| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 08, 2021 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 8, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Bionano Genomics, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38613 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-1756290 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9540 Towne Centre Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Diego |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92121 |
| City Area Code | 858 |
| Local Phone Number | 888-7600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001411690 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | BNGO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Warrants to purchase Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Warrants to purchase Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | BNGOW |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
