Collaborative Research and Development Agreements, Government Programs and Licenses	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Research And Development [Abstract]
Collaborative Research and Development Agreements, Government Programs and Licenses	10. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND LICENSES *Chevron—The Company entered into multiple research and development agreements with Chevron over the research funding period of January 2009 through June 2012 to conduct research, develop, manufacture and sell licensed products related to algal technology in the fields of diesel fuel, lubes and additives and coproducts. These agreements with Chevron contain multiple element arrangements and the Company evaluated and concluded that there were two deliverables, research and development activities and licenses, which are considered one unit of accounting. Revenues related to these services are recognized as research services are performed over the related performance period. The payments received are not refundable and are based on a contractual reimbursement of costs incurred. Unilever—Effective November 2009, the Company entered into a collaborative research and development agreement with Conopco, Inc. (doing business as Unilever) to develop oil for use in soap and other products. The Company completed the research and development under this agreement in the year ended December 31, 2010. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company and Unilever agreed to extend their research and development agreement through June 30, 2011. The Company received an initial payment of $750,000 in March 2011 related to work performed on this contract. The second payment of $750,000, against the total contract extension of $1.5 million, was received from Unilever in July 2011. In October 2011, the Company entered into a joint development agreement with Unilever (the Company’s fourth agreement with Unilever), which expanded its current research and development efforts. In September 2013, the Company and Unilever agreed to extend this joint development agreement through September 30, 2014 and entered into a supply agreement for 10,000 MT of the Company’s oil. Department of Defense—In September 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) for research and development services to provide marine diesel fuel. This was a firm fixed price contract divided into two phases, with Phase 1 and Phase 2 fees of $5.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively. Phase 1 of the contract was completed in September 2011 when 75,000 gallons (283,906 liters) of fuel were delivered. In August 2011, the DoD exercised its option to pursue Phase 2 of the agreement, which called for the additional delivery of 75,000 gallons (283,906 liters) of marine diesel fuel. The Company evaluated the multiple elements of both DoD agreements (Phase 1 and Phase 2) and concluded that the two deliverables (research and development activities and fuel) were one unit of accounting. Revenues related to these services are recognized as research services that are performed over the related performance period for each phase of the contract. The payments received as installments are not refundable and are based on a contractual reimbursement of costs incurred. With respect to Phase 1 of the September 2010 DoD contract, the Company recognized $1.1 million of revenues in the year ended December 21, 2011. Phase 1 of the September 2010 DoD contract was completed in September 2011, and no revenues were recognized subsequent to this period. With respect to Phase 2 of the September 2010 DoD contract, the Company recognized $0, $0.7 million and $3.9 million of revenues in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company had no unbilled revenue and deferred revenue balances related to Phase 2 of the agreement as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Department of Energy—In December 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) awarded the Company approximately $21.8 million to partially fund the construction, operation, and optimization of an integrated biorefinery. The project term is January 2010 through September 2014. The payments received are not refundable and are based on a contractual reimbursement of costs incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized revenues of $0, $9.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The Company had no deferred revenue balance related to this award as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Unbilled revenues related to this award were $0 and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Dynamic Fuels—In November 2011, Dynamic Fuels, LLC (“Dynamic”) was awarded a contract to supply the U.S. Navy with 450,000 gallons (1,703,000 liters) of renewable fuels. The contract involved supplying the U.S. Navy with 100,000 gallons (379,000 liters) of jet fuel (Hydro-treated Renewable JP-5 and HRJ-5) and 350,000 gallons (1,325,000 liters) of marine distillate fuel (Hydro-treated Renewable F-76 and HRD-76). The Company was named a subcontractor and entered into a subcontractor agreement effective as of January 2012 to supply Dynamic with algal oil to help fulfill Dynamic’s contract with the U.S. Navy to deliver fuel by May 2012. The Company delivered its commitment of algal oil pursuant to this subcontract in February 2012. The fuel was used by the U.S. Navy in July 2012, as part of its efforts to demonstrate a Green Strike Group composed of vessels and ships powered by biofuels. Algenist ^® Distribution Partners—The Company entered into a distribution contract with Sephora S.A. (Sephora EMEA) in December 2010 to distribute the Algenist^® product line in Sephora stores in certain countries in Europe and select countries in the Middle East and Asia. In January 2011, the Company also entered into a distribution arrangement with Sephora USA, Inc. (Sephora Americas) to sell the Algenist^® product line in the United States. Under both arrangements, the Company pays the majority of the costs associated with marketing the products, although both Sephora EMEA and Sephora Americas contribute in the areas of public relations, training and marketing to support the brand. Sephora EMEA creates the marketing material, but the Company has an approval right over the materials and ultimately the Company has control over the marketing budget. With Sephora Americas, the Company is responsible for creating certain marketing and training materials. The Company is obligated to fund minimum marketing expenditures under the