years		3.40%		$	100	Jun-21
	Series G		10 years		3.92%		$	50	Jun-24
	Series H		10 years		Floating Rate*		$	50	Jun-24
	*Series H senior unsecured notes bear interest at 3 month LIBOR for that floating rate interest period plus 1.25%.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	'
	The following is a summary of the activity of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits for the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 (in thousands):
			28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Balance at the beginning of the period		$	24,716	$	64,390
		Changes resulting from completion of tax examinations		-		-35,279
		Other changes in uncertain tax benefits		-1,952		-1,670
	Balance at the end of the period		$	22,764	$	27,441

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 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):
				Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
				28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13			28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Cost of sales			$	672		$	657		$	1,428	$	1,325
	Selling and administrative expenses				6,555			6,215			12,990		11,971
	Research and development expenses				997			1,004			1,935		2,011
		Total stock-based compensation		$	8,224		$	7,876		$	16,353	$	15,307
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 the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 are as follows:
	Options Issued and Significant Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Fair Values		28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Options issued in thousands		32		32
	Risk-free interest rate		1.90%		1.00%
	Expected life in years		4		5
	Expected volatility		0.245		0.26
	Expected dividends		-		-
	Weighted-Average Exercise Price and Fair Value of Options on the Date of Grant		28-Jun-14			29-Jun-13
	Exercise price		$	99.22		$	88.71
	Fair value		$	22.38		$	22.03
Stock Options Outstanding Roll Forward	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the plans for the six months ended June 28, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
					Number of Shares		Price per Share					Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013				3,917		$	33.12	to	$	103.47	$	71.08
		Granted			32			$	99.22			$	99.22
		Exercised			-632		$	33.12	to	$	87.06	$	60.26
		Canceled			-21		$	79.15	to	$	98.21	$	88.02
	Outstanding at June 28, 2014				3,296		$	37.84	to	$	103.47	$	73.32
Restricted Stock Units Unvested Roll Forward	'
	The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock unit award activity for the six months ended June 28, 2014 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
				Shares		Weighted-Average Price
	Unvested at December 31, 2013			642		$	82.16
		Granted		134		$	112.59
		Vested		-190		$	66.26
		Forfeited		-14		$	83.8
	Unvested at June 28, 2014			572		$	94.53

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	'
	Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations are detailed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
			Three Months Ended June 28, 2014
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	96,529	84,462	$	1.14
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			715
	Net income per diluted common share		$	96,529	85,177	$	1.13
			Three Months Ended June 29, 2013
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	89,314	85,482	$	1.04
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,094
	Net income per diluted common share		$	89,314	86,576	$	1.03
			Six Months Ended June 28, 2014
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	166,831	84,731	$	1.97
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			807
	Net income per diluted common share		$	166,831	85,538	$	1.95
			Six Months Ended June 29, 2013
			Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares	Per Share
			(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net income per basic common share		$	210,373	85,814	$	2.45
	Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted
		stock and restricted stock unit securities			1,136
	Net income per diluted common share		$	210,373	86,950	$	2.42

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The summary of the components of net periodic pension costs for the plans for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			28-Jun-14						29-Jun-13
			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
	Service cost		$	-	$	199	$	1,212	$	-	$	238	$	1,152
	Interest cost			1,595		118		592		1,419		85		499
	Expected return on plan
		assets		-2,308		-107		-392		-2,038		-88		-228
	Net amortization:
		Prior service credit		-		-13		-47		-		-13		-62
		Net actuarial loss (gain)		485		-4		97		881		-		131
	Net periodic pension
		(benefit) cost	$	-228	$	193	$	1,462	$	262	$	222	$	1,492
			Six Months Ended
			28-Jun-14						29-Jun-13
			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
	Service cost		$	-	$	398	$	2,424	$	-	$	476	$	2,304
	Interest cost			3,190		236		1,184		2,838		170		998
	Expected return on plan
		assets		-4,616		-214		-784		-4,076		-176		-456
	Net amortization:
		Prior service credit		-		-26		-94		-		-26		-124
		Net actuarial loss (gain)		970		-8		194		1,762		-		262
	Net periodic pension
		(benefit) cost	$	-456	$	386	$	2,924	$	524	$	444	$	2,984

