| Cover Page Document | Aug. 10, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 10, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | NanoString Technologies, Inc. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-35980 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0094687 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 530 Fairview Avenue North | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Seattle | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98109 | |
| City Area Code | 206 | |
| Local Phone Number | 378-6266 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share | |
| Trading Symbol | NSTG | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001401708 |
