| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 07, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001503802 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 7, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36167 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-3931704 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 85 Wells Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 2nd Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newton |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02459 |
| City Area Code | (617) |
| Local Phone Number | 658-0600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | KPTI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
