v3.20.4
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Feb. 16, 2021
Jun. 30, 2020
Document and Entity Information      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2020    
Entity File Number 001-35155    
Entity Registrant Name BOINGO WIRELESS, INC.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 95-4856877    
Entity Address, Address Line One 10960 Wilshire Blvd., 23rd Floor    
Entity Address, City or Town Los Angeles    
Entity Address, State or Province CA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 90024    
City Area Code 310    
Local Phone Number 586-5180    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Trading Symbol WIFI    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   44,718,488  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001169988    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Public Float     $ 566,208,678