v3.23.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
May 02, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Central Index Key 0001443669  
Entity Registrant Name Proto Labs Inc  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2023  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-35435  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MN  
Entity Tax Identification Number 41-1939628  
Entity Address, Address Line One 5540 Pioneer Creek Drive  
Entity Address, City or Town Maple Plain  
Entity Address, State or Province MN  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 55359  
City Area Code 763  
Local Phone Number 479-3680  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, Par Value $0.001 Per Share  
Trading Symbol PRLB  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   26,202,723