NET INCOME PER SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$ 313.5	$ 306.5
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic calculation	116,400	115,000
Add: dilutive effect of potential common shares	3,400	4,600
Weighted average shares outstanding used in diluted calculation	119,800	119,600
Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.69	$ 2.67
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.62	$ 2.56