| Document And Entity Information | May 03, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K/A |
| Document, Period End Date | May 3, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-36362 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 94-3076866 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 3303 Monte Villa Parkway |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Bothell |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | WA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 98021 |
| City Area Code | 425 |
| Local Phone Number | 402-1400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | BLFS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Description | Form 8-K/A date of report 05-03-21 |
| Amendment Flag | true |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000834365 |
