Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Product and Service Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 3,367,324	$ 3,215,360	$ 2,706,655
CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	3,058,793	2,889,960	2,385,765
Water segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	155,720	146,505	128,625
LPD segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	122,607	135,887	145,845
Other segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	30,204	43,008	46,420
CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue: | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	2,660,280	2,534,562	2,113,839
IDEXX VetLab consumables | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,057,236	1,006,781	824,376
Rapid assay products | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	313,667	296,852	253,018
Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,178,113	1,123,656	946,268
CAG Diagnostics services and accessories | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	111,264	107,273	90,177
CAG Diagnostics capital - instruments | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	147,326	149,140	108,950
Veterinary software, services and diagnostic imaging systems | CAG segment revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 251,187	$ 206,258	$ 162,976