| Cover Page | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NEOPHOTONICS CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35061 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3253730 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3081 Zanker Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Jose |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95134 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 232-9200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0025 par value |
| Trading Symbol | NPTN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001227025 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
