Fei (FEIC) 10-K 23 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 16, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FEI CO
Trading Symbol	FEIC
Entity Central Index Key	914329
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,815,937
Entity Public Float			$3,828,065,720

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$300,507	$384,170
Short-term investments in marketable securities	61,688	108,191
Short-term restricted cash	15,698	18,798
Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2,990 and $2,969	227,354	194,418
Inventories	176,440	181,725
Deferred tax assets	8,225	15,114
Other current assets	35,503	28,324
Total current assets	825,415	930,740
Non-current investments in marketable securities	85,865	47,278
Long-term restricted cash	38,369	32,718
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $132,807 and $125,405	163,794	157,829
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $28,930 and $19,385	54,111	47,197
Goodwill	170,773	136,152
Deferred tax assets	6,605	1,751
Non-current inventories	50,731	62,104
Other assets, net	22,155	10,315
Total Assets	1,417,818	1,426,084
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	78,308	73,247
Accrued payroll liabilities	38,599	45,146
Accrued warranty reserves	13,005	12,705
Short-term deferred revenue	96,924	91,563
Income taxes payable	5,299	4,579
Accrued restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	9,161	50
Other current liabilities	56,146	46,324
Total current liabilities	297,442	273,614
Long-term deferred revenue	34,021	30,744
Deferred tax liabilities	9,576	8,931
Other liabilities	35,454	35,227
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock - 500 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock - 70,000 shares authorized; 41,797 and 42,136 shares issued and outstanding, no par value	607,250	637,482
Retained earnings	461,586	392,958
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-27,511	47,128
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,041,325	1,077,568
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$1,417,818	$1,426,084

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,990	$2,969
Accumulated depreciation	132,807	125,405
Accumulated amortization	$28,930	$19,385
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	41,797,000	42,136,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,797,000	42,136,000
Common stock, no par value	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net sales:
Products	$722,666	$709,438	$691,496
Service	233,614	218,016	200,242
Total net sales	956,280	927,454	891,738
Cost of sales:
Products	369,043	352,630	347,224
Service	139,082	136,039	128,884
Total cost of sales	508,125	488,669	476,108
Gross profit	448,155	438,785	415,630
Operating expenses:
Research and development	102,613	101,947	94,965
Selling, general and administrative	197,682	179,560	169,719
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	18,459	1,090	2,859
Total operating expenses	318,754	282,597	267,543
Operating income	129,401	156,188	148,087
Other expense:
Interest income	897	428	1,606
Interest expense	-600	-1,890	-4,098
Other, net	-2,768	-3,124	-5,047
Total other expense, net	-2,471	-4,586	-7,539
Income before income taxes	126,930	151,602	140,548
Income tax expense	21,866	24,929	25,628
Net income	$105,064	$126,673	$114,920
Basic net income per share	$2.50	$3.13	$3.02
Diluted net income per share	$2.47	$3.01	$2.80
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.87	$0.44	$0.24
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic (in shares)	41,969	40,446	38,065
Diluted (in shares)	42,528	42,395	41,728

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$105,064	$126,673	$114,920
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Change in cumulative translation adjustment	-71,406	9,975	9,922
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities	-27	-15	-14
Change in minimum pension liability	-246	267	-796
Changes due to cash flow hedging instruments:
Net (loss) gain on hedge instruments	-11,050	-2,492	2,487
Reclassification to net income of previously deferred losses related to hedge derivatives instruments	8,090	837	2,502
Comprehensive income	$30,425	$135,245	$129,021

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance, value, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011	$696,814	$493,698	$178,661	$24,455
Balance, shares, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011		37,866,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	114,920		114,920
Employee purchases of common stock through employee share purchase plan, value	7,007	7,007
Employee purchases of common stock through employee share purchase plan, shares		195,000
Restricted shares issued and stock options exercised related to employee stock-based compensation plans, value	5,714	5,714
Restricted shares issued and stock options exercised related to employee stock-based compensation plans, shares		551,000
Stock-based compensation expense, value	14,154	14,154
Restricted stock unit taxes for net share settlement, value	-5,913	-5,913
Restricted stock unit taxes for net share settlement, shares		-113,000
Repurchase of common stock, value	-891	-891
Repurchase of common stock, shares	-20,500	-21,000
Tax benefit of non-qualified stock option exercises and restricted stock unit vests, value	3,137	3,137
Conversion of convertible debt, value	1	1
Translation adjustment, value	9,922			9,922
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, value	-14			-14
Dividends declared on common stock, value	-9,141		-9,141
Minimum pension liability, net of taxes, value	-796			-796
Net adjustment for fair value of hedge derivatives, value	4,989			4,989
Balance, value, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	839,903	516,907	284,440	38,556
Balance, shares, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012		38,478,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	126,673		126,673
Employee purchases of common stock through employee share purchase plan, value	8,618	8,618
Employee purchases of common stock through employee share purchase plan, shares		163,000
Restricted shares issued and stock options exercised related to employee stock-based compensation plans, value	7,927	7,927
Restricted shares issued and stock options exercised related to employee stock-based compensation plans, shares		574,000
Stock-based compensation expense, value	18,327	18,327
Restricted stock unit taxes for net share settlement, value	-9,658	-9,658
Restricted stock unit taxes for net share settlement, shares		-109,000
Repurchase of common stock, shares	0
Tax benefit of non-qualified stock option exercises and restricted stock unit vests, value	6,424	6,424
Conversion of convertible debt, shares		3,030,000
Conversion of convertible debt, value	88,937	88,937
Translation adjustment, value	9,975			9,975
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, value	-15			-15
Dividends declared on common stock, value	-18,155		-18,155
Minimum pension liability, net of taxes, value	267			267
Net adjustment for fair value of hedge derivatives, value	-1,655	0	0	-1,655
Balance, value, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	1,077,568	637,482	392,958	47,128
Balance, shares, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	42,136,000	42,136,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	105,064		105,064
Employee purchases of common stock through employee share purchase plan, value	9,862	9,862
Employee purchases of common stock through employee share purchase plan, shares		139,000
Restricted shares issued and stock options exercised related to employee stock-based compensation plans, value	4,736	4,736
Restricted shares issued and stock options exercised related to employee stock-based compensation plans, shares		433,000
Stock-based compensation expense, value	23,132	23,132
Restricted stock unit taxes for net share settlement, value	-9,965	-9,965
Restricted stock unit taxes for net share settlement, shares		-116,000
Repurchase of common stock, value	-62,523	-62,523
Repurchase of common stock, shares	-795,321	-795,000
Tax benefit of non-qualified stock option exercises and restricted stock unit vests, value	4,526	4,526
Translation adjustment, value	-71,406			-71,406
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, value	-27			-27
Dividends declared on common stock, value	-36,436		-36,436
Minimum pension liability, net of taxes, value	-246			-246
Net adjustment for fair value of hedge derivatives, value	-2,960			-2,960
Balance, value, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,041,325	$607,250	$461,586	($27,511)
Balance, shares, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	41,797,000	41,797,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.87	$0.44	$0.24

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$105,064	$126,673	$114,920
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	29,042	23,693	22,814
Amortization	14,290	10,568	5,852
Stock-based compensation	23,132	18,327	14,154
Asset impairments, write-offs of intangible assets and other	1,457	27	9
Income taxes (receivable) payable, net	-5,336	13,066	-3,979
Deferred income taxes	2,615	-6,743	2,350
Decrease (increase), net of acquisitions, in:
Receivables	-41,526	12,982	-22,077
Inventories	-23,376	1,486	-24,309
Other assets	-1,809	3,781	-2,949
Increase (decrease), net of acquisitions, in:
Accounts payable	11,794	18,553	397
Accrued payroll liabilities	-4,310	5,429	-12,685
Accrued warranty reserves	835	660	176
Deferred revenue	18,584	19,181	-18
Accrued restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	9,969	-2,628	397
Other liabilities	2,484	-7,107	-10,098
Net cash provided by operating activities	142,909	237,948	84,954
Cash flows from investing activities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-8,766	-7,894	25,083
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-49,481	-62,414	-22,111
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-65,049	-2,694	-93,368
Purchase of investments in marketable securities	-227,256	-227,119	-173,908
Redemption of investments in marketable securities	235,054	180,332	134,478
Other investing activities	-1,317	-2,710	-10,874
Net cash used in investing activities	-116,815	-122,499	-140,700
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid on common stock	-31,062	-16,191	-6,095
Redemption of 2.875% convertible note	0	-73	0
Withholding taxes paid on issuance of vested restricted stock units	-9,969	-9,658	-5,913
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases	14,771	16,545	13,131
Excess tax benefit for share based payment arrangements	4,381	6,010	2,873
Repurchases of common stock	-62,523	0	-891
Other financing activities	0	0	-1,869
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-84,402	-3,367	1,236
Effect of exchange rate changes	-25,355	5,786	451
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-83,663	117,868	-54,059
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	384,170	266,302	320,361
End of period	300,507	384,170	266,302
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net	16,983	10,917	23,802
Cash paid for interest	326	1,322	3,559
Increase in fixed assets related to transfers with inventories	2,914	11,091	21,239
Dividends declared but not paid	10,385	5,011	3,046
Conversion of 2.875% convertible notes	0	88,937	0
Accrued purchases of plant and equipment	$700	$1,014	$1,120

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) (Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member], Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member])	Dec. 31, 2014	19-May-06
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] | Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Convertible notes, stated interest rate	2.88%	2.88%

