| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000877212 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-19406 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-2675536 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3 Overlook Point |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Lincolnshire |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60069 |
| City Area Code | 847 |
| Local Phone Number | 634-6700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ZBRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