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
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 three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013 (in thousands):
				Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
				28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13		28-Jun-14		29-Jun-13
	Product net sales:
		Waters instrument systems		$	206,184	$	195,468	$	382,548	$	379,992
		Chemistry			76,577		74,454		151,780		147,587
		TA instrument systems			38,504		35,289		71,732		71,346
			Total product sales		321,265		305,211		606,060		598,925
	Service net sales:
		Waters service			145,075		132,256		277,117		256,024
		TA service			15,461		13,648		29,132		26,504
			Total service sales		160,536		145,904		306,249		282,528
	Total net sales			$	481,801	$	451,115	$	912,309	$	881,453

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ2

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

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

26 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

31-May-14

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Programs authorized by Board of Directors [Member]

Related To Vesting Of Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Related To Vesting Of Restricted Stock Units [Member]

May 2014 Program [Member]

May 2012 Program [Member]

May 2012 Program [Member]

May 2012 Program [Member]

May 2012 Program [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)

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

Derivative [Line Items]

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Notional amount of foreign exchange contracts

$107,000,000

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$107,000,000

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$104,000,000

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

138,000

3,207,000

-1,057,000

3,331,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Realized gains (losses) on foreign exchange contracts

214,000

3,335,000

-100,000

4,029,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized (losses) gains on foreign exchange contracts

-76,000

-128,000

-957,000

-698,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Equivalents and Investments, Fair Value

1,537,839,000

'

1,537,839,000

'

1,399,840,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

547,668,000

556,539,000

49,991,000

139,670,000

872,666,000

629,434,000

67,367,000

74,050,000

147,000

147,000

'

'

547,668,000

556,539,000

49,991,000

139,670,000

872,666,000

629,434,000

67,367,000

74,050,000

147,000

147,000

Other cash equivalents

55,000,000

'

55,000,000

'

62,851,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,000,000

62,851,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets

32,830,000

'

32,830,000

'

31,203,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,830,000

31,203,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward foreign exchange contract assets

64,000

'

64,000

'

929,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64,000

929,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of total assets measured on a recurring basis

1,625,733,000

'

1,625,733,000

'

1,494,823,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,625,733,000

1,494,823,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forward foreign exchange contract liabilities

180,000

'

180,000

'

88,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,000

88,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of total liabilities measured on a recurring basis

180,000

'

180,000

'

88,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,000

88,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Real Estate Impairment

4,000,000

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of building held-for-sale

5,000,000

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash equivalents description

'

'

'Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, while investments with longer maturities are classified as investments.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

1,918,000,000

'

1,918,000,000

'

1,804,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,876,000,000

1,738,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

1,160,000,000

'

1,160,000,000

'

1,190,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of debt instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

406,000,000

398,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program authorization amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

750,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock shares acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.7

1.8

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,000,000

6,000,000

'

'

178,000,000

165,000,000

580,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program remaining amount authorized for future purchases

'

'

'

'

'

920,000,000

'

'

'

221,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program period, in years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warranty Accrual Roll Forward [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued warranty liability, balance at beginning of period

'

'

12,962,000

12,353,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accruals for warranties

'

'

3,230,000

3,710,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlements made

'

'

-3,717,000

-3,955,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued warranty liability, balance at end of period

$12,475,000

$12,108,000

$12,475,000

$12,108,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	$1,536,975	$1,399,712
Unrealized Gain	'	'	988	371
Unrealized Loss	'	'	-124	-243
Fair Value	'	'	1,537,839	1,399,840
Debt securities due in one year or less	'	'	863,584	1,011,459
Debt securities due after one year through two years	'	'	606,741	314,184
Total debt securities	'	'	1,470,325	1,325,643
Loss on investments	-1,575	-1,575	'	'
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	48,970	36,966
Fair Value	'	'	48,970	36,966
Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	1,488,005	1,362,746
Unrealized Gain	'	'	988	371
Unrealized Loss	'	'	-124	-243
Fair Value	'	'	1,488,869	1,362,874
US Treasury Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	547,265	556,438
Unrealized Gain	'	'	418	111
Unrealized Loss	'	'	-15	-10
Fair Value	'	'	547,668	556,539
Foreign Government Debt Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	49,991	139,670
Fair Value	'	'	49,991	139,670
Corporate Debt Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	872,275	629,477
Unrealized Gain	'	'	500	190
Unrealized Loss	'	'	-109	-233
Fair Value	'	'	872,666	629,434
Time Deposits	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	67,367	74,050
Fair Value	'	'	67,367	74,050
Equity Securities	'	'	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'	77	77
Unrealized Gain	'	'	70	70
Fair Value	'	'	$147	$147

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Items, Net Of Reserves Alternative [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$88,054	$76,930
Work in progress	20,317	19,656
Finished goods	164,393	146,214
Total inventories	$272,764	$242,800