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Business
	We are a leading supplier of scientific instruments and related services for nanoscale applications and solutions for industry and science. We report our revenue based on a group structure organization, which we categorize as the Industry Group and the Science Group.
	Our products include transmission electron microscopes (“TEMs”); scanning electron microscopes (“SEMs”); DualBeamTM systems which combine a SEM and a focused ion beam system (“FIB”) on a single platform; stand-alone FIBs; high-performance optical microscopes, three-dimensional modeling software, and service and components to support the products. TEMs provide the highest resolution images of samples and their internal structure, down to the atomic level. SEMs provide detailed images of the surface and shape of samples. Optical microscopes provide a wider field of view than SEMs and TEMs. DualBeams and FIBs image, manipulate, mill and deposit material for a variety of purposes, including preparation of samples for TEMs. Substantially all of these product categories are sold into all of our markets. Individual models of our products are increasingly designed to provide specific solutions and applications in each of our markets.
	Our DualBeam systems include models that have wafer handling capability and are purchased by semiconductor equipment manufacturers (“wafer-level DualBeam systems”) and models that have small stages and are sold to customers in several markets (“small-stage DualBeam systems”).
	Our significant research and development and manufacturing operations are located in Hillsboro, Oregon; Eindhoven, The Netherlands; and Brno, Czech Republic; and our software development is managed principally from Bordeaux, France. Our sales and service operations are conducted in the United States (U.S.) and approximately 50 other countries around the world. We also sell our products through independent agents, distributors and representatives in additional countries.
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FEI Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “FEI”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates in Financial Reporting
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
	Significant accounting policies and estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include:
	•	the timing of revenue recognition;
	•	valuations of excess and obsolete inventory;
	•	the lives and recoverability of equipment and other long-lived assets;
	•	the valuation of goodwill;
	•	restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance costs;
	•	tax valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits;
	•	stock-based compensation; and
	•	accounting for derivatives.
	It is reasonably possible that management's estimates may change in the future.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications to prior year consolidated financial statements have been made to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on our consolidated statements of operations.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and receivables. Our investment policy limits investments with any one issuer to 10% or less of the total investment portfolio, with the exception of money market funds and securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies which may comprise up to 100% of the total investment portfolio. Our exposure to credit risk concentrations within our receivables balance is limited due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies.
	Dependence on Key Suppliers
	Failure of critical suppliers of parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to us in a timely and cost-effective manner could negatively affect our business, including our ability to convert backlog into revenue. Although we currently use numerous vendors to supply parts, components and subassemblies for the manufacture and support of our products, some key parts may only be obtained from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. In particular, we rely on: VDL Enabling Technologies Group, NTS Group, Frencken Mechatronics B.V., Keller Technology, Schneeberger AG, Prodrive Technologies and AZD Praha s.r.o. for our supply of mechanical parts and subassemblies; Gatan, Inc., Edax Inc. and Bruker Corp. for critical accessory products; and Neways Electronics, N.V. for some of our electronic subassemblies. A portion of the subcomponents that make up the components and sub-assemblies supplied to us are proprietary in nature and are provided to our suppliers only from single sources. We monitor those parts subject to single or a limited source supply to seek to minimize factory down time due to unavailability of such parts, which could impact our ability to meet manufacturing schedules.
	As a result of this concentration of key suppliers, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we do not timely and cost-effectively receive a sufficient quantity of quality parts to meet our production requirements or if we are required to find alternative suppliers for these supplies. We may not be able to expand our supplier group or to reduce our dependence on single suppliers. If our suppliers are not able to meet our supply requirements, constraints may affect our ability to deliver products to customers in a timely manner, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, restrictions regulating the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in various jurisdictions may impact parts and component availability or our electronics suppliers’ ability to source parts and components in a timely and cost-effective manner. Overall, because we only have a few equipment suppliers, we may be more exposed to future cost increases for this equipment.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash deposits in banks, money market funds and other highly liquid marketable securities with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
	Restricted Cash
	Our restricted cash balances are held in deposit accounts with banks that have issued guarantees and letters of credit to our customers for system sales transactions and customer advance deposits relating to prepayments for service contracts, mainly in Europe and Asia. This restricted cash can be drawn on by the bank if goods are not delivered or services are not properly performed. In addition, while the restricted cash is held in the bank it is earning interest. Given these deposit accounts require satisfaction of conditions other than a withdrawal demand for us to receive a return of principal, are interest bearing and are held for extended periods of time, we have concluded these balances are similar in nature to our other investments and that inclusion in investing activities on our statement of cash flows is appropriate and consistent with our treatment of other investments. Restricted cash balances securing bank guarantees that expire within 12 months of the balance sheet date are recorded as a current asset on our consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash balances securing bank guarantees that expire beyond 12 months from the balance sheet date are recorded as long-term restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on collection experience and known trends with current customers. The large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies somewhat mitigates our credit risk exposure and the magnitude of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Our estimates of the allowance for doubtful accounts are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. Changes to the reserve may occur based upon changes in revenue levels and associated balances in accounts receivable and estimated changes in individual customers’ credit quality. Write-offs include amounts written off for specifically identified bad debts. Historically, we have not incurred significant write-offs of accounts receivable, however, an individual loss could be significant due to the relative size of our sales transactions.
	Activity within our accounts receivable allowance was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	2,969		$	2,718		$	5,553
	Expense (reversal)	402			473			(154		)
	Write-offs	(85		)	(263		)	(2,732		)
	Translation adjustments	(296		)	41			51
	Balance, end of period	$	2,990		$	2,969		$	2,718
	Investments
	Our investments include marketable debt securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper and government-backed securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the time of purchase. These investments are recorded on our balance sheet as available-for-sale securities at fair value based on quoted market prices. Unrealized gains/losses resulting from changes in the fair value are recorded, net of tax, in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Certain long-term investments included in non-current investments in marketable securities consisted of mutual fund shares held to offset liabilities to participants in the Company's deferred compensation plan. The investments are classified as long-term because the related deferred compensation liabilities are not expected to be paid within the next year. These investments are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in operating expenses, which are offset against gains and losses resulting from changes in corresponding deferred compensation liabilities to participants (see Note 7 the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Investments for which it is not practical to estimate fair value are included at cost and primarily consist of investments in privately-held companies.
	Realized gains and losses on all investments are recorded on the specific identification method and are included in interest income (expense) or other income (expense) in the period incurred. Investments with maturities greater than 12 months from the balance sheet date are classified as non-current investments, unless they are expected to be liquidated within the next 12 months; in which case, the investment is classified as current.
	Valuation of Excess and Obsolete Inventory
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined by standard cost methods, which approximate the first-in, first-out method. Inventory costs include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Service inventories that exceed the estimated requirements for the next 12 months based on recent usage levels are reported as a long-term asset. Management has established inventory reserves based on estimates of excess and/or obsolete current and non-current inventory.
	Manufacturing inventory is reviewed for obsolescence and excess quantities on a quarterly basis, based on estimated future use of quantities on hand, which is determined based on past usage, planned changes to products and known trends in markets and technology. Changes in support plans or technology could have a significant impact on obsolescence.
	To support our world-wide service operations, we maintain service spare parts inventory, which consists of both consumable and repairable spare parts. Consumable service spare parts are used within our service business to replace worn or damaged parts in a system during a service call and are generally classified in current inventory as our stock of this inventory turns relatively quickly. However, if there has been no recent usage for a consumable service spare part, but the part is still necessary to support systems under service contracts, the part is considered to be non-current and included within non-current inventories within our consolidated balance sheet. Consumables are charged to cost of goods sold when issued during the service call.
	We also maintain a substantial supply of repairable and reusable spare parts for possible use in future repairs and customer field service of our install base. We have classified this inventory as a long-term asset given these parts can be repaired and reused in the service business over many years.
	As these service parts age over the related product group’s post-production service life, we reduce the net carrying value of our repairable and consumable spare part inventory to account for the excess that builds over the service life. The post-production service life of our systems is generally eight years and, at the end of the service life, the carrying value for these parts is reduced to zero. We also perform periodic monitoring of our installed base for premature or increased end of service life events. If required, we expense, through cost of goods sold, the remaining net carrying value of any related spare parts inventory in the period incurred.
	Provision for manufacturing inventory valuation adjustments total $6.3 million, $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Provision for service spare parts inventory valuation adjustment total $10.0 million, $8.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively, in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the assets and liabilities. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to “more likely than not” be realized in our future tax returns. Should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our remaining net deferred tax assets in the future, increases to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required. Conversely, if we determine that certain tax assets that have been reserved for may be realized in the future, we may reduce our valuation allowance in future periods.
	In the ordinary course of business, there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate or effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. When applicable, associated interest and penalties have been recognized as a component of income tax expense.
	Unrecognized tax benefits relate mainly to uncertainty surrounding various tax credits, transfer pricing and permanent establishment in foreign jurisdictions. Included in the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits were accruals for interest and penalties. If recognized, the total unrecognized tax benefits would have an impact on the effective tax rate.
	See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Land is stated at cost. Buildings and improvements are stated at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately 40 years using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Machinery and equipment, including systems used in production and research and development activities, are stated at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately three to seven years using the straight-line method.
	Demonstration systems consist primarily of internally manufactured products and related accessories that we use for marketing purposes in our demonstration laboratories or for trade shows. These systems are long lived in nature and are recorded as a component of property, plant and equipment. The proceeds expected to be realized when the systems are sold is estimated and the net cost is depreciated using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives of approximately three to seven years with the expense being reflected as a component of selling, general and administrative. If sold, the net book value of the system is recorded as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Other fixed assets include computer software and hardware, automobiles and furniture and fixtures. These assets are stated at cost and are depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately three to seven years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	On occasion, we loan systems to customers on a temporary basis while they wait for their tool to be manufactured or for evaluation. These systems are included in our finished goods inventories and the lending/evaluation periods are typically for a time period of less than one year. The sale of disposable products or services is not typically included in these arrangements. Any expense associated with these systems is recorded as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Additionally, we lease systems to customers as operating or sales-type leases where we are the lessor. Under the operating method, rental revenue is recognized over the lease period. The leased asset is depreciated over the life of the lease. In addition to the depreciation charge, maintenance costs and the cost of any other services rendered under the provision of the lease that pertain to the current accounting period are charged to expense. Under the sales-type method, revenue is recorded upfront with interest income recorded over the life of the lease. The related costs are recorded upfront to match the sales revenue.
	Lives and Recoverability of Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the remaining life and recoverability of equipment and other assets that are to be held and used, including purchased technology and other intangible assets with finite useful lives, at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If there is an indication of impairment, we prepare an estimate of future, undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are valued at the lower of book value or fair value less cost to sell.
We estimate the fair value of an intangible asset or asset group using the income approach and internally developed discounted cash flow models. These models include, among others, the following assumptions: projections of revenue and expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends; estimated royalty, income tax, and attrition rates; and estimated discount rates. We base these assumptions on our historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections, and our expectations.
See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on impairments recognized in 2014. No impairments related to our equipment or other long-lived assets were recognized during 2013 or 2012.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead, are tested for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter. We evaluate impairment using the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which allows an entity to perform a qualitative assessment of the fair value of its reporting units before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit in step one of the two-step goodwill impairment model. We perform our goodwill impairment analysis at the component level, which is defined as one level below our operating segments. If, through the qualitative assessment, the entity determines that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary.
If there are indicators that goodwill has been impaired and thus the two-step goodwill impairment model is necessary, step 1 is to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the reporting unit's carrying value. Fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated cash flows using available information regarding expected cash flows of each reporting unit, discount rates and the expected long-term cash flow growth rates. Discount rates are determined based on the cost of capital for the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step is performed if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be determined and compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded. No impairments were identified in our annual impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of 2014, 2013 and 2012.
See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Derivatives
We use a combination of forward contracts, zero cost collar contracts, option contracts and other instruments to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency exchange transactions. When specific hedge criteria have been met, changes in fair values of hedge contracts relating to anticipated transactions are recorded in other comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. One of the criteria for this accounting treatment is that the hedge contract amounts should not be in excess of specifically identified anticipated transactions. By their nature, our estimates of anticipated transactions may fluctuate over time and may ultimately vary from actual transactions. When anticipated transaction estimates or actual transaction amounts decrease below hedged levels, or when the timing of transactions changes significantly, we reclassify a portion of the cumulative changes in fair values of the related hedge contracts from other comprehensive income to other income (expense) during the quarter in which such changes occur.
We also use foreign forward exchange contracts to mitigate the foreign currency exchange impact of our cash, receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. These derivatives do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and, accordingly, changes in the fair value are recognized in net income in the current period.
Segment Reporting
We have determined that we operate in two reportable operating segments: Industry Group and Science Group. There are no differences between the accounting policies used for our business segments compared to those used on a consolidated basis.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a contractual agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
For products demonstrated to meet our published specifications, revenue is recognized when the title to the product and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. For products produced according to a particular customer’s specifications, revenue is recognized when the product meets the customer’s specifications and when the title and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. In each case, the portion of revenue related to installation, of which the estimated fair value is generally 4% of the net revenue of the transaction, is deferred until such installation at the customer site and final customer acceptance are completed.  For new applications of our products where performance cannot be assured prior to meeting specifications at the customer's installation site, no revenue is recognized until such specifications are met.
We enter into arrangements with customers whereby they purchase products, accessories and service contracts from us at the same time. For sales arrangements containing multiple elements (products or services), revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred at the estimated selling price of the element as determined using the sales price hierarchy established in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-25, Revenue Recognition. To be considered a separate element, the deliverable in question must represent a separate element under the accounting guidance and fulfill the following criteria: the delivered item or items must have value to the customer on a standalone basis; and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. If the arrangement does not meet all criteria above, the entire amount of the transactions is deferred until all elements are delivered.
For sales arrangements that contain multiple deliverables (products or services), to the extent that the deliverables within a multiple-element arrangement are not accounted for pursuant to other accounting standards, revenue is allocated among the deliverables using the selling price hierarchy established in ASC 605-25 to determine the selling price of each deliverable. The selling price hierarchy allows for the use of an estimated selling price (“ESP”) to determine the allocation of arrangement consideration to a deliverable in a multiple-element arrangement in the absence of vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence (“TPE”). We determine the selling price in multiple-element arrangements using VSOE or TPE if available. VSOE is determined based on the price charged for the same deliverable when sold separately and TPE is established based on the price charged by our competitors or third parties for the same deliverable. If we are unable to determine the selling price because VSOE or TPE does not exist, we determine ESP for the purposes of allocating total arrangement consideration among the elements by considering several internal and external factors such as, but not limited to, historical sales of similar products, costs incurred to manufacture the product and normal profit margins from the sale of similar products, geographical considerations and overall pricing practices.
These factors are subject to change as we modify our pricing practices and such changes could result in changes to determination of VSOE, TPE and ESP, which could result in our future revenue recognition from multiple-element arrangements being materially different than our results in the current period.
Generally, revenue from all elements in a multiple-element arrangement is recognized within 18 months of the shipment of the first item in the arrangement.
We provide maintenance and support services under renewable, term maintenance agreements. Maintenance and support fee revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual term, which is generally 12 months, and commences from the start date.
Revenue from time and materials-based service arrangements is recognized as the service is performed. Spare parts revenue is generally recognized upon shipment.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents customer deposits on equipment orders, orders awaiting customer acceptance and prepaid service contract revenue. Deferred revenue is recognized in accordance with our revenue recognition policies described above.
Warranty Liabilities
Our products generally carry a one-year warranty. A reserve is established at the time of sale to cover estimated warranty costs and certain commitments for product upgrades as a component of cost of sales on our consolidated statements of operations. Our estimate of warranty cost is primarily based on our history of warranty repairs and maintenance, as applied to systems currently under warranty. For our new products without a history of known warranty costs, we estimate the expected costs based on our experience with similar product lines and technology. While most new products are extensions of existing technology, the estimate could change if new products require a significantly different level of repair and maintenance than similar products have required in the past. Our estimated warranty costs are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. Changes to the reserve occur as volume, product mix and warranty costs fluctuate.
Research and Development Costs
Research and Development (“R&D”) costs include labor, materials, overhead and payments to third parties for research and development of new products and new software or enhancements to existing products and software and are expensed as incurred. We periodically receive funds from various organizations to subsidize our research and development. These funds are reported as an offset to research and development expense. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we received subsidies of $4.5 million, $5.3 million and $7.3 million, respectively, from European governments for technological developments primarily for semiconductor and life sciences equipment.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of selling, general and administrative costs on our consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expense totaled $3.4 million, $4.1 million and $3.9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance Costs
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance costs are recognized and recorded at fair value as incurred. Such costs include severance and other costs related to employee terminations as well as facility costs related to future abandonment of various leased office and manufacturing sites. Changes in our estimates could occur, and have occurred, due to fluctuations in exchange rates, the sublease of unused space, unanticipated voluntary departures before severance was required and unanticipated redeployment of employees to vacant positions.
See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards granted to our employees and directors, including employee stock options, non-vested stock and stock purchases related to our employee share purchase plan based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. We utilize the Black-Scholes valuation model for valuing our stock option awards.
The use of the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards requires us to make judgments on assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, expected term and expected volatility over the expected term of the award. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates at the time they are made, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the determination of expense could be materially different in the future.
We amortize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the individual award with estimated forfeitures considered. Vesting periods are generally four years. The exercise price of issued options equals the grant date fair value of the underlying shares and the options generally have a legal life of seven years.
Compensation expense is only recognized on awards that ultimately vest. Therefore, we have reduced the compensation expense to be recognized over the vesting period for anticipated future forfeitures. Forfeiture estimates are based on historical forfeiture patterns. We update our forfeiture estimates quarterly and recognize any changes to accumulated compensation expense in the period of change. If actual forfeitures differ significantly from our estimates, our results of operations could be materially impacted.
Foreign Currency Translation
A large portion of our business is conducted outside of the U.S. through a number of foreign subsidiaries. Each of the foreign subsidiaries keeps its accounting records in its respective functional currency. These accounting records are translated at exchange rates that fluctuate up or down from period to period and consequently affect our consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries denominated in a foreign currency, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the respective balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of assets, liabilities and equity are included in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet. Transactions representing revenues, costs and expenses are translated using an average rate of exchange for the period, and the related gains and losses are reported as other income (expense) on our consolidated statement of operations.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	ASU 2014-15
	On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The update provides US GAAP guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and about related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We will evaluate the going concern considerations in this ASU, however, at the current period, management does not believe that it has met conditions which would subject these consolidated financial statements for additional disclosure.
	ASU 2014-09
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard will become effective for us on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014								2013						2012
		Net			Shares		Per Share			Net		Shares	Per Share			Net		Shares	Per Share
		Income					Amount			Income			Amount			Income			Amount
	Basic EPS	$	105,064		41,969		$	2.5		$	126,673	40,446	$	3.13		$	114,920	38,065	$	3.02
	Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible debt	—			—		—			780		1,287	(0.08		)	1,819		3,033	(0.18		)
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and shares issuable to Philips	—			559		(0.03		)	—		662	(0.04		)	—		630	(0.04		)
	Diluted EPS	$	105,064		42,528		$	2.47		$	127,453	42,395	$	3.01		$	116,739	41,728	$	2.8
	The following table sets forth the schedule of anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS (number of shares, in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Stock options	271		142		279
	Restricted stock units	6		33		59

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT
	The following tables illustrate the disclosure of changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), as well as details the effect of reclassifications out of AOCI on the line items in our consolidated statements of operations by component (net of tax, in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Foreign Currency Items			Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning Balance	$	48,865		$	(11	)	$	(552	)	$	(1,174	)	$	47,128
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(71,406		)	(27		)	(246		)	(11,050		)	(82,729		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to:
	Revenue	—			—			—			(176		)	(176		)
	Cost of goods sold	—			—			—			7,930			7,930
	Other income (expense)	—			—			—			336			336
	Total reclassifications out of AOCI	—			—			—			8,090			8,090
	Net current period other comprehensive income	(71,406		)	(27		)	(246		)	(2,960		)	(74,639		)
	Ending balance	$	(22,541	)	$	(38	)	$	(798	)	$	(4,134	)	$	(27,511	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Foreign Currency Items			Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning Balance	$	38,890		$	4		$	(819	)	$	481		$	38,556
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	9,975			(15		)	267			(2,492		)	7,735
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to:
	Revenue	—			—			—			(33		)	(33		)
	Cost of goods sold	—			—			—			790			790
	Other income (expense)	—			—			—			80			80
	Total reclassifications out of AOCI	—			—			—			837			837
	Net current period other comprehensive income	9,975			(15		)	267			(1,655		)	8,572
	Ending balance	$	48,865		$	(11	)	$	(552	)	$	(1,174	)	$	47,128

Factoring_of_Accounts_Receivab

Factoring of Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Factoring of Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Factoring of Accounts Receivable	FACTORING OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	In 2014 and 2013, we entered into agreements under which we sold a total of $7.8 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of our accounts receivable at a discount to unrelated third party financiers without recourse. The transfers qualified for sales treatment and, accordingly, discounts related to the sale of the receivables, which were immaterial, were recorded on our consolidated statements of operations as other expense.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials and assembled parts	$	61,644	$	61,235
	Service inventories, estimated current requirements	12,398		15,197
	Work-in-process	76,402		75,883
	Finished goods	25,996		29,410
	Total current inventories	$	176,440	$	181,725
	Non-current inventories	$	50,731	$	62,104

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS
	Investments held consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
		cost		gains		losses			fair value
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	17,609	$	1	$	(2	)	$	17,608
	Agency bonds(1)	52,014		—		(63		)	51,951
	Commercial paper	13,500		—		—			13,500
	Certificates of deposit	19,122		—		—			19,122
	Municipal bonds	27,112		10		(3		)	27,119
	Corporate bond	10,909		3		(10		)	10,902
	Total available for sale marketable securities	140,266		14		(78		)	140,202
	Trading Securities:
	Equity securities - mutual funds	7,351		—		—			7,351
	Cost Method Investments(2)	608		—		—			608
	Total Investments	$	148,225	$	14	$	(78	)	$	148,161
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
		cost		gains		losses			fair value
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	10,130	$	—	$	(2	)	$	10,128
	Agency bonds(1)	37,996		—		(35		)	37,961
	Commercial paper	39,987		—		—			39,987
	Certificates of deposit	7,786		—		—			7,786
	Municipal bonds	49,296		24		(1		)	49,319
	Corporate bonds	5,002		—		(1		)	5,001
	Total available for sale marketable securities	150,197		24		(39		)	150,182
	Trading Securities:
	Equity securities - mutual funds	5,287		—		—			5,287
	Cost Method Investments(2)	608		—		—			608
	Total Investments	$	156,092	$	24	$	(39	)	$	156,077
	(1)	Agency bonds are securities backed by U.S. government-sponsored entities.
	(2)	Investments for which it is not practical to estimate fair value are included at cost and primarily consist of investments in privately-held companies.
	Realized gains and losses on sales of marketable debt securities were insignificant in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	We review available for sale investments in debt and equity securities for other than temporary impairment whenever the fair value of an investment is less than amortized cost and evidence indicates that an investment’s carrying amount is not recoverable within a reasonable period of time. In the evaluation of whether an impairment is “other-than-temporary,” we consider our ability and intent to hold the investment until the market price recovers, the reasons for the impairment, compliance with our investment policy, the severity and duration of the impairment and expected future performance. Unrealized losses on our corporate notes and bonds and government-backed securities are mainly due to interest rate movements, and no unrealized losses of any significance existed for a period in excess of 12 months. Our investments classified as trading securities, such as assets related to our deferred compensation plan, are carried on the balance sheet at fair value.
	For investments in small privately-held companies, which are recorded at cost, it is often not practical to estimate fair value. In order to assess whether impairments exist that are “other-than-temporary,” we reviewed recent interim financial statements and held discussions with these entities’ management about their current financial conditions and future economic outlooks. We also considered our willingness to support future funding requirements as well as our intention and/or ability to hold these investments long-term. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $0.6 million in cost-method investments on our balance sheet. Refer to Note 22 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
	Investments were included in the following captions on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Short-term		Long-term		Other			Total		Short-term		Long-term		Other		Total
		investments		investments		assets					investments		investments		assets
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	—	$	17,608	$	—		$	17,608	$	10,128	$	—	$	—	$	10,128
	Agency bonds	9,996		41,955		—			51,951		10,995		26,966		—		37,961
	Commercial paper	13,500		—		—			13,500		39,987		—		—		39,987
	Certificates of deposit	5,750		13,372		—			19,122		5,802		1,984		—		7,786
	Municipal bonds	25,407		1,712		—			27,119		41,279		8,040		—		49,319
	Corporate bonds	7,035		3,867		—			10,902		—		5,001		—		5,001
	Total fixed maturity securities	61,688		78,514		—			140,202		108,191		41,991		—		150,182
	Trading Securities:
	Equity securities - mutual funds	—		7,351		—			7,351		—		5,287		—		5,287
	Cost Method Investments	—		—		608			608		—		—		608		608
	Total Investments	$	61,688	$	85,865	$	608		$	148,161	$	108,191	$	47,278	$	608	$	156,077
	Contractual maturities or expected liquidation dates of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	61,679	$	61,688
	Due in 1-5 years	78,587		78,514
	Total	$	140,266	$	140,202

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	23,440		$	25,535
	Buildings and improvements	35,269			36,778
	Leasehold improvements	42,836			23,948
	Machinery and equipment	95,977			103,180
	Demonstration systems	47,693			44,700
	Other fixed assets	51,386			49,093
	Gross property, plant and equipment	296,601			283,234
	Accumulated depreciation	(132,807		)	(125,405		)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	163,794		$	157,829

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill
	The roll-forward of activity related to our goodwill was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	136,152		$	131,320
	Additions	46,880			3,268
	Goodwill adjustments	(12,259		)	1,564
	Balance, end of period	$	170,773		$	136,152
	Additions to goodwill represent goodwill from an acquisition made during the period. Adjustments to goodwill include translation adjustments resulting from a portion of our goodwill being recorded on the books of our foreign subsidiaries as well as minor adjustments made for the finalization of the purchase price allocations.
	Acquisition of Lithicon AS
	On February 5, 2014 we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Lithicon AS (“Lithicon”), which has operations in Norway and Australia. Lithicon provides digital rock technology services and pore-scale micro computed tomography (“microCT”) equipment to oil and gas companies. In conjunction with the acquisition we have obtained the helical scan microCT product and associated software from the Australian National University through a licensing and development agreement.
	The total purchase price of the acquisition was $68.0 million, plus an adjustment for the change in final closing accounts of $0.4 million. We paid $0.4 million in transaction costs which were expensed as incurred within the selling, general and administrative expense line of our consolidated statements of operations. The total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their preliminary fair values as of February 5, 2014. The fair value of net tangible assets acquired was $7.7 million and the fair value of net intangible assets acquired was $22.0 million, which consisted of $18.6 million in developed technology, $2.2 million of customer relationships and $1.2 million of purchased backlog. Including an increase to net deferred tax liabilities of $8.1 million, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was $46.9 million, which was recorded as goodwill in the Industry Group. In 2014, the acquired business contributed $6.9 million of revenue and a net loss of $5.0 million to our consolidated financial results.
	The goodwill arising from the acquisition of Lithicon is primarily related to expected future cash flows from expansion of our product offerings in the oil and gas market to include digital rock services, as well as synergies from the introduction of the microCT product to the existing FEI product suite.
	The acquired developed technology, customer relationships and purchased backlog will be amortized over a period of 10 years, 5 years and 2 years, respectively.
	No pro forma financial information has been provided for this acquisition as it is insignificant.
	Acquisition of nanoTechnology Systems Pty. Ltd.
	On August 9, 2013, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of nanoTechnology Systems Pty. Ltd. (NTS) of Melbourne, Australia, which had operated as our exclusive distributor in Australia and New Zealand for approximately 10 years. The total purchase price of the acquisition was approximately $3.6 million.
	Other Intangible Assets
	Patents, trademarks and other are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 2 to 10 years. Customer relationships are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 5 to 10 years. Developed technology is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related technology, which ranges from 5.5 to 10 years. Note issuance costs were amortized over the life of the related debt, which was 7 years.
	Asset Impairment Charges
	As part of our annual impairment test of long-lived intangible assets performed in the fourth quarter of 2014, we determined that the carrying value of one of our trademarks was not recoverable as we no longer intend to use the trademark. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million to write-off the remaining net book value of the trademark within the selling, general and administrative expense line of our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, as a result of the implementation of our second quarter realignment plan in 2014, we also recorded impairment charges of $0.6 million related to the write-down of developed technology that we do not intend to use after 2014. These costs are also recorded within the selling, general and administrative expense line of our consolidated statements of operations. Both impairment losses are reported under the Industry Group. There were no impairment charges recorded during 2013 or 2012.
	For information regarding the second quarter realignment plan, see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The gross amount of our other intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Patents, trademarks and other	$	25,333		$	24,327
	Accumulated amortization	(12,805		)	(9,296		)
	Net patents, trademarks and other	12,528			15,031
	Customer relationships	21,739			21,650
	Accumulated amortization	(5,863		)	(3,547		)
	Net customer relationships	15,876			18,103
	Developed technology	33,525			18,161
	Accumulated amortization	(7,818		)	(4,098		)
	Net developed technology	25,707			14,063
	Note issuance costs	2,445			2,445
	Accumulated amortization	(2,445		)	(2,445		)
	Net note issuance costs	—			—
	Total intangible assets included in other long-term assets	$	54,111		$	47,197
	Amortization expense was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Patents, trademarks and other	$	5,965		$	3,553		$	1,993
	Customer relationships	2,317			2,376			1,168
	Developed technology	3,720			2,327			1,716
	Note issuance costs	—			146			350
	Total amortization expense	$	12,002		$	8,402		$	5,227
	Expected amortization, without consideration for foreign currency effects, is as follows over the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
		Patents,			Customer Relationships			Developed Technology		Total
		Trademarks
		and Other
	2015	$	3,572		$	2,619		$	3,804	$	9,995
	2016	2,882			2,619			3,804		9,305
	2017	2,406			2,272			3,557		8,235
	2018	1,588			2,198			3,093		6,879
	2019	1,279			1,756			2,496		5,531
	Thereafter	801			4,412			8,953		14,166
	Total future amortization expense	$	12,528		$	15,876		$	25,707	$	54,111

Credit_Facilities_and_Restrict

Credit Facilities and Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Facilities And Restricted Cash
Credit Facilities and Restricted Cash	CREDIT FACILITIES AND RESTRICTED CASH
	Multibank Credit Agreement
	We have a multibank credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for a $100.0 million secured revolving credit facility, including a $50.0 million subfacility for the issuance of letters of credit. The credit agreement expires in April 2016. We may, upon notice to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the Administrative Agent (the “Agent”), request to increase the revolving loan commitments by an aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million with new or additional commitments subject only to the consent of the lender(s) providing the new or additional commitments, for a total secured credit facility of up to $150.0 million. In connection with this loan agreement, we incurred loan origination fees which are being amortized as additional interest expense over the term of the loan.
	On July 3, 2014, we entered into the Third Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) with the Agent, various lenders (the “Lenders”) and certain other parties. Among other things, the Third Amendment amended the Credit Agreement to increase the permitted amount of restricted payments, subject to certain conditions and certain technical amendments.
	The Credit Agreement contains quarterly commitment fees that vary based on borrowings outstanding.
	The revolving loans under the Credit Agreement will generally bear interest, at our option, at either (i) the alternate base rate, which is defined as a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%, and (c) the LIBOR for an Interest Period of one month plus 1.50%, or (ii) a floating per annum rate based on LIBOR (based on one, two, three or six-month interest periods) plus a margin equal to between 1.50% and 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio as of the fiscal quarter most recently ended. A default interest rate shall apply on all obligations during an event of default under the Credit Agreement, at a rate per annum equal to 2.00% above the applicable interest rate. Revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed and voluntarily prepaid at any time without premium or penalty.
	The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our present and future material domestic subsidiaries. In addition, obligations outstanding under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our material domestic subsidiaries.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants for a credit facility of this size and type, that include, among others, covenants that limit our ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, make investments, enter into swap agreements, pay dividends or make distributions, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into restrictive agreements and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Credit Agreement provides for financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and limit the maximum leverage that we can maintain at any one time.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default for a credit facility of this size and type that include, among others, non-payment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, material judgments defaults, defaults for the occurrence of certain ERISA events and change of control defaults. The occurrence of an event of default could result in an acceleration of the obligations under the Credit Agreement.
	As of December 31, 2014, there were no revolving loans or letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement, we were in compliance with all covenants and we were not in default under the Credit Agreement.
	Restricted Cash
	As part of our contracts with certain customers, we are required to provide letters of credit or bank guarantees which these customers can draw against in the event we do not perform in accordance with our contractual obligations. Restricted cash balances securing bank guarantees that expire within 12 months of the balance sheet date are recorded as a current asset on our consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash balances securing bank guarantees that expire beyond 12 months from the balance sheet date are recorded as long-term restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table sets forth information related to guarantees and letters of credit (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014
	Guarantees and letters of credit outstanding	$	54,897
	Amount secured by restricted cash deposits:
	Current	$	15,698
	Long-term	38,369
	Total secured by restricted cash	$	54,067

Warranty_Reserves

Warranty Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Warranty Reserves	WARRANTY RESERVES
	The following is a summary of warranty reserve activity (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	12,705		$	12,049		$	11,683
	Reductions for warranty costs incurred	(14,051		)	(13,058		)	(11,958		)
	Warranties issued	14,846			13,677			12,302
	Translation and changes in estimates	(495		)	37			22
	Balance, end of period	$	13,005		$	12,705		$	12,049

Convertible_Notes

Convertible Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Abstract]
Convertible Notes	CONVERTIBLE NOTES
	2.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes
	On May 19, 2006, we issued $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible subordinated notes with an interest rate of 2.875%, payable semi-annually. The notes were due on June 1, 2013, and were subordinated to all previously existing and future senior indebtedness, and effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The cost of this transaction, including underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, totaled $3.1 million and was recorded on our balance sheet in other long-term assets and amortized over the life of the notes. The amortization of these costs totals $0.1 million per quarter and is reflected as additional interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations through the date of conversion.
	Prior to conversion, we redeemed the following amounts of our 2.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes:
	Date	Amount		Redemption		Redemption		Related Note
		Redeemed		Price		Discount		Issuance Costs
								Written Off
	Feb-09	$	15,000,000	86.5	%	$	2,025,000	$	250,154
	24-Jun-10	7,940,000		98.9		89,325		90,904
	29-Jun-10	1,200,000		99		12,000		13,703
	8-Jul-10	1,848,000		99.25		13,860		20,546
	Total for 2010	10,988,000				115,185		125,153
	Total	$	25,988,000			$	2,140,185	$	375,307
	Additionally, during 2012, one of our note holders converted a $1,000 note into 34 shares of FEI common stock and in 2011, one of our note holders converted a $1,000 note into 34 shares of FEI common stock.
	Debt Conversion
	On June 1, 2013, the remaining $89.0 million of these notes were due. Prior to maturity, holders of $88.9 million of these notes converted their notes into 3.0 million shares of FEI common stock. At maturity, holders of $0.1 million of these notes did not elect to convert into FEI common stock and those notes were settled with a cash payment.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES
	Income before income taxes included the following components (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S.	$	27,832		$	32,549		$	26,640
	Foreign	99,098			119,053			113,908
	Total	$	126,930		$	151,602		$	140,548
	Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	3,088		$	(851	)	$	8,173
	State	861			419			475
	Foreign	11,127			16,513			13,870
	Total current income tax expense	15,076			16,081			22,518
	U.S. deferred expense (benefit)	7,174			12,645			4,285
	Foreign deferred benefit	(384		)	(3,797		)	(1,175		)
	Income tax expense	$	21,866		$	24,929		$	25,628
	The effective income tax rate applied to net income varied from the U.S. federal statutory rate due to the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rates	$	44,425		$	53,061		$	49,192
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	861			857			1,126
	Foreign tax benefit	(22,307		)	(25,263		)	(26,181		)
	Research and experimentation benefit	(2,785		)	(5,966		)	(758		)
	Foreign tax credit benefit	(1,490		)	(2,152		)	(2,738		)
	Tax audit settlements and lapses of statutes of limitations	(2,869		)	(70		)	(439		)
	Stock compensation	2,940			2,658			2,134
	Non-deductible items	3,524			2,132			3,100
	Release of valuation allowance	(454		)	—			—
	Other	21			(328		)	192
	Income tax expense	$	21,866		$	24,929		$	25,628
	Our 2014 tax expense reflected comparatively lower tax rates in foreign jurisdictions where we earn most of our profits. The tax provision also included a benefit for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of statutes of limitation and the effective settlement of positions taken on prior year returns.
	Current taxes payable were reduced for excess tax benefits recorded to common stock and related to stock compensation of $4.5 million, $6.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively, in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Deferred Income Taxes
	Net deferred tax assets were classified on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets – current	$	8,225		$	15,114
	Deferred tax assets – non-current	6,605			1,751
	Deferred tax liabilities – current	(218		)	(9		)
	Deferred tax liabilities – non-current	(9,576		)	(8,931		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	5,036		$	7,925
	Valuation allowance	$	4,350		$	2,723
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities and reserves	$	14,941		$	15,804
	Revenue recognition	—			340
	Tax credit and loss carryforwards	7,437			8,063
	Fixed assets and intangibles	—			546
	Unrealized losses	2,219			765
	Stock compensation	3,278			2,151
	Other assets	4,775			1,501
	Gross deferred tax assets	32,650			29,170
	Valuation allowance	(4,350		)	(2,723		)
	Net deferred tax assets	28,300			26,447
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets and intangibles	(18,004		)	(17,965		)
	Revenue recognition	(2,800		)	(19		)
	Other liabilities	(2,460		)	(538		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(23,264		)	(18,522		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	5,036		$	7,925
Deferred tax benefit of $2.6 million, $1.1 million and $3.0 million was recorded in other comprehensive income in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets totaled $4.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we utilize a more likely than not standard. If it is determined that it is “more likely than not” that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established against the deferred tax assets. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the associated temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, historical operating performance, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2014 were $20.7 million and do not expire.
State research and development tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2014 were $1.2 million and expire between 2015 and 2019.
During 2014, we placed in service fixed assets at our new facility in Brno which qualified for approximately $3.6 million of investment tax credits. We have elected to apply the deferral method of accounting for these credits and have reduced the depreciable basis in the related fixed assets. The credits can be used to offset future taxes payable over a fixed base amount each year, and have been classified on the balance sheet as a component of other assets, net as of December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, U.S. income taxes have not been provided for approximately $381.9 million of cumulative undistributed earnings of several non-U.S. subsidiaries, as our current intention is to reinvest these earnings indefinitely outside the U.S. Foreign tax provisions have been provided for these cumulative undistributed earnings. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Similarly, we have not provided deferred taxes on the cumulative translation adjustment related to those non-U.S. subsidiaries.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Tax Contingencies
A rollforward of our unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, was as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$	23,966		$	25,135		$	16,041
Increases for tax positions taken in current period	—			1,197			—
Increases for tax positions taken in prior periods	2,081			1,701			9,965
Decreases for tax positions taken in prior periods	(1,419		)	(3,997		)	(620		)
Decreases for lapses in statutes of limitations	(2,869		)	(70		)	(251		)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$	21,759		$	23,966		$	25,135
During 2014, we reduced unrecognized tax benefits by $2.9 million due to a lapse in a US statute of limitation. We also effectively settled matters with tax authorities in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. The result of effective settlements was a reduction of $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits. This reduction was offset by accruals for positions taken on current and prior year tax returns and related mainly to uncertainty surrounding transfer pricing and permanent establishment.
Non-current unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $21.8 million and $23.8 million were classified on the balance sheet as a component of Other Liabilities.
The entire balance of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate. We believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease, in the next 12 months, between zero and $6.5 million due to lapses of statutes of limitations and as the result of settlements with taxing authorities.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits included accruals for interest and penalties of $3.1 million and $3.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Tax expense included the following relating to interest and penalties (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Benefit for lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement with taxing authorities	$	(202	)	$	(24	)	$	(88	)
(Benefit) Accruals for current and prior periods	(405		)	1,698			652
Total interest and penalties	$	(607	)	$	1,674		$	564
For our major tax jurisdictions, the following years were open for examination by the tax authorities as of December 31, 2014:
Jurisdiction		Open Tax Years
U.S.		2011 and forward
The Netherlands		2011 and forward
Czech Republic		2012 and forward

Restructuring_Reorganization_R

Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance	RESTRUCTURING, REORGANIZATION, RELOCATION AND SEVERANCE
	Second Quarter 2014 Realignment
	During the second quarter of 2014, we implemented a resource realignment plan aimed at improving our operational efficiency by eliminating redundancies in sites and personnel resulting from recent acquisitions and expansion activities. We shifted our resources to growing regions, such as Asia, and potential growth markets, such as structural biology, oil and gas, near-line semiconductor processing and metals research, in order to better position us to pursue our growth strategy. The realignment plan activities included the consolidation of our three Australia sites in Canberra; the closure of our facility in Delmont, Pennsylvania and relocation of those operations to our new facility in the Czech Republic; relocation of our Japan demonstration facility to our Shanghai facility; selective reductions in staffing, relocations and compensation adjustments related to the foregoing activities and other realignment of management resources. Savings from the realignment plan are expected to be approximately $10.0 million on an annual basis.
	The following table summarizes the costs incurred under our second quarter realignment plan:
		Year Ended
	Realignment Costs	December 31,
		2014
	Inventory write-offs	$	1,627
	Acceleration of acquisition-related earn-out	2,500
	Impairment and other asset write-offs	3,973
	Restructuring activities	17,128
	Total	$	25,228
	These costs have been recorded in our consolidated statements of operations as follows:
		Year Ended
	Statement of Operations Classification	December 31,
		2014
	Cost of sales	$	1,627
	Selling, general and administrative	6,473
	Restructuring, reorganization and relocation	17,128
	Total	$	25,228
	First Quarter 2014 Restructuring
	During the first quarter of 2014, we engaged in a restructuring plan principally aimed at consolidating our sales force in Europe. The $1.3 million cost incurred in implementing the restructuring plan primarily consisted of severance and other employee termination related costs, and was incurred during the first quarter of 2014. We do not expect to incur any additional costs under this plan. Savings from this plan are expected to be approximately $1.8 million on an annual basis.
	Group Structure Reorganization
	During the first quarter of 2013, we reorganized the company into a group structure in order to enable us to efficiently execute our growth strategy. The costs associated with the reorganization consisted primarily of severance costs and resulted in the termination of certain positions throughout the company. In anticipation of this reorganization, we incurred $2.9 million of costs during the fourth quarter of 2012, and recorded $1.1 million of severance costs during 2013, for a total cost of $4.0 million. We do not expect to incur any additional costs under this reorganization plan.
	Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance Accrual
	The following tables summarize the charges, expenditures, write-offs and adjustments related to our restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance accrual (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	Second Quarter 2014 Realignment			First Quarter 2014 Restructuring			Group Structure Reorganization			Total
	Beginning accrued liability	$	—		$	—		$	50		$	50
	Charged to expense, net	17,128			1,331			—			18,459
	Expenditures	(7,553		)	(1,327		)	(50		)	(8,930		)
	Write-offs and adjustments	(414		)	(4		)	—			(418		)
	Ending accrued liability	$	9,161		$	—		$	—		$	9,161
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	Group Structure Organization			Total
	Beginning accrued liability	$	2,692		$	2,692
	Charged to expense, net	1,090			1,090
	Expenditures	(3,782		)	(3,782		)
	Write-offs and adjustments	50			50
	Ending accrued liability	$	50		$	50

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	From time to time, we may be a party to litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any litigation that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Purchase Obligations
	We have commitments under non-cancelable purchase orders, primarily relating to inventory, totaling $93.4 million at December 31, 2014. These commitments expire at various times through the first quarter of 2020.

