Idexx Retirement And Incentive Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
Idexx Retirement And Incentive Savings Plan	Dec. 31, 2011
Idexx Retirement And Incentive Savings Plan [Abstract]
Idexx Retirement And Incentive Savings Plan	NOTE 21. IDEXX RETIREMENT AND INCENTIVE SAVINGS PLAN We have established the IDEXX Retirement and Incentive Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Employees eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan may contribute specified percentages of their salaries, a portion of which will be matched by us. We matched $6.4 million, $6.1 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, we may make contributions to the 401(k) Plan at the discretion of the board of directors. There were no discretionary contributions in 2011, 2010 or 2009. We also have established defined contribution plans for regional employees in Europe and in Canada. With respect to these plans, we contributed $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

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