IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX) 10-Q 28 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 17, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	IDEXX LABORATORIES INC /DE
Entity Central Index Key	874716
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,795,634

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$182,160	$322,536
Marketable securities	139,215
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $4,440 in 2015 and $4,306 in 2014	196,231	152,380
Inventories	173,370	160,342
Deferred income tax assets	36,291	37,689
Other current assets, net	81,642	86,451
Total current assets	808,909	759,398
Long-Term Assets:
Property and equipment, net	309,827	303,587
Goodwill	176,932	184,450
Intangible assets, net	59,911	65,122
Other long-term assets, net	75,435	71,654
Total long-term assets	622,105	624,813
TOTAL ASSETS	1,431,014	1,384,211
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	44,183	44,743
Accrued liabilities	177,942	195,351
Line of credit	549,500	549,000
Current portion of deferred revenue	31,820	31,812
Total current liabilities	803,445	820,906
Long-Term Liabilities:
Deferred income tax liabilities	40,113	41,688
Long-term debt	500,000	350,000
Long-term deferred revenue, net of current portion	22,350	21,665
Other long-term liabilities	31,027	32,363
Total long-term liabilities	593,490	445,716
Total liabilities	1,396,935	1,266,622
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value per share: Authorized: 120,000 shares; Issued: 102,258 and 101,947 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively	10,226	10,195
Additional paid-in capital	912,582	888,293
Deferred stock units: Outstanding: 118 units in 2015 and 2014	5,084	5,066
Retained earnings	1,721,893	1,675,299
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-24,049	-8,071
Treasury stock, at cost: 55,462 and 54,574 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively	-2,591,714	-2,453,266
Total IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders' equity	34,022	117,516
Noncontrolling interest	57	73
Total stockholders' equity	34,079	117,589
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$1,431,014	$1,384,211

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, reserves	$4,440	$4,306
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	102,258,000	101,947,000
Deferred stock units, outstanding	118,000	118,000
Treasury stock, shares	55,462,000	54,574,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Product revenue	$232,104	$219,392
Service revenue	150,373	140,811
Total revenue	382,477	360,203
Cost of Revenue:
Cost of product revenue	83,370	78,042
Cost of service revenue	83,563	80,064
Total cost of revenue	166,933	158,106
Gross profit	215,544	202,097
Expenses:
Sales and marketing	75,136	67,848
General and administrative	42,599	41,089
Research and development	25,006	23,114
Income from operations	72,803	70,046
Interest expense	-6,304	-2,774
Interest income	425	471
Income before provision for income taxes	66,924	67,743
Provision for income taxes	20,346	21,150
Net income	46,578	46,593
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-16	8
Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders	$46,594	$46,585
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$0.99	$0.90
Diluted	$0.98	$0.89
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	47,140	51,617
Diluted	47,761	52,338

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$46,578	$46,593
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-20,232	1,279
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $19 in 2015 and ($32) in 2014	33	-54
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments:
Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax expense (benefit) of $3,082 in 2015 and ($123) in 2014	7,185	-253
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax expense of $1,253 in 2015 and $47 in 2014	-2,964	-149
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	4,221	-402
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-15,978	823
Comprehensive income	30,600	47,416
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-16	8
Comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.	$30,616	$47,408

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, tax expense (benefit)	$19	($32)
Unrealized gain (loss), tax expense (benefit)	3,082	-123
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax expense	$1,253	$47

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$46,578	$46,593
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,154	13,394
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	-33	-18
Amortization on marketable securities, net	91
Increase (decrease) in deferred compensation liability	58	-86
Provision for uncollectible accounts	509	451
Provision for (benefit of) deferred income taxes	565	-835
Share-based compensation expense	4,652	4,108
Tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	-7,713	-6,747
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-51,438	-21,707
Inventories	-10,142	2,200
Other assets	15,479	1,312
Accounts payable	-4,332	1,857
Accrued liabilities	-26,225	-10,231
Deferred revenue	1,153	3,227
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	-14,644	33,518
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-23,017	-11,298
Purchase of marketable securities	-140,448
Proceeds from the sale and maturities of marketable securities	3,228
Acquisitions of a businesses, net of cash acquired	-383	-1,161
Acquisition of intangible asset		-175
Net cash used by investing activities	-160,620	-12,634
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities, net	500	38,000
Debt issue costs	-90	-139
Payment of notes payable		-253
Issuance of long term debt	150,000
Repurchases of common stock	-133,647	-70,279
Proceeds from exercises of stock options and employee stock purchase plans	12,325	10,964
Tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements	7,713	6,747
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	36,801	-14,960
Net effect of changes in exchange rates on cash	-1,913	1,221
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-140,376	7,145
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	322,536	279,058
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$182,160	$286,203

Basis_Of_Presentation_And_Prin

Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation	NOTE 1.      BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the requirements of Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01 for financial statements required to be filed as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "IDEXX," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us" refer to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We do not have any variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of our management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of our financial position and results of operations. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no material impact on previously reported results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Note 2.      ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are consistent with those discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Annual Report, except for our significant accounting policies related to marketable securities.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we purchased marketable debt securities, which are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. We have classified our investments with maturities beyond one year as short-term, based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. Unrealized holding gains and losses are deferred within accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), net of applicable taxes, except for when an impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary or the security is divested prior to maturity. Interest earned and realized gains and losses on the sale of our marketable securities are included in interest income and other income and expense, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	We perform ongoing reviews to evaluate whether an unrealized loss on an investment represents an other-than-temporary impairment. An unrealized loss exists when the fair value of an investment is less than its amortized cost. When determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider the duration and extent to which the fair value of the investment has been below its cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer as expressed by the security’s credit rating and rating outlook, and whether a credit event has occurred, including the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments. Should we intend to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis, we consider the loss to be other-than-temporary and charge income in the period such determination is made. For debt securities that we have no intent to sell and believe that it more likely than not that we will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is charged to income, while any remaining loss remains recognized in AOCI. The credit loss component is identified as the difference between the present value of expected cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost of the investment.
	New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment which will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance within U.S. GAAP. The core principle of this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will be required to make certain judgments and estimates, including identifying contract performance obligations, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price among separate performance obligations. Additionally, the amendment requires disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, significant judgments reached in the application of the guidance and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. Effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2017, the amendment allows for two methods of adoption, a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a one year deferral of the effective date of this standard to annual periods ending after December 15, 2017, along with an option to permit the Company to early adopt the standard beginning on January 1, 2017. The proposed effective date deferral is not current approved. We are in the process of determining the method of adoption and the impact of this amendment on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued an amendment that requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. The amendments in this update provide guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the financial statements are issued and to provide related footnote disclosures. In doing so, the amendments should reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The amendments in this update apply to all entities and are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In February 2015, FASB issued amendments which change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities, placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. The amendments in this update apply to all entities and are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued amendments that require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under current guidance, our debt issuance costs are reflected as a deferred charge, within other current assets, net and other long-term assets, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. This update is effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	NOTE 3.      SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The fair value of options, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and employee stock purchase rights awarded during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $22.0 million and $20.3 million, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for unvested share-based compensation awards outstanding at March 31, 2015 was $50.7 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.3 years.
	We determine the assumptions used in the valuation of option awards as of the date of grant. Differences in the expected stock price volatility, expected term or risk-free interest rate may necessitate distinct valuation assumptions at each grant date. As such, we may use different assumptions for options granted throughout the year. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock at the date of grant. We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we have no intention to pay such a dividend at this time; therefore, we assume that no dividends will be paid over the expected terms of option awards. The weighted averages of the valuation assumptions used to determine the fair value of each option award on the date of grant and the weighted average estimated fair values were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Expected stock price volatility		23	%		28	%
	Expected term, in years		5.6			5.7
	Risk-free interest rate		1.5	%		1.5	%
	Weighted average estimated fair value of options granted	$	39.99		$	35.94

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Note 4.      marketable securities
	The amortized cost and fair value of marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):
	As of March 31, 2015		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	Corporate bonds	$	110,782	$	30	$	97	$	110,715
	Agency bonds		16,104		-		4		16,100
	U.S. government bonds		5,091		-		-		5,091
	Certificate of deposit		3,000		-		-		3,000
	Commercial paper		1,496		-		-		1,496
	International government bond		1,410		-		1		1,409
	Municipal bond		1,400		4		-		1,404
	Total marketable securities	$	139,283	$	34	$	102	$	139,215
	No marketable securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. The marketable securities held by the Company were high investment grade and there were no marketable securities that we consider to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2015.
	The contractual maturities of marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):
	As of March 31, 2015		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	74,100	$	74,062
	Due after one through two years		65,183		65,153
		$	139,283	$	139,215

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 5.      Inventories
	Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, include material, conversion costs and inbound freight charges. The components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	28,955	$	26,908
	Work-in-process		18,175		16,859
	Finished goods		126,240		116,575
	Inventories	$	173,370	$	160,342

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net
	Note 6.       Goodwill and Intangible Assets, NET
	The decrease in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2015 resulted from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The decrease in intangible assets other than goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2015 resulted primarily from the continued amortization of our intangible assets and changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Other_Current_And_Longterm_Ass

Other Current And Long-term Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Current And Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Other Current And Noncurrent Assets	NOTE 7.      Other current and long-term ASSETS
	Other current assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Prepaid expenses	$	36,379	$	32,672
	Taxes receivable		19,972		28,926
	Customer acquisition costs, net		12,746		11,262
	Other assets		12,545		13,591
	Other current assets	$	81,642	$	86,451
	Other long-term assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Investment in long-term product supply arrangements	$	11,787	$	10,765
	Customer acquisition costs, net		32,038		28,165
	Other assets		31,610		32,724
	Other long-term assets, net	$	75,435	$	71,654

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Note 8.      Accrued liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Accrued expenses	$	57,911	$	55,655
	Accrued employee compensation and related expenses		50,271		75,232
	Accrued taxes		29,424		28,439
	Accrued customer programs		40,336		36,025
	Accrued liabilities	$	177,942	$	195,351

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt
	Note 9.      Debt
	In December 2014, we entered into a Multicurrency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the “MetLife Agreement”) with accredited institutional purchasers named therein pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell $75 million of 3.25% Series A Senior Notes having a seven-year term (the “2022 Notes”) and $75 million of 3.72% Series B Senior Notes having a twelve-year term (the “2027 Notes”). In February 2015, we issued and sold the 2022 Notes and the 2027 Notes pursuant to the MetLife Agreement. We used the net proceeds from these issuance and sales for general corporate purposes, including repaying amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
	Since December 2013, we have issued and sold through private placements senior notes that have an aggregate principal amount of $500 million pursuant to certain note purchase agreements (collectively, the “Senior Note Agreements”). The Senior Note Agreements contain affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for agreements of this type. The negative covenants include restrictions on liens, indebtedness of our subsidiaries, priority indebtedness, fundamental changes, investments, transactions with affiliates, certain restrictive agreements and violations of laws and regulations. The financial covenant is a consolidated leverage ratio test that requires our ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation, as defined in the Senior Note Agreements, not to exceed 3.5-to-1. At March 31, 2015 we were in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Note Agreements. See Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Annual Report for additional information regarding our senior notes.

Repurchases_Of_Common_Stock

Repurchases Of Common Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Repurchases Of Common Stock [Abstract]
Repurchases Of Common Stock	Note 10.      Repurchases of common STOCK
	The following is a summary of our open market common stock repurchases for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Shares repurchased		859		576
	Total cost of shares repurchased	$	133,647	$	70,279
	Average cost per share	$	155.58	$	122.04
	We primarily acquire shares by means of repurchases in the open market. However, we also acquire shares that are surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes due on the vesting of restricted stock units and the settlement of deferred stock units, otherwise referred to herein as employee surrenders. We acquired 30,625 shares having a total cost of $4.9 million in connection with such employee surrenders during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to 40,537 shares having a total cost of $5.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	We issue shares of treasury stock upon the vesting of certain restricted stock units and upon the exercise of certain stock options. The number of shares of treasury stock issued during both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was not material.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 11.      Income Taxes
	Our effective income tax rate was 30.4% and 31.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in our effective rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period of the prior year was primarily related to higher relative earnings subject to international tax rates that are lower than domestic tax rates.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 12.    ACCUMULATED OTHER Comprehensive Income
	The changes in AOCI, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands):
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015		Unrealized Gain on Investments, Net of Tax			Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax		Cumulative Translation Adjustment		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1		$	7,361	$	-15,433	$	-8,071
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		33			7,185		-20,232		-13,014
	Gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-			-2,964		-		-2,964
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	34		$	11,582	$	-35,665	$	-24,049
	The following is a summary of reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented		Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended March 31,
				2015		2014
	Gains (losses) on derivative instruments included in net income:
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Cost of revenue		4,479		458
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		-262		-262
		Total gains before tax		4,217		196
		Tax expense		1,253		47
		Gains, net of tax		2,964		149

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share
	Note 13.    Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and vested deferred stock units outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and assumed issuance of unvested restricted stock units and unvested deferred stock units using the treasury stock method unless the effect is anti-dilutive. The treasury stock method assumes that proceeds, including cash received from the exercise of employee stock options, the total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested share-based compensation awards and the excess tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation tax deductions in excess of the related expense recognized for financial reporting purposes, would be used to purchase our common stock at the average market price during the period. Vested deferred stock units outstanding are included in shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share because the associated shares of our common stock are issuable for no cash consideration, the number of shares of our common stock to be issued is fixed and issuance is not contingent. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Annual Report for additional information regarding deferred stock units.
	The following is a reconciliation of shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015	2014
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share:	47,140	51,617
	Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share:
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	47,140	51,617
	Dilutive effect of share-based payment awards	621	721
		47,761	52,338
	Certain options to acquire shares and restricted stock units have been excluded from the calculation of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. The following table presents information concerning those anti-dilutive options and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015	2014
	Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive options	182	217
	Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive restricted stock units	34	41

Commitments_Contingencies_And_

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees	Note 14.    Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
	Significant commitments, contingencies and guarantees at March 31, 2015 are consistent with those discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Annual Report, with the exception of $150 million of long-term debt issued during the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Note 15.     Segment Reporting
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision-maker is our Chief Executive Officer. Our reportable segments include diagnostic and information technology-based products and services for the veterinary market, which we refer to as the Companion Animal Group (“CAG”), water quality products (“Water”) and diagnostic tests for livestock and poultry health and to ensure the quality and safety of milk and food, which we refer to as Livestock, Poultry and Dairy (“LPD”). Our Other operating segment combines and presents products for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market with our pharmaceutical product line and our out-licensing arrangements because they do not meet the quantitative or qualitative thresholds for reportable segments.
	Prior to January 1, 2015, our CAG segment included certain livestock diagnostic services processed within and managed by our CAG Reference Laboratories.  We have transitioned the responsibility for these diagnostic services to our LPD segment to more effectively align our business with the nature and customers of these livestock services.  The segment income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 has been retrospectively revised in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect this change in the composition of our reportable segments.  Revenue related to these livestock diagnostic services was $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Items that are not allocated to our operating segments are as follows: a portion of corporate support function and personnel-related expenses; certain manufacturing costs; corporate research and development expenses that do not align with one of our existing business or service categories; the difference between estimated and actual share-based compensation expense; and certain foreign currency exchange gains and losses. These amounts are shown under the caption “Unallocated Amounts.”
	We estimate our share-based compensation expense, corporate support function expenses and certain personnel-related costs and allocate the estimated expenses to the operating segments. This allocation differs from actual expense and consequently yields a difference that is reported under the caption “Unallocated Amounts.”
	With respect to manufacturing costs, the costs reported in our operating segments include our standard cost for products sold and any variances from standard cost for products purchased or manufactured within the period. We capitalize these variances for inventory on hand at the end of the period to record inventory in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We then record these variances as cost of product revenue as that inventory is sold. The impact to cost of product revenue resulting from this variance capitalization and subsequent recognition is reported within the caption “Unallocated Amounts.”
	Additionally, in certain geographies where we maintain inventories in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the product costs reported in our operating segments include our standard cost for products sold, which is stated at the budgeted currency exchange rate from the beginning of the fiscal year. In these geographies, the variances from standard cost for products sold related to changes in currency exchange rates are reported within the caption “Unallocated Amounts.”
	The following is a summary of segment performance for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		CAG		Water		LPD		Other		Unallocated Amounts		Consolidated Total
	2015
	Revenue	$	324,531	$	21,698	$	31,270	$	4,978	$	-	$	382,477
	Income (loss) from operations	$	52,429	$	9,459	$	5,951	$	-194	$	5,158	$	72,803
	Interest expense, net												-5,879
	Income before provision for income taxes												66,924
	Provision for income taxes												20,346
	Net income												46,578
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest												-16
	Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders											$	46,594
	2014
	Revenue	$	298,728	$	21,421	$	34,211	$	5,843	$	-	$	360,203
	Income (loss) from operations	$	54,004	$	8,116	$	8,320	$	589	$	-983	$	70,046
	Interest expense, net												-2,303
	Income before provision for income taxes												67,743
	Provision for income taxes												21,150
	Net income												46,593
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest												8
	Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders											$	46,585
	The following is a summary of revenue by product and service category for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
				For the Three Months Ended March 31,
					2015		2014
	CAG segment revenue:
	CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue:			$	278,766	$	255,865
	IDEXX VetLab® consumables				98,392		84,321
	VetLab service and accessories				13,530		13,055
	Rapid assay products				43,637		43,059
	Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services				123,207		115,430
	CAG Diagnostics capital - instruments				20,113		18,603
	Customer information management and digital imaging systems				25,652		24,260
	CAG segment revenue				324,531		298,728
	Water segment revenue				21,698		21,421
	LPD segment revenue				31,270		34,211
	Other segment revenue				4,978		5,843
	Total revenue			$	382,477	$	360,203

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 16.     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities that may be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and certain financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets but for which we disclose the fair value. The fair value disclosures of these assets and liabilities are based on a three-level hierarchy, which is defined as follows:
	Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or transfers in or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Our marketable debt securities are initially valued at the transaction price and are subsequently remeasured to fair value as of the balance sheet date utilizing third party pricing services. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. Observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers and other industry and economic events. We validate the prices provided by our third party pricing services by obtaining independent market values from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.
	Our foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. We measure the fair value of our foreign currency exchange contracts classified as derivative instruments using an income approach, based on prevailing market forward rates less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. The product of this calculation is then adjusted for counterparty risk. We measure the fair value of our interest rate swaps classified as derivative instruments using an income approach, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve adjusted for counterparty risk.
	The amount outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) and long-term debt are measured at carrying value in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets though we disclose the fair value of these financial instruments. We determine the fair value of the amount outstanding under our Credit Facility and long-term debt using an income approach, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market interest rates for debt issues with similar remaining years to maturity, adjusted for applicable credit risk. Our Credit Facility and long-term debt are valued using Level 2 inputs. The estimated fair value of our Credit Facility approximates its carrying value. The estimated fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt were $518.1 million and $500.0 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $367.3 million and $350.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and at December 31, 2014 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
			Quoted Prices		Significant
			in Active		Other		Significant
			Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Balance at
	As of March 31, 2015		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		31-Mar-15
	Assets
	Money market funds(1)		$	51,469	$	-	$	-	$	51,469
	Commercial paper(1)			-		12,770		-		12,770
	Marketable Securities
	Corporate bonds			-		110,715		-		110,715
	Agency bonds			-		16,100		-		16,100
	U.S. government bonds			-		5,091		-		5,091
	Certificate of deposit			-		3,000		-		3,000
	Commercial paper (1)			-		1,496		-		1,496
	International government bond			-		1,409		-		1,409
	Municipal bond			-		1,404		-		1,404
	Total marketable securities			-		139,215		-		139,215
	Equity mutual funds(2)			2,653		-		-		2,653
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		18,250		-		18,250
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		1,139		-		1,139
	Deferred compensation(4)			2,653		-		-		2,653
	Interest rate swaps(5)			-		1,051		-		1,051
			Quoted Prices		Significant
			in Active		Other		Significant
			Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Balance at
	As of December 31, 2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Money market funds(1)		$	204,743	$	-	$	-	$	204,743
	Equity mutual funds(2)			2,654		-		-		2,654
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		12,226		-		12,226
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		1,323		-		1,323
	Deferred compensation(4)			2,654		-		-		2,654
	Interest rate swaps(5)			-		1,117		-		1,117
	_____________
		-1		Money market funds and commercial paper with an original maturity of less than ninety days are included within cash and cash equivalents. The remaining balance of cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of demand deposits.  Commercial paper with an original maturity of over ninety days is included within marketable securities.
		-2		Equity mutual funds relate to a deferred compensation plan that was assumed as part of a previous business combination. This amount is included within other long-term assets, net. See number (4) below for a discussion of the related deferred compensation liability.
		-3		Foreign currency exchange contracts are included within other current assets, net; other long-term assets, net; accrued liabilities; or other long-term liabilities depending on the gain (loss) position and anticipated settlement date.
		-4		A deferred compensation plan assumed as part of a previous business combination is included within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. The fair value of our deferred compensation plan is indexed to the performance of the underlying equity mutual funds discussed in number (2) above.
		-5		Interest rate swaps are included within accrued liabilities.
	The estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate carrying value due to their short maturity.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging	Note 17.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging
	Disclosure within this footnote is presented to provide transparency about how and why we use derivative instruments, how the instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how the instruments and related hedged items affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	We are exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks that we manage by using derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk. Our subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the exchange risk associated with their forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales for the next year. From time to time, we may also enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations associated with specific, significant transactions. We enter into interest rate swaps to minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations associated with borrowings under our variable-rate Credit Facility.
	The primary purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to protect against the volatility associated with foreign currency transactions, including transactions denominated in euro, British pound, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and Swiss franc. We also utilize natural hedges to mitigate our transaction and commitment exposures. Our corporate policy prescribes the range of allowable hedging activity. We enter into foreign currency exchange contracts with well-capitalized multinational financial institutions, and we do not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management.
	We recognize all derivative instruments, including our foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements, on the balance sheet at fair value at the balance sheet date. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment must be recorded at fair value through earnings. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions. If a derivative instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument from the effective portion of the hedge are deferred in AOCI, net of tax, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We immediately record in earnings the extent to which a hedge instrument is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. We de-designate derivative instruments from hedge accounting when the likelihood of the hedged transaction occurring becomes less than probable. For de-designated instruments, the gain or loss from the time of de-designation through maturity of the instrument is recognized in earnings. Any gain or loss in AOCI at the time of de-designation is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. See Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding the effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	We enter into master netting arrangements with the counterparties to our derivative transactions which permit certain outstanding receivables and payables to be offset in the event of default. Our derivative contracts do not require either party to post cash collateral. We elect to present our derivative assets and liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. All cash flows related to our foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swaps are classified as operating cash flows, which is consistent with the cash flow treatment of the underlying items being hedged.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We have designated our foreign currency exchange contracts and variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges as these derivative instruments mitigate the exposure to variability in the cash flows of forecasted transactions attributable to foreign currency exchange and interest rates. Unless noted otherwise, we have also designated our derivative instruments as qualifying for hedge accounting treatment.
	We did not de-designate any instruments from hedge accounting treatment during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014. Gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were not material.  At March 31, 2015, the estimated amount of net gains, net of income tax expense, which are expected to be reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings within the next 12 months, is $11.9 million if exchange and interest rates do not fluctuate from the levels at March 31, 2015.
	We enter into foreign currency exchange contracts for amounts that are less than the full value of forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales. Our hedging strategy related to intercompany inventory purchases and sales is to employ the full amount of our planned hedges for the succeeding year at the conclusion of our budgeting process for that year. We primarily utilize foreign currency exchange contracts with durations of less than 24 months. Quarterly, we enter into contracts to hedge incremental portions of anticipated foreign currency transactions for the current and following year. As a result, our risk with respect to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and the notional value of foreign currency exchange contracts may vary throughout the year. The U.S. dollar is the currency purchased or sold in all of our foreign currency exchange contracts. The notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales totaled $199.3 million and $186.7 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	We have entered into forward fixed interest rate swap agreements to manage the economic effect of variable interest obligations on amounts borrowed under the terms of our Credit Facility. Beginning on March 30, 2012, the variable interest rate associated with $40 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility became effectively fixed at 1.36% plus the range of applicable interest rate fixed credit spreads (“Credit Spread”) through June 30, 2016. Beginning on March 28, 2013, the variable interest rate associated with an additional $40 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility became effectively fixed at 1.64% plus the Credit Spread through June 30, 2016.
	The fair values of derivative instruments and their respective classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and amounts subject to offset under master netting arrangements consisted of the following (in thousands):
			Asset Derivatives
			March 31,				December 31,
				2015			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Classification
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Other current assets, net	$	18,068		$	12,226
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Other long-term assets, net		182			-
	Total derivative instruments presented on the balance sheet			18,250			12,226
	Gross amounts subject to master netting arrangements not offset on the balance sheet			1,139			1,323
	Net amount		$	17,111		$	10,903
			Liability Derivatives
			March 31,				December 31,
				2015			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Classification
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	833		$	1,323
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Other long-term liabilities		306			-
	Interest rate swaps	Accrued liabilities		1,051			1,117
	Total derivative instruments presented on the balance sheet			2,190			2,440
	Gross amounts subject to master netting arrangements not offset on the balance sheet			1,139			1,323
	Net amount		$	1,051		$	1,117
	The effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following (in thousands):
					Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)
					For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	Derivative instruments					2015			2014
	Foreign currency exchange contracts, net of tax				$	4,179		$	-517
	Interest rate swaps, net of tax					42			115
	Total derivative instruments, net of tax				$	4,221		$	-402

ShareBased_Compensation_Policy

Share-Based Compensation (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Policy	We determine the assumptions used in the valuation of option awards as of the date of grant. Differences in the expected stock price volatility, expected term or risk-free interest rate may necessitate distinct valuation assumptions at each grant date. As such, we may use different assumptions for options granted throughout the year. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock at the date of grant. We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we have no intention to pay such a dividend at this time; therefore, we assume that no dividends will be paid over the expected terms of option awards.

Inventories_Policy

Inventories (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories Policy	Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, include material, conversion costs and inbound freight charges.

Earnings_Per_Share_Policy

Earnings Per Share (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Policy	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and vested deferred stock units outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and assumed issuance of unvested restricted stock units and unvested deferred stock units using the treasury stock method unless the effect is anti-dilutive. The treasury stock method assumes that proceeds, including cash received from the exercise of employee stock options, the total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested share-based compensation awards and the excess tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation tax deductions in excess of the related expense recognized for financial reporting purposes, would be used to purchase our common stock at the average market price during the period. Vested deferred stock units outstanding are included in shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share because the associated shares of our common stock are issuable for no cash consideration, the number of shares of our common stock to be issued is fixed and issuance is not contingent.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Policy

Fair Value Measurements (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements Policy	U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities that may be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and certain financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets but for which we disclose the fair value. The fair value disclosures of these assets and liabilities are based on a three-level hierarchy, which is defined as follows:
	Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or transfers in or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Our marketable debt securities are initially valued at the transaction price and are subsequently remeasured to fair value as of the balance sheet date utilizing third party pricing services. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. Observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers and other industry and economic events. We validate the prices provided by our third party pricing services by obtaining independent market values from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.
	Our foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. We measure the fair value of our foreign currency exchange contracts classified as derivative instruments using an income approach, based on prevailing market forward rates less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. The product of this calculation is then adjusted for counterparty risk. We measure the fair value of our interest rate swaps classified as derivative instruments using an income approach, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve adjusted for counterparty risk.
	The amount outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) and long-term debt are measured at carrying value in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets though we disclose the fair value of these financial instruments. We determine the fair value of the amount outstanding under our Credit Facility and long-term debt using an income approach, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market interest rates for debt issues with similar remaining years to maturity, adjusted for applicable credit risk. Our Credit Facility and long-term debt are valued using Level 2 inputs.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Policy	We are exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks that we manage by using derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk. Our subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the exchange risk associated with their forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales for the next year. From time to time, we may also enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations associated with specific, significant transactions. We enter into interest rate swaps to minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations associated with borrowings under our variable-rate Credit Facility.
	The primary purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to protect against the volatility associated with foreign currency transactions, including transactions denominated in euro, British pound, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and Swiss franc. We also utilize natural hedges to mitigate our transaction and commitment exposures. Our corporate policy prescribes the range of allowable hedging activity. We enter into foreign currency exchange contracts with well-capitalized multinational financial institutions, and we do not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management.
	We recognize all derivative instruments, including our foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements, on the balance sheet at fair value at the balance sheet date. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment must be recorded at fair value through earnings. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions. If a derivative instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument from the effective portion of the hedge are deferred in AOCI, net of tax, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We immediately record in earnings the extent to which a hedge instrument is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. We de-designate derivative instruments from hedge accounting when the likelihood of the hedged transaction occurring becomes less than probable. For de-designated instruments, the gain or loss from the time of de-designation through maturity of the instrument is recognized in earnings. Any gain or loss in AOCI at the time of de-designation is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. See Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding the effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	We enter into master netting arrangements with the counterparties to our derivative transactions which permit certain outstanding receivables and payables to be offset in the event of default. Our derivative contracts do not require either party to post cash collateral. We elect to present our derivative assets and liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. All cash flows related to our foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swaps are classified as operating cash flows, which is consistent with the cash flow treatment of the underlying items being hedged.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We have designated our foreign currency exchange contracts and variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges as these derivative instruments mitigate the exposure to variability in the cash flows of forecasted transactions attributable to foreign currency exchange and interest rates. Unless noted otherwise, we have also designated our derivative instruments as qualifying for hedge accounting treatment.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Weighted Averages Of The Assumptions Used In Estimating The Fair Value Of Stock Option Awards
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Expected stock price volatility		23	%		28	%
	Expected term, in years		5.6			5.7
	Risk-free interest rate		1.5	%		1.5	%
	Weighted average estimated fair value of options granted	$	39.99		$	35.94

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost And Fair Value Of Marketable Securities
	As of March 31, 2015		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	Corporate bonds	$	110,782	$	30	$	97	$	110,715
	Agency bonds		16,104		-		4		16,100
	U.S. government bonds		5,091		-		-		5,091
	Certificate of deposit		3,000		-		-		3,000
	Commercial paper		1,496		-		-		1,496
	International government bond		1,410		-		1		1,409
	Municipal bond		1,400		4		-		1,404
	Total marketable securities	$	139,283	$	34	$	102	$	139,215
Contractual Maturities Of Marketable Securities
	As of March 31, 2015		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	74,100	$	74,062
	Due after one through two years		65,183		65,153
		$	139,283	$	139,215

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components Of Inventories
		March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	28,955	$	26,908
	Work-in-process		18,175		16,859
	Finished goods		126,240		116,575
	Inventories	$	173,370	$	160,342

Other_Current_And_Longterm_Ass1

Other Current And Long-term Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Current And Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Current Assets, Net
		March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Prepaid expenses	$	36,379	$	32,672
	Taxes receivable		19,972		28,926
	Customer acquisition costs, net		12,746		11,262
	Other assets		12,545		13,591
	Other current assets	$	81,642	$	86,451
Schedule Of Other Long-term Assets, Net
		March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Investment in long-term product supply arrangements	$	11,787	$	10,765
	Customer acquisition costs, net		32,038		28,165
	Other assets		31,610		32,724
	Other long-term assets, net	$	75,435	$	71,654

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Accrued expenses	$	57,911	$	55,655
	Accrued employee compensation and related expenses		50,271		75,232
	Accrued taxes		29,424		28,439
	Accrued customer programs		40,336		36,025
	Accrued liabilities	$	177,942	$	195,351

Repurchases_Of_Common_Stock_Ta

Repurchases Of Common Stock (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Repurchases Of Common Stock [Abstract]
Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchases
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Shares repurchased		859		576
	Total cost of shares repurchased	$	133,647	$	70,279
	Average cost per share	$	155.58	$	122.04

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015		Unrealized Gain on Investments, Net of Tax			Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax		Cumulative Translation Adjustment		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1		$	7,361	$	-15,433	$	-8,071
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		33			7,185		-20,232		-13,014
	Gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-			-2,964		-		-2,964
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	34		$	11,582	$	-35,665	$	-24,049
Summary Of Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented		Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended March 31,
				2015		2014
	Gains (losses) on derivative instruments included in net income:
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Cost of revenue		4,479		458
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		-262		-262
		Total gains before tax		4,217		196
		Tax expense		1,253		47
		Gains, net of tax		2,964		149

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Shares Outstanding For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015	2014
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share:	47,140	51,617
	Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share:
	Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	47,140	51,617
	Dilutive effect of share-based payment awards	621	721
		47,761	52,338
Schedule Of Number Of Anti-Dilutive Stock Options
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015	2014
	Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive options	182	217
	Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive restricted stock units	34	41

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary Of Segment Performance
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		CAG		Water		LPD		Other		Unallocated Amounts		Consolidated Total
	2015
	Revenue	$	324,531	$	21,698	$	31,270	$	4,978	$	-	$	382,477
	Income (loss) from operations	$	52,429	$	9,459	$	5,951	$	-194	$	5,158	$	72,803
	Interest expense, net												-5,879
	Income before provision for income taxes												66,924
	Provision for income taxes												20,346
	Net income												46,578
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest												-16
	Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders											$	46,594
	2014
	Revenue	$	298,728	$	21,421	$	34,211	$	5,843	$	-	$	360,203
	Income (loss) from operations	$	54,004	$	8,116	$	8,320	$	589	$	-983	$	70,046
	Interest expense, net												-2,303
	Income before provision for income taxes												67,743
	Provision for income taxes												21,150
	Net income												46,593
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest												8
	Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders											$	46,585
Summary Of Revenue By Product And Service Category
				For the Three Months Ended March 31,
					2015		2014
	CAG segment revenue:
	CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue:			$	278,766	$	255,865
	IDEXX VetLab® consumables				98,392		84,321
	VetLab service and accessories				13,530		13,055
	Rapid assay products				43,637		43,059
	Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services				123,207		115,430
	CAG Diagnostics capital - instruments				20,113		18,603
	Customer information management and digital imaging systems				25,652		24,260
	CAG segment revenue				324,531		298,728
	Water segment revenue				21,698		21,421
	LPD segment revenue				31,270		34,211
	Other segment revenue				4,978		5,843
	Total revenue			$	382,477	$	360,203

