Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Americas [Member] Americas [Member] EMEA [Member] EMEA [Member] APAC [Member] APAC [Member] Regions of Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and China Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of revenues by geographical area Revenues [Abstract] Total revenues Revenues Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Abstract] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Abstract] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Schedule of commitments and contingencies. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Indemnification Agreement [Member] Indemnification Agreement [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Leases, Location of Leased Property [Axis] Leases, Location of Leased Property [Axis] Leases, location of leased property. Leases, Location of Leased Property [Domain] Leases, Location of Leased Property [Domain] Leases, location of leased property. Headquarters, Redwood City [Member] Headquarters Redwood City [Member] Headquarters, Redwood city. Leases, Lease Agreement, by Type [Axis] Leases, Lease Agreement, by Type [Axis] Leases, lease agreement, by type. Leases, Lease Agreement, by Type [Domain] Leases, Lease Agreement, by Type [Domain] Leases, lease agreement, by type. Sixth Amendment [Member] Seventh Amendment [Member] Seventh Amendment [Member] Fifth Amendment [Member] Fifth Amendment [Member] Fifth amendment. Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and contingencies. Lease area space occupancy (square feet) Lease Area Space Occupancy Lease area space occupancy. Number of buildings leased Lease Area, Number of Buildings Lease Area, Number of Buildings Number of buildings with waived asset retirement obligation and extended lease term Waived Asset Retirement Obligation And Extended Lease Term, Number Of Buildings Waived Asset Retirement Obligation And Extended Lease Term, Number Of Buildings Payments for capital improvements Payments for Capital Improvements Tenant reimbursements Tenant Reimbursements Incentive from lessor Incentive from Lessor Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion expense related to asset retirement obligation Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Non-current restricted cash Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating lease, sublease rentals Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Sublease Rentals Capital leases, term of contract Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases, Term of Contract Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases, Term of Contract Capital lease obligations incurred Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Operating lease, future minimum sublease rentals Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Accounts receivable borrowing base percentage Line of Credit Facility, Accounts Receivable Borrowing Base Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Accounts Receivable Borrowing Base Percentage Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Loss (Gain) on disposal of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Unrealized gain on investment in marketable securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued compensation Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Long term lease incentive Long-term Lease Incentive Long-term Lease Incentive Other long term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchase of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from exercises of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Principal payments on capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Equipment acquired under capital leases Noncash Financing Activities, Assets Acquired Under Capital Lease Noncash Financing Activities, Assets Acquired Under Capital Lease Purchase of property and equipment recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash included in non-current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract with customer Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Impact of adoption on financial statements Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Net Assets, Geographic Area [Member] Net Assets, Geographic Area [Member] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Schedule of long-lived assets by geographical area Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets [Abstract] Long-lived assets Concentration Risk, Percentage Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accounting Policies [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Effect of change - higher (lower) [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] India [Member] INDIA Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash Cash Money market funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Non-current restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash deposit balances Impairment charge Property, Plant and Equipment, Transfers and Changes Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Expense (benefit) from income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Advertising expense Advertising Expense Provisional reduction to offsetting valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Increase in accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Revenues Reclassified unrealized loss Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Tax related to unrealized loss Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Goodwill Goodwill Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Product Revenue [Member] Product Sales [Member] Product Sales [Member] Research and Development Revenue [Member] Research and Development Revenue [Member] Research and Development Revenue [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2010 Plan [Member] Two Thousand Ten Plan [Member] 2010 plan. 2016 PSU Plan [Member] 2016 PSU Plan [Member] 2016 PSU Plan [Member] 2015 PSU Plan [Member] 2015 PSU Plan [Member] 2015 PSU Plan [Member] 2017 PSU and PBO Plan [Member] 2017 PSU and PBO Plan [Member] 2017 PSU and PBO Plan [Member] 2017 PSU Plan [Member] 2017 PSU Plan [Member] 2017 PSU Plan [Member] 2017 PBO Plan [Member] 2017 PBO Plan [Member] 2017 PBO Plan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Incentive Stock Options [Member] Incentive Stock Options [Member] Incentive Stock Options [Member] Non-Statutory Stock Options [Member] Non-Statutory