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Investments (Details 3) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Cost Method Investment    
Carrying value of the investment $ 19.4us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments $ 16.9us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments
Maximum    
Cost Method Investment    
Percentage ownership of cost method investee 20.00%veco_CostMethodInvestmentsOwnershipPercentage
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember