XML 92 R69.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Retirement Plans (Details 10) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets $ 202,981us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets $ 175,952us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets  
Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 155,839us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
132,830us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 865us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
1,677us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 46,277us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
41,445us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
35,963us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
U.S. Pension Plans      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 135,887us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
128,516us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
106,572us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
U.S. Pension Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 127,843us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
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120,841us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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650us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
 
U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,334us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
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7,025us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
 
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 124,405us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
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[1] 117,718us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
[2]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Large-Cap U S Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 43.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_LargeCapUSCompaniesMember
41.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
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/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_LargeCapUSCompaniesMember
 
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | International Growth Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 31.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_InternationalGrowthCompaniesMember
33.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
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= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
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/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_InternationalGrowthCompaniesMember
 
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 26.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_FixedIncomeBondsMember
26.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_FixedIncomeBondsMember
 
U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 124,405us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[1] 117,718us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[2]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity Securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 3,438us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
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[3] 3,123us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
[3]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 3,438us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
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[3] 3,123us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[3]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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[4] 650us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
[4]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 710us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[4] 650us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[4]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Hedge Funds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,334us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
[5] 7,025us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
[5]  
U.S. Pension Plans | Hedge Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,334us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_HedgeFundsMember
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[5] 7,025us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[5] 6,266us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,526us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
6,616us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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5,357us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,371us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
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5,589us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 155us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
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1,027us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
 
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,371us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
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[6] 5,589us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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[7]  
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | Large-Cap U S Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 52.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
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/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_LargeCapUSCompaniesMember
58.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_LargeCapUSCompaniesMember
 
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | International Growth Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 20.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_InternationalGrowthCompaniesMember
12.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_InternationalGrowthCompaniesMember
 
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 28.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_FixedIncomeBondsMember
30.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_FixedIncomeBondsMember
 
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 7,371us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[6] 5,589us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[7]  
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 155us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
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[4] 1,027us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
[4]  
U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 155us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[4] 1,027us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
[4]  
Non-U.S. Pension Plans      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 59,568us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
40,820us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
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= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
35,859us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 20,625us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
6,400us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 38,943us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
34,420us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 9,258us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
[8]    
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | International Growth Companies [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 26.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_InternationalGrowthCompaniesMember
   
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Fixed Income Bonds [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Components of plan asset categories 74.00%wat_ComponentsOfPlanAssetCategories
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ wat_PlanAssetCategoriesByComponentAxis
= wat_FixedIncomeBondsMember
   
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 9,258us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_EquityFundsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[8]    
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 11,367us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
[4] 6,400us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
[4]  
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Market for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 11,367us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[4] 6,400us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
[4]  
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 38,943us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
[9] 34,420us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
[9]  
Non-U.S. Pension Plans | Bank and Insurance Investment Contracts [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets $ 38,943us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[9] $ 34,420us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[9] $ 29,697us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis
= wat_BankAndInsuranceInvestmentContractsMember
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
[1] The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 43% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 31% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 26% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
[2] The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Pension Plans are invested in the following categories: 41% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 33% in the common stock of international growth companies, and 26% in fixed income bonds issued by U.S. companies and by the U.S. government and its agencies.
[3] Represents primarily amounts invested in common stock of technology, healthcare, financial, energy and consumer staples and discretionary U.S. companies.
[4] Primarily represents money market funds held with various financial institutions.
[5] Hedge fund invests in both short and long term U.S. common stocks. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from large to small capitalization stocks and from a net long position to a net short position.
[6] The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 52% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 20% in the common stock of international growth companies and 28% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
[7] The mutual fund balance in the U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan is invested in the following categories: 58% in the common stock of large-cap U.S. companies, 12% in the common stock of international growth companies and 30% in fixed income bonds of U.S. companies and U.S. government.
[8] The mutual fund balance in the Non-U.S. Pension Plans is invested in the following categories: 74% in international bonds and 26% in the common stock of international companies.
[9] Amount represents bank and insurance guaranteed investment contracts.