| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 04, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000876378 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TransEnterix, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-19437 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 11-2962080 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 635 Davis Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Morrisville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27560 |
| City Area Code | 919 |
| Local Phone Number | 765-8400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | TRXC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSEAMER |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