agreement with Sephora EMEA. The Company has also granted a license to Sephora Americas and Sephora EMEA to use the Algenist^® trademarks and logos to advertise and promote the product line. In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with QVC, Inc. (“QVC”) and launched the sale of its Algenist^® product line through QVC’s multimedia platform. Dow—In February 2011, the Company entered into a joint development agreement with The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) to jointly develop microalgae-based oils for use in dielectric insulating fluids. This initial research program was completed in September 30, 2011. In March 2012, the Company and Dow entered into a Phase 2 Joint Development Agreement (Phase 2 JDA), an extension of the original exclusive joint development agreement related to dielectric insulating fluids. Bunge—In May 2011, the Company entered into a joint development agreement (“JDA”) with Bunge, a global agribusiness and food company, that extended through May 2013. In September 2013, the Company and Bunge agreed to extend the JDA, effective from May 2013 through September 2014. Pursuant to the JDA, the Company and Bunge will jointly develop microbe-derived oils, and explore the production of such oils from Brazilian sugarcane feedstock. The JDA also provides for Bunge to provide research funding to the Company through September 2014, payable quarterly in advance throughout the research term. The Company accounts for the JDA as an obligation to perform research and development services for others in accordance with ASC 730-20, Research and Development Arrangements, and records the payments for the performance of these services as revenue in its consolidated statement of operations. The Company recognizes revenue on the JDA based on proportionate performance of actual efforts to date relative to the amount of expected effort incurred. The cumulative amount of revenue recognized under the JDA is limited by the amounts the Company is contractually obligated to receive as cash reimbursements. In April 2012, the Company and Bunge entered into a Joint Venture Agreement forming a joint venture to build, own and operate a commercial-scale renewable tailored oils production facility adjacent to Bunge’s Moema sugarcane mill in Brazil (see Note 7). ADM—In November 2012, the Company and ADM entered into the Collaboration Agreement, establishing a collaboration for the production of tailored triglyceride oil products at the Clinton Facility. In January 2014, the Company began commercial scale production of its products at the Clinton Facility using the Company’s proprietary microbe-based catalysis technology. Feedstock for the facility is provided by ADM’s adjacent wet mill. Under the terms of the Collaboration Agreement, the Company pays ADM annual fees for use and operation of a portion of the Clinton Facility, a portion of which may be paid in Company common stock. In March 2013, the Company issued a series of warrants to ADM for payment in stock, in lieu of cash, at its election, of future annual fees for use and operation of a portion of the Clinton Facility. Downstream processing of products produced at the Clinton Facility is being done at a facility in Galva, Iowa (Galva Facility) operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of American Natural Processors, Inc. The initial target nameplate capacity of the Clinton Facility is expected to be 20,000 MT per year of tailored triglyceride oil products. Solazyme has an option to expand the capacity to 40,000 MT per year with the potential to further expand production to 100,000 MT per year. The parties are also working together to develop markets for the products produced at the Clinton Facility. In January 2013, the Company granted to ADM a warrant (“ADM Warrant”) to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which vests in equal monthly installments over five years, commencing in November 2013. In addition, the Company shall grant to ADM a warrant (“ADM Extension Warrant”) covering an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock upon the extension of the Collaboration Agreement for each further five year term, which shall vest in equal monthly installments over the applicable five year extension term. The measurement date of the ADM Warrant was established in July 2013 when the Company agreed that vesting of the ADM Warrant would commence in November 2013; therefore, it was determined that the future performance to earn the ADM Warrant shares was probable. The Company recognizes on a straight-line basis, the fair value of the ADM Warrant to rent expense beginning on the measurement date and over the lease term. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded rent expense related to the ADM Warrant of $0.1 million, equal to the estimated fair value of the ADM Warrant shares that had vested over the lease term since the measurement date. The estimated fair value of the ADM Warrant shares that had vested was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based upon the following assumptions during the year ended December 31, 2013: volatility of 61%, risk-free interest rate of 1.4%, exercise price of $7.17, stock price range of $8.96 to $10.56, and range of expected remaining life of 5.1 to 5.2 years. As of December 31, 2013, 16,666 of the ADM Warrant shares had vested. Mitsui—*In February 2013, the Company entered into a $20.0 million multi-year agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”) to jointly develop a suite of triglyceride oils for use primarily in the oleochemical industry. Product development is expected to span a multi-year period, with periodic product introductions throughout the term of the joint development alliance. End use application may include renewable, high-performance polymer additives for plastic applications, aviation lubricants and toiletry and household products. Milestones within the Mitsui joint development agreement that are determined to be substantive and at risk at the inception of the arrangement are recognized as revenue upon achievement of the milestone, and are limited to those amounts for which collectability is reasonably assured. If these conditions are not met, the milestone payments are deferred and recognized as revenue over the estimated period of performance under the contract as completion of performance obligations occur. The Company recognized $4.0 million of revenue related to a substantive milestone achieved under the Mitsui joint development agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013.

10. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND LICENSES

Chevron—The Company entered into multiple research and development agreements with Chevron over the research funding period of January 2009 through June 2012 to conduct research, develop, manufacture and sell licensed products related to algal technology in the fields of diesel fuel, lubes and additives and coproducts.

These agreements with Chevron contain multiple element arrangements and the Company evaluated and concluded that there were two deliverables, research and development activities and licenses, which are considered one unit of accounting. Revenues related to these services are recognized as research services are performed over the related performance period. The payments received are not refundable and are based on a contractual reimbursement of costs incurred.

Unilever—Effective November 2009, the Company entered into a collaborative research and development agreement with Conopco, Inc. (doing business as Unilever) to develop oil for use in soap and other products. The Company completed the research and development under this agreement in the year ended December 31, 2010. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company and Unilever agreed to extend their research and development agreement through June 30, 2011. The Company received an initial payment of $750,000 in March 2011 related to work performed on this contract. The second payment of $750,000, against the total contract extension of $1.5 million, was received from Unilever in July 2011.

In October 2011, the Company entered into a joint development agreement with Unilever (the Company’s fourth agreement with Unilever), which expanded its current research and development efforts. In September 2013, the Company and Unilever agreed to extend this joint development agreement through September 30, 2014 and entered into a supply agreement for 10,000 MT of the Company’s oil.

Department of Defense—In September 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) for research and development services to provide marine diesel fuel. This was a firm fixed price contract divided into two phases, with Phase 1 and Phase 2 fees of $5.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively. Phase 1 of the contract was completed in September 2011 when 75,000 gallons (283,906 liters) of fuel were delivered. In August 2011, the DoD exercised its option to pursue Phase 2 of the agreement, which called for the additional delivery of 75,000 gallons (283,906 liters) of marine diesel fuel.

