| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 12, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001278021 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 12, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34091 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 52-2230784 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 55 Hudson Yards |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10001 |
| City Area Code | (212) |
| Local Phone Number | 813-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.003 per share |
| Trading Symbol | MKTX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
