Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest- Schedule of Reconciliation of Changes in Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		$ 21,582
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ 588	610
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to estimated redemption value	3,718	3,718	[1]
Foreign currency translation		1,448
Balance as of June 30, 2017	$ 27,358	$ 27,358

[1] Adjustment of the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interest to the estimated redemption value was recognized in retained earnings instead of the consolidated statement of operations but was included in the computation of earnings per share attributable to Novanta Inc. (see Note 5.)