| Cover Document | Apr. 19, 2024 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 19, 2024 |
| Entity Registrant Name | LUNA INNOVATIONS INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-52008 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1560050 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 301 1st Street SW |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Roanoke |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 24011 |
| Local Phone Number | 769-8400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | LUNA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001239819 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Roanoke |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 301 1st Street SW |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
