| Cover | Jul. 15, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 15, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 000-21918 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FLIR SYSTEMS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000354908 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 93-0708501 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 27700 SW Parkway Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Wilsonville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OR |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 97070 |
| City Area Code | 503 |
| Local Phone Number | 498-3547 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | FLIR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
