Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 187,794	$ 178,287	$ 161,754
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,502)	5,671	(3,679)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $165, $68 and ($64) in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	279	116	(108)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments:
Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,555, ($921) and $398 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	3,781	(1,651)	1,133
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($679), ($1,623) and $1,941 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	(1,890)	(3,625)	4,630
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	1,891	(5,276)	5,763
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(2,332)	511	1,976
Comprehensive income	185,462	178,798	163,730
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(6)	20	(32)
Comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.	$ 185,468	$ 178,778	$ 163,762