| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 15, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001830214 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 15, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GINKGO BIOWORKS HOLDINGS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-40097 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 87-2652913 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 27 Drydock Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 8th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02210 |
| City Area Code | (877) |
| Local Phone Number | 422-5362 |
| 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 |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | DNA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Warrant [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Warrants to purchase one share of Class A common stock, each at an exercise price of $11.50 per share |
| Trading Symbol | DNA.WS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
