Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Product and Service Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 915,527	$ 841,661	$ 2,759,352	$ 2,538,756
CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	837,160	764,990	2,531,091	2,310,261
Water segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	44,450	40,840	126,362	116,406
LPD segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	29,747	28,452	88,866	89,211
Other segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	4,170	7,379	13,033	22,878
CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue: | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	733,958	667,309	2,223,336	2,017,532
IDEXX VetLab consumables | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	296,042	262,820	890,891	796,072
Rapid assay products | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	87,562	80,542	266,934	242,542
Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	320,294	295,590	973,580	894,795
CAG Diagnostics services and accessories | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	30,060	28,357	91,931	84,123
CAG Diagnostics capital - instruments | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	32,254	35,176	99,452	108,400
Veterinary software, services and diagnostic imaging systems | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 70,948	$ 62,505	$ 208,303	$ 184,329