Lease_Obligations

Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Lease Obligations	LEASE OBLIGATIONS
	We have operating leases for various vehicles and equipment, as well as for certain of our manufacturing and administrative facilities that extend through 2034. The facilities lease agreements generally provide for payment of base rental amounts plus our share of property taxes and common area costs as well as renewal options at current market rates.
	Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rent expense was $9.5 million in 2014, $7.4 million in 2013 and $8.5 million in 2012.
	The approximate future minimum rental payments due under these agreements as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
		Minimum Rental Payment
	2015	$	8,327
	2016	6,926
	2017	5,831
	2018	4,926
	2019	4,027
	Thereafter	41,800
	Total	$	71,837

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity [Text Block]	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Preferred Stock Rights Plan
	On July 21, 2005, the Board of Directors adopted a Preferred Stock Rights Plan. Pursuant to the Preferred Stock Rights Plan, we distributed Rights as a dividend at the rate of one Right for each share of our common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 12, 2005. The Rights expire on August 12, 2015, unless redeemed or exchanged.
	The Rights are not exercisable until the earlier of: (1) 10 days (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors) following an announcement that a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 20% of our common stock or (2) 10 days (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors) following the announcement of a tender offer which would result in a person or group obtaining beneficial ownership of 20% or more of our outstanding common stock, subject to certain exceptions (the earlier of such dates being called the Distribution Date). The Rights are initially exercisable for one-thousandth of a share of our Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $120 per one-thousandth share, subject to adjustment. However, if: (1) after the Distribution Date we are acquired in certain types of transactions, or (2) any person or group (with limited exceptions) acquires beneficial ownership of 20% of our common stock, then holders of Rights (other than the 20% holder) will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Right, common stock (or in case we are completely acquired, common stock of the acquirer) having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Philips Business Electronics International B.V., or any of its affiliates, shall not be considered for the 20% calculation so long as it does not acquire 30% or more of our common shares.
	We are entitled to redeem the Rights, for $0.001 per Right, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, until certain specified times. We may also require the exchange of Rights, at a rate of one share of common stock for each Right, under certain circumstances. We also have the ability to amend the Rights, subject to certain limitations.
	PEO Combination
	On February 21, 1997, we acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the electron optics business of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (the “PEO Combination”), in a transaction accounted for as a reverse acquisition. As part of the PEO Combination, we agreed to issue to Philips additional shares of our common stock whenever stock options that were outstanding on the date of the closing of the PEO Combination are exercised. Any such additional shares are issued at a rate of approximately 1.22 shares to Philips for each share issued on exercise of these options. We receive no additional consideration for these shares issued to Philips under this agreement. We did not issue any shares in 2014, 2013 or 2012 to Philips under this agreement. As of December 31, 2014, 165,000 shares of our common stock are potentially issuable and reserved for issuance as a result of this agreement.
	Share Repurchases
	A plan to repurchase up to a total of 4.0 million shares of our common stock was approved by our Board of Directors in September 2010, re-authorized in December 2012, and does not have an expiration date. The amount and timing of specific repurchases are subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The purchases are funded from existing cash resources and may be suspended or discontinued at any time at our discretion without prior notice.
	During 2014, we repurchased 795,321 shares for a total of $62.5 million, or an average of $78.61 per share. We did not repurchase any shares in 2013. During 2012, we repurchased 20,500 shares for a total of $0.9 million, or an average of $43.41 per share. As of December 31, 2014, 1,324,479 shares remained available for purchase pursuant to this plan.
	Dividends to Shareholders
	In June 2012 we announced our plan to initiate a quarterly dividend and our Board has declared dividends each quarter since the plan's inception. The declaration and payment of dividends to shareholders in the future is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Employee Share Purchase Plan
	In 1998, we implemented an Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). At our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was held on May 8, 2014, our shareholders approved an amendment to our Employee Share Purchase Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the plan from 3,950,000 to 4,200,000.
	Under the ESPP, employees may elect to have compensation withheld and placed in a designated stock subscription account for purchase of FEI common stock. Each ESPP offering period consists of one six-month purchase period. The purchase price in a purchase period is set at a 15% discount to the lower of the market price on either the first day of the applicable offering period or the purchase date. The ESPP allows a maximum purchase of 500 shares per six-month offering period.
	A total of 139,696 shares were purchased pursuant to the ESPP during 2014 at a weighted average purchase price of $70.60 per share, which represented a weighted average discount of $12.46 per share compared to the fair market value of our common stock on the dates of purchase. At December 31, 2014, 1,021,872 shares of our common stock remained available for purchase and were reserved for issuance under the ESPP.
	1995 Stock Incentive Plan
	Also at our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders approved an amendment to our 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1995 Plan”) to increase the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the plan from 11,000,000 to 11,250,000.
	We maintain stock incentive plans for selected directors, officers, employees and certain other parties that allow the Board of Directors to grant options (incentive and nonqualified), stock and cash bonuses, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance RSUs and restricted shares. The Board of Directors’ ability to grant options under the 1995 Plan will terminate, if the plan is not amended, when all shares reserved for issuance have been issued and all restrictions on such shares have lapsed, or earlier, at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding the 1995 Plan:
		December 31,
		2014
	Shares available for grant	1,916,974
	Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	3,301,988
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding all options outstanding and exercisable:
		December 31, 2014
		Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
	Number	808,484				310,649
	Weighted average exercise price	$	61.27			$	44.52
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 23.6 million				$ 14.2 million
	Weighted average remaining contractual term	4.9 years				3.8 years
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding all RSUs nonvested and expected to vest:
		December 31, 2014
		RSUs Nonvested				RSUs Expected to Vest
	Number	578,530				507,013
	Weighted average grant date per share fair value	$	69.72			$	69.03
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 52.1 million				$ 45.8 million
	Weighted average remaining term to vest	1.5 years				1.5 years
	As of December 31, 2014, unrecognized stock-based compensation related to outstanding, but unvested stock options and RSUs was $42.8 million, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.9 years.
	Activity under these plans was as follows (share amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Shares Subject to Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Balance, beginning of period	752			$	50.18
	Granted	230			81.99
	Forfeited	(31	)		77.08
	Exercised	(143	)		33.21
	Balance, end of period	808			61.27
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Per Share Fair Value
	Balance, beginning of period	737			$	57.6
	Granted	193			83.65
	Forfeited	(61	)		64.76
	Vested	(290	)		49.44
	Balance, end of period	579			69.72
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	Certain information regarding our stock-based compensation was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013		2012
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted	$	18,856			$	16,283	$	12,279
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units	16,172				20,415		20,461
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	8,730				13,169		6,293
	Fair value of restricted stock units vested	14,461				11,452		9,113
	Cash received from stock options exercised and shares purchased under all stock-based arrangements	14,771				16,545		13,131
	Tax benefit realized for stock options	4,526				6,495		3,137
	Our stock-based compensation expense was included in our consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013		2012
	Cost of sales	$	3,276			$	2,427	$	1,858
	Research and development	2,727				2,156		1,903
	Selling, general and administrative	17,129				13,744		10,393
	Total stock-based compensation	$	23,132			$	18,327	$	14,154
	Stock-based compensation costs related to inventory or fixed assets were not significant in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Stock-Based Compensation Assumptions
	The following weighted average assumptions were used in determining fair value pursuant to the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
		Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Risk-free interest rate	0.06% - 0.89%		0.07% - 1.72%		0.13% - 0.81%
Dividend yield	0.48% - 1.22%		0.44% - 0.59%		0% - 0.72%
Expected term:
RSU and option plans	2.8 - 3.1 years		3.1 - 5.1 years		5.3 - 5.5 years
Employee share purchase plan	6 months		6 months		6 months
Volatility	29% - 34%		23% - 43%		36% - 55%
The risk-free rate used is based on the U.S. Treasury yield over the expected term of the options granted. The expected term for options is estimated based on historical exercise data and for the ESPP, it is based on the life of the purchase period. The expected volatility is calculated based on the historical volatility of our common stock.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Pension Plans
	Employee retirement plans have been established in some foreign countries in accordance with the legal requirements and customs in the countries involved. The majority of employees in Europe and Asia are covered by defined benefit, multi-employer or defined contribution pension plans. The benefits provided by these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees’ compensation near retirement. Employees in the U.S. are covered by a profit sharing 401(k) plan, which is a defined contribution plan.
	Employees in The Netherlands participate with other companies in making collectively-bargained payments to the Metal-Electro Industry pension fund. We are responsible for the employer contributions to this fund, but are not obligated to make additional payments to cover any underfunded portions. Pension costs relating to this multi-employer plan were $6.6 million, $6.5 million and $5.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Outside the U.S. and The Netherlands, employees are covered under various defined contribution and defined benefit plans as required by local law.
	Plan costs for our defined contribution plans outside the U.S. and The Netherlands totaled $3.3 million in 2014, $3.6 million in 2013 and $3.6 million in 2012. Due to the immateriality of our defined benefit pension plan costs, we have not included all required disclosures.
	Profit Share and Variable Compensation Programs
	We maintain an Employee Profit Share Plan and a Management Variable Compensation Plan for management-level employees to reward achievement of corporate and individual objectives. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors generally determines the structure of the overall incentive program at the beginning of each year. In setting the structure and the amount of the overall target incentive pool, the Compensation Committee considers potential size of the pool in relation to our earnings and other financial estimates, the achievability of the corporate targets under the plan, historical payouts under the plan and other factors. The total cost of these plans was $9.1 million in 2014, $12.8 million in 2013 and $13.2 million in 2012.
	Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
	We maintain a profit sharing 401(k) plan that covers substantially all U.S. employees. Employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation, and we may contribute an amount approved by the Board of Directors. We match 100% of employee contributions to the 401(k) plan up to 3% of each employee’s eligible compensation. Employees must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the matching contribution. We contributed $2.1 million in 2014, $2.1 million in 2013 and $1.8 million in 2012 to this plan. Our 401(k) plan does not allow for the investment in shares of our common stock.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	We maintain a deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”), which permits certain employees to defer payment of a portion of their annual compensation. We do not match deferrals or make any additional contributions to the Plan. Distributions from the Plan are generally payable as a lump sum payment or in multi-year installments as directed by the participant according to the Plan provisions. Undistributed amounts under the Plan are subject to the claims of our creditors. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the invested amounts under the Plan totaled $7.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively, and were recorded on our balance sheets as non-current investments in marketable securities and as a long-term liability to recognize undistributed amounts due to employees.

RelatedParty_Activity

Related-Party Activity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Activity	RELATED-PARTY ACTIVITY
	Related parties with which we had transactions during 2014 were as follows:
	•	one of the members of our Board of Directors serves on the Board of Directors of Applied Materials, Inc. and Lattice Semiconductor Corporation;
	•	our Chief Financial Officer is on the Board of Directors of Cascade Microtech, Inc.;
	•	one of the members of our Board of Directors serves on the Board of Directors of Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.;
	•	one of the members of our Board of Directors serves on the Supervisory Board of TMC BV; and
	•	our Chief Executive Officer is on the Board of Trustees for the Oregon Health and Science University Foundation.
	Transactions with these related parties were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
	Sales to Related Parties	2014			2013		2012
	Product sales:
	Applied Materials, Inc.	$	2,706		$	4,656	$	981
	Lattice Semiconductor Corporation	—			5		—
	Cascade Microtech, Inc.	—			—		4
	Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.	390			—		—
	Oregon Health and Science University	364			555		—
	Total product sales to related parties	3,460			5,216		985
	Service sales:
	Applied Materials, Inc.	829			719		554
	Lattice Semiconductor Corporation	12			12		—
	Cascade Microtech, Inc.	35			33		33
	Oregon Health and Science University	347			85		—
	Total service sales to related parties	1,223			849		587
	Total sales to related parties	$	4,683		$	6,065	$	1,572
	Purchases from Related Parties
	TMC BV	$	2,348		$	580	$	127
	Oregon Health and Science University	119			353		—
	Total purchases from related parties	$	2,467		$	933	$	127
	Amounts due from (to) related parties were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014
	Applied Materials, Inc.	$	74
	Cascade Microtech, Inc.	10
	Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.	351
	Oregon Health and Science University	209
	TMC BV	(324		)
	Due from related parties, net	$	320

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Information	SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer.
	We currently report our segments based on a group structure organization. Our segments are the Industry Group and the Science Group.
	The following tables summarize various financial amounts for each of our business segments (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Sales to External Customers:
	Industry Group	$	450,198		$	427,731			$	433,424
	Science Group	506,082			499,723				458,314
	Total	$	956,280		$	927,454			$	891,738
	Gross Profit:
	Industry Group	$	229,959		$	222,675			$	220,267
	Science Group	218,196			216,110				195,363
	Total	$	448,155		$	438,785			$	415,630
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Goodwill:
	Industry Group	$	76,858		$	51,532
	Science Group	93,915			84,620
	Total	$	170,773		$	136,152
	Total Assets:
	Industry Group	$	444,168		$	297,987
	Science Group	470,899			365,571
	Corporate and Eliminations	502,751			762,526
	Total	$	1,417,818		$	1,426,084
	Market segment disclosures are presented to the gross profit level as this is the primary performance measure for which the segment general managers are responsible. Selling, general and administrative, research and development and other operating expenses are managed and reported at the corporate level and, because allocation to the market segments would be arbitrary, have not been allocated to the market segments. See the consolidated statements of operations for reconciliations from gross profit to income before income taxes. These reconciling items are not included in the measure of profit and loss for each reportable segment.
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012 our top 10 customers accounted for approximately 27%, 25% and 22% of our total annual net revenue, respectively. One customer accounted for just over 10% of total annual net revenue during 2013 and no customers accounted for 10% or more of total annual net revenue in 2014 and 2012.
	Geographical Information
	A significant portion of our net sales has been derived from customers outside of the U.S., which we expect to continue. We evaluate geographical performance for three regions: U.S. and Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific Region and Rest of World. Our European region also includes Central America, South America, Africa (excluding South Africa), the Middle East and Russia.
	The following table summarizes sales by geographic region (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014									2013						2012
		Product Sales		Service Sales			Total				Product Sales		Service Sales		Total		Product Sales		Service Sales		Total
	U.S. and Canada	$	207,623	$	97,966		$	305,589			$	167,876	$	92,759	$	260,635	$	200,778	$	90,942	$	291,720
	Europe	200,995		66,799			267,794				205,857		64,803		270,660		185,598		59,124		244,722
	Asia-Pacific Region and Rest of World	314,048		68,849			382,897				335,705		60,454		396,159		305,120		50,176		355,296
	Consolidated net sales	$	722,666	$	233,614		$	956,280			$	709,438	$	218,016	$	927,454	$	691,496	$	200,242	$	891,738
	Our long-lived assets were geographically located as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	United States	$	76,553		$	77,639
	The Netherlands	59,722			65,570
	The Czech Republic	36,534			22,950
	Other	58,073			42,272
	Total	$	230,882		$	208,431