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis
			Quoted Prices		Significant
			in Active		Other		Significant
			Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Balance at
	As of March 31, 2015		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		31-Mar-15
	Assets
	Money market funds(1)		$	51,469	$	-	$	-	$	51,469
	Commercial paper(1)			-		12,770		-		12,770
	Marketable Securities
	Corporate bonds			-		110,715		-		110,715
	Agency bonds			-		16,100		-		16,100
	U.S. government bonds			-		5,091		-		5,091
	Certificate of deposit			-		3,000		-		3,000
	Commercial paper (1)			-		1,496		-		1,496
	International government bond			-		1,409		-		1,409
	Municipal bond			-		1,404		-		1,404
	Total marketable securities			-		139,215		-		139,215
	Equity mutual funds(2)			2,653		-		-		2,653
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		18,250		-		18,250
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		1,139		-		1,139
	Deferred compensation(4)			2,653		-		-		2,653
	Interest rate swaps(5)			-		1,051		-		1,051
			Quoted Prices		Significant
			in Active		Other		Significant
			Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Balance at
	As of December 31, 2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Money market funds(1)		$	204,743	$	-	$	-	$	204,743
	Equity mutual funds(2)			2,654		-		-		2,654
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		12,226		-		12,226
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)			-		1,323		-		1,323
	Deferred compensation(4)			2,654		-		-		2,654
	Interest rate swaps(5)			-		1,117		-		1,117
	_____________
		-1		Money market funds and commercial paper with an original maturity of less than ninety days are included within cash and cash equivalents. The remaining balance of cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of demand deposits.  Commercial paper with an original maturity of over ninety days is included within marketable securities.
		-2		Equity mutual funds relate to a deferred compensation plan that was assumed as part of a previous business combination. This amount is included within other long-term assets, net. See number (4) below for a discussion of the related deferred compensation liability.
		-3		Foreign currency exchange contracts are included within other current assets, net; other long-term assets, net; accrued liabilities; or other long-term liabilities depending on the gain (loss) position and anticipated settlement date.
		-4		A deferred compensation plan assumed as part of a previous business combination is included within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. The fair value of our deferred compensation plan is indexed to the performance of the underlying equity mutual funds discussed in number (2) above.
		-5		Interest rate swaps are included within accrued liabilities.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income On Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)
					Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)
					For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	Derivative instruments					2015			2014
	Foreign currency exchange contracts, net of tax				$	4,179		$	-517
	Interest rate swaps, net of tax					42			115
	Total derivative instruments, net of tax				$	4,221		$	-402
Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Schedule Of Fair Values And Balance Sheet Classifications Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
			Asset Derivatives
			March 31,				December 31,
				2015			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Classification
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Other current assets, net	$	18,068		$	12,226
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Other long-term assets, net		182			-
	Total derivative instruments presented on the balance sheet			18,250			12,226
	Gross amounts subject to master netting arrangements not offset on the balance sheet			1,139			1,323
	Net amount		$	17,111		$	10,903
Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Schedule Of Fair Values And Balance Sheet Classifications Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
			Liability Derivatives
			March 31,				December 31,
				2015			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Balance Sheet Classification
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	833		$	1,323
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	Other long-term liabilities		306			-
	Interest rate swaps	Accrued liabilities		1,051			1,117
	Total derivative instruments presented on the balance sheet			2,190			2,440
	Gross amounts subject to master netting arrangements not offset on the balance sheet			1,139			1,323
	Net amount		$	1,051		$	1,117

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Fair value of share-based compensation awards, granted	$22	$20.30
Unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for unvested share-based compensation awards outstanding	$50.70
Weighted average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense, in years	2 years 3 months 18 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Weighted Averages Of The Assumptions Used In Estimating The Fair Value Of Stock Option Awards) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected stock price volatility	23.00%	28.00%
Expected term, in years	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 8 months 12 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.50%
Weighted average estimated fair value of options granted	$39.99	$35.94

Marketable_Securities_Amortize

Marketable Securities (Amortized Cost And Fair Value Of Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$139,283
Gross Unrealized Gains	34
Gross Unrealized Losses	102
Fair Value	139,215
Marketable securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months	0
Marketable securities that we consider to be other-than-temporarily impaired	0
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	110,782
Gross Unrealized Gains	30
Gross Unrealized Losses	97
Fair Value	110,715
Agency Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	16,104
Gross Unrealized Losses	4
Fair Value	16,100
U.S. Government Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,091
Fair Value	5,091
Certificate Of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,000
Fair Value	3,000
Commercial Paper, Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,496
Fair Value	1,496
International Government Bond [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,410
Gross Unrealized Losses	1
Fair Value	1,409
Municipal Bond [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,400
Gross Unrealized Gains	4
Fair Value	$1,404

Marketable_Securities_Contract

Marketable Securities (Contractual Maturities Of Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$74,100
Due after one through two years, Amortized Cost	65,183
Total marketable securities, Amortized Cost	139,283
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	74,062
Due after one through two years, Fair Value	65,153
Total marketable securities, Fair Value	$139,215

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$28,955	$26,908
Work-in-process	18,175	16,859
Finished goods	126,240	116,575
Inventories	$173,370	$160,342

Other_Current_And_Longterm_Ass2

Other Current And Long-term Assets (Schedule Of Other Current Assets, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current And Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$36,379	$32,672
Taxes receivable	19,972	28,926
Customer acquisition costs, net	12,746	11,262
Other assets	12,545	13,591
Other current assets	$81,642	$86,451

Other_Current_And_Longterm_Ass3

Other Current And Long-term Assets (Schedule Of Other Long-term Assets, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current And Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Investment in long-term product supply arrangements	$11,787	$10,765
Customer acquisition costs, net	32,038	28,165
Other assets	31,610	32,724
Other long-term assets, net	$75,435	$71,654

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	$57,911	$55,655
Accrued employee compensation and related expenses	50,271	75,232
Accrued taxes	29,424	28,439
Accrued customer programs	40,336	36,025
Accrued liabilities	$177,942	$195,351

