| Cover | Nov. 02, 2021 | Aug. 10, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 2, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | NAUTILUS BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-39434 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1541723 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2701 Eastlake Avenue East | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Seattle | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98102 | |
| City Area Code | 206 | |
| Local Phone Number | 333-2001 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | NAUT | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true | |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001808805 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2701 Eastlake Avenue East | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Seattle | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98102 | |
| Former Address | ||
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 425 Pontius Ave N, Ste 202 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Seattle | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98109 | |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 425 Pontius Ave N, Ste 202 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Seattle | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 98109 |