Fair_Value_Measurements_of_Ass

Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	Factors used in determining the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities are summarized into three broad categories:
	•	Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities as of the reporting date;
	•	Level 2 – other significant directly or indirectly observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk; and
	•	Level 3 – significant inputs that are generally less observable than objective sources, including our own assumptions in determining fair value.
	The factors or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
	Following are the disclosures related to the fair value of our financial assets and (liabilities) (in thousands):
	December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	17,608	$	—		$	—	$	17,608
	Agency bonds	—		51,951			—		51,951
	Commercial paper	—		13,500			—		13,500
	Certificates of deposit	—		19,122			—		19,122
	Municipal bonds	—		27,119			—		27,119
	Corporate bond	—		10,902			—		10,902
	Trading securities:
	Equity securities – mutual funds	7,351		—			—		7,351
	Derivative contracts, net	—		(2,739		)	—		(2,739		)
	Total	$	24,959	$	119,855		$	—	$	144,814
	December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	10,128	$	—		$	—	$	10,128
	Agency bonds	—		37,961			—		37,961
	Commercial paper	—		39,987			—		39,987
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,786			—		7,786
	Municipal bonds	—		49,319			—		49,319
	Corporate bonds	—		5,001			—		5,001
	Trading securities:
	Equity securities – mutual funds	5,287		—			—		5,287
	Derivative contracts, net	—		(1,113		)	—		(1,113		)
	Total	$	15,415	$	138,941		$	—	$	154,356
	Agency bonds are securities backed by U.S. government-sponsored entities.
	We use an income approach to value the assets and liabilities for outstanding derivative contracts using current market information as of the reporting date, such as spot rates, interest rate differentials and implied volatility.
	There were no transfers between fair value categories or changes to our valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	We believe the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities are a reasonable approximation of the fair value of those financial instruments because of the nature of the underlying transactions and the short-term maturities involved.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency risk and we use derivatives to mitigate financial exposure from movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
	The aggregate notional amount of outstanding derivative contracts were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Cash flow hedges	$	222,000			$	208,446
	Balance sheet hedges	153,499				172,947
	Total outstanding derivative contracts	$	375,499			$	381,393
	The outstanding contracts at December 31, 2014 have varying maturities through the second quarter of 2016. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
	We attempt to mitigate derivative credit risk by transacting with highly rated counterparties. We have evaluated the credit and nonperformance risks associated with our derivative counterparties and believe them to be insignificant and not warranting a credit adjustment at December 31, 2014. In addition, there are no credit contingent features in our derivative instruments.
	Balance Sheet Related
	In countries outside of the U.S., we transact business in U.S. dollars and in various other currencies. We attempt to mitigate our currency exposures for recorded transactions by using forward exchange contracts to reduce the risk that our future cash flows will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. We enter into forward sale or purchase contracts for foreign currencies to economically hedge specific cash, receivables or payables positions denominated in foreign currencies.
	Changes in fair value of derivatives entered into to mitigate the foreign exchange risks related to these balance sheet items are recorded in other income (expense) together with the transaction gain or loss from the respective balance sheet position as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Foreign currency loss, inclusive of the impact of derivatives	$	(1,810	)		$	(2,808	)		$	(5,675	)
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We use zero cost collar contracts and option contracts to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency exchange transactions. The foreign exchange hedging structure may extend, generally, up to a twenty-four month time horizon. The hedging transactions we undertake primarily limit our exposure to changes in the U.S. dollar/euro and the U.S. dollar/Czech koruna exchange rate. The zero cost collar contract hedges are designed to protect us as the U.S. dollar weakens, but also provide us with some flexibility if the dollar strengthens.
	These derivatives meet the criteria to be designated as hedges and, accordingly, we record the change in fair value of the effective portion of these hedge contracts relating to anticipated transactions in other comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. Gains and losses resulting from the ineffective portion of the hedge contracts, if any, are recognized as a component of net income. Gains and losses related to cash flow derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments are recorded as a component of net income.
	Summary
	Our derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are presented net in our balance sheet. We do not have any financial collateral related to these netting arrangements. The effect of these netting arrangements on our balance sheet is as follows (in thousands):
		Offsetting of Derivative Assets										Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	December 31, 2014	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets			Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Assets				Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	3,283	$	(865	)	$	2,418
	Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments	2,456			(670		)	1,786				4,729		(2,622		)	2,107
	Total	$	2,456		$	(670	)	$	1,786			$	8,012	$	(3,487	)	$	4,525
		Offsetting of Derivative Assets										Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	December 31, 2013	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets			Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Assets				Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	4,362	$	(3,042	)	$	1,320
	Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments	2,171			(698		)	1,473				2,916		(1,650		)	1,266
	Total	$	2,171		$	(698	)	$	1,473			$	7,278	$	(4,692	)	$	2,586
	The effect of derivative instruments was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
	Foreign Exchange Contracts in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013				2012
	Amount of gain/(loss):
	Recognized in OCI (effective portion)	$	(6,631	)		$	(1,934	)		$	8,032
	Reclassified from accumulated OCI into revenue (effective portion)	176				33				—
	Reclassified from accumulated OCI into cost of sales (effective portion)	(7,930		)		(790		)		(2,511		)
	Recognized in other, net (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	(336		)		(80		)		9
	Foreign Exchange Contracts Not in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	Amount of gain/(loss):
	Recognized in other, net	$	(6,532	)		$	(4,802	)		$	(4,882	)
	The unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 are expected to be reclassified to net income during the next eighteen months as a result of the underlying hedged transactions also being recorded in net income.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FEI Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “FEI”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
	Significant accounting policies and estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include:
	•	the timing of revenue recognition;
	•	valuations of excess and obsolete inventory;
	•	the lives and recoverability of equipment and other long-lived assets;
	•	the valuation of goodwill;
	•	restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance costs;
	•	tax valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits;
	•	stock-based compensation; and
	•	accounting for derivatives.
	It is reasonably possible that management's estimates may change in the future.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Certain reclassifications to prior year consolidated financial statements have been made to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on our consolidated statements of operations.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and receivables. Our investment policy limits investments with any one issuer to 10% or less of the total investment portfolio, with the exception of money market funds and securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies which may comprise up to 100% of the total investment portfolio. Our exposure to credit risk concentrations within our receivables balance is limited due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies.
Concentration of Risk, Other Risk [Policy Text Block]	Failure of critical suppliers of parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to us in a timely and cost-effective manner could negatively affect our business, including our ability to convert backlog into revenue. Although we currently use numerous vendors to supply parts, components and subassemblies for the manufacture and support of our products, some key parts may only be obtained from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. In particular, we rely on: VDL Enabling Technologies Group, NTS Group, Frencken Mechatronics B.V., Keller Technology, Schneeberger AG, Prodrive Technologies and AZD Praha s.r.o. for our supply of mechanical parts and subassemblies; Gatan, Inc., Edax Inc. and Bruker Corp. for critical accessory products; and Neways Electronics, N.V. for some of our electronic subassemblies. A portion of the subcomponents that make up the components and sub-assemblies supplied to us are proprietary in nature and are provided to our suppliers only from single sources. We monitor those parts subject to single or a limited source supply to seek to minimize factory down time due to unavailability of such parts, which could impact our ability to meet manufacturing schedules.
	As a result of this concentration of key suppliers, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we do not timely and cost-effectively receive a sufficient quantity of quality parts to meet our production requirements or if we are required to find alternative suppliers for these supplies. We may not be able to expand our supplier group or to reduce our dependence on single suppliers. If our suppliers are not able to meet our supply requirements, constraints may affect our ability to deliver products to customers in a timely manner, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, restrictions regulating the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in various jurisdictions may impact parts and component availability or our electronics suppliers’ ability to source parts and components in a timely and cost-effective manner. Overall, because we only have a few equipment suppliers, we may be more exposed to future cost increases for this equipment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents include cash deposits in banks, money market funds and other highly liquid marketable securities with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
Restricted Cash, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our restricted cash balances are held in deposit accounts with banks that have issued guarantees and letters of credit to our customers for system sales transactions and customer advance deposits relating to prepayments for service contracts, mainly in Europe and Asia. This restricted cash can be drawn on by the bank if goods are not delivered or services are not properly performed. In addition, while the restricted cash is held in the bank it is earning interest. Given these deposit accounts require satisfaction of conditions other than a withdrawal demand for us to receive a return of principal, are interest bearing and are held for extended periods of time, we have concluded these balances are similar in nature to our other investments and that inclusion in investing activities on our statement of cash flows is appropriate and consistent with our treatment of other investments. Restricted cash balances securing bank guarantees that expire within 12 months of the balance sheet date are recorded as a current asset on our consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash balances securing bank guarantees that expire beyond 12 months from the balance sheet date are recorded as long-term restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on collection experience and known trends with current customers. The large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies somewhat mitigates our credit risk exposure and the magnitude of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Our estimates of the allowance for doubtful accounts are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. Changes to the reserve may occur based upon changes in revenue levels and associated balances in accounts receivable and estimated changes in individual customers’ credit quality. Write-offs include amounts written off for specifically identified bad debts. Historically, we have not incurred significant write-offs of accounts receivable, however, an individual loss could be significant due to the relative size of our sales transactions.
Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our investments include marketable debt securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper and government-backed securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the time of purchase. These investments are recorded on our balance sheet as available-for-sale securities at fair value based on quoted market prices. Unrealized gains/losses resulting from changes in the fair value are recorded, net of tax, in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Certain long-term investments included in non-current investments in marketable securities consisted of mutual fund shares held to offset liabilities to participants in the Company's deferred compensation plan. The investments are classified as long-term because the related deferred compensation liabilities are not expected to be paid within the next year. These investments are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in operating expenses, which are offset against gains and losses resulting from changes in corresponding deferred compensation liabilities to participants (see Note 7 the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Investments for which it is not practical to estimate fair value are included at cost and primarily consist of investments in privately-held companies.
	Realized gains and losses on all investments are recorded on the specific identification method and are included in interest income (expense) or other income (expense) in the period incurred. Investments with maturities greater than 12 months from the balance sheet date are classified as non-current investments, unless they are expected to be liquidated within the next 12 months; in which case, the investment is classified as current.
Inventories, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined by standard cost methods, which approximate the first-in, first-out method. Inventory costs include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Service inventories that exceed the estimated requirements for the next 12 months based on recent usage levels are reported as a long-term asset. Management has established inventory reserves based on estimates of excess and/or obsolete current and non-current inventory.
	Manufacturing inventory is reviewed for obsolescence and excess quantities on a quarterly basis, based on estimated future use of quantities on hand, which is determined based on past usage, planned changes to products and known trends in markets and technology. Changes in support plans or technology could have a significant impact on obsolescence.
	To support our world-wide service operations, we maintain service spare parts inventory, which consists of both consumable and repairable spare parts. Consumable service spare parts are used within our service business to replace worn or damaged parts in a system during a service call and are generally classified in current inventory as our stock of this inventory turns relatively quickly. However, if there has been no recent usage for a consumable service spare part, but the part is still necessary to support systems under service contracts, the part is considered to be non-current and included within non-current inventories within our consolidated balance sheet. Consumables are charged to cost of goods sold when issued during the service call.
	We also maintain a substantial supply of repairable and reusable spare parts for possible use in future repairs and customer field service of our install base. We have classified this inventory as a long-term asset given these parts can be repaired and reused in the service business over many years.
	As these service parts age over the related product group’s post-production service life, we reduce the net carrying value of our repairable and consumable spare part inventory to account for the excess that builds over the service life. The post-production service life of our systems is generally eight years and, at the end of the service life, the carrying value for these parts is reduced to zero. We also perform periodic monitoring of our installed base for premature or increased end of service life events. If required, we expense, through cost of goods sold, the remaining net carrying value of any related spare parts inventory in the period incurred.
Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the assets and liabilities. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to “more likely than not” be realized in our future tax returns. Should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our remaining net deferred tax assets in the future, increases to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required. Conversely, if we determine that certain tax assets that have been reserved for may be realized in the future, we may reduce our valuation allowance in future periods.
Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In the ordinary course of business, there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate or effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. When applicable, associated interest and penalties have been recognized as a component of income tax expense.
	Unrecognized tax benefits relate mainly to uncertainty surrounding various tax credits, transfer pricing and permanent establishment in foreign jurisdictions. Included in the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits were accruals for interest and penalties. If recognized, the total unrecognized tax benefits would have an impact on the effective tax rate.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Land is stated at cost. Buildings and improvements are stated at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately 40 years using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Machinery and equipment, including systems used in production and research and development activities, are stated at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately three to seven years using the straight-line method.
	Demonstration systems consist primarily of internally manufactured products and related accessories that we use for marketing purposes in our demonstration laboratories or for trade shows. These systems are long lived in nature and are recorded as a component of property, plant and equipment. The proceeds expected to be realized when the systems are sold is estimated and the net cost is depreciated using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives of approximately three to seven years with the expense being reflected as a component of selling, general and administrative. If sold, the net book value of the system is recorded as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Other fixed assets include computer software and hardware, automobiles and furniture and fixtures. These assets are stated at cost and are depreciated over estimated useful lives of approximately three to seven years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
	On occasion, we loan systems to customers on a temporary basis while they wait for their tool to be manufactured or for evaluation. These systems are included in our finished goods inventories and the lending/evaluation periods are typically for a time period of less than one year. The sale of disposable products or services is not typically included in these arrangements. Any expense associated with these systems is recorded as a component of cost of goods sold.
	Additionally, we lease systems to customers as operating or sales-type leases where we are the lessor. Under the operating method, rental revenue is recognized over the lease period. The leased asset is depreciated over the life of the lease. In addition to the depreciation charge, maintenance costs and the cost of any other services rendered under the provision of the lease that pertain to the current accounting period are charged to expense. Under the sales-type method, revenue is recorded upfront with interest income recorded over the life of the lease. The related costs are recorded upfront to match the sales revenue.
Lives and Recoverability of Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We evaluate the remaining life and recoverability of equipment and other assets that are to be held and used, including purchased technology and other intangible assets with finite useful lives, at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If there is an indication of impairment, we prepare an estimate of future, undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are valued at the lower of book value or fair value less cost to sell.
Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We estimate the fair value of an intangible asset or asset group using the income approach and internally developed discounted cash flow models. These models include, among others, the following assumptions: projections of revenue and expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends; estimated royalty, income tax, and attrition rates; and estimated discount rates. We base these assumptions on our historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections, and our expectations.
Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead, are tested for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter. We evaluate impairment using the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which allows an entity to perform a qualitative assessment of the fair value of its reporting units before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit in step one of the two-step goodwill impairment model. We perform our goodwill impairment analysis at the component level, which is defined as one level below our operating segments. If, through the qualitative assessment, the entity determines that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary.
	If there are indicators that goodwill has been impaired and thus the two-step goodwill impairment model is necessary, step 1 is to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the reporting unit's carrying value. Fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated cash flows using available information regarding expected cash flows of each reporting unit, discount rates and the expected long-term cash flow growth rates. Discount rates are determined based on the cost of capital for the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step is performed if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be determined and compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We use a combination of forward contracts, zero cost collar contracts, option contracts and other instruments to hedge certain anticipated foreign currency exchange transactions. When specific hedge criteria have been met, changes in fair values of hedge contracts relating to anticipated transactions are recorded in other comprehensive income rather than net income until the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. One of the criteria for this accounting treatment is that the hedge contract amounts should not be in excess of specifically identified anticipated transactions. By their nature, our estimates of anticipated transactions may fluctuate over time and may ultimately vary from actual transactions. When anticipated transaction estimates or actual transaction amounts decrease below hedged levels, or when the timing of transactions changes significantly, we reclassify a portion of the cumulative changes in fair values of the related hedge contracts from other comprehensive income to other income (expense) during the quarter in which such changes occur.
	We also use foreign forward exchange contracts to mitigate the foreign currency exchange impact of our cash, receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies. These derivatives do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and, accordingly, changes in the fair value are recognized in net income in the current period.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We have determined that we operate in two reportable operating segments: Industry Group and Science Group. There are no differences between the accounting policies used for our business segments compared to those used on a consolidated basis.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a contractual agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.
	For products demonstrated to meet our published specifications, revenue is recognized when the title to the product and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. For products produced according to a particular customer’s specifications, revenue is recognized when the product meets the customer’s specifications and when the title and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. In each case, the portion of revenue related to installation, of which the estimated fair value is generally 4% of the net revenue of the transaction, is deferred until such installation at the customer site and final customer acceptance are completed.  For new applications of our products where performance cannot be assured prior to meeting specifications at the customer's installation site, no revenue is recognized until such specifications are met.
	We enter into arrangements with customers whereby they purchase products, accessories and service contracts from us at the same time. For sales arrangements containing multiple elements (products or services), revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred at the estimated selling price of the element as determined using the sales price hierarchy established in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-25, Revenue Recognition. To be considered a separate element, the deliverable in question must represent a separate element under the accounting guidance and fulfill the following criteria: the delivered item or items must have value to the customer on a standalone basis; and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. If the arrangement does not meet all criteria above, the entire amount of the transactions is deferred until all elements are delivered.
	For sales arrangements that contain multiple deliverables (products or services), to the extent that the deliverables within a multiple-element arrangement are not accounted for pursuant to other accounting standards, revenue is allocated among the deliverables using the selling price hierarchy established in ASC 605-25 to determine the selling price of each deliverable. The selling price hierarchy allows for the use of an estimated selling price (“ESP”) to determine the allocation of arrangement consideration to a deliverable in a multiple-element arrangement in the absence of vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence (“TPE”). We determine the selling price in multiple-element arrangements using VSOE or TPE if available. VSOE is determined based on the price charged for the same deliverable when sold separately and TPE is established based on the price charged by our competitors or third parties for the same deliverable. If we are unable to determine the selling price because VSOE or TPE does not exist, we determine ESP for the purposes of allocating total arrangement consideration among the elements by considering several internal and external factors such as, but not limited to, historical sales of similar products, costs incurred to manufacture the product and normal profit margins from the sale of similar products, geographical considerations and overall pricing practices.
	These factors are subject to change as we modify our pricing practices and such changes could result in changes to determination of VSOE, TPE and ESP, which could result in our future revenue recognition from multiple-element arrangements being materially different than our results in the current period.
	Generally, revenue from all elements in a multiple-element arrangement is recognized within 18 months of the shipment of the first item in the arrangement.
	We provide maintenance and support services under renewable, term maintenance agreements. Maintenance and support fee revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual term, which is generally 12 months, and commences from the start date.
	Revenue from time and materials-based service arrangements is recognized as the service is performed. Spare parts revenue is generally recognized upon shipment.
Deferred Revenue, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred revenue represents customer deposits on equipment orders, orders awaiting customer acceptance and prepaid service contract revenue. Deferred revenue is recognized in accordance with our revenue recognition policies described above.
Warranty Liabilities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our products generally carry a one-year warranty. A reserve is established at the time of sale to cover estimated warranty costs and certain commitments for product upgrades as a component of cost of sales on our consolidated statements of operations. Our estimate of warranty cost is primarily based on our history of warranty repairs and maintenance, as applied to systems currently under warranty. For our new products without a history of known warranty costs, we estimate the expected costs based on our experience with similar product lines and technology. While most new products are extensions of existing technology, the estimate could change if new products require a significantly different level of repair and maintenance than similar products have required in the past. Our estimated warranty costs are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. Changes to the reserve occur as volume, product mix and warranty costs fluctuate.
Research and Development Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development (“R&D”) costs include labor, materials, overhead and payments to third parties for research and development of new products and new software or enhancements to existing products and software and are expensed as incurred. We periodically receive funds from various organizations to subsidize our research and development. These funds are reported as an offset to research and development expense.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of selling, general and administrative costs on our consolidated statements of operations.
Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance costs are recognized and recorded at fair value as incurred. Such costs include severance and other costs related to employee terminations as well as facility costs related to future abandonment of various leased office and manufacturing sites. Changes in our estimates could occur, and have occurred, due to fluctuations in exchange rates, the sublease of unused space, unanticipated voluntary departures before severance was required and unanticipated redeployment of employees to vacant positions.
Stock-based Compensation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards granted to our employees and directors, including employee stock options, non-vested stock and stock purchases related to our employee share purchase plan based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. We utilize the Black-Scholes valuation model for valuing our stock option awards.
	The use of the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards requires us to make judgments on assumptions regarding the risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, expected term and expected volatility over the expected term of the award. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates at the time they are made, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the determination of expense could be materially different in the future.
	We amortize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the individual award with estimated forfeitures considered. Vesting periods are generally four years. The exercise price of issued options equals the grant date fair value of the underlying shares and the options generally have a legal life of seven years.
	Compensation expense is only recognized on awards that ultimately vest. Therefore, we have reduced the compensation expense to be recognized over the vesting period for anticipated future forfeitures. Forfeiture estimates are based on historical forfeiture patterns. We update our forfeiture estimates quarterly and recognize any changes to accumulated compensation expense in the period of change. If actual forfeitures differ significantly from our estimates, our results of operations could be materially impacted.
Foreign Currency Translation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	A large portion of our business is conducted outside of the U.S. through a number of foreign subsidiaries. Each of the foreign subsidiaries keeps its accounting records in its respective functional currency. These accounting records are translated at exchange rates that fluctuate up or down from period to period and consequently affect our consolidated statements of operations and financial position.
	Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries denominated in a foreign currency, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the respective balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of assets, liabilities and equity are included in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet. Transactions representing revenues, costs and expenses are translated using an average rate of exchange for the period, and the related gains and losses are reported as other income (expense) on our consolidated statement of operations.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We review available for sale investments in debt and equity securities for other than temporary impairment whenever the fair value of an investment is less than amortized cost and evidence indicates that an investment’s carrying amount is not recoverable within a reasonable period of time. In the evaluation of whether an impairment is “other-than-temporary,” we consider our ability and intent to hold the investment until the market price recovers, the reasons for the impairment, compliance with our investment policy, the severity and duration of the impairment and expected future performance. Unrealized losses on our corporate notes and bonds and government-backed securities are mainly due to interest rate movements, and no unrealized losses of any significance existed for a period in excess of 12 months. Our investments classified as trading securities, such as assets related to our deferred compensation plan, are carried on the balance sheet at fair value.
Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	For investments in small privately-held companies, which are recorded at cost, it is often not practical to estimate fair value. In order to assess whether impairments exist that are “other-than-temporary,” we reviewed recent interim financial statements and held discussions with these entities’ management about their current financial conditions and future economic outlooks. We also considered our willingness to support future funding requirements as well as our intention and/or ability to hold these investments long-term.
Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Patents, trademarks and other are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 2 to 10 years. Customer relationships are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 5 to 10 years. Developed technology is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related technology, which ranges from 5.5 to 10 years. Note issuance costs were amortized over the life of the related debt, which was 7 years.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Table Text Block]	Activity within our accounts receivable allowance was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	2,969		$	2,718		$	5,553
	Expense (reversal)	402			473			(154		)
	Write-offs	(85		)	(263		)	(2,732		)
	Translation adjustments	(296		)	41			51
	Balance, end of period	$	2,990		$	2,969		$	2,718

