v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jul. 03, 2016
shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name COGNEX CORP
Entity Central Index Key 0000851205
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type 10-Q
Document Period End Date Jul. 03, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2
Amendment Flag false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 85,109,036