Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands					3 Months Ended
	Apr. 18, 2016	Jul. 10, 2015	Jun. 11, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 19, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net Proceeds		$ 5,800	$ 46,400	$ 52,400	$ 31,391	$ 1,783
TransEnterix Europe [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Equity method investment, Ownership Percentage by shareholder							65.00%
2016 Sales Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Total shares of common stock sold	5,335,957
Average price per share	$ 5.07
Gross proceeds	$ 27,100
Net Proceeds	26,300
Remaining amount available under the sales agreement	$ 2,400