Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Numerator
Net income from continuing operations		$ (5,190)	$ (2,242)	$ 29,316	$ (2,747)	$ 6,093			$ 27,074	$ 21,884	$ 8,377	$ 18,269	$ 5,630	$ (14,166)
Net loss from discontinued operations		(23)	(11)	(15)	(149)	(24)			(26)	(49)	37	(56)	(112)	8,816
Net income attributed to Verenium Corporation	$ (3,622)	$ (5,213)	$ (2,253)	$ 29,301	$ (2,896)	$ 6,069	$ (1,468)	$ 3,813	$ 27,048	$ 21,835	$ 8,414	$ 18,213	$ 5,518	$ 19,933
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding during the period												12,693	12,612	12,325
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted shares outstanding												0	(4)	(4)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share		12,765	12,618	12,608	12,608	12,607			12,614	12,664	12,607	12,693	12,608	12,321
Net income (loss) per share, basic:
Continuing operations		$ (0.41)	$ (0.18)	$ 2.33	$ (0.22)	$ 0.48			$ 2.15	$ 1.73	$ 0.66	$ 1.44	$ 0.45	$ (1.15)
Discontinued operations		$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00			$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.72
Attributed to Verenium Corporation		$ (0.41)	$ (0.18)	$ 2.32	$ (0.23)	$ 0.48			$ 2.14	$ 1.72	$ 0.67	$ 1.43	$ 0.44	$ 1.62