| Cover Page Document | Mar. 01, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 1, 2021 |
| 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 |
