Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Product and Service Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 860,546	$ 826,142	$ 1,697,095	$ 1,603,849
CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	784,087	745,595	1,545,271	1,438,362
Water segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	39,195	37,191	75,566	71,231
LPD segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	29,889	33,524	60,759	72,794
Other segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	7,375	9,832	15,499	21,462
CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue: | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	685,413	661,300	1,350,223	1,278,580
IDEXX VetLab consumables | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	266,079	256,352	533,252	502,444
Rapid assay products | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	87,481	83,887	162,000	153,498
Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	304,130	293,675	599,205	569,456
CAG Diagnostics services and accessories | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	27,723	27,386	55,766	53,182
CAG Diagnostics capital - instruments | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	36,227	35,054	73,224	66,244
Veterinary software, services and diagnostic imaging systems | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 62,447	$ 49,241	$ 121,824	$ 93,538