Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Line Items] Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Line Items] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Line Items] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table] Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Table] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table] Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable Accretion Amortization Of Discounts And Premiums Investments Accretion (amortization) of premium/discount on marketable securities Accrued Grower Commitments, Current Accrued Grower Commitments Current Accrued grower commitments Accrued Research and Development Expense, Current Accrued Research And Development Expense Current Research and development contracts Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Additional Common Shares Purchased upon Exercise of Underwriters Rights Additional Common Shares Purchased Upon Exercise Of Underwriters Rights Underwriters exercise of public offering over-allotment, shares Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: After Amendment [Member] After Amendment [Member] After Amendment Agreements, Expiration Date Agreements Expiration Date Agreement expiry date Amended Loan Agreement [Member] Amended Loan Agreement [Member] Amended Loan Agreement Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure Total Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost Amortized Cost Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure Available for sale Availableforsale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Gain Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses 1 Gross Unrealized Loss Available For Sale Securities [Text Block] Available for Sale Securities Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Basis Of Accounting Policy Policy [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Before Amendment [Member] Before Amendment [Member] Before Amendment Borrowing and Loan Agreements Warrants [Member] Borrowing And Loan Agreements Warrants [Member] Borrowing and Loan Agreements Warrants Building [Member] Buildings Campbell [Member] Campbell [Member] Campbell Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Leases Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Money Market Funds Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Text Block] Cash Equivalents Ceres Sementes do Brasil Ltda [Member] Ceres Sementes Do Brasil Ltda [Member] Ceres Sementes do Brasil Ltda Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class Of Warrant Or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class Of Warrant Or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Period Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Period Warrant issued, earliest exercisable period Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Exercise price of warrants issued Class of Warrant or Right, Expiry Date of Warrants or Rights Exercisable Class Of Warrant Or Right Expiry Date Of Warrants Or Rights Exercisable Warrant issued, expiration date Class Of Warrant Or Right Number Of Securities Called By Warrants Or Rights Warrant issued to purchase stock Class of Warrant or Right Number of Shares Vesting in Equal Installments Class Of Warrant Or Right Number Of Shares Vesting In Equal Installments Warrant issued, number of shares vesting in equal installments Class of Warrant or Right Number of Shares Vesting in Equal Installments, Date Class Of Warrant Or Right Number Of Shares Vesting In Equal Installments Date Class of warrant or right number of shares vesting in equal installments, date Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding Vested Class Of Warrant Or Right Outstanding Vested Warrant issued, vested Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Fourteen [Member] Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Fourteen [Member] Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Fourteen Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Thirteen [Member] Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Thirteen [Member] Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Thirteen Collaboration Agreement Payment Date Collaboration Agreement Payment Date Collaboration agreement date Collaboration Agreements [Line Items] Collaboration Agreements [Line Items] Collaboration Agreements [Line Items] Collaboration Agreements [Table] Collaboration Agreements [Table] Collaboration Agreements [Table] Collaborative and License Arrangement Disclosure Collaborative And License Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Research Collaboration Agreements Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Axis] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Including Additional Paid In Capital Common stock and additional paid in capital, $0.01 par value; 490,000,000 shares authorized; 24,801,986 shares issued and outstanding at November 30, 2012; 24,549,029 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2012. Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock and additional paid in capital, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock and additional paid in capital, shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock and additional paid in capital, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock and additional paid in capital, shares outstanding Common Stock Warrants [Member] Common Stock Warrants [Member] Common Stock Warrants Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Total comprehensive loss Contractual Obligation Contractual Obligation, Total Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year and Thereafter Contractual Obligation Due In Fifth Year And Thereafter 2017 and beyond Contractual Obligation Due In Fourth Year 2016 Contractual Obligation, Due in Remainder of Year Contractual Obligation Due In Remainder Of Year Remaining nine months of fiscal year 2013 Contractual Obligation Due In Second Year 2014 Contractual Obligation Due In Third Year 2015 Contractual Obligation Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule Table [Text Block] Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration Conversion of Preferred Stock Warrants into Warrants to Purchase Common Stock Conversion Of Preferred Stock Warrants Into Warrants To Purchase Common Stock Conversion of preferred stock warrants to purchase common stock Convertible Note and Warrants Disclosure Convertible Note And Warrants Disclosure [Text Block] Convertible Notes and Warrant Modification Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock Policy [Text Block] Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] Convertible Subordinated