<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.22.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>214</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>252</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>64</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>9</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001001 - Document - Cover</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/Cover</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001002 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002003 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003004 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004005 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveLossUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005006 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006007 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101101 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/TheCompanyandBasisofPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104102 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105103 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/MarketableSecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108104 - Disclosure - Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SignificantRisksandUncertaintiesIncludingBusinessandCreditConcentrations</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110105 - Disclosure - Revenue From Contracts With Customers</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue From Contracts With Customers</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116106 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Accounts</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121107 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2125108 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnet</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2129109 - Disclosure - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/Leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2135110 - Disclosure - Notes Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayable</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2139111 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2143112 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2145113 - Disclosure - Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StatementsofCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2148114 - Disclosure - Commitment and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitment and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2152115 - Disclosure - Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2156116 - Disclosure - Segments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/Segments</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2159117 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis of Presentation (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/TheCompanyandBasisofPresentationPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis of Presentation (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/MarketableSecurities</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311302 - Disclosure - Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317303 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccounts</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322304 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2326305 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnet</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2330306 - Disclosure - Leases (Table)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesTable</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Table)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/Leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2336307 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayable</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2340308 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2346309 - Disclosure - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StatementsofCashFlowsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StatementsofCashFlows</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2349310 - Disclosure - Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2353311 - Disclosure - Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2357312 - Disclosure - Segments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SegmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/Segments</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403401 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis of Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/TheCompanyandBasisofPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis of Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/TheCompanyandBasisofPresentationPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities - Unrealized Gains and Losses Related to our Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainsandLossesRelatedtoourAvailableforSaleMarketableSecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities - Unrealized Gains and Losses Related to our Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SignificantRisksandUncertaintiesIncludingBusinessandCreditConcentrationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SignificantRisksandUncertaintiesIncludingBusinessandCreditConcentrations</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412404 - Disclosure - Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413405 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customer (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomerNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue from Contracts with Customer (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414406 - Disclosure - Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Schedule of Receivables, Contract Assets and Deferred Revenue) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersScheduleofReceivablesContractAssetsandDeferredRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Schedule of Receivables, Contract Assets and Deferred Revenue) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415407 - Disclosure - Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Sale-type Lease Arrangement) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersSaletypeLeaseArrangementDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Sale-type Lease Arrangement) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418408 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Accounts (Inventory) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsInventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Accounts (Inventory) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419409 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Accounts (Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsPrepaidExpensesandOtherCurrentAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Accounts (Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420410 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Accounts (Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsAccruedExpensesandOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Accounts (Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/BalanceSheetAccountsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423411 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424412 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofFinancialInstrumentsNotMeasuredatFairValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Schedule of Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2427413 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property and Equipment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnetScheduleofPropertyandEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property and Equipment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2428414 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnetNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/PropertyandEquipmentnetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2431415 - Disclosure - Leases (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesTable</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2432416 - Disclosure - Leases (Maturity Schedule of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesMaturityScheduleofOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Maturity Schedule of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesTable</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2433417 - Disclosure - Leases (Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Operating Leases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesScheduleofSupplementalCashFlowInformationRelatedtoOperatingLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Operating Leases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesTable</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2434418 - Disclosure - Leases (Schedule of Additional Information Related to Operating Leases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesScheduleofAdditionalInformationRelatedtoOperatingLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Schedule of Additional Information Related to Operating Leases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/LeasesTable</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2437419 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayableNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2438420 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Schedule of Payment Due on Notes Payable) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayableScheduleofPaymentDueonNotesPayableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Schedule of Payment Due on Notes Payable) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NotesPayableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2441421 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans (Stock-Based Compensation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlansStockBasedCompensationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans (Stock-Based Compensation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2442422 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StockCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2444423 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2447424 - Disclosure - Statements of Cash Flows (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StatementsofCashFlowsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flows (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/StatementsofCashFlowsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2450425 - Disclosure - Commitment and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitment and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2451426 - Disclosure - Commitment and Contingencies (Product Warranty) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesProductWarrantyDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitment and Contingencies (Product Warranty) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2454427 - Disclosure - Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share (Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShareScheduleofBasicandDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share (Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2455428 - Disclosure - Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShareScheduleofAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders Per Share (Schedule of Antidilutive Securities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/NetLossAttributabletoCommonStockholdersPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2458429 - Disclosure - Segments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SegmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bli-20220630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2460430 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://berkeleylights.com/role/SubsequentEvents</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" original="bli-20220630.htm">bli-20220630.htm</File>
    <File>a105offerlettermehuljoshi.htm</File>
    <File>bli-20220630.xsd</File>
    <File>bli-20220630_cal.xml</File>
    <File>bli-20220630_def.xml</File>
    <File>bli-20220630_lab.xml</File>
    <File>bli-20220630_pre.xml</File>
    <File>ex-311blix20220630x10q.htm</File>
    <File>ex-312blix20220630x10q.htm</File>
    <File>ex-321blix20220630x10q.htm</File>
    <File>ex-322blix20220630x10q.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>bli-20220630_g1.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="700">http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2022</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="29">http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
