| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 05, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001689657 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 5, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Berkeley Lights, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-2415390 |
| Entity File Number | 001-39388 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5858 Horton Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 320 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Emeryville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94608 |
| City Area Code | (510) |
| Local Phone Number | 858-2855 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $0.00005 par value |
| Trading Symbol | BLI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
