| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 11, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | IDEXX LABORATORIES INC /DE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000874716 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 000-19271 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 01-0393723 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One IDEXX Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Westbrook |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ME |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 04092 |
| City Area Code | 207 |
| Local Phone Number | 556.0300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | IDXX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
