| Entity Information | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Entity Registrant Name | GENMARK DIAGNOSTICS, INC. |
| Entity File Number | 001-34753 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5964 La Place Court |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92008 |
| Local Phone Number | 448-4300 |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Carlsbad |
| City Area Code | (760) |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | GNMK |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-2053069 |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001487371 |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