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	Following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014								2013						2012
		Net			Shares		Per Share			Net		Shares	Per Share			Net		Shares	Per Share
		Income					Amount			Income			Amount			Income			Amount
	Basic EPS	$	105,064		41,969		$	2.5		$	126,673	40,446	$	3.13		$	114,920	38,065	$	3.02
	Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible debt	—			—		—			780		1,287	(0.08		)	1,819		3,033	(0.18		)
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and shares issuable to Philips	—			559		(0.03		)	—		662	(0.04		)	—		630	(0.04		)
	Diluted EPS	$	105,064		42,528		$	2.47		$	127,453	42,395	$	3.01		$	116,739	41,728	$	2.8
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the schedule of anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted EPS (number of shares, in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Stock options	271		142		279
	Restricted stock units	6		33		59

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables illustrate the disclosure of changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), as well as details the effect of reclassifications out of AOCI on the line items in our consolidated statements of operations by component (net of tax, in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Foreign Currency Items			Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning Balance	$	48,865		$	(11	)	$	(552	)	$	(1,174	)	$	47,128
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(71,406		)	(27		)	(246		)	(11,050		)	(82,729		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to:
	Revenue	—			—			—			(176		)	(176		)
	Cost of goods sold	—			—			—			7,930			7,930
	Other income (expense)	—			—			—			336			336
	Total reclassifications out of AOCI	—			—			—			8,090			8,090
	Net current period other comprehensive income	(71,406		)	(27		)	(246		)	(2,960		)	(74,639		)
	Ending balance	$	(22,541	)	$	(38	)	$	(798	)	$	(4,134	)	$	(27,511	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Foreign Currency Items			Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Beginning Balance	$	38,890		$	4		$	(819	)	$	481		$	38,556
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	9,975			(15		)	267			(2,492		)	7,735
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI to:
	Revenue	—			—			—			(33		)	(33		)
	Cost of goods sold	—			—			—			790			790
	Other income (expense)	—			—			—			80			80
	Total reclassifications out of AOCI	—			—			—			837			837
	Net current period other comprehensive income	9,975			(15		)	267			(1,655		)	8,572
	Ending balance	$	48,865		$	(11	)	$	(552	)	$	(1,174	)	$	47,128

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials and assembled parts	$	61,644	$	61,235
	Service inventories, estimated current requirements	12,398		15,197
	Work-in-process	76,402		75,883
	Finished goods	25,996		29,410
	Total current inventories	$	176,440	$	181,725
	Non-current inventories	$	50,731	$	62,104

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Investments held consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
		cost		gains		losses			fair value
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	17,609	$	1	$	(2	)	$	17,608
	Agency bonds(1)	52,014		—		(63		)	51,951
	Commercial paper	13,500		—		—			13,500
	Certificates of deposit	19,122		—		—			19,122
	Municipal bonds	27,112		10		(3		)	27,119
	Corporate bond	10,909		3		(10		)	10,902
	Total available for sale marketable securities	140,266		14		(78		)	140,202
	Trading Securities:
	Equity securities - mutual funds	7,351		—		—			7,351
	Cost Method Investments(2)	608		—		—			608
	Total Investments	$	148,225	$	14	$	(78	)	$	148,161
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
		cost		gains		losses			fair value
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	10,130	$	—	$	(2	)	$	10,128
	Agency bonds(1)	37,996		—		(35		)	37,961
	Commercial paper	39,987		—		—			39,987
	Certificates of deposit	7,786		—		—			7,786
	Municipal bonds	49,296		24		(1		)	49,319
	Corporate bonds	5,002		—		(1		)	5,001
	Total available for sale marketable securities	150,197		24		(39		)	150,182
	Trading Securities:
	Equity securities - mutual funds	5,287		—		—			5,287
	Cost Method Investments(2)	608		—		—			608
	Total Investments	$	156,092	$	24	$	(39	)	$	156,077
	(1)	Agency bonds are securities backed by U.S. government-sponsored entities.
	(2)	Investments for which it is not practical to estimate fair value are included at cost and primarily consist of investments in privately-held companies.
Investments by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	Investments were included in the following captions on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Short-term		Long-term		Other			Total		Short-term		Long-term		Other		Total
		investments		investments		assets					investments		investments		assets
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	—	$	17,608	$	—		$	17,608	$	10,128	$	—	$	—	$	10,128
	Agency bonds	9,996		41,955		—			51,951		10,995		26,966		—		37,961
	Commercial paper	13,500		—		—			13,500		39,987		—		—		39,987
	Certificates of deposit	5,750		13,372		—			19,122		5,802		1,984		—		7,786
	Municipal bonds	25,407		1,712		—			27,119		41,279		8,040		—		49,319
	Corporate bonds	7,035		3,867		—			10,902		—		5,001		—		5,001
	Total fixed maturity securities	61,688		78,514		—			140,202		108,191		41,991		—		150,182
	Trading Securities:
	Equity securities - mutual funds	—		7,351		—			7,351		—		5,287		—		5,287
	Cost Method Investments	—		—		608			608		—		—		608		608
	Total Investments	$	61,688	$	85,865	$	608		$	148,161	$	108,191	$	47,278	$	608	$	156,077
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Contractual maturities or expected liquidation dates of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in 1 year or less	$	61,679	$	61,688
	Due in 1-5 years	78,587		78,514
	Total	$	140,266	$	140,202

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	23,440		$	25,535
	Buildings and improvements	35,269			36,778
	Leasehold improvements	42,836			23,948
	Machinery and equipment	95,977			103,180
	Demonstration systems	47,693			44,700
	Other fixed assets	51,386			49,093
	Gross property, plant and equipment	296,601			283,234
	Accumulated depreciation	(132,807		)	(125,405		)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	163,794		$	157,829

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill Activity	The roll-forward of activity related to our goodwill was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	136,152		$	131,320
	Additions	46,880			3,268
	Goodwill adjustments	(12,259		)	1,564
	Balance, end of period	$	170,773		$	136,152
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The gross amount of our other intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Patents, trademarks and other	$	25,333		$	24,327
	Accumulated amortization	(12,805		)	(9,296		)
	Net patents, trademarks and other	12,528			15,031
	Customer relationships	21,739			21,650
	Accumulated amortization	(5,863		)	(3,547		)
	Net customer relationships	15,876			18,103
	Developed technology	33,525			18,161
	Accumulated amortization	(7,818		)	(4,098		)
	Net developed technology	25,707			14,063
	Note issuance costs	2,445			2,445
	Accumulated amortization	(2,445		)	(2,445		)
	Net note issuance costs	—			—
	Total intangible assets included in other long-term assets	$	54,111		$	47,197
Schedule of Amortization Expense by Major Class	Amortization expense was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Patents, trademarks and other	$	5,965		$	3,553		$	1,993
	Customer relationships	2,317			2,376			1,168
	Developed technology	3,720			2,327			1,716
	Note issuance costs	—			146			350
	Total amortization expense	$	12,002		$	8,402		$	5,227
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Expected amortization, without consideration for foreign currency effects, is as follows over the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
		Patents,			Customer Relationships			Developed Technology		Total
		Trademarks
		and Other
	2015	$	3,572		$	2,619		$	3,804	$	9,995
	2016	2,882			2,619			3,804		9,305
	2017	2,406			2,272			3,557		8,235
	2018	1,588			2,198			3,093		6,879
	2019	1,279			1,756			2,496		5,531
	Thereafter	801			4,412			8,953		14,166
	Total future amortization expense	$	12,528		$	15,876		$	25,707	$	54,111

Credit_Facilities_and_Restrict1

Credit Facilities and Restricted Cash (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Facilities And Restricted Cash
Schedule of Letters of Credit and Restricted Cash	The following table sets forth information related to guarantees and letters of credit (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014
	Guarantees and letters of credit outstanding	$	54,897
	Amount secured by restricted cash deposits:
	Current	$	15,698
	Long-term	38,369
	Total secured by restricted cash	$	54,067

Warranty_Reserves_Tables

Warranty Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Warranty Reserve Activity	The following is a summary of warranty reserve activity (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	12,705		$	12,049		$	11,683
	Reductions for warranty costs incurred	(14,051		)	(13,058		)	(11,958		)
	Warranties issued	14,846			13,677			12,302
	Translation and changes in estimates	(495		)	37			22
	Balance, end of period	$	13,005		$	12,705		$	12,049

Convertible_Notes_Tables

Convertible Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Convertible Note Redemptions [Table Text Block]	Prior to conversion, we redeemed the following amounts of our 2.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes:
	Date	Amount		Redemption		Redemption		Related Note
		Redeemed		Price		Discount		Issuance Costs
								Written Off
	Feb-09	$	15,000,000	86.5	%	$	2,025,000	$	250,154
	24-Jun-10	7,940,000		98.9		89,325		90,904
	29-Jun-10	1,200,000		99		12,000		13,703
	8-Jul-10	1,848,000		99.25		13,860		20,546
	Total for 2010	10,988,000				115,185		125,153
	Total	$	25,988,000			$	2,140,185	$	375,307

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Income before income taxes included the following components (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S.	$	27,832		$	32,549		$	26,640
	Foreign	99,098			119,053			113,908
	Total	$	126,930		$	151,602		$	140,548
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense [Table Text Block]	Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	3,088		$	(851	)	$	8,173
	State	861			419			475
	Foreign	11,127			16,513			13,870
	Total current income tax expense	15,076			16,081			22,518
	U.S. deferred expense (benefit)	7,174			12,645			4,285
	Foreign deferred benefit	(384		)	(3,797		)	(1,175		)
	Income tax expense	$	21,866		$	24,929		$	25,628
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The effective income tax rate applied to net income varied from the U.S. federal statutory rate due to the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rates	$	44,425		$	53,061		$	49,192
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	861			857			1,126
	Foreign tax benefit	(22,307		)	(25,263		)	(26,181		)
	Research and experimentation benefit	(2,785		)	(5,966		)	(758		)
	Foreign tax credit benefit	(1,490		)	(2,152		)	(2,738		)
	Tax audit settlements and lapses of statutes of limitations	(2,869		)	(70		)	(439		)
	Stock compensation	2,940			2,658			2,134
	Non-deductible items	3,524			2,132			3,100
	Release of valuation allowance	(454		)	—			—
	Other	21			(328		)	192
	Income tax expense	$	21,866		$	24,929		$	25,628
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities, Balance Sheet Classification [Table Text Block]	Net deferred tax assets were classified on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets – current	$	8,225		$	15,114
	Deferred tax assets – non-current	6,605			1,751
	Deferred tax liabilities – current	(218		)	(9		)
	Deferred tax liabilities – non-current	(9,576		)	(8,931		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	5,036		$	7,925
	Valuation allowance	$	4,350		$	2,723
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities and reserves	$	14,941		$	15,804
	Revenue recognition	—			340
	Tax credit and loss carryforwards	7,437			8,063
	Fixed assets and intangibles	—			546
	Unrealized losses	2,219			765
	Stock compensation	3,278			2,151
	Other assets	4,775			1,501
	Gross deferred tax assets	32,650			29,170
	Valuation allowance	(4,350		)	(2,723		)
	Net deferred tax assets	28,300			26,447
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets and intangibles	(18,004		)	(17,965		)
	Revenue recognition	(2,800		)	(19		)
	Other liabilities	(2,460		)	(538		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(23,264		)	(18,522		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	5,036		$	7,925
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Rollforward	A rollforward of our unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$	23,966		$	25,135		$	16,041
	Increases for tax positions taken in current period	—			1,197			—
	Increases for tax positions taken in prior periods	2,081			1,701			9,965
	Decreases for tax positions taken in prior periods	(1,419		)	(3,997		)	(620		)
	Decreases for lapses in statutes of limitations	(2,869		)	(70		)	(251		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$	21,759		$	23,966		$	25,135
Schedule of Interest and Penalties Included in Income Tax Expense [Table Text Block]	Tax expense included the following relating to interest and penalties (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Benefit for lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement with taxing authorities	$	(202	)	$	(24	)	$	(88	)
	(Benefit) Accruals for current and prior periods	(405		)	1,698			652
	Total interest and penalties	$	(607	)	$	1,674		$	564
Open Tax Years By Major Tax Jurisdiction	For our major tax jurisdictions, the following years were open for examination by the tax authorities as of December 31, 2014:
	Jurisdiction		Open Tax Years
	U.S.		2011 and forward
	The Netherlands		2011 and forward
	Czech Republic		2012 and forward

Restructuring_Reorganization_R1

Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table summarizes the costs incurred under our second quarter realignment plan:
		Year Ended
	Realignment Costs	December 31,
		2014
	Inventory write-offs	$	1,627
	Acceleration of acquisition-related earn-out	2,500
	Impairment and other asset write-offs	3,973
	Restructuring activities	17,128
	Total	$	25,228
	These costs have been recorded in our consolidated statements of operations as follows:
		Year Ended
	Statement of Operations Classification	December 31,
		2014
	Cost of sales	$	1,627
	Selling, general and administrative	6,473
	Restructuring, reorganization and relocation	17,128
	Total	$	25,228
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The following tables summarize the charges, expenditures, write-offs and adjustments related to our restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance accrual (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	Second Quarter 2014 Realignment			First Quarter 2014 Restructuring			Group Structure Reorganization			Total
	Beginning accrued liability	$	—		$	—		$	50		$	50
	Charged to expense, net	17,128			1,331			—			18,459
	Expenditures	(7,553		)	(1,327		)	(50		)	(8,930		)
	Write-offs and adjustments	(414		)	(4		)	—			(418		)
	Ending accrued liability	$	9,161		$	—		$	—		$	9,161
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	Group Structure Organization			Total
	Beginning accrued liability	$	2,692		$	2,692
	Charged to expense, net	1,090			1,090
	Expenditures	(3,782		)	(3,782		)
	Write-offs and adjustments	50			50
	Ending accrued liability	$	50		$	50

Lease_Obligations_Tables

Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The approximate future minimum rental payments due under these agreements as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
		Minimum Rental Payment
	2015	$	8,327
	2016	6,926
	2017	5,831
	2018	4,926
	2019	4,027
	Thereafter	41,800
	Total	$	71,837

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Information Related to Stock-Based Compensation Plans	The following table sets forth certain information regarding the 1995 Plan:
		December 31,
		2014
	Shares available for grant	1,916,974
	Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	3,301,988
Schedule of Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table sets forth certain information regarding all options outstanding and exercisable:
		December 31, 2014
		Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
	Number	808,484				310,649
	Weighted average exercise price	$	61.27			$	44.52
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 23.6 million				$ 14.2 million
	Weighted average remaining contractual term	4.9 years				3.8 years
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Nonvested and Expected to Vest	The following table sets forth certain information regarding all RSUs nonvested and expected to vest:
		December 31, 2014
		RSUs Nonvested				RSUs Expected to Vest
	Number	578,530				507,013
	Weighted average grant date per share fair value	$	69.72			$	69.03
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 52.1 million				$ 45.8 million
	Weighted average remaining term to vest	1.5 years				1.5 years
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	Activity under these plans was as follows (share amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Shares Subject to Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Balance, beginning of period	752			$	50.18
	Granted	230			81.99
	Forfeited	(31	)		77.08
	Exercised	(143	)		33.21
	Balance, end of period	808			61.27
Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Per Share Fair Value
	Balance, beginning of period	737			$	57.6
	Granted	193			83.65
	Forfeited	(61	)		64.76
	Vested	(290	)		49.44
	Balance, end of period	579			69.72
Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures	Certain information regarding our stock-based compensation was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013		2012
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted	$	18,856			$	16,283	$	12,279
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units	16,172				20,415		20,461
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	8,730				13,169		6,293
	Fair value of restricted stock units vested	14,461				11,452		9,113
	Cash received from stock options exercised and shares purchased under all stock-based arrangements	14,771				16,545		13,131
	Tax benefit realized for stock options	4,526				6,495		3,137
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Our stock-based compensation expense was included in our consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013		2012
	Cost of sales	$	3,276			$	2,427	$	1,858
	Research and development	2,727				2,156		1,903
	Selling, general and administrative	17,129				13,744		10,393
	Total stock-based compensation	$	23,132			$	18,327	$	14,154
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Valuation Assumptions	The following weighted average assumptions were used in determining fair value pursuant to the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.06% - 0.89%		0.07% - 1.72%		0.13% - 0.81%
	Dividend yield	0.48% - 1.22%		0.44% - 0.59%		0% - 0.72%
	Expected term:
	RSU and option plans	2.8 - 3.1 years		3.1 - 5.1 years		5.3 - 5.5 years
	Employee share purchase plan	6 months		6 months		6 months
	Volatility	29% - 34%		23% - 43%		36% - 55%

RelatedParty_Activity_Tables

Related-Party Activity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties	Transactions with these related parties were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
	Sales to Related Parties	2014			2013		2012
	Product sales:
	Applied Materials, Inc.	$	2,706		$	4,656	$	981
	Lattice Semiconductor Corporation	—			5		—
	Cascade Microtech, Inc.	—			—		4
	Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.	390			—		—
	Oregon Health and Science University	364			555		—
	Total product sales to related parties	3,460			5,216		985
	Service sales:
	Applied Materials, Inc.	829			719		554
	Lattice Semiconductor Corporation	12			12		—
	Cascade Microtech, Inc.	35			33		33
	Oregon Health and Science University	347			85		—
	Total service sales to related parties	1,223			849		587
	Total sales to related parties	$	4,683		$	6,065	$	1,572
	Purchases from Related Parties
	TMC BV	$	2,348		$	580	$	127
	Oregon Health and Science University	119			353		—
	Total purchases from related parties	$	2,467		$	933	$	127
Schedule of Amounts Due From (To) Related Parties	Amounts due from (to) related parties were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014
	Applied Materials, Inc.	$	74
	Cascade Microtech, Inc.	10
	Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.	351
	Oregon Health and Science University	209
	TMC BV	(324		)
	Due from related parties, net	$	320