The Company evaluated the multiple elements of both DoD agreements (Phase 1 and Phase 2) and concluded that the two deliverables (research and development activities and fuel) were one unit of accounting. Revenues related to these services are recognized as research services that are performed over the related performance period for each phase of the contract. The payments received as installments are not refundable and are based on a contractual reimbursement of costs incurred.

With respect to Phase 1 of the September 2010 DoD contract, the Company recognized $1.1 million of revenues in the year ended December 21, 2011. Phase 1 of the September 2010 DoD contract was completed in September 2011, and no revenues were recognized subsequent to this period.

With respect to Phase 2 of the September 2010 DoD contract, the Company recognized $0, $0.7 million and $3.9 million of revenues in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company had no unbilled revenue and deferred revenue balances related to Phase 2 of the agreement as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Department of Energy—In December 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) awarded the Company approximately $21.8 million to partially fund the construction, operation, and optimization of an integrated biorefinery. The project term is January 2010 through September 2014. The payments received are not refundable and are based on a contractual reimbursement of costs incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized revenues of $0, $9.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The Company had no deferred revenue balance related to this award as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Unbilled revenues related to this award were $0 and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Dynamic Fuels—In November 2011, Dynamic Fuels, LLC (“Dynamic”) was awarded a contract to supply the U.S. Navy with 450,000 gallons (1,703,000 liters) of renewable fuels. The contract involved supplying the U.S. Navy with 100,000 gallons (379,000 liters) of jet fuel (Hydro-treated Renewable JP-5 and HRJ-5) and 350,000 gallons (1,325,000 liters) of marine distillate fuel (Hydro-treated Renewable F-76 and HRD-76). The Company was named a subcontractor and entered into a subcontractor agreement effective as of January 2012 to supply Dynamic with algal oil to help fulfill Dynamic’s contract with the U.S. Navy to deliver fuel by May 2012. The Company delivered its commitment of algal oil pursuant to this subcontract in February 2012. The fuel was used by the U.S. Navy in July 2012, as part of its efforts to demonstrate a Green Strike Group composed of vessels and ships powered by biofuels.

Algenist ^® Distribution Partners—The Company entered into a distribution contract with Sephora S.A. (Sephora EMEA) in December 2010 to distribute the Algenist^® product line in Sephora stores in certain countries in Europe and select countries in the Middle East and Asia. In January 2011, the Company also entered into a distribution arrangement with Sephora USA, Inc. (Sephora Americas) to sell the Algenist^® product line in the United States. Under both arrangements, the Company pays the majority of the costs associated with marketing the products, although both Sephora EMEA and Sephora Americas contribute in the areas of public relations, training and marketing to support the brand. Sephora EMEA creates the marketing material, but the Company has an approval right over the materials and ultimately the Company has control over the marketing budget. With Sephora Americas, the Company is responsible for creating certain marketing and training materials. The Company is obligated to fund minimum marketing expenditures under the agreement with Sephora EMEA. The Company has also granted a license to Sephora Americas and Sephora EMEA to use the Algenist^® trademarks and logos to advertise and promote the product line. In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with QVC, Inc. (“QVC”) and launched the sale of its Algenist^® product line through QVC’s multimedia platform.

Dow—In February 2011, the Company entered into a joint development agreement with The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) to jointly develop microalgae-based oils for use in dielectric insulating fluids. This initial research program was completed in September 30, 2011. In March 2012, the Company and Dow entered into a Phase 2 Joint Development Agreement (Phase 2 JDA), an extension of the original exclusive joint development agreement related to dielectric insulating fluids.

