| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 13, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 13, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ABCELLERA BIOLOGICS INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001703057 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-39781 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | A1 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 00-0000000 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2215 Yukon Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Vancouver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | BC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | V5Y 0A1 |
| City Area Code | 604 |
| Local Phone Number | 559-9005 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares |
| Trading Symbol | ABCL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
