Computation Of Net Income Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to 3D Systems - numerator for basic net earnings per share									$ 44,107		$ 38,941		$ 35,420
Numerator for dilutive earnings per share									44,107		38,941		35,420
Weighted average shares - denominator for basic net earnings per share									98,393		80,817		74,622
Stock options and other equity compensation											906		1,463
Denominator for dilutive net earnings per share									98,393	[1]	81,723	[1]	76,085	[1]
Earnings per share, basic and diluted	$ 0.11	$ 0.17	$ 0.10	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.11	$ 0.08	$ 0.45		$ 0.48		$ 0.47
Interest expense excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation									$ 1,835		$ 9,002		$ 906
5.5% Convertible notes shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation									1,764		5,957		7,084
Interest rate	5.50%								5.50%

[1] Average outstanding diluted earnings per share calculation excludes shares that may be issued upon conversion of the outstanding senior convertible notes since the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.