<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>271</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>369</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>90</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>5</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityDeficit</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndPrinciplesOfConsolidation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognition</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Credit Losses</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CreditLosses</Role>
      <ShortName>Credit Losses</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/Leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Other Current and Long-Term Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current and Long-Term Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Repurchases Of Common Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RepurchasesOfCommonStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Repurchases Of Common Stock</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuarantees</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/SegmentReporting</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2123100 - Disclosure - Hedging Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedging Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2124100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/SubsequentEventsNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognition</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/InventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/Inventories</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/Leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Other Current and Long-Term Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current and Long-Term Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssets</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/DebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/Debt</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Repurchases of Common Stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RepurchasesOfCommonStockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Repurchases of Common Stock (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318301 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2319301 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321301 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/SegmentReportingTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/SegmentReporting</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322301 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2323301 - Disclosure - Hedging Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedging Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccountingPoliciesPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (General Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionGeneralNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (General Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Lease Revenue) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionLeaseRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Lease Revenue) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403404 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Extended Warranties and Post-Contract Support) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionExtendedWarrantiesAndPostContractSupportDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Extended Warranties and Post-Contract Support) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403405 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Remaining Performance Obligation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionRemainingPerformanceObligationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Remaining Performance Obligation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403406 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (SaaS Subscriptions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionSaasSubscriptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (SaaS Subscriptions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403407 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Up-Front Customer Loyalty Programs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionUpFrontCustomerLoyaltyProgramsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Up-Front Customer Loyalty Programs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403408 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Volume Commitment Programs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionVolumeCommitmentProgramsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Volume Commitment Programs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403409 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Instrument Rebate Programs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionInstrumentRebateProgramsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Instrument Rebate Programs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403410 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Reagent Rental Programs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionReagentRentalProgramsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Reagent Rental Programs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403411 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Product and Service Categories) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueByMajorProductAndServiceCategoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Product and Service Categories) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403412 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Principal Geographic Area, Based on Customers' Domiciles) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueByPrincipalGeographicAreaBasedOnCustomersDomicilesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Principal Geographic Area, Based on Customers' Domiciles) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403413 - Disclosure - Revenue Recognition (Costs to Obtain a Contract) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionCostsToObtainContractDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue Recognition (Costs to Obtain a Contract) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404401 - Disclosure - Acquisitions Acquisitions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AcquisitionsAcquisitionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions Acquisitions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Assumptions Used) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationAssumptionsUsedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation (Assumptions Used) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Credit Losses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/CreditLossesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Credit Losses (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/CreditLosses</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/InventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/InventoriesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Leases (Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesMaturitiesOfOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412403 - Disclosure - Leases (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412404 - Disclosure - Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Other Current and Long-Term Assets (Schedule Of Other Current Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssetsScheduleOfOtherCurrentAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current and Long-Term Assets (Schedule Of Other Current Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - Other Current and Long-Term Assets (Schedule Of Other Long-term Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssetsScheduleOfOtherLongTermAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Current and Long-Term Assets (Schedule Of Other Long-term Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414403 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Schedule Of Other Long-term Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherLongTermLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Schedule Of Other Long-term Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Debt Debt (Schedule of Current Senior Notes Outstanding) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/DebtDebtScheduleOfCurrentSeniorNotesOutstandingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt Debt (Schedule of Current Senior Notes Outstanding) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - Debt Debt (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/DebtDebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt Debt (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Repurchases of Common Stock (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/RepurchasesOfCommonStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Repurchases of Common Stock (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/RepurchasesOfCommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417401 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418402 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule Of AOCI) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfAociDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule Of AOCI) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418403 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfReclassificationsOutOfAociDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419402 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Shares Outstanding For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfSharesOutstandingForBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Shares Outstanding For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419403 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Number Of Anti-Dilutive Stock Options) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShareScheduleOfNumberOfAntiDilutiveStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Number Of Anti-Dilutive Stock Options) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421402 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting - Allocated Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/SegmentReportingAllocatedCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting - Allocated Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421403 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting - Summary of Segment Performance (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/SegmentReportingSummaryOfSegmentPerformanceDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting - Summary of Segment Performance (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422403 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423402 - Disclosure - Hedging Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedging Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423403 - Disclosure - Hedging Instruments (Derivatives Designated In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsDerivativesDesignatedInCashFlowHedgingRelationshipsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedging Instruments (Derivatives Designated In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423404 - Disclosure - Hedging Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values And Balance Sheet Classifications Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValuesAndBalanceSheetClassificationsOfDerivativesDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Hedging Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Values And Balance Sheet Classifications Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/HedgingInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="idxx2020q110-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.idexx.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.idexx.com/role/SubsequentEventsNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" original="idxx2020q110-q.htm">idxx2020q110-q.htm</File>
    <File>a102ayerssenioradvisor.htm</File>
    <File>idxx-20200331.xsd</File>
    <File>idxx-20200331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>idxx-20200331_def.xml</File>
    <File>idxx-20200331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>idxx-20200331_pre.xml</File>
    <File>idxx2020q110-qexhibit311.htm</File>
    <File>idxx2020q110-qexhibit312.htm</File>
    <File>idxx2020q110-qexhibit321.htm</File>
    <File>idxx2020q110-qexhibit322.htm</File>
    <File>ortholetterwaiver-conf.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>idxx-20180331x10qg001a06.jpg</File>
    <File>idxx-20180331x10qg002a05.jpg</File>
    <File>idxx-20180331x10qg003a06.jpg</File>
    <File>idxx-20180331x10qg004a07.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