Note Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Corporate bonds Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Bonds Cost Of Goods Sold Cost of product sales Cost Of Property Repairs And Maintenance Property repair cost Costs And Expenses Total cost and operating expenses Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Cost and operating expenses: Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer A [Member] Customer A [Member] Customer A Customer B [Member] Customer B [Member] Customer B Customer C [Member] Customer C [Member] Customer C Customer D [Member] Customer D [Member] Customer D Customer E [Member] Customer E [Member] Customer E Customer F [Member] Customer F [Member] Customer F Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Additional interest rate over prime rate Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price, Percentage of Discount to Initial Public Offering Price Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Percentage Of Discount To Initial Public Offering Price Conversion of debt into common stock, percentage of discount to the IPO price Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Per Share Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Per Share Conversion of debt into common stock price per share Debt Instrument Face Amount Debt instrument face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Available upon Satisfaction of Conditions Debt Instrument Face Amount Available Upon Satisfaction Of Conditions Debt instrument face amount, available upon satisfaction of conditions Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Immediately Available Debt Instrument Face Amount Immediately Available Debt instrument face amount, immediately available Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Period Debt Instrument Maturity Period Debt repayment maturity period Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Depreciation Depreciation Development and License Agreement [Member] Development And License Agreement [Member] Development and License Agreement Disclosure - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Aggregated Maturities of Debt [Abstract] Disclosure Aggregated Maturities Of Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Aggregated Maturities of Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Available for Sale Securities [Abstract] Disclosure Available For Sale Securities [Abstract] Disclosure - Available for Sale Securities [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Warrant Modification - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Convertible Notes And Warrant Modification Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Convertible Notes and Warrant Modification - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Disclosure Customers Representing Greater Than Ten Percent Of Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Disclosure - Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Disclosure - Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Revenues [Abstract] Disclosure Customers Representing Greater Than Ten Percent Of Revenues [Abstract] Disclosure - Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Revenues [Abstract] Disclosure - Depreciation Periods for Property and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure Depreciation Periods For Property And Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Depreciation Periods for Property and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration [Abstract] Disclosure Future Minimum Payments Under Companys Research Collaboration [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases [Abstract] Disclosure Future Minimum Payments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt Summary [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Summary [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt Summary [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure - Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Potentially Dilutive Common Share Equivalents Excluded From Calculation Of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Property and Equipment Summary [Abstract] Disclosure Property And Equipment Summary [Abstract] Disclosure - Property and Equipment Summary [Abstract] Disclosure - Research Collaboration Agreements - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Research Collaboration Agreements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Research Collaboration Agreements - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Costs Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Costs Included In Operating Expenses And Total Intrinsic Value Of Options Exercised [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Costs Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Marketable Securities, Classified by Stated Maturity [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Amortized Cost And Fair Value Of Marketable Securities Classified By Stated Maturity [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Marketable Securities, Classified by Stated Maturity [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Information about Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Information About Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Information about Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Restricted Stock Transactions Under Option Plans [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Summary Of Stock Option Transactions Under Option Plans [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans [Abstract] Disclosure - The Company - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure The Company Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - The Company - Additional Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Basic and diluted net loss per common share Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Effect of foreign currency translation on cash Employee Related Liabilities Current Accrued payroll and related expenses Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unrecognized stock compensation expense Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition 1 Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period of recognition Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit Realized From Exercise Of Stock Options Tax benefit realized from options exercised Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Wide Accounts Receivable, Major Customer, Percentage Entity Wide Accounts Receivable Major Customer Percentage Accounts receivable percentages Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer Percentage Revenue percentages Equipment Loan [Member] Equipment Loan [Member] Equipment Loans Equity Incentive Plan Twenty Eleven [Member] Equity Incentive Plan Twenty Eleven [Member] Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan Exercise Price 8 [Member] Exercise Price Eight [Member] Exercise Price 8 Exercise Price 11 [Member] Exercise Price Eleven [Member] Exercise Price 11 Exercise Price 5 [Member] Exercise Price Five [Member] Exercise Price 5 Exercise Price 4 [Member] Exercise Price Four [Member] Exercise Price 4 Exercise Price 9 [Member] Exercise Price Nine [Member] Exercise Price 9 Exercise Price 1 [Member] Exercise Price One [Member] Exercise Price 1 Exercise Price 7 [Member] Exercise Price Seven [Member] Exercise Price 7 Exercise Price 6 [Member] Exercise Price Six [Member] Exercise Price 6 Exercise Price 10 [Member] Exercise Price Ten [Member] Exercise Price 10 Exercise Price 3 [Member] Exercise Price Three [Member] Exercise Price 3 Exercise Price 12 [Member] Exercise Price Twelve [Member] Exercise Price 12 Exercise Price 2 [Member] Exercise Price Two [Member] Exercise Price 2 Expected Termination Fee Expected Termination Fee Expected termination fee Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Text Block] Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate Estimated fair value of warrants, dividend yield rate Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term Estimated fair value of warrants, expected term Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Estimated fair value of warrants, volatility rate Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Estimated fair value of warrants, risk free rate Fair Value By Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Policy Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Warrants Issued Fair Value Of Warrants Issued Estimated fair value of warrants Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Table] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Table] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Table] Financial Instruments Policy Financial Instruments Policy [Text Block] Financial Instruments Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy [Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss On Disposition Of Assets Net loss on disposal of assets Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use Impairment of long lived assets Impairment Or Disposal Of Long Lived Assets Policy [Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Loss before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts payables and accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Deferred Charges Deferred offering costs Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventory Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Prepaid Expense Prepaid expenses Interest Expense Interest expense Interim Financial Information Policy Interim Financial Information Policy [Text Block] Unaudited Interim Financial Information Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Finished Goods Finished goods Inventory Net Inventories Total inventories Inventory Policy [Text Block] Seed Inventories Inventory Work In Process Work in process Investment Income Interest Interest income Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date Table [Text Block] Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Marketable Securities, Classified by Stated Maturity Investments In Debt And Marketable Equity Securities And Certain Trading Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities Ip Rights Agreement [Member] Ip Rights Agreement [Member] Ip Rights Agreement Land [Member] Land Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements Leasehold Improvements Reimbursed By Lessors As Lease Incentives Leasehold Improvements Reimbursed By Lessors As Lease Incentives Reimbursement for leasehold improvement Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: License Agreement Effective Date License Agreement Effective Date Development and license agreement date Licensing Agreement Expiration Date Licensing Agreement Expiration Date Development and license termination date Long Term Debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Long Term Debt Current Current portion of long-term debt Less current portion Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three 2015 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two 2014 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal Remainder Of Fiscal Year Remaining nine months of fiscal year 2013 Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt, net of current portion Long Term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Longterm Debt Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Major Customers [Axis] Major Customers [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost [Abstract] Marketable Securities Amortized Cost [Abstract] Marketable securities, amortized cost Marketable Securities Current Marketable securities This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates, at cost, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any, which are classified as marketable. Marketable Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost Marketable Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost, Total This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates, at fair value, which are categorized as marketable. Marketable Securities Debt Maturities Fair Value Marketable Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Total Marketable Securities, Debt Maturities, One Through Two Years, Amortized Cost Marketable Securities Debt Maturities One Through Two Years Amortized Cost Due in 1-2 years Marketable Securities, Debt Maturities, One Through Two Years, Fair Value Marketable Securities Debt Maturities One Through Two Years Fair Value Due in 1-2 years This item represents debt securities, at cost, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any, which are expected to mature within one year of the balance sheet date and which are categorized as marketable. Marketable Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Amortized Cost Due in 1 year or less This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature within one year of the balance sheet date and which are categorized as marketable. Marketable Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Due in 1 year or less Marketable Securities, Fair Value [Abstract] Marketable Securities Fair Value [Abstract] Marketable securities, fair value Marketable Securities Noncurrent Marketable securities Marketable Securities Policy Marketable Securities Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Modification Charge for Options Exchanged Under the Option Exchange Program Modification Charge