| Cover Document | Oct. 07, 2024 | Jun. 13, 2024 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 07, 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 | |
| City Area Code | 540 | |
| 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 |
