Other Charges , Net Other Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Impact of Adopting ASU 2017-07 ASC 715 Compensation-Retirement Benefits	$ (1.2)	$ (1.6)

The impact of Adopting ASU 2017-7 ASC 715 Compensation-Retirement Benefits in the income statement which reclasses the non-service cost components from selling, general and administrative expense, cost of sales and research and development to other charges (income) beginning in Q1 2018.

No definition available.

Name:	mtd_ImpactofAdoptingASU201707ASC715CompensationRetirementBenefits
Namespace Prefix:	mtd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration