| Cover | Aug. 12, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 25, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-33675 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Riot Blockchain, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001167419 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 84-1553387 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 202 6th Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 401 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Castle Rock |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80104 |
| City Area Code | (303) |
| Local Phone Number | 794-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | RIOT |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