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Sales to External Customers and Gross Profit by Segment	The following tables summarize various financial amounts for each of our business segments (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Sales to External Customers:
	Industry Group	$	450,198		$	427,731			$	433,424
	Science Group	506,082			499,723				458,314
	Total	$	956,280		$	927,454			$	891,738
	Gross Profit:
	Industry Group	$	229,959		$	222,675			$	220,267
	Science Group	218,196			216,110				195,363
	Total	$	448,155		$	438,785			$	415,630
Schedule of Goodwill and Total Assets by Segment
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Goodwill:
	Industry Group	$	76,858		$	51,532
	Science Group	93,915			84,620
	Total	$	170,773		$	136,152
	Total Assets:
	Industry Group	$	444,168		$	297,987
	Science Group	470,899			365,571
	Corporate and Eliminations	502,751			762,526
	Total	$	1,417,818		$	1,426,084
Schedule of Sales by Geographic Region [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes sales by geographic region (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014									2013						2012
		Product Sales		Service Sales			Total				Product Sales		Service Sales		Total		Product Sales		Service Sales		Total
	U.S. and Canada	$	207,623	$	97,966		$	305,589			$	167,876	$	92,759	$	260,635	$	200,778	$	90,942	$	291,720
	Europe	200,995		66,799			267,794				205,857		64,803		270,660		185,598		59,124		244,722
	Asia-Pacific Region and Rest of World	314,048		68,849			382,897				335,705		60,454		396,159		305,120		50,176		355,296
	Consolidated net sales	$	722,666	$	233,614		$	956,280			$	709,438	$	218,016	$	927,454	$	691,496	$	200,242	$	891,738
Geographic Schedule of Long-Lived Assets [Table Text Block]	Our long-lived assets were geographically located as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	United States	$	76,553		$	77,639
	The Netherlands	59,722			65,570
	The Czech Republic	36,534			22,950
	Other	58,073			42,272
	Total	$	230,882		$	208,431

Fair_Value_Measurements_of_Ass1

Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Following are the disclosures related to the fair value of our financial assets and (liabilities) (in thousands):
	December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	17,608	$	—		$	—	$	17,608
	Agency bonds	—		51,951			—		51,951
	Commercial paper	—		13,500			—		13,500
	Certificates of deposit	—		19,122			—		19,122
	Municipal bonds	—		27,119			—		27,119
	Corporate bond	—		10,902			—		10,902
	Trading securities:
	Equity securities – mutual funds	7,351		—			—		7,351
	Derivative contracts, net	—		(2,739		)	—		(2,739		)
	Total	$	24,959	$	119,855		$	—	$	144,814
	December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Available for sale marketable securities:
	U.S. treasury notes	$	10,128	$	—		$	—	$	10,128
	Agency bonds	—		37,961			—		37,961
	Commercial paper	—		39,987			—		39,987
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,786			—		7,786
	Municipal bonds	—		49,319			—		49,319
	Corporate bonds	—		5,001			—		5,001
	Trading securities:
	Equity securities – mutual funds	5,287		—			—		5,287
	Derivative contracts, net	—		(1,113		)	—		(1,113		)
	Total	$	15,415	$	138,941		$	—	$	154,356

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	The aggregate notional amount of outstanding derivative contracts were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Cash flow hedges	$	222,000			$	208,446
	Balance sheet hedges	153,499				172,947
	Total outstanding derivative contracts	$	375,499			$	381,393
Schedule of Gain (Loss) Attributable to Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations	Changes in fair value of derivatives entered into to mitigate the foreign exchange risks related to these balance sheet items are recorded in other income (expense) together with the transaction gain or loss from the respective balance sheet position as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Foreign currency loss, inclusive of the impact of derivatives	$	(1,810	)		$	(2,808	)		$	(5,675	)
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments, Offsetting in Balance Sheet	Our derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are presented net in our balance sheet. We do not have any financial collateral related to these netting arrangements. The effect of these netting arrangements on our balance sheet is as follows (in thousands):
		Offsetting of Derivative Assets										Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	December 31, 2014	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets			Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Assets				Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	3,283	$	(865	)	$	2,418
	Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments	2,456			(670		)	1,786				4,729		(2,622		)	2,107
	Total	$	2,456		$	(670	)	$	1,786			$	8,012	$	(3,487	)	$	4,525
		Offsetting of Derivative Assets										Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
	December 31, 2013	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets			Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Assets				Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Other Current Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	4,362	$	(3,042	)	$	1,320
	Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments	2,171			(698		)	1,473				2,916		(1,650		)	1,266
	Total	$	2,171		$	(698	)	$	1,473			$	7,278	$	(4,692	)	$	2,586
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Operations	The effect of derivative instruments was as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
	Foreign Exchange Contracts in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013				2012
	Amount of gain/(loss):
	Recognized in OCI (effective portion)	$	(6,631	)		$	(1,934	)		$	8,032
	Reclassified from accumulated OCI into revenue (effective portion)	176				33				—
	Reclassified from accumulated OCI into cost of sales (effective portion)	(7,930		)		(790		)		(2,511		)
	Recognized in other, net (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	(336		)		(80		)		9
	Foreign Exchange Contracts Not in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	Amount of gain/(loss):
	Recognized in other, net	$	(6,532	)		$	(4,802	)		$	(4,882	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	country
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Charged to Cost and Expense, Manufacturing Inventory	$6,300,000	$4,800,000	$2,700,000
Number of countries in which entity operates	50
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	2,969,000	2,718,000	5,553,000
Expense (reversal)	402,000	473,000	-154,000
Write-offs	-85,000	-263,000	-2,732,000
Translation adjustments	-296,000	41,000	51,000
Balance, end of period	2,990,000	2,969,000	2,718,000
Asset impairment charges	900,000	0	0
Revenue recognition, installation deferral percentage	4.00%
Research and development subsidies	4,500,000	5,300,000	7,300,000
Advertising expense	3,400,000	4,100,000	3,900,000
Stock options, vesting period	4 years
Stock options, average legal life	7
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Charged to Cost and Expense, Spare Parts Inventory	$10,000,000	$8,600,000	$6,600,000
Service Inventory [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Post-production service lIfe	8 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	7 years
Demonstration Systems [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Demonstration Systems [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	7 years
Other Fixed Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Other Fixed Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Activity [Roll Forward]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	7 years

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Reconci

Earnings Per Share - EPS Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
Basic EPS - net income	$105,064	$126,673	$114,920
Basic EPS - shares	41,969	40,446	38,065
Basic EPS - per share amount	$2.50	$3.13	$3.02
Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible debt - net income	0	780	1,819
Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible debt - shares	0	1,287	3,033
Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible debt - per share amount	$0	($0.08)	($0.18)
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and shares issuable to Philips - net income	0	0	0
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and shares issuable to Philips - shares	559	662	630
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and shares issuable to Philips - per share amount	($0.03)	($0.04)	($0.04)
Diluted EPS - net income	$105,064	$127,453	$116,739
Diluted EPS - shares	42,528	42,395	41,728
Diluted EPS - per share amount	$2.47	$3.01	$2.80

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share - Anti-dilutive Securities (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted EPS	271	142	279
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Diluted EPS	6	33	59

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$47,128	$38,556
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-82,729	7,735
Total reclassification out of AOCI	8,090	837
Net current period other comprehensive income	-74,639	8,572
Ending balance	-27,511	47,128
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	48,865	38,890
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-71,406	9,975
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income	-71,406	9,975
Ending balance	-22,541	48,865
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-11	4
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-27	-15
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income	-27	-15
Ending balance	-38	-11
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-552	-819
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-246	267
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income	-246	267
Ending balance	-798	-552
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-1,174	481
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-11,050	-2,492
Total reclassification out of AOCI	8,090	837
Net current period other comprehensive income	-2,960	-1,655
Ending balance	-4,134	-1,174
Sales [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	176	33
Sales [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Sales [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Sales [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Sales [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	176	33
Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	7,930	790
Cost of Goods, Total [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Cost of Goods, Total [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Cost of Goods, Total [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Cost of Goods, Total [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	7,930	790
Other Income Expense Net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	-336	-80
Other Income Expense Net [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Other Income Expense Net [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Other Income Expense Net [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	0	0
Other Income Expense Net [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total reclassification out of AOCI	($336)	($80)

Factoring_of_Accounts_Receivab1

Factoring of Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Factoring of Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts receivable sold without recourse	$7.80	$9.90

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and assembled parts	$61,644	$61,235
Service inventories, estimated current requirements	12,398	15,197
Work-in-process	76,402	75,883
Finished goods	25,996	29,410
Total current inventories	176,440	181,725
Non-current inventories	$50,731	$62,104

Investments_Amortized_Costs_an

Investments - Amortized Costs and Estimated Fair Values (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments, amortized cost	$148,225		$156,092
Total investments, gross unrealized gains	14		24
Total investments, gross unrealized losses	-78		-39
Total investments, fair value	148,161		156,077
Total available for sale marketable securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	140,266		150,197
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	14		24
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-78		-39
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	140,202		150,182
U.S. treasury notes [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	17,609		10,130
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	1		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-2		-2
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	17,608		10,128
Agency bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	52,014	[1]	37,996	[1]
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0	[1]	0	[1]
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-63	[1]	-35	[1]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	51,951	[1]	37,961	[1]
Commercial paper [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	13,500		39,987
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0		0
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	13,500		39,987
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	19,122		7,786
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	0		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	0		0
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	19,122		7,786
Municipal bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	27,112		49,296
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	10		24
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-3		-1
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	27,119		49,319
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	10,909		5,002
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gains	3		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized losses	-10		-1
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	10,902		5,001
Equity securities - mutual funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading securities, amortized cost	7,351		5,287
Trading securities, gross unrealized gains	0		0
Trading securities, gross unrealized losses	0		0
Trading securities, fair value	7,351		5,287
Cost-method investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments	608	[2]	608	[2]
Cost method investments, gross unrealized gains	0	[2]	0	[2]
Cost method investments, gross unrealized losses	0	[2]	0	[2]
Cost method investments, fair value	$608	[2]	$608	[2]
[1]	Agency bonds are securities backed by U.S. government-sponsored entities.
[2]	Investments for which it is not practical to estimate fair value are included at cost and primarily consist of investments in privately-held companies.

Investments_Classification_Det

Investments - Classification (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Total investments, fair value	$148,161		$156,077
Total fixed maturity securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	140,202		150,182
U.S. treasury notes [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	17,608		10,128
Agency bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	51,951		37,961
Commercial paper [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	13,500		39,987
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	19,122		7,786
Municipal bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	27,119		49,319
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	10,902		5,001
Equity securities - mutual funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	7,351		5,287
Cost-method investments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method investments	608	[1]	608	[1]
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total investments, fair value	85,865		47,278
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Total fixed maturity securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	78,514		41,991
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	17,608		0
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Agency bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	41,955		26,966
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	13,372		1,984
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	1,712		8,040
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	3,867		5,001
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Equity securities - mutual funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	7,351		5,287
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Cost-method investments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method investments	0		0
Other Assets [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total investments, fair value	608		608
Other Assets [Member] | Total fixed maturity securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Agency bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Equity securities - mutual funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Other Assets [Member] | Cost-method investments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method investments	608		608
Short-term Investments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Total investments, fair value	61,688		108,191
Short-term Investments [Member] | Total fixed maturity securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	61,688		108,191
Short-term Investments [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		10,128
Short-term Investments [Member] | Agency bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	9,996		10,995
Short-term Investments [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	13,500		39,987
Short-term Investments [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	5,750		5,802
Short-term Investments [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	25,407		41,279
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	7,035		0
Short-term Investments [Member] | Equity securities - mutual funds [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0		0
Short-term Investments [Member] | Cost-method investments [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method investments	$0		$0
[1]	Investments for which it is not practical to estimate fair value are included at cost and primarily consist of investments in privately-held companies.

Investments_Contractual_Maturi

Investments - Contractual Maturities (Details) (Total available for sale marketable securities [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total available for sale marketable securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Schedule of Contractual Maturities [Line Items]
Due in 1 year or less, amortized cost	$61,679
Due in 1-5 years, amortized cost	78,587
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	140,266	150,197
Due in 1 year or less, fair value	61,688
Due in 1-5 years, fair value	78,514
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	$140,202	$150,182

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$296,601	$283,234
Accumulated depreciation	-132,807	-125,405
Total property, plant and equipment, net	163,794	157,829
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	23,440	25,535
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	35,269	36,778
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	42,836	23,948
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	95,977	103,180
Demonstration Systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	47,693	44,700
Other Fixed Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$51,386	$49,093

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$136,152	$131,320
Additions	46,880	3,268
Goodwill adjustments	-12,259	1,564
Goodwill, end of period	$170,773	$136,152

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Acquisition Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 05, 2014	Aug. 09, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related goodwill		$46.90
Lithicon AS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired		100.00%
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs - Cumulative	0.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		7.7
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		22
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets		8.1
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	6.9
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	5
Acquisition Purchase Price		68
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred	0.4
nanoTechnology Systems Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired			100.00%
Acquisition Purchase Price			3.6
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Lithicon AS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		18.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Lithicon AS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		2.2
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Order or Production Backlog [Member] | Lithicon AS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		$1.20
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$900,000	$0	$0
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-28,930,000	-19,385,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	54,111,000	47,197,000
Patents, trademarks and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	300,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	25,333,000	24,327,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-12,805,000	-9,296,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	12,528,000	15,031,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	21,739,000	21,650,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-5,863,000	-3,547,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	15,876,000	18,103,000
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	600,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	33,525,000	18,161,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-7,818,000	-4,098,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	25,707,000	14,063,000
Note issuance costs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	2,445,000	2,445,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-2,445,000	-2,445,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Amortization of Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, amortization expense	$12,002,000	$8,402,000	$5,227,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015 expected amortization	9,995,000
2016 expected amortization	9,305,000
2017 expected amortization	8,235,000
2018 expected amortization	6,879,000
2019 expected amortization	5,531,000
Expected amortization thereafter	14,166,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	54,111,000	47,197,000
Asset impairment charges	900,000	0	0
Patents, trademarks and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, amortization expense	5,965,000	3,553,000	1,993,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015 expected amortization	3,572,000
2016 expected amortization	2,882,000
2017 expected amortization	2,406,000
2018 expected amortization	1,588,000
2019 expected amortization	1,279,000
Expected amortization thereafter	801,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	12,528,000	15,031,000
Asset impairment charges	300,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, amortization expense	2,317,000	2,376,000	1,168,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015 expected amortization	2,619,000
2016 expected amortization	2,619,000
2017 expected amortization	2,272,000
2018 expected amortization	2,198,000
2019 expected amortization	1,756,000
Expected amortization thereafter	4,412,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	15,876,000	18,103,000
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, amortization expense	3,720,000	2,327,000	1,716,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015 expected amortization	3,804,000
2016 expected amortization	3,804,000
2017 expected amortization	3,557,000
2018 expected amortization	3,093,000
2019 expected amortization	2,496,000
Expected amortization thereafter	8,953,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	25,707,000	14,063,000
Asset impairment charges	600,000
Note issuance costs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Finite-lived intangible assets, amortization expense	0	146,000	350,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$0	$0
Minimum [Member] | Patents, trademarks and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years 6 months
Maximum [Member] | Patents, trademarks and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years

Credit_Facilities_and_Restrict2

Credit Facilities and Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$100,000,000
Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	150,000,000
Credit Facility, Subfacility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date	1-Apr-16
Line of credit facility, commitment fee description	The Credit Agreement contains quarterly commitment fees that vary based on borrowings outstanding.
Line of credit facility, interest rate description	The revolving loans under the Credit Agreement will generally bear interest, at our option, at either (i) the alternate base rate, which is defined as a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%, and (c) the LIBOR for an Interest Period of one month plus 1.50%, or (ii) a floating per annum rate based on LIBOR (based on one, two, three or six-month interest periods) plus a margin equal to between 1.50% and 2.50%, depending on our leverage ratio as of the fiscal quarter most recently ended. A default interest rate shall apply on all obligations during an event of default under the Credit Agreement, at a rate per annum equal to 2.00% above the applicable interest rate.
Line of credit facility, revolving credit, description	Revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed and voluntarily prepaid at any time without premium or penalty.
Line of credit facility, collateral	The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our present and future material domestic subsidiaries. In addition, obligations outstanding under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our material domestic subsidiaries.
Line of credit facility, covenant terms	The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants for a credit facility of this size and type, that include, among others, covenants that limit our ability to incur indebtedness, create liens, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, make investments, enter into swap agreements, pay dividends or make distributions, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into restrictive agreements and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Credit Agreement provides for financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and limit the maximum leverage that we can maintain at any one time.
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$0
Debt Instrument, Default Interest Rate	2.00%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR Plus Rate Based on Leverage Ratio [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Credit Agreement [Member] | LIBOR Plus Rate Based on Leverage Ratio [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%

Credit_Facilities_and_Restrict3

Credit Facilities and Restricted Cash - Letters of Credit and Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CREDIT FACILITIES AND RESTRICTED CASH [Abstract]
Guarantees and letters of credit outstanding	$54,897
Short-term restricted cash	15,698	18,798
Long-term restricted cash	38,369	32,718
Total secured by restricted cash	$54,067

Warranty_Reserves_Details

Warranty Reserves (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Product Warranty Reserve Activity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$12,705	$12,049	$11,683
Reductions for warranty costs incurred	-14,051	-13,058	-11,958
Warranties issued	14,846	13,677	12,302
Translation and changes in estimates	-495	37	22
Balance, end of period	$13,005	$12,705	$12,049

Convertible_Notes_Debt_Instrum

Convertible Notes - Debt Instruments (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	19-May-06	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Shares issued during period for debt conversion	3,000,000
Convertible notes, amount converted	$89,000,000
Convertible notes, noncash amount converted	88,900,000	0	88,937,000	0
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes, amortization of issuance costs		100,000
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes, issuance date		19-May-06
Convertible notes, face amount at issuance					115,000,000
Convertible notes, maturity date		1-Jun-13
Convertible notes, issuance costs at time of issuance					3,100,000
Convertible notes, amount				1,000		1,000
Shares issued during period for debt conversion				34		34
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] | Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes, stated interest rate		2.88%			2.88%
Converted Into Cash [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes, amount converted	$100,000

Convertible_Notes_Schedule_of_

Convertible Notes - Schedule of Convertible Note Redemptions (Details) (Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 08, 2010	Jun. 29, 2010	Jun. 24, 2010	Feb. 28, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Redemptions of Convertible Notes
Convertible notes, redeemed	$1,848,000	$1,200,000	$7,940,000	$15,000,000	$25,988,000	$10,988,000
Convertible notes, redemption price	99.25%	99.00%	98.90%	86.50%
Convertible notes, redemption discount	13,860	12,000	89,325	2,025,000	2,140,185	115,185
Convertible note redemption, related note issuance costs written off	$20,546	$13,703	$90,904	$250,154	$375,307	$125,153

