| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 12, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001299130 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 12, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34899 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 16-1590339 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1305 O’Brien Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Menlo Park |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94025 |
| City Area Code | (650) |
| Local Phone Number | 521-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | PACB |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
