Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Numerator
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (5,484)	$ 5,822	$ 22,185	$ 8,106
Income impact of assumed conversions (Interest on convertible debt)			479
Net income from continuing operations plus assumed conversions			22,664
Net loss (income) from discontinued operations	(23)	(24)	(49)	37
Net income (loss) attributed to Verenium Corporation	(5,507)	5,798	22,136	8,143
Net income attributed to Verenium Corporation plus assumed conversions			$ 22,615
Denominator
Weighted average shares used in computing basic net income per share			12,664
Stock options, awards and warrants			309
Convertible debt			151
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	12,765	12,607	13,124	12,607
Net income per share, diluted:
Continuing operations	$ (0.43)	$ 0.46	$ 1.69	$ 0.64
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Attributed to Verenium Corporation	$ (0.43)	$ 0.46	$ 1.69	$ 0.65