| Document And Entity Information | Nov. 02, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 2, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | KALEIDO BIOSCIENCES, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001751299 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-38822 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-3048279 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 65 Hayden Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Lexington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02421 |
| City Area Code | 617 |
| Local Phone Number | 674-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | KLDO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
