| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 04, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | FLIR SYSTEMS INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000354908 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 4, 2021 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-21918 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 93-0708501 |
| 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 |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | FLIR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
