Overview	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019
Overview [Abstract]
Overview	NOTE 1. OVERVIEW We design, develop and manufacture sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on our novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) sequencing technology, our products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and real-time kinetic information for epigenome characterization. Our technology provides high accuracy, ultra-long reads, uniform coverage and the ability to simultaneously detect epigenetic changes. PacBio® sequencing systems, including consumables and software, provide a simple and fast end-to-end workflow for SMRT sequencing. On November 1, 2018, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Illumina, Inc. (“Illumina”) and FC Ops Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Illumina will acquire us for $8.00 per share of our common stock in an all-cash transaction and FC Ops Corp. will be merged with and into us (the “Merger”), with us surviving the Merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina. Completion of the transaction is subject to terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including expiration or termination of any waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the United States Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and clearance under the antitrust laws of certain non-U. S. jurisdictions. At a Special Meeting of Stockholders held on January 24, 2019, our stockholders, among other things, approved the adoption of the Merger Agreement. The Merger has been notified to the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and to the Competition and Markets Authority of the United Kingdom (“CMA”) and is under review by both the FTC and the CMA. We and Illumina will continue to work cooperatively with the FTC and the CMA. We and Illumina currently expect the Merger to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019, at which time we will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina and will cease to be a publicly-traded company. No assurance can be given that the required regulatory approvals will be obtained or that the required conditions to closing will be satisfied, and, even if all such approvals are obtained and the conditions are satisfied, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of the approvals. Under certain circumstances specified in the Merger Agreement, Illumina may be required to pay us a termination fee of $98.0 million (the “Reverse Termination Fee”). For more information about the effects of our agreement to be acquired by Illumina please see Risk Factors under the section “Risks Related to Our Business”. The names “Pacific Biosciences,” “PacBio,” “SMRT,” “SMRTbell,” “Sequel” and our logo are our trademarks.

NOTE 1. OVERVIEW

We design, develop and manufacture sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. Based on our novel Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) sequencing technology, our products enable: de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms in important gene families, and find novel genes; targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; and real-time kinetic information for epigenome characterization. Our technology provides high accuracy, ultra-long reads, uniform coverage and the ability to simultaneously detect epigenetic changes. PacBio® sequencing systems, including consumables and software, provide a simple and fast end-to-end workflow for SMRT sequencing.

On November 1, 2018, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Illumina, Inc. (“Illumina”) and FC Ops Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Illumina will acquire us for $8.00 per share of our common stock in an all-cash transaction and FC Ops Corp. will be merged with and into us (the “Merger”), with us surviving the Merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina. Completion of the transaction is subject to terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including expiration or termination of any waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the United States Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and clearance under the antitrust laws of certain non-U. S. jurisdictions. At a Special Meeting of Stockholders held on January 24, 2019, our stockholders, among other things, approved the adoption of the Merger Agreement. The Merger has been notified to the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and to the Competition and Markets Authority of the United Kingdom (“CMA”) and is under review by both the FTC and the CMA. We and Illumina will continue to work cooperatively with the FTC and the CMA. We and Illumina currently expect the Merger to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019, at which time we will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina and will cease to be a publicly-traded company. No assurance can be given that the required regulatory approvals will be obtained or that the required conditions to closing will be satisfied, and, even if all such approvals are obtained and the conditions are satisfied, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of the approvals. Under certain circumstances specified in the Merger Agreement, Illumina may be required to pay us a termination fee of $98.0 million (the “Reverse Termination Fee”). For more information about the effects of our agreement to be acquired by Illumina please see Risk Factors under the section “Risks Related to Our Business”.

The names “Pacific Biosciences,” “PacBio,” “SMRT,” “SMRTbell,” “Sequel” and our logo are our trademarks.