Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document And Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Feb. 17, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR CO    
Entity Central Index Key 0001050797    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Public Float     $ 790,488,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   33,719,581