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			ULSP [Member]	Medimass [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable and other current assets acquired	'	'	$448	'
Property, plant and equipment acquired	'	'	50	'
Intangible assets acquired	'	'	657	'
Goodwill	354,079	350,350	2,754	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	3,909	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities acquired	'	'	130	'
Deferred tax liability acquired	'	'	164	'
Cash consideration paid for acquired entity	'	'	$3,615	$23,000
Weighted-average useful life of acquired intangible assets	'	'	'10 years	'
Pro forma effect of business acquisitions	'	'	'	'
			The impact of the acquisition of ULSP on the Company's revenues and net income since the acquisition date for the six months ended June 28, 2014 was immaterial.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$354,079,000	'	$354,079,000	'	$350,350,000
Goodwill foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	1,000,000	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	580,447,000	'	580,447,000	'	561,485,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	343,383,000	'	343,383,000	'	322,373,000
Intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	'	'	'8 years	'	'8 years
Intangible assets, gross foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	-4,000,000	'	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	-2,000,000	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	12,000,000	10,000,000	23,800,000	19,593,000	'
Future amortization expense, year 1	49,000,000	'	49,000,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year 2	49,000,000	'	49,000,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year 3	49,000,000	'	49,000,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year 4	49,000,000	'	49,000,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year 5	49,000,000	'	49,000,000	'	'
Purchased intangibles [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	167,957,000	'	167,957,000	'	167,604,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	110,099,000	'	110,099,000	'	105,347,000
Intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	'	'	'10 years	'	'10 years
Capitalized software [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	353,556,000	'	353,556,000	'	340,070,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	202,588,000	'	202,588,000	'	189,415,000
Intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	'	'	'7 years	'	'7 years
Capitalized software [Member] | New software platform [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	113,000,000	'	113,000,000	'	'
Intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Licenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	5,807,000	'	5,807,000	'	3,909,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	3,596,000	'	3,596,000	'	3,390,000
Intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	'	'	'6 years	'	'7 years
Patents and other intangibles [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	53,127,000	'	53,127,000	'	49,902,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	27,100,000	'	27,100,000	'	24,221,000
Intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	'	'	'8 years	'	'8 years
ULSP [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	2,754,000	'	2,754,000	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets acquired	$657,000	'	$657,000	'	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 01, 2010

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 01, 2010

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 15, 2011

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 15, 2011

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 15, 2011

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 25, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 25, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

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]

Senior unsecured notes - Series F [Member]

Senior unsecured notes - Series F [Member]

Senior Unsecured Notes - Series G [Member]

Senior Unsecured Notes - Series G [Member]

Senior Unsecured Note - Series H [Member]

Senior Unsecured Note - Series H [Member]

Foreign subsidiary lines of credit [Member]

Foreign subsidiary lines of credit [Member]

Unsecured debt [Member]

Unsecured debt [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]

Credit Agreement dated June 2013 [Member]

Credit Agreement dated July 2013 and unsecured debt [Member]

Credit Agreement dated July 2013 and unsecured debt [Member]

Term loan facility [Member]

Revolving facilities [Member]

Revolving facilities [Member]

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face value of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

$50,000,000

'

$50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

$1,100,000,000

'

'

Debt term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'10 years

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on debt instrument

'

'

'

'

3.75%

'

'

5.00%

'

'

2.50%

'

'

3.22%

'

'

3.97%

'

3.40%

'

3.92%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate terms on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'*Series H senior unsecured notes bear interest at 3 month LIBOR for that floating rate interest period plus 1.25%.

'

'

'

'

'

'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 or prepayment premium for Series H senior unsecured notes.

'

'

'

'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

233,403,000

133,346,000

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,403,000

8,346,000

'

'

125,000,000

125,000,000

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

Long-term debt

1,160,000,000

1,190,000,000

'

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

860,000,000

790,000,000

'

560,000,000

'

'

'

Total debt

1,393,403,000

1,323,346,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.05%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.08%

1.94%

Unused borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

413,000,000

483,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93,000,000

$87,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	$24,716,000	$64,390,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from settlements with taxing authorities	'	'	'	-35,279,000
Other changes in uncertain tax benefits	'	'	-1,952,000	-1,670,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at the end of the period	22,764,000	27,441,000	22,764,000	27,441,000
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months	-6,000,000	'	-6,000,000	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	13.90%	14.70%	14.40%	-1.10%
Net tax benefit related to completed tax audit examinations	'	'	'	31,000,000
Percentage point change in effective tax rate relating to infrequent income tax items	'	'	'	-16.4
Related to Fiscal 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
R&D Tax Credit	'	'	'	$3,000,000

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2013

Restricted Stock Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Unit Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock Unit Plan [Member]

Cost of sales [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]

Selling and administrative expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

Research and development expenses [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocated stock-based compensation expense

$8,224,000

$7,876,000

$16,353,000

$15,307,000

'

'

'

$672,000

$657,000

$1,428,000

$1,325,000

$6,555,000

$6,215,000

$12,990,000

$11,971,000

$997,000

$1,004,000

$1,935,000

$2,011,000

Stock-Based Compensation by Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted

'

'

'

'

12

134

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares vested

'

'

'

'

'

-190

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested shares

'

'

'

'

'

572

642

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted

'

'

'

'

$99.22

$112.59

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares vested

'

'

'

'

'

$66.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

$83.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares unvested

'

'

'

'

'

$94.53

$82.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Option Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, risk free interest rate

'

'

1.90%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, expected life in years

'

'

'4 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, expected volatility

'

'

24.50%

26.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option fair value assumptions, expected dividends

'

'

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted

'

'

$22.38

$22.03

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Options Outstanding Roll Forward [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding at beginning of period

'

'

3,917

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options granted

'

'

32

32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercised

'

'

-632

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options canceled

'

'

-21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding at end of period

3,296

'

3,296

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

$71.08

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of options granted

'

'

$99.22

$88.71

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average exercise price of options exercised

'

'

$60.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price of options canceled

'

'

$88.02

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

$73.32

'

$73.32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

$33.12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

$103.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options exercised, lower range limit

'

'

$33.12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options exercised, upper range limit

'

'

$87.06

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options canceled, lower range limit

'

'

$79.15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price range of options canceled, upper range limit

'

'

$98.21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

$37.84

'

$37.84

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

$103.47

'

$103.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	600,000	1,300,000	600,000	1,300,000
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$96,529	$89,314	$166,831	$210,373
Net income per basic common share	$1.14	$1.04	$1.97	$2.45
Net income per diluted common share	$1.13	$1.03	$1.95	$2.42
Weighted-average number of basic common shares	84,462,000	85,482,000	84,731,000	85,814,000
Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities	715,000	1,094,000	807,000	1,136,000
Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents	85,177,000	86,576,000	85,538,000	86,950,000

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Estimated future employer contributions to defined benefit plans in current fiscal year	'	'	$29,000,000	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Estimated future employer contributions to defined benefit plans in current fiscal year	'	'	31,000,000	'
U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	1,595,000	1,419,000	3,190,000	2,838,000
Expected return on plan assets	-2,308,000	-2,038,000	-4,616,000	-4,076,000
Net amortization: Net actuarial loss (gain)	485,000	881,000	970,000	1,762,000
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	-228,000	262,000	-456,000	524,000
Defined benefit plan, contributions by employer	'	'	1,000,000	'
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	199,000	238,000	398,000	476,000
Interest cost	118,000	85,000	236,000	170,000
Expected return on plan assets	-107,000	-88,000	-214,000	-176,000
Net amortization: Prior service credit	-13,000	-13,000	-26,000	-26,000
Net amortization: Net actuarial loss (gain)	-4,000	'	-8,000	'
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	193,000	222,000	386,000	444,000
Non-U.S. Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,212,000	1,152,000	2,424,000	2,304,000
Interest cost	592,000	499,000	1,184,000	998,000
Expected return on plan assets	-392,000	-228,000	-784,000	-456,000
Net amortization: Prior service credit	-47,000	-62,000	-94,000	-124,000
Net amortization: Net actuarial loss (gain)	97,000	131,000	194,000	262,000
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	1,462,000	1,492,000	2,924,000	2,984,000
Defined benefit plan, contributions by employer	'	'	$21,000,000	'

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Entity-Wide Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	2	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	1	'
Product sales	$321,265	$305,211	$606,060	$598,925
Service sales	160,536	145,904	306,249	282,528
Total net sales	481,801	451,115	912,309	881,453
Waters instrument systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product sales	206,184	195,468	382,548	379,992
Chemistry [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product sales	76,577	74,454	151,780	147,587
TA instrument systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Product sales	38,504	35,289	71,732	71,346
Waters service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service sales	145,075	132,256	277,117	256,024
TA service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity-Wide Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service sales	$15,461	$13,648	$29,132	$26,504