Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 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	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule For Earning Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net loss attributable to Solazyme, Inc. common stockholders	$ (24,610)	$ (22,503)	$ (19,239)	$ (16,780)	$ (15,581)	$ (14,086)	$ (16,969)	$ (7,325)	$ (83,132)	$ (53,961)	$ (16,420)
Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share calculation									60,570,891	40,132,125	11,977,216
Less: Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase									(61,843)	(198,112)	(436,722)
Denominator: basic and diluted	60,873,000	60,678,000	60,378,000	60,101,000	59,703,000	59,508,000	27,673,000	12,160,000	60,509,048	39,934,013	11,540,494
Net loss per share attributable to Solazyme, Inc. common stockholders, basic and diluted	$ (0.40)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.32)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.60)	$ (1.37)	$ (1.35)	$ (1.42)