Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Extended warranties description	The Company offers service agreements on its nCounter Analysis System for periods ranging from 12 to 36 months after the end of the standard 12-month warranty period.
Standard warranty period	12 months
Percentage used to determine discount for stand-alone sales	15.00%
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Extended warranty period	12 months
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Extended warranty period	36 months