For Options Exchanged Under Option Exchange Program Modification charge Modified Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Modified Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Modified F Warrants Money Market Funds [Member] Money market funds Name Of Major Customer [Domain] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Nature Of Operations The Company Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income Loss Net loss Net loss Noble Agreement Warrants [Member] Noble Agreement Warrants [Member] Noble Agreement Warrants Noble Research Program Agreement [Member] Noble Research Program Agreement [Member] Noble Research Program Agreement Noncash interest expense (income), net Noncash Interest Expense Income Net Non-cash interest income Nonmodified Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Nonmodified Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Non-Modified F Warrants Number Of Stock Incentive Plans Number Of Stock Incentive Plans Share-based compensation, number of stock options and stock issuance plans Number Of Tranches Of Debt Issued Number Of Tranches Of Debt Issued Number of tranches Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member] Office Laboratory Farm And Warehouse Equipment And Furniture [Member] Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture Operating Income Loss Loss from operations Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leases Expiration Year Operating Leases Expiration Year Operating lease expiration period Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years 2017 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years 2016 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years 2015 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years 2014 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Remainder Of Fiscal Year Remaining nine months of fiscal year 2013 Operating Leases Rent Expense Net Rental expense Other Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Other Other Assets Current Other current assets Other Assets Noncurrent Other assets Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Net unrealized gains on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Noncash Income Expense Change in fair value of common and preferred stock warrants and convertible notes Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other income (expense) Payments To Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of marketable securities Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Percentage Of Ownership In Subsidiaries Percentage Of Ownership In Subsidiaries Percentage of ownership Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] Period 4 [Member] Period Four [Member] Period 4 Period 1 [Member] Period One [Member] Period 1 Period 3 [Member] Period Three [Member] Period 3 Period 2 [Member] Period Two [Member] Period 2 Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Prepaid Expense Current Prepaid expenses Proceeds From Convertible Debt Issue of convertible subordinate notes Proceeds from insurance recoveries. Proceeds From Insurance Recoveries Proceeds from insurance to cover repair costs Proceeds From Issuance Initial Public Offering Proceeds from issuance shares under initial public offering Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Debt and Preferred Stock Warrants Proceeds From Issuance Of Debt And Preferred Stock Warrants Proceeds from issuance of debt and preferred stock warrants Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Marketable Securities Maturities of marketable securities Property And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Table Property And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Table [Text Block] Depreciation Period for Property and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment Gross Property plant and equipment gross Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property Plant And Equipment Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Policy [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment [Text Block] Property and Equipment Summary Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life Property plant and equipment useful life Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Receivables Policy [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Repayments Of Debt Repayment of debt Research And Development Collaborative Agreements Research And Development Collaborative Agreements Funding of research expenses Research And Development Expense Change in value of warrants recognized as research and development expense Research and development Research And Development Expense Policy Research and Development Research Collaboration Agreements [Member] Research Collaboration Agreements [Member] Research Collaboration Agreements Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated deficit Revenue From Grants Collaborative research and government grants Revenue Recognition Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Sale Of Stock Price Per Share IPO price, per share Sales Revenue Goods Net Product sales Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule Of Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Table [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accounts Receivable by Major Customer Schedule Of Accounts Receivable By Major Customer Table [Text Block] Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Accounts Receivable Schedule Of Activity Related To Restricted Shares And Restricted Share [Line Items] Schedule Of Activity Related To Restricted Shares And Restricted Share [Line Items] Schedule Of Activity Related To Restricted Shares And Restricted Share [Line Items] Schedule Of Activity Related To Restricted Shares And Restricted Share [Table] Schedule Of Activity Related To Restricted Shares And Restricted Share [Table] Schedule Of Activity Related To Restricted Shares And Restricted Share [Table] Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule Of Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-Based Payment Arrangements and Intrinsic Value Schedule Of Compensation Cost For Share Based Payment Arrangements And Intrinsic Value Table [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Costs Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Summary Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs By Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule Of Entity Wide Revenue By Major Customers By Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases Table [Text Block] Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases Schedule Of Inventory Current Table [Text Block] Inventories Schedule Of Marketable Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Marketable Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Marketable Securities [Line Items] Schedule Of Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt Table [Text Block] Aggregated Maturities of Debt Schedule Of Nonvested Share Activity Table [Text Block] Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans Schedule Of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule Of Revenue By Major Customers By Reporting Segments Table [Text Block] Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Revenue Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Text Block] Summary of Information about Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity Table [Text Block] Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans Schedule Of Share Based Payment Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions Table [Text Block] Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Weighted Average Assumptions Selling General And Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Series E Preferred Stock Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants Series F Preferred Stock [Member] Series F Preferred Stock Series G Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Series G Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member] Series G Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants Share Based Compensation Stock compensation Stock-based compensation costs Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period 1 Share-based compensation, vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Restricted stock forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeitures In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Restricted stock forfeited Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Restricted stock granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Restricted stock granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at November 30, 2012 Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [Roll Forward] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at November 30, 2012 Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Date Options to purchase shares of common Stock, expiration date Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend yield Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term 1 Expected term (in years) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Risk free interest rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Authorized Share-based compensation, shares reserved for issuance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant Share-based compensation, shares available for future grant Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Total Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period Options forfeited Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Gross Options granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value of options Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Maximum Expiration Term Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Maximum Expiration Term Share-based compensation, option term Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Modified in Period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Modified In Period Modification of options to purchase shares of common Stock Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Ending balance Beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding [Roll Forward] Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending balance Beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Rollforward Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Options forfeited Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Options granted Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy Stock-Based Compensation Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Range of Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Sharebased Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Exercisable Options Weighted Average Exercise Price 1 Weighted- Average Exercise Price Sharebased Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Exercisable Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 2 Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Number Of Exercisable Options Number Vested and Exercisable Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Number Of Outstanding Options Number Outstanding and Exercisable Sharebased Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Outstanding Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Beginning Balance 1 Weighted- Average Exercise Price Sharebased Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Outstanding Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 2 Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Price Weighted average grant date fair value of common stock Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member] Sponsored Research And Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member] Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement Statement Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Total stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Table] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders Equity Note Stock Split Conversion Ratio Reverse stock split ratio Stock Issued During Period Shares Conversion Of Convertible Securities Conversion of Convertible Securities, shares Number of shares of stock issued in an initial public offering. Stock Issued During Period Shares Initial Public Offering Share issued in initial public offering Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Options exercised Stock Option [Member] Stock Option Stock Options [Member] Stock Options Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member] Texas A And M University System Agreement Warrants [Member] Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Type Of Arrangement [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Use Of Estimates Use of Estimates Vehicles [Member] Automobiles and Trucks Warrant Liability Warrant Liability Policy [Text Block] Common and Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liabilities Warrant [Member] Collaboration warrants Weighted Average Number Basic And Diluted, Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted Average Number Basic And Diluted Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average outstanding common shares used for net loss per share attributable to common stockholders: Weighted Average Number Of Share Outstanding Basic And Diluted Basic and diluted Basic and diluted weighted average outstanding common shares used for net loss: