| Document and Entity Information Document | Dec. 03, 2024 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 03, 2024 |
| Entity Registrant Name | IDEXX LABORATORIES INC /DE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000874716 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Westbrook, |
| City Area Code | 207 |
| Local Phone Number | 556.0300 |
| Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name | Not Applicable |
| One IDEXX Drive | One IDEXX Drive |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity File Number | 000-19271 |
| 01-0393723 | 01-0393723 |
| 04092 | 04092 |
| ¨ | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ME |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Trading Symbol | IDXX |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
