Collaborative Agreement Period Of Contract

No definition available.

Name:	nstg_CollaborativeAgreementPeriodOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	nstg_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Exercise Price Of Common Stock Warrants

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nstg_ExercisePriceOfCommonStockWarrants
Namespace Prefix:	nstg_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum Amount Of Royalties Payable, Ratio To License And Service Revenue

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nstg_MaximumAmountOfRoyaltiesPayableRatioToLicenseAndServiceRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	nstg_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCosts

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nstg_Nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCosts
Namespace Prefix:	nstg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reimbursement Of Counterparty Costs, Maximum Number Of Employees

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCostsMaximumNumberOfEmployees
Namespace Prefix:	nstg_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130549-203045

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of warrants or rights outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(i))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of deferred revenue as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue represents collections of cash or other assets related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of deferred revenue recognized for transactions arising during the current reporting period. Deferred revenue is a liability as of the balance sheet date related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Generally, an Entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAdditions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6935-107765

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The noncurrent portion of deferred revenue amount as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized, and is not expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Gain (loss) related to the termination of a contract between the parties. The termination may be due to many causes including early termination of a lease by a lessee, a breach of contract by one party, or a failure to perform.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of liabilities classified as other, due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6904-107765

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6911-107765

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash received from collaborators during the current period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3536-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollaborators
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130543-203045

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130539-203045

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130545-203045

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of consideration recognized during the period for the milestone or milestones.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMilestoneMethodRevenueRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Value of preferred stock and warrants for common stock issued.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockAndWarrantsIssuedDuringPeriodValuePreferredStockAndWarrants
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=nstg_CelgeneCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis=us-gaap_UpFrontPaymentArrangementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=nstg_MerckSharpAndDohmeCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis=nstg_DevelopmentFundingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=nstg_MedivationInc.andAstellasPharmaInc.Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=nstg_LamResearchCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Collaboration Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	1 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			34 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($) employee $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Collaboration				$ 106,732	$ 114,905	$ 86,489
Amount of certain milestones achieved in account receivable				17,279	19,564
Deferred revenue, net of current portion				1,620	3,304
Estimated deferred revenue recognized within one year				$ 9,890	9,229
Exercise Price Of Common Stock Warrants \| $ / shares				$ 18.38
Celgene Corporation \| Collaborative Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Milestone payments		$ 19,000
Collaboration				$ 2,600	200	3,200
Estimated deferred revenue recognized within one year				$ 4,000
Collaborative agreement period				1 year
Celgene Corporation \| Collaborative Arrangement \| Upfront Payment Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Collaboration agreement upfront payment		5,800					$ 2,100
Celgene Corporation \| Collaborative Arrangement \| Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Milestone payments		$ 24,800
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. \| Collaborative Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Collaboration				$ 1,600	27,000	8,600
Deferred revenue recorded under collaboration agreement				0
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. \| Collaborative Arrangement \| Upfront Payment Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collaborators			$ 3,900			12,000
Collaboration						8,500
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. \| Collaborative Arrangement \| Development Funding
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collaborators				1,100	6,800	8,700
Medivation, Inc. and Astellas Pharma, Inc. \| Collaborative Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collaborators					900	2,400
Collaboration					11,500	4,800
Termination penalty					1,000
Medivation, Inc. and Astellas Pharma, Inc. \| Collaborative Arrangement \| Upfront Payment Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collaborators						$ 6,000
Lam Research Corporation [Member] \| Collaborative Arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collaborators				21,700	13,400
Collaboration				18,600	3,700
Deferred revenue recorded under collaboration agreement				1,900
Estimated deferred revenue recognized within one year				$ 1,200
Collaborative agreement period				1 year
Maximum Amount Of Royalties Payable, Ratio To License And Service Revenue	3
Reimbursement Of Counterparty Costs, Maximum Number Of Employees \| employee	10
Exercise Price Of Common Stock Warrants \| $ / shares	$ 16.75
Stock and Warrants Issued During Period, Value, Preferred Stock and Warrants	$ 6,700
Other Liabilities, Current				$ 7,300	$ 8,300
nstg_ReimbursementOfCounterpartyCosts				$ 300
Lam Research Corporation [Member] \| Collaborative Arrangement \| Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Collaboration	$ 50,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding \| shares	1.0