Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Product and Service Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 836,549	$ 777,707
CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	761,184	692,767
Water segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	36,371	34,040
LPD segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	30,870	39,270
Other segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	8,124	11,630
CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	664,810	617,280
IDEXX VetLab consumables | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	267,173	246,092
Rapid assay products | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	74,519	69,611
Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	295,075	275,781
CAG Diagnostics services and accessories | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	28,043	25,796
CAG Diagnostics capital - instruments | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	36,997	31,190
Veterinary software, services and diagnostic imaging systems | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 59,377	$ 44,297