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Income before income taxes, U.S.	$27,832,000	$32,549,000	$26,640,000
Income before income taxes, foreign	99,098,000	119,053,000	113,908,000
Income before income taxes	126,930,000	151,602,000	140,548,000
Current:
Income tax expense, federal	3,088,000	-851,000	8,173,000
Income tax expense, state	861,000	419,000	475,000
Income tax expense, foreign	11,127,000	16,513,000	13,870,000
Total current income tax expense	15,076,000	16,081,000	22,518,000
U.S. deferred expense (benefit)	7,174,000	12,645,000	4,285,000
Foreign deferred benefit	-384,000	-3,797,000	-1,175,000
Total income tax expense	21,866,000	24,929,000	25,628,000
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	$4,500,000	$6,400,000	$3,100,000

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rates	$44,425	$53,061	$49,192
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	861	857	1,126
Foreign tax benefit	-22,307	-25,263	-26,181
Research and experimentation benefit	-2,785	-5,966	-758
Foreign tax credit benefit	-1,490	-2,152	-2,738
Tax audit settlements and lapses of statutes of limitations	-2,869	-70	-439
Stock compensation	2,940	2,658	2,134
Non-deductible items	3,524	2,132	3,100
Release of valuation allowance	-454	0	0
Other	21	-328	192
Total income tax expense	$21,866	$24,929	$25,628

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Income_T

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	($2,600,000)	($1,100,000)	($3,000,000)
Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets - current	8,225,000	15,114,000
Deferred tax assets - noncurrent	6,605,000	1,751,000
Deferred tax liabilities - current	-218,000	-9,000
Deferred tax liabilities - noncurrent	-9,576,000	-8,931,000
Net deferred tax assets	5,036,000	7,925,000
Valuation allowance	4,350,000	2,723,000
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities and reserves	14,941,000	15,804,000
Revenue recognition	0	340,000
Tax credit and loss carryforwards	7,437,000	8,063,000
Fixed assets and intangibles	0	546,000
Unrealized investment	2,219,000	765,000
Stock compensation	3,278,000	2,151,000
Other assets	4,775,000	1,501,000
Gross deferred tax assets	32,650,000	29,170,000
Valuation allowance	4,350,000	2,723,000
Net deferred tax assets	28,300,000	26,447,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets and intangibles	-18,004,000	-17,965,000
Revenue recognition	-2,800,000	-19,000
Other liabilities	-2,460,000	-538,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	($23,264,000)	($18,522,000)

Income_Taxes_Tax_Credit_Carryf

Income Taxes - Tax Credit Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date	31-Dec-31
Cumulative undistributed foreign earnings	$381.90
Research and development tax credit carryforward [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, expiration dates	31-Dec-15
Research and development tax credit carryforward [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, expiration dates	31-Dec-19
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	3.6
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Research and development tax credit carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	1.2
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$20.70

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	$1,200,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	23,966,000	25,135,000	16,041,000
Increases for tax positions taken in current period	0	1,197,000	0
Increases for tax positions taken in prior periods	2,081,000	1,701,000	9,965,000
Decreases for tax positions taken in prior periods	-1,419,000	-3,997,000	-620,000
Decreases for lapses in statutes of limitations	-2,869,000	-70,000	-251,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	21,759,000	23,966,000	25,135,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract]
Benefit for lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement with taxing authorities	-202,000	-24,000	-88,000
Accruals for current and prior periods	-405,000	1,698,000	652,000
Total interest and penalties	-607,000	1,674,000	564,000
United States [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract]
Tax years open for examination, by major tax jurisdiction	2011
The Netherlands [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract]
Tax years open for examination, by major tax jurisdiction	2011
Czech Republic [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract]
Tax years open for examination, by major tax jurisdiction	2012
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$21,800,000	$23,800,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Disclo

Income Taxes - Additional Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$21,759,000	$23,966,000	$25,135,000	$16,041,000
Unrecognized tax benefits which could be realized within the next 12 months, minimum	0
Unrecognized tax benefits which could be realized within the next 12 months, maximum	6,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	3,100,000	3,700,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$21,800,000	$23,800,000

Restructuring_Reorganization_R2

Restructuring, Reorganization, Relocation and Severance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	$18,459,000	$1,090,000	$2,859,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning accrued liability	50,000	2,692,000		50,000
Charged to expense, net	18,459,000	1,090,000	2,859,000
Expenditures	-8,930,000	-3,782,000
Write-offs and adjustments	-418,000	50,000
Ending accrued liability	9,161,000	50,000	2,692,000		2,692,000
Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	17,128,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning accrued liability	0			0
Charged to expense, net	17,128,000
Expenditures	-7,553,000
Write-offs and adjustments	-414,000
Ending accrued liability	9,161,000
First Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	1,331,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning accrued liability	0			0
Charged to expense, net	1,331,000
Expenditures	-1,327,000
Write-offs and adjustments	-4,000
Ending accrued liability	0
Group Structure Reorganization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	0	1,090,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning accrued liability	50,000	2,692,000		50,000
Charged to expense, net	0	1,090,000
Expenditures	-50,000	-3,782,000
Write-offs and adjustments	0	50,000
Ending accrued liability	0	50,000
Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Actual savings anticipated by restructuring activity	10,000,000
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	25,228,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	25,228,000
Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Inventory Write-offs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	1,627,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	1,627,000
Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Acquisition Related Earn Out [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	2,500,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	2,500,000
Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Impairment and Other Asset Write-off [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	3,973,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	3,973,000
Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member] | Restructuring Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	17,128,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	17,128,000
First Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Actual savings anticipated by restructuring activity	1,800,000
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance				1,300,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net				1,300,000
Group Structure Reorganization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance		1,100,000			2,900,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost		4,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net		1,100,000			2,900,000
Cost of Sales [Member] | Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	1,627,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	1,627,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	6,473,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	6,473,000
Restructuring Charges [Member] | Second Quarter 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance	17,128,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charged to expense, net	$17,128,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Purchase Obligations (Details) (Inventories [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Non-cancelable purchase orders	$93.40
Purchase commitment, maximum expiration date	first quarter of 2020

Lease_Obligations_Details

Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Lease Expiration Date	4-Jan-34
Rent expense	$9,500,000	$7,400,000	$8,500,000
2015 minimum rental payment	8,327,000
2016 minimum rental payment	6,926,000
2017 minimum rental payment	5,831,000
2018 minimum rental payment	4,926,000
2019 minimum rental payment	4,027,000
Minimum rental payment thereafter	41,800,000
Total minimum rental payment	$71,837,000

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Redemption Price of Rights	0.001
Preferred Stock Rights Plan, Description	On July 21, 2005, the Board of Directors adopted a Preferred Stock Rights Plan. Pursuant to the Preferred Stock Rights Plan, we distributed Rights as a dividend at the rate of one Right for each share of our common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 12, 2005. The Rights expire on August 12, 2015, unless redeemed or exchanged. The Rights are not exercisable until the earlier of: (1) 10 days (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors) following an announcement that a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 20% of our common stock or (2) 10 days (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors) following the announcement of a tender offer which would result in a person or group obtaining beneficial ownership of 20% or more of our outstanding common stock, subject to certain exceptions (the earlier of such dates being called the Distribution Date). The Rights are initially exercisable for one-thousandth of a share of our Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $120 per one-thousandth share, subject to adjustment. However, if: (1) after the Distribution Date we are acquired in certain types of transactions, or (2) any person or group (with limited exceptions) acquires beneficial ownership of 20% of our common stock, then holders of Rights (other than the 20% holder) will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Right, common stock (or in case we are completely acquired, common stock of the acquirer) having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Philips Business Electronics International B.V., or any of its affiliates, shall not be considered for the 20% calculation so long as it does not acquire 30% or more of our common shares. We are entitled to redeem the Rights, for $0.001 per Right, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, until certain specified times. We may also require the exchange of Rights, at a rate of one share of common stock for each Right, under certain circumstances. We also have the ability to amend the Rights, subject to certain limitations.
PEO Combination, Description	On February 21, 1997, we acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the electron optics business of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (the “PEO Combination”), in a transaction accounted for as a reverse acquisition. As part of the PEO Combination, we agreed to issue to Philips additional shares of our common stock whenever stock options that were outstanding on the date of the closing of the PEO Combination are exercised. Any such additional shares are issued at a rate of approximately 1.22 shares to Philips for each share issued on exercise of these options. We receive no additional consideration for these shares issued to Philips under this agreement.
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	3,301,988
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased	4,000,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Number of shares repurchased	795,321	0	20,500
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$62,523	$0	$891
Average cost per share of share repurchases	$78.61	$0	$43.41
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased	1,324,479
Philips [Member]
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Change in Beneficial Ownership, Threshold Percentage	30.00%
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	165,000
Shares issued during period, other	0	0	0
Person or Group Acquiring Beneficial Ownership [Member]
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Period Subsequent to Beneficial Ownership Change	10 days
Class of Warrant or Right, Change in Beneficial Ownership, Threshold Percentage	20.00%
Tender Offer For Change in Beneficial Ownership [Member]
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Period Subsequent to Beneficial Ownership Change	10 days
Class of Warrant or Right, Change in Beneficial Ownership, Threshold Percentage	20.00%
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right	0.001
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Rights	$120

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	8-May-14	7-May-14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Available for Grant	1,916,974
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	3,301,988
Restricted Stock Units Nonvested and Expected to Vest
Total compensation cost not yet recognized	$42.80
Total compensation cost not yet recognized - period for recognition	1 year 11 months
Employee Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued under the Employee Share Purchase Plan	139,696
Stock Options [Member]
Options Outstanding and Exercisable:
Options outstanding, number	808,484	752,000
Options exercisable, number	310,649
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$61.27	$50.18
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$44.52
Options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	23.6
Options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	14.2
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 10 months 24 days
Options exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Restricted Stock Units Nonvested and Expected to Vest
Restricted stock units nonvested, number	578,530	737,000
Restricted stock units expected to vest, number	507,013
Restricted stock units nonvested, weighted average grant date per share fair value	$69.72	$57.60
Restricted stock units expected to vest, weighted average grant date per share fair value	$69.03
Restricted stock units nonvested, aggregate intrinsic value	52.1
Restricted stock units expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	$45.80
Restricted stock units nonvested, weighted average remaining term to vest (in years)	1 year 6 months
Restricted stock units expected to vest, weighted average remaining term to vest (in years)	1 year 6 months
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized			11,250,000	11,000,000
Employee Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized			4,200,000	3,950,000
Discount from market price under the Employee Share Purchase Plan	15.00%
Maximum number of shares that can be purchased per employee in the Employee Share Purchase Plan	500
Employee share purchase plan, weighted average purchase price per share	$70.60
Employee share purchase plan, weighted average discount per share	$12.46
Employee stock purchase plan, remaining number of shares authorized to be purchased	1,021,872

StockBased_Compensation_Rollfo

Stock-Based Compensation - Rollforward of Share Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding, beginning of period	752,000
Options granted	230,000
Option forfeitures	-31,000
Options exercised	-143,000
Options outstanding, end of period	808,484
Weighted average exercise price of options, beginning of period	$50.18
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	$81.99
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited	$77.08
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised	$33.21
Weighted average exercise price of options, end of period	$61.27
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock units unvested, beginning of period	737,000
Restricted stock units granted	193,000
Restricted stock units forfeited	-61,000
Restricted stock units vested	-290,000
Restricted stock units unvested, end of period	578,530
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units, beginning of period	$57.60
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted	$83.65
Weighted average grant date fair value restricted stock units forfeited	$64.76
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock unit vests	$49.44
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units, end of period	$69.72

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$8,730	$13,169	$6,293
Fair value of restricted stock units vested	14,461	11,452	9,113
Cash received from stock options exercised and shares purchased under all stock-based arrangements	14,771	16,545	13,131
Tax benefit realized for stock options	4,526	6,495	3,137
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value	18,856	16,283	12,279
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value	$16,172	$20,415	$20,461

StockBased_Compensation_Alloca

Stock-Based Compensation - Allocation in Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$23,132	$18,327	$14,154
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	3,276	2,427	1,858
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	2,727	2,156	1,903
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$17,129	$13,744	$10,393

StockBased_Compensation_Assump

Stock-Based Compensation - Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.06%	0.07%	0.13%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%
Volatility, minimum	29.00%	23.00%	36.00%
Volatility, maximum	34.00%	43.00%	55.00%
Employee Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected term	0 years 6 months	0 years 6 months	0 years 6 months
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.48%	0.44%	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Dividend yield	1.22%	0.59%	0.70%
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected term	2 years 9 months	3 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected term	3 years 1 month	5 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 6 months

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Pension expense	$6.60	$6.50	$5.60
Incentive compensation expense	9.1	12.8	13.2
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of employee's gross pay	3.00%
Deferred compensation plan assets	7.4	5.3
Deferred compensation plan liability	7.4	5.3
Locations Outside The U.S. and Netherlands [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Plan costs for defined contribution plans	3.3	3.6	3.6
United States [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Plan costs for defined contribution plans	$2.10	$2.10	$1.80

RelatedParty_Activity_Details

Related-Party Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product sales to related parties	$3,460	$5,216	$985
Service sales to related parties	1,223	849	587
Total sales to related parties	4,683	6,065	1,572
Purchases from related parties	2,467	933	127
Applied Materials [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product sales to related parties	2,706	4,656	981
Service sales to related parties	829	719	554
Lattice Semiconductor [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product sales to related parties	0	5	0
Service sales to related parties	12	12	0
Cascade Microtech [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product sales to related parties	0	0	4
Service sales to related parties	35	33	33
Electro Scientific Industries [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product sales to related parties	390	0	0
Oregon Health and Science University [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Product sales to related parties	364	555	0
Service sales to related parties	347	85	0
Purchases from related parties	119	353	0
TMC BV [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	$2,348	$580	$127

RelatedParty_Activity_Schedule

Related-Party Activity - Schedule of Amounts Due From (To) Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	$320
Applied Materials [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	74
Cascade Microtech [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	10
Electro Scientific Industries [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	351
Oregon Health and Science University [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	209
TMC BV [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	($324)

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit	$448,155	$438,785	$415,630
Industry [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit	229,959	222,675	220,267
Science [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit	$218,196	$216,110	$195,363
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk Number of Customers Accounting For More Than Ten Percent of Revenue	0	1	0
Concentration Risk, Percentage	27.00%	25.00%	22.00%

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information - Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$170,773	$136,152	$131,320
Total Assets	1,417,818	1,426,084
Long-Lived Assets	230,882	208,431
United States [Member]
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	76,553	77,639
The Netherlands [Member]
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	59,722	65,570
CZECH REPUBLIC
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	36,534	22,950
Other Geographical Regions [Member]
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	58,073	42,272
Industry [Member]
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	76,858	51,532
Total Assets	444,168	297,987
Science [Member]
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	93,915	84,620
Total Assets	470,899	365,571
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment and Geographical Information - Assets [Line Items]
Total Assets	$502,751	$762,526

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa4

Segment and Geographic Information - Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Product sales	$722,666	$709,438	$691,496
Service sales	233,614	218,016	200,242
Total sales	956,280	927,454	891,738
Gross Profit	448,155	438,785	415,630
U.S. and Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Product sales	207,623	167,876	200,778
Service sales	97,966	92,759	90,942
Total sales	305,589	260,635	291,720
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Product sales	200,995	205,857	185,598
Service sales	66,799	64,803	59,124
Total sales	267,794	270,660	244,722
Asia Pacific Region and Rest of World [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Product sales	314,048	335,705	305,120
Service sales	68,849	60,454	50,176
Total sales	382,897	396,159	355,296
Industry [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	450,198	427,731	433,424
Gross Profit	229,959	222,675	220,267
Science [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	506,082	499,723	458,314
Gross Profit	$218,196	$216,110	$195,363

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities - Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
U.S. treasury notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	$17,608		$10,128
Agency bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	51,951	[1]	37,961	[1]
Commercial paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	13,500		39,987
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	19,122		7,786
Municipal bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	27,119		49,319
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	10,902		5,001
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - mutual funds	7,351		5,287
Derivative contracts, net	0		0
Assets, fair value	24,959		15,415
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	17,608		10,128
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - mutual funds	0		0
Derivative contracts, net	-2,739		-1,113
Assets, fair value	119,855		138,941
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	51,951		37,961
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	13,500		39,987
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	19,122		7,786
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	27,119		49,319
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	10,902		5,001
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - mutual funds	0		0
Derivative contracts, net	0		0
Assets, fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - mutual funds	7,351		5,287
Derivative contracts, net	-2,739		-1,113
Assets, fair value	144,814		154,356
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | U.S. treasury notes [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	17,608		10,128
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	51,951		37,961
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	13,500		39,987
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	19,122		7,786
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	27,119		49,319
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale marketable securities	$10,902		$5,001
[1]	Agency bonds are securities backed by U.S. government-sponsored entities.

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Attributable To Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations, Inclusive Of The Impact Of Derivatives	($1,810)	($2,808)	($5,675)
Total outstanding derivative contracts	375,499	381,393
Outstanding derivative contracts maturity, maximum	1 year 6 months
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total outstanding derivative contracts	222,000	208,446
Balance Sheet Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total outstanding derivative contracts	$153,499	$172,947

Derivative_Instruments_Balance

Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet Location (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	$2,456	$2,171
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	-670	-698
Net amounts presented in other current assets	1,786	1,473
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	8,012	7,278
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	-3,487	-4,692
Net amounts presented in other current liabilities	4,525	2,586
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	0	0
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	0	0
Net amounts presented in other current assets	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	3,283	4,362
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	-865	-3,042
Net amounts presented in other current liabilities	2,418	1,320
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	2,456	2,171
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	-670	-698
Net amounts presented in other current assets	1,786	1,473
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	4,729	2,916
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	-2,622	-1,650
Net amounts presented in other current liabilities	$2,107	$1,266

Derivative_Instruments_Effect_

Derivative Instruments - Effect on Income Statement (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	($6,631)	($1,934)	$8,032
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassified from AOCI into cost of sales (effective portion)	176	33	0
Cost of Sales [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassified from AOCI into cost of sales (effective portion)	-7,930	-790	-2,511
Other Income Expense Net [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in other, net	-6,532	-4,802	-4,882
Other Income Expense Net [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Recognized in other, net (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	($336)	($80)	$9