Comprehensive Income (Schedule Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Net income	$ 38,496	$ 34,715	$ 123,756	$ 104,940
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(11)	21	(20)	27
Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders	38,507	34,694	123,776	104,913
Other comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(12,780)	14,113	799	1,226
Change in fair value of investments, net of tax	(246)	130	(201)	78
Comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders	30,748	43,199	129,018	106,001
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]
Other comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders:
Change in fair value, net of tax	5,324	(5,655)	4,348	640
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Other comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders:
Change in fair value, net of tax	$ (57)	$ (83)	$ 296	$ (856)