2.2.0.7 false Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) 20000 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) true false false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 EPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) [Abstract] 0 wat_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPoliciesAbstract wat false na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 3 Nature of Operations 1 us-gaap_NatureOfOperations us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 Waters Corporation (“Waters” or the “Company”), an analytical instrument manufacturer, primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services, through its Waters Division, high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”) and mass spectrometry (“MS”) instrument systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. These systems are complementary products that can be integrated together and used along with other analytical instruments. LC is a standard technique and is utilized in a broad range of industries to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials, and to purify a full range of compounds. MS instruments are used in drug discovery and development, including clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes (known as “proteomics”), food safety analysis and environmental testing. LC is often combined with MS to create LC-MS instruments that include a liquid phase sample introduction and separation system with mass spectrometric compound identification and quantification. Through its TA Division (“TA®”), the Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments, which are used in predicting the suitability of fine chemicals, polymers and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for life science research. The Company is also a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company's instruments and are typically purchased by customers as part of the instrument system. Waters Corporation (“Waters” or the “Company”), an analytical instrument manufacturer, primarily designs, manufactures, sells and false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets. If the entity operates in more than one business, the disclosure also indicates the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination (for example, assets, revenues, or earnings). Disclosures about the nature of operations need not be quantified; relative importance could be conveyed by use of terms such as "predominately", "about equally", or "major and other". This element is also referred to as "Business Description". Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 94-6 -Paragraph 10 false 4 Fiscal Period Description 1 wat_FiscalPeriodDescriptionTextBlock wat false na duration Describes an entity's fiscal year or other fiscal period. This disclosure may include identification of the fiscal period... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 The Company's interim fiscal quarter typically ends on the thirteenth Saturday of each quarter. Since the Company's fiscal year end is December 31, the first and fourth fiscal quarters will not consist of thirteen complete weeks. The Company's third fiscal quarters for 2010 and 2009 ended on October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively. The Company's interim fiscal quarter typically ends on the thirteenth Saturday of each quarter. Since the Company's fiscal year end is December 31, the first false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's fiscal year or other fiscal period. This disclosure may include identification of the fiscal period end-date, the length of the fiscal period, any reporting period lag between the entity and its subsidiaries, or equity investees. If a reporting lag exists, the closing date of the entity having a different period end should be noted, along with an explanation of the necessity for using different closing dates. Any intervening events that materially affect the entity's financial position or results of operations also should be disclosed. No authoritative reference available. false 5 Basis of Accounting Description 1 wat_BasisOfAccountingDescriptionTextBlock wat false na duration Description of the basis of accounting used to prepare the financial statements (for example, U.S. Generally Accepted... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America.It is management's opinion that the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which are normal and recurring) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2010. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Description of the basis of accounting used to prepare the financial statements (for example, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). No authoritative reference available. false 6 Consolidation Policy 1 wat_ConsolidationsPolicyTextBlock wat false na duration Describes an entity's accounting policy for its subsidiaries or other investments that are consolidated, including the... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. All material inter-company false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for its subsidiaries or other investments that are consolidated, including the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts or transactions and any noncontrolling interest. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Use of Estimates and Judgments 1 wat_UseOfEstimatesAndJudgmentsTextBlock wat false na duration Provides an entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities at the dates of the financial statements. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Provides an entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates. Estimates used in the determination of carrying amounts of assets or liabilities, or in disclosure of gain or loss contingencies should be disclosed if known information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that both of these criteria are met: (1) It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect on the financial statements of a condition, situation, or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements will change in the near term (less than one year from the date of issuance) due to one or more future confirming events, and (2) The effect of the change would be material to the financial statements. The disclosure should indicate the nature of the uncertainty and include an indication that it is at least reasonably possible that a change in the estimate will occur in the near term. Disclosure of the factors that cause the estimate to be sensitive to change also is encouraged. Entities also may identify those areas that are subject to significant estimates. No authoritative reference available. false 8 Reclassifications of Prior Year Information 1 wat_ReclassificationsOfPriorYearInformationTextBlock wat false na duration Classifications in the current financial statements may be different from classifications in the prior year's financial... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 ReclassificationsCertain amounts from the prior year have been reclassified in the accompanying financial statements in order to be consistent with the current year's classifications. ReclassificationsCertain amounts from the prior year have been reclassified in the accompanying financial statements in order to be consistent with the current false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Classifications in the current financial statements may be different from classifications in the prior year's financial statements. Disclose any material changes in classification including an explanation of the reason for the change and the areas impacted. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Fair Value Measurements Policy 1 wat_FairValueMeasurementsPolicyTextBlock wat false na duration Describes an entity's accounting policy for determining the fair value of its assets and liabilities. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 Fair Value MeasurementsIn accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data, such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.Fair Value of Other Financial InstrumentsThe Company's cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Fair Value MeasurementsIn accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, certain assets and liabilities are measured at false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for determining the fair value of its assets and liabilities. No authoritative reference available. false 10 Derivatives Policy 1 us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 The Company records its hedge transactions in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, which establishes the accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. If the derivative is designated as a fair-value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings; ineffective portions of changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. In addition, disclosures required for derivative instruments and hedging activities include the Company's objectives for using derivative instruments, the level of derivative activity the Company engages in, as well as how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Company's financial position and performance. The Company records its hedge transactions in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, which establishes the false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policies for its derivative instruments and hedging activities. Disclosure may include: (1) Each method used to account for derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments ("derivatives"); (2) the types of derivatives accounted for under each method; (3) the criteria required to be met for each accounting method used, including a discussion of the criteria required to be met for hedge or deferral accounting and accrual or settlement accounting (for example: whether and how risk reduction, correlation, designation, and effectiveness tests are applied); (4) the accounting method used if the criteria specified for hedge accounting are not met; (5) the method used to account for termination of derivatives designated as hedges or derivatives used to affect directly or indirectly the terms, fair values, or cash flows of a designated item; (6) the method used to account for derivatives when the designated item matures, is sold, is extinguished, or is terminated. In addition, the method used to account for derivatives designated to an anticipated transaction, when the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; and (7) where and when derivatives, and their related gains (losses) are reported in the statement of financial position, cash flows, and results of operations and (8) an accounting policy decision to offset fair value amounts with counterparties. An entity should also consider describing its embedded derivatives, and the method(s) used to determine the fair values of derivatives and any significant assumptions used in such valuations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph n -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 39 -Paragraph 10 false 11 Product Warranty Policy 1 wat_ProductWarrantyPolicyTextBlock wat false na duration Description for the guarantor's accounting for standard warranties including the methodology for measuring the liability. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 Product Warranty CostsThe Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale, which are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component supplies, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. The amount of the accrued warranty liability is based on historical information, such as past experience, product failure rates, number of units repaired and estimated costs of material and labor. The liability is reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly. Product Warranty CostsThe Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale, which are included in cost of sales in the consolidated false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Description for the guarantor's accounting for standard warranties including the methodology for measuring the liability. No authoritative reference available. false 12 Subsequent Events 1 us-gaap_ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 Subsequent EventsThe Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. Subsequent EventsThe Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes disclosed significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date, but before the issuance of the financial statements. Examples include: the sale of a capital stock issue, purchase of a business, settlement of litigation, losses resulting from fire or flood, losses on receivables, significant realized and unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in quoted market prices of securities, declines in market prices of inventory, changes in authorized or issued debt (SEC), significant foreign exchange rate changes, substantial loans to insiders or affiliates, significant long-term investments, and substantial dividends not in the ordinary course of business. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 11 false 1 11 false UnKnown UnKnown UnKnown false true