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	item
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Note Agreements, aggregate principal amount	$500,000,000
Senior notes payable, consolidated leverage ratio, maximum	3.5
Series A Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes payable		75,000,000
Senior notes payable, stated interest rate		3.25%
Senior notes payable, term		7 years
Series B Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes payable		$75,000,000
Senior notes payable, stated interest rate		3.72%
Senior notes payable, term		12 years

Repurchases_Of_Common_Stock_De

Repurchases Of Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Repurchases Of Common Stock [Abstract]
Shares repurchased	859,000	576,000
Total cost of shares repurchased	$133,647,000	$70,279,000
Average cost per share	$155.58	$122.04
Shares acquired through employee surrenders	30,625	40,537
Cost of shares acquired through employee surrenders	$4,900,000	$5,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective Tax Rate	30.40%	31.20%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Beginning balance, Unrealized Gain on Investments, Net of Tax	$1
Beginning balance, Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax	7,361
Beginning balance, Cumulative Translation Adjustment	-15,433
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Unrealized Gain on Investments, Net of Tax	33	-54
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax	7,185	-253
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, Cumulative Translation Adjustment	-20,232	1,279
Gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax	-2,964	-149
Ending balance, Unrealized Gain on Investments, Net of Tax	34
Ending balance, Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax	11,582
Ending balance, Cumulative Translation Adjustment	-35,665
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	-8,071
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-13,014
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Current Period, Net of Tax	-2,964
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	($24,049)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Provision for income taxes	$20,346	$21,150
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2,964
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	4,217	196
Provision for income taxes	1,253	47
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2,964	149
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	4,479	458
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	($262)	($262)

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Shares Outstanding For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	47,140	51,617
Dilutive effect of share-based payment awards	621	721
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	47,761	52,338

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of1

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Number Of Anti-Dilutive Stock Options) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive options	182	217
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive options	34	41

Commitments_Contingencies_And_1

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees [Abstract]
Issuance of long term debt	$150,000

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$382,477	$360,203
Income from operations	72,803	70,046
CAG/LPD Segment Transition [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue		$2,900

Segment_Reporting_Summary_Of_S

Segment Reporting (Summary Of Segment Performance) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$382,477	$360,203
Income (loss) from operations	72,803	70,046
Interest expense, net	-5,879	-2,303
Income before provision for income taxes	66,924	67,743
Provision for income taxes	20,346	21,150
Net income	46,578	46,593
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-16	8
Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders	46,594	46,585
CAG Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	324,531	298,728
Income (loss) from operations	52,429	54,004
Water Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	21,698	21,421
Income (loss) from operations	9,459	8,116
LPD Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	31,270	34,211
Income (loss) from operations	5,951	8,320
Other Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,978	5,843
Income (loss) from operations	-194	589
Unallocated Amounts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	$5,158	($983)

Segment_Reporting_Summary_Of_R

Segment Reporting (Summary Of Revenue By Product And Service Category) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$382,477	$360,203
CAG Diagnostics Recurring Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	278,766	255,865
IDEXX VetLab Consumables [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	98,392	84,321
VetLab Service and Accessories [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	13,530	13,055
Rapid Assay Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	43,637	43,059
Reference Laboratory Diagnostic And Consulting Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	123,207	115,430
CAG Diagnostics Capital - Instruments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	20,113	18,603
Customer Information Managment and Digital Imaging Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	25,652	24,260
CAG Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	324,531	298,728
Water Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	21,698	21,421
LPD Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	31,270	34,211
Other Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$4,978	$5,843

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, carrying value	$500,000,000	$350,000,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$518,100,000	$367,300,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	$139,215
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	110,715
Agency Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	16,100
U.S. Government Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	5,091
Certificate Of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	3,000
Commercial Paper, Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,496
International Government Bond [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,409
Municipal Bond [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,404
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	139,215
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	139,215
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	2,653	2,654
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	2,653	2,654
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	18,250	12,226
Fair value of Liabilities	1,139	1,323
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	18,250	12,226
Fair value of Liabilities	1,139	1,323
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Deferred Compensation [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Liabilities	2,653	2,654
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Deferred Compensation [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Liabilities	2,653	2,654
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Liabilities	1,051	1,117
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Liabilities	1,051	1,117
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	51,469	204,743
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	51,469	204,743
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	12,770
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of Assets	12,770
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	110,715
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	110,715
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Agency Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	16,100
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Agency Bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	16,100
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | U.S. Government Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	5,091
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | U.S. Government Bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	5,091
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Certificate Of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	3,000
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Certificate Of Deposit [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	3,000
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Commercial Paper, Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,496
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Commercial Paper, Other [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,496
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | International Government Bond [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,409
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | International Government Bond [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,409
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Municipal Bond [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	1,404
Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Member] | Municipal Bond [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	$1,404

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed3

Derivative Instruments And Hedging (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated net amount of gains that are expected to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings within the next 12 months	$11.90
General duration of foreign currency exchange contracts	24 months
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts	199.3	186.7
Interest Rate Swap Effective On March 30, 2012 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit Facility borrowings hedged	40
Fixed portion of interest rate associated with interest rate swap	1.36%
Interest Rate Swap Effective On March 28, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit Facility borrowings hedged	$40
Fixed portion of interest rate associated with interest rate swap	1.64%

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging (Schedule Of Fair Values And Balance Sheet Classifications Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments, fair value of assets	$18,250	$12,226
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	1,139	1,323
Derivative Asset	17,111	10,903
Total derivative instruments, fair value of liabilities	2,190	2,440
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	1,139	1,323
Derivative Liability	1,051	1,117
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments, fair value of assets	18,068	12,226
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Long-Term Assets Net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments, fair value of assets	182
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments, fair value of liabilities	833	1,323
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments, fair value of liabilities	306
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments, fair value of liabilities	$1,051	$1,117

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed5

Derivative Instruments And Hedging (Gain (Loss) Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income On Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)) (Details) (Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member], Cash Flow Hedges [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)	$4,221	($402)
Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)	4,179	-517
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)	$42	$115