| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 25, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 25, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-13595 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Mettler Toledo International Inc |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-3668641 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1900 Polaris Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Columbus |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 43240 |
| City Area Code | 614 |
| Local Phone Number | 438-4511 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MTD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001037646 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