Stock Options [Member] Non-Statutory Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] RSAs and RSUs [Member] RSAs and RSUs [Member] RSAs and RSUs [Member] Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member] Performance Stock Units [Member] Performance Stock Units [Member] Performance Based Options (PBOs) [Member] Performance Based Options (PBOs) [Member] Performance Based Options (PBOs) [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Second Year Vesting Period [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Six [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Six [Member] Monthly, Three Year Vesting Period [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Annually, Four Year Vesting Period [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] First Year Vesting Period [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Performance Goal: Threshold Level [Member] Performance Goal: Target Level [Member] Performance Goal: Superior Level [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares reserved for future issuance (shares) Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Authorized for Issuance Purchase price of common stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Percent of voting interests Percent of Voting Interests Threshold to trigger higher exercise price Percent of Voting Interests Threshold to trigger higher exercise price Purchase price of common stock above minimum threshold Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock Above Minimum Threshold, Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock Above Minimum Threshold, Percent Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Award vesting rights Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Future vesting rights percentage Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Award Future Vesting Rights Percentage Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Award Future Vesting Rights Percentage Estimated performance goal achievement rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Performance Goal Achievement Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Performance Goal Achievement Rate Performance awards, threshold level, number of shares, multiplier Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Awards, Threshold Level, Number of Shares, Multiplier Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Awards, Threshold Level, Number of Shares, Multiplier PBOs granted in period (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Compensation not yet recognized, stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Compensation not yet recognized, share-based awards other than options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs (shares) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Public offering price (usd per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of costs Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Number of years company has been in business Duration Company Has Been In Operation Duration Company Has Been In Operation Expected term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Capital Stock Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Segment, Geographical and Other Revenue Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward] Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward] Deferred Revenue, balance at December 31, 2017 Deferred Revenue Changes in estimated consideration Deferred Revenue, Increase (Decrease) In Estimate Deferred Revenue, Increase (Decrease) In Estimate Unsatisfied performance obligations Deferred Revenue, Additions Deferred Revenue, balance at January 1, 2018 Contract Assets Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Contract with Customer, Asset, Net Additions Contract with Customer, Asset, New Contract Additions Contract with Customer, Asset, New Contract Additions Deductions Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Ending balance Contract Costs Change in Contract with Customer, Contract Costs [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Contract Costs [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Contract With Customer, Contract Costs Contract With Customer, Contract Costs Additions Contract With Customer, Contract Costs, Additions Contract With Customer, Contract Costs, Additions Deductions Contract With Customer, Contract Costs, Deductions Contract With Customer, Contract Costs, Deductions Ending balance Contract Liabilities: Deferred Revenue Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Contract with Customer, Liability Additions Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase from Cash Receipts Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase from Cash Receipts Deductions Contract with Customer, Liability, Deductions Contract with Customer, Liability, Deductions Ending balance Impairment charges related to contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Credit Loss Expense Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract] Performance obligations satisfied Contract with Customer, Liability, Change in Timeframe, Performance Obligation Satisfied, Revenue Recognized Changes in the estimated transaction price allocated to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Estimate of Transaction Price Performance obligations satisfied from new activities in the period - contract revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, New Activities, Performance Obligation Satisfied, Revenue Recognition Contract with Customer, Liability, New Activities, Performance Obligation Satisfied, Revenue Recognition Total revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Research and development [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Schedule of stock-based compensation expense Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Balance Sheets Details [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Laboratory equipment [Member] Laboratory Equipment [Member] Laboratory Equipment [Member] Leasehold improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Computer equipment and software [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Office equipment and furniture [Member] Office Equipment and Furniture [Member] Office Equipment and Furniture [Member] Construction in progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Equipment retired during period Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Agreement Date [Axis] Agreement Date [Axis] Agreement Date [Axis] Agreement Date [Domain] Agreement Date [Domain] [Domain] for Agreement Date [Axis] April 2016 [Member] April 2016 [Member] April 2016 [Member] April 2017 [Member] April 2017 [Member] April 2017 [Member] July 2017 [Member] July 2017 [Member] July 2017 [Member] December 2017 [Member] December 2017 [Member] December 2017 [Member] Supply Commitment [Axis] Supply Commitment [Axis] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment [Member] Supply Commitment [Member] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Future Minimum Payment Supply Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Stock options exercised (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Weighted average exercise price of stock options exercised (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Proceeds from exercises of stock options Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts receivable, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, par value (usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares, issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Performance Enzymes Core Segment [Member] Core Segment [Member] Novel Biothera-peutics Biotherapeutic Segment [Member] Biotherapeutic Segment [Member] Product revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross Research and development revenue Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Compensation Earned Cost of product revenue Cost of Goods Sold Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and operating expenses Operating Expenses Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation Income (Loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Costs and operating expenses: Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Total costs and operating expenses Loss from operations Interest income Investment Income, Interest Other income (expenses) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Provision for (benefit from) income taxes Net loss Net loss per share, basic and diluted (usd per shares) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Weighted average common shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Schedule of stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock-based compensation expense by security types Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Valuation assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments for capital leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of supply and service commitments Supply Commitment [Table Text Block] Balance Sheet Details [Abstract] Balance Sheet Details [Abstract] Schedule of cash equivalents and marketable securities Investment [Table Text Block] Initial Application Period, Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Balances without adoption of Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments [Member] Income Statement [Abstract] Costs and operating expenses: Research and development Interest income Other expenses Loss before income taxes Provision (benefit) from income taxes Weighted average common stock shares used in computing net income (loss) per share, basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Other accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue, net of current portion Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Accumulated deficit Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Assets Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $34 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Restricted cash Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Goodwill Other non-current assets Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue, net of current portion Lease incentive obligation, net of current portion Lease Incentive Obligation, Noncurrent Lease Incentive Obligation, Noncurrent Financing obligation, net of current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 100,000 shares authorized; 48,925 shares and 48,365 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated deficit Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] 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] Common Shares of Co Two Solution [Member] Common Shares of Co Two Solution [Member] Common shares of co two solution. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Summary of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Financial assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Investment owned (shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Unrealized gains Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Shares of common stock issuable pursuant to equity awards outstanding under the Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants [Member] Warrant [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Total shares excluded as anti-dilutive (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Research and Development [Abstract] Collaborative Arrangements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Presidio Partners 2007, L.P. [Member] Presidio Partners 2007, L.P. [Member] Presidio Partners 2007, L.P. [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Exela PharmSci, Inc [Member] Exela PharmSci, Inc [Member] Exela PharmSci, Inc AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] Asymchem [Member] Asymchem [Member] Asymchem [Member] Alfa Aesar [Member] Alfa Aesar [Member] Alfa Aesar [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Ownership percentage Investment, Ownership Percentage Investment, Ownership Percentage Revenue sharing arrangement Royalty Revenue Accounts receivable from related parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Estimated value of option Related Party Transaction, Estimated Value Of Option Related Party Transaction, Estimated Value Of Option Capital Leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 (9 months remaining) Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Total minimum lease payments (1) Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less: amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Less: current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term portion of capital leases Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 (9 months remaining) Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Total minimum lease payments (1) Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Accrued purchases Accrued Purchase, Received Not Yet Billed Accrued Purchase, Received Not Yet Billed Accrued professional and outside service fees Accrued Professional Fees Accrued expenses - cost of sales Accrued Cost of Sales, Current Accrued Cost of Sales, Current Deferred rent Deferred Rent Credit, Current Lease incentive obligation Lease Incentive, Payable, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities Total Schedule of segment reporting Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of customers that contributed 10% or more of total accounts receivable Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenues by geographical area Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-lived assets by geographical area Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Performance Enzymes Novel Biotherapeutics Geographical [Axis] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Increase in revenues Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Net Loss per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Customer A [Member] Customer A [Member] Customer A [Member] Customer B [Member] Customer B [Member] Customer B [Member] Customer C [Member] Customer C [Member] Customer C [Member] Customer D [Member] Customer D [Member] Customer D [Member] Customer E [Member] Customer E [Member] Customer E [Member] Customer F [Member] Customer F [Member] Customer F [Member] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration risk, percentage Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Inventory Components Inventory, Net [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Inventories Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Project [Axis] Project [Axis] Project [Domain] Project [Domain] Therapeutic Development Program [Member] Therapeutic Development Program [Member] Therapeutic Development Program [Member] Global Development, Option and License Agreement [Member] Global Development, Option and License Agreement [Member] Global Development, Option and License Agreement [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Merck [Member] Merck [Member] Merck [Member] Fine chemical customer [Member] Fine Chemical Customer [Member] Fine Chemical Customer [Member] Nestec Ltd. (Nestle Health Sciences) [Member] Nestec Ltd. (Nestle Health Sciences) [Member] Nestec Ltd. (Nestle Health Sciences) [Member] Agreement Type [Axis] Agreement Type [Axis] Agreement Type [Axis] Agreement Type [Domain] Agreement Type [Domain] [Domain] for Agreement Type [Axis] Technology Transfer, Collaboration and License Agreement [Member] Technology Transfer, Collaboration and License Agreement [Member] Technology Transfer, Collaboration and License Agreement [Member] Supply Agreement [Member] Supply Agreement [Member] Supply Agreement [Member] Research and Development Agreement [Member] Research and Development Agreement [Member] Research and Development Agreement [Member] Sales-Based Milestone [Member] Sales-Based Milestone [Member] Sales-Based Milestone [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] License revenue, contingent receivables License Revenue, Contingent Receivables License Revenue, Contingent Receivables Proceeds from license fees received Proceeds from License Fees Received Revenue recognized Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Revenue Recognized Maximum milestone receivable Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Additional Milestones, Maximum Milestone Receivable Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Additional Milestones, Maximum Milestone Receivable License and services revenue License and Services Revenue Term of collaborative research and development agreement Term of Collaborative Research and Development Agreement Term of collaborative research and development agreement. Optional extension period Collaborative Research and Development Agreement, Optional Extension Period Collaborative Research and Development Agreement, Optional Extension Period Deferred revenue Sales revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Milestone revenue Revenue Recognition, Milestone Revenue Revenue Recognition, Milestone Revenue Progress payment amount Revenue Recognition, Progress Payment, Amount Revenue Recognition, Progress Payment, Amount Event of counterparty exercising alternative option Revenue Recognition, Event of Counterparty Exercising Alternative Option Revenue Recognition, Event of Counterparty Exercising Alternative Option Duration to pay after license effective date Revenue Recognition, Duration to Pay After License Effective Date Revenue Recognition, Duration to Pay After License Effective Date Target sales for sales milestone Revenue Recognition, Target Sales for Sales Milestone Revenue Recognition, Target Sales for Sales Milestone Schedule of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities, by Type [Axis] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities, by Type [Axis] Cash equivalents and marketable securities, by type. Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Domain] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Domain] Cash equivalents and marketable securities. Common shares of CO2 Solution [Member] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Line Items] Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities [Line Items] Cash equivalents and marketable securities. Adjusted Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Number of marketable securities in unrealized loss position Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Securities not included in the net loss per common share calculations Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory components Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of accrued liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Product Sales Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Research and Development Services and Research and Development Expenses Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Supply Risk Concentration Risk, Supply Risk [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk, Supply Risk [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net loss Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized loss on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Balance Sheets Details Balance Sheets Details [Text Block] Balance sheets details.