v3.19.1
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Feb. 28, 2019
Jun. 29, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Pulse Biosciences, Inc.    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Central Index Key 0001625101    
Trading Symbol plse    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Emerging Growth Company true    
Entity Ex Transition Period true    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   20,688,832  
Entity Public Float     $ 159,262,000