| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 02, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | ORASURE TECHNOLOGIES INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001116463 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 2, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-16537 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-4370966 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 220 East First Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bethlehem |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 18015-1360 |
| City Area Code | 610 |
| Local Phone Number | 882-1820 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.000001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | OSUR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
