| Cover | Dec. 15, 2020 | Dec. 14, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 15, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Fluidigm Corporation | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-34180 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0513190 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2 Tower Place | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 2000 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | South San Francisco | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94080 | |
| City Area Code | 650 | |
| Local Phone Number | 266-6000 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.001 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | FLDM | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001162194 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
