| Cover Page | Feb. 25, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 25, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Berkeley Lights, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-39388 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-2415390 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5858 Horton Street, 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 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.00005 par value |
| Trading Symbol | BLI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| 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 | true |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001689657 |
