Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 181,951	$ 187,794	$ 178,287
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(29,126)	(4,502)	5,671
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($63), $165 and $68 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively	(107)	279	116
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments:
Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax expense (benefit) of $4,073, $1,555 and ($921) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	9,542	3,781	(1,651)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax expense of $756, $679 and $1,623 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	(2,002)	(1,890)	(3,625)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	7,540	1,891	(5,276)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(21,693)	(2,332)	511
Total comprehensive income	160,258	185,462	178,798
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	45	(6)	20
Comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.	$ 160,213	$ 185,468	$ 178,778