Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Nov. 01, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2023
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-36362
Entity Registrant Name	BioLife Solutions, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-3076866
Entity Address, Address Line One	3303 Monte Villa Parkway, Suite 310
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	BLFS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		44,031,322
Entity Central Index Key	0000834365
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false