<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.19.3.a.u2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>235</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>496</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>70</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>5</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Paranthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParanthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Paranthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/StatementsOfStockholdersEquityDeficit</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Convertible Senior Notes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConvertibleSeniorNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Senior Notes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissions</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value of financial instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Income (loss) per share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Income (loss) per share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and intangible assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponents</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/Commitments</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Common stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Segments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/Segments</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301301 - Disclosure - Convertible Senior Notes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConvertibleSeniorNotesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Senior Notes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConvertibleSeniorNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value of financial instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Income (loss) per share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income (loss) per share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponents</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Common stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStock</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Segments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/SegmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/Segments</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401402 - Disclosure - Convertible Senior Notes - Convertible Notes and Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConvertibleSeniorNotesConvertibleNotesAndOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Senior Notes - Convertible Notes and Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401402 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Convertible Senior Notes - Capped Calls (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/ConvertibleSeniorNotesCappedCallsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Senior Notes - Capped Calls (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsConsolidatedStatementOfOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Consolidated Statement of Operations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Cash Flows From Operating Activities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsCashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Cash Flows From Operating Activities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Sales type lease data (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSalesTypeLeaseDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Sales type lease data (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401405 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401406 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Significant Changes in Deferred Commissions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsSignificantChangesInDeferredCommissionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Significant Changes in Deferred Commissions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401407 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Significant Changes in Deferred Revenue (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsSignificantChangesInDeferredRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Significant Changes in Deferred Revenue (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401407 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The company and significant accounting policies - Deferred Costs of Revenue (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompanyAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredCostsOfRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The company and significant accounting policies - Deferred Costs of Revenue (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401408 - Disclosure - Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissionsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue, deferred revenue, and deferred commissions - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/RevenueDeferredRevenueAndDeferredCommissions</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401408 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Background (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBackgroundDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Background (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401409 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Recently adopted accounting pronouncements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Recently adopted accounting pronouncements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401411 - Disclosure - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue from contract with customers (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CompanyAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueFromContractWithCustomersDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue from contract with customers (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisByLevelDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value of financial instruments Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments Classification by contractual maturity of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsClassificationByContractualMaturityOfCashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments Classification by contractual maturity of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Income (loss) per share Schedule of the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income (loss) per share Schedule of the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404403 - Disclosure - Income (loss) per share Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income (loss) per share Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeLossPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets Future amortization schedule (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationScheduleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and intangible assets Future amortization schedule (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsInventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsPropertyAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Depreciation, depletion, amortization (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsDepreciationDepletionAmortizationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Depreciation, depletion, amortization (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406405 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Balance sheet components - investment in sales type leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsBalanceSheetComponentsInvestmentInSalesTypeLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Balance sheet components - investment in sales type leases (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406406 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Balance sheet components - sales type lease Future Payments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsBalanceSheetComponentsSalesTypeLeaseFuturePaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Balance sheet components - sales type lease Future Payments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406407 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Accrued Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsAccruedLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Accrued Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406408 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Balance sheet components Product Warranties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsBalanceSheetComponentsProductWarrantiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Balance sheet components Product Warranties (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406410 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Leases (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406411 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Other Lease Components (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsOtherLeaseComponentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Other Lease Components (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406412 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components Lease Maturities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/BalanceSheetComponentsLeaseMaturitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components Lease Maturities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Commitments Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommitmentsScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsForOperatingLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Common stock (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Common stock (Reserved shares for issuance of common stock) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockReservedSharesForIssuanceOfCommonStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Reserved shares for issuance of common stock) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Common stock (Incentive stock option plans) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockIncentiveStockOptionPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Incentive stock option plans) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - Common stock (Options outstanding) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockOptionsOutstandingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Options outstanding) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408406 - Disclosure - Common stock (Fair value option pricing model) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockFairValueOptionPricingModelDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Fair value option pricing model) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408407 - Disclosure - Common stock (Employee options vested and exercised) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockEmployeeOptionsVestedAndExercisedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Employee options vested and exercised) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408408 - Disclosure - Common stock (Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockRestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408409 - Disclosure - Common stock (Summary of restricted stock activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockSummaryOfRestrictedStockActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Summary of restricted stock activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408411 - Disclosure - Common stock (Granted employee and nonemployee options) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockGrantedEmployeeAndNonemployeeOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Granted employee and nonemployee options) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408412 - Disclosure - Common stock (Recognized expenses nonemployee stock-based compensation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockRecognizedExpensesNonemployeeStockBasedCompensationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Recognized expenses nonemployee stock-based compensation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408413 - Disclosure - Common stock (Common stock) Share-based compensation allocated to expense captions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockCommonStockShareBasedCompensationAllocatedToExpenseCaptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock (Common stock) Share-based compensation allocated to expense captions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408414 - Disclosure - Common stock Common Stock (ESPP B-S-M option pricing model assumptions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/CommonStockCommonStockEsppBSMOptionPricingModelAssumptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common stock Common Stock (ESPP B-S-M option pricing model assumptions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Segments Summary of the operating segments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/SegmentsSummaryOfOperatingSegmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments Summary of the operating segments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Segments Summary of revenue by product line (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/SegmentsSummaryOfRevenueByProductLineDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments Summary of revenue by product line (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409404 - Disclosure - Segments Schedule of revenue by geographic region (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/SegmentsScheduleOfRevenueByGeographicRegionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments Schedule of revenue by geographic region (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfProvisionBenefitForIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the statutory rate to the company's provision for income tax) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesAtStatutoryRateToCompanysProvisionForIncomeTaxDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the statutory rate to the company's provision for income tax) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Deferred tax assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Deferred tax assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410406 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tax carry forwards) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTaxCarryForwardsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tax carry forwards) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410407 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryovers) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesOperatingLossCarryoversDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryovers) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410408 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (income Taxes) DTA Valuation Allowance Rollforward (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesDtaValuationAllowanceRollforwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (income Taxes) DTA Valuation Allowance Rollforward (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410409 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Changes in unrecognized tax benefits) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesChangesInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Changes in unrecognized tax benefits) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="vcra12312019-10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.vocera.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.vocera.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" original="vcra12312019-10k.htm">vcra12312019-10k.htm</File>
    <File>vcra-12312019xex2101.htm</File>
    <File>vcra-12312019xex2301.htm</File>
    <File>vcra-12312019xex403.htm</File>
    <File>vcra-20191231.xsd</File>
    <File>vcra-20191231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>vcra-20191231_def.xml</File>
    <File>vcra-20191231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>vcra-20191231_pre.xml</File>
    <File>vcra12312019-ex3101.htm</File>
    <File>vcra12312019-ex3102.htm</File>
    <File>vcra12312019-ex3201.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>chart-e9a3bf89d5f95008aed.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
