Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	METTLER TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC/
Entity Central Index Key	0001037646
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | shares	25,213,828
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float | $	$ 14,589,477,296