Bunge—In May 2011, the Company entered into a joint development agreement (“JDA”) with Bunge, a global agribusiness and food company, that extended through May 2013. In September 2013, the Company and Bunge agreed to extend the JDA, effective from May 2013 through September 2014. Pursuant to the JDA, the Company and Bunge will jointly develop microbe-derived oils, and explore the production of such oils from Brazilian sugarcane feedstock. The JDA also provides for Bunge to provide research funding to the Company through September 2014, payable quarterly in advance throughout the research term. The Company accounts for the JDA as an obligation to perform research and development services for others in accordance with ASC 730-20, Research and Development Arrangements, and records the payments for the performance of these services as revenue in its consolidated statement of operations. The Company recognizes revenue on the JDA based on proportionate performance of actual efforts to date relative to the amount of expected effort incurred. The cumulative amount of revenue recognized under the JDA is limited by the amounts the Company is contractually obligated to receive as cash reimbursements.

In April 2012, the Company and Bunge entered into a Joint Venture Agreement forming a joint venture to build, own and operate a commercial-scale renewable tailored oils production facility adjacent to Bunge’s Moema sugarcane mill in Brazil (see Note 7).

ADM—In November 2012, the Company and ADM entered into the Collaboration Agreement, establishing a collaboration for the production of tailored triglyceride oil products at the Clinton Facility. In January 2014, the Company began commercial scale production of its products at the Clinton Facility using the Company’s proprietary microbe-based catalysis technology. Feedstock for the facility is provided by ADM’s adjacent wet mill. Under the terms of the Collaboration Agreement, the Company pays ADM annual fees for use and operation of a portion of the Clinton Facility, a portion of which may be paid in Company common stock. In March 2013, the Company issued a series of warrants to ADM for payment in stock, in lieu of cash, at its election, of future annual fees for use and operation of a portion of the Clinton Facility. Downstream processing of products produced at the Clinton Facility is being done at a facility in Galva, Iowa (Galva Facility) operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of American Natural Processors, Inc. The initial target nameplate capacity of the Clinton Facility is expected to be 20,000 MT per year of tailored triglyceride oil products. Solazyme has an option to expand the capacity to 40,000 MT per year with the potential to further expand production to 100,000 MT per year. The parties are also working together to develop markets for the products produced at the Clinton Facility.

In January 2013, the Company granted to ADM a warrant (“ADM Warrant”) to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which vests in equal monthly installments over five years, commencing in November 2013. In addition, the Company shall grant to ADM a warrant (“ADM Extension Warrant”) covering an additional 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock upon the extension of the Collaboration Agreement for each further five year term, which shall vest in equal monthly installments over the applicable five year extension term. The measurement date of the ADM Warrant was established in July 2013 when the Company agreed that vesting of the ADM Warrant would commence in November 2013; therefore, it was determined that the future performance to earn the ADM Warrant shares was probable. The Company recognizes on a straight-line basis, the fair value of the ADM Warrant to rent expense beginning on the measurement date and over the lease term.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded rent expense related to the ADM Warrant of $0.1 million, equal to the estimated fair value of the ADM Warrant shares that had vested over the lease term since the measurement date. The estimated fair value of the ADM Warrant shares that had vested was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based upon the following assumptions during the year ended December 31, 2013: volatility of 61%, risk-free interest rate of 1.4%, exercise price of $7.17, stock price range of $8.96 to $10.56, and range of expected remaining life of 5.1 to 5.2 years. As of December 31, 2013, 16,666 of the ADM Warrant shares had vested.

Mitsui—In February 2013, the Company entered into a $20.0 million multi-year agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”) to jointly develop a suite of triglyceride oils for use primarily in the oleochemical industry. Product development is expected to span a multi-year period, with periodic product introductions throughout the term of the joint development alliance. End use application may include renewable, high-performance polymer additives for plastic applications, aviation lubricants and toiletry and household products. Milestones within the Mitsui joint development agreement that are determined to be substantive and at risk at the inception of the arrangement are recognized as revenue upon achievement of the milestone, and are limited to those amounts for which collectability is reasonably assured. If these conditions are not met, the milestone payments are deferred and recognized as revenue over the estimated period of performance under the contract as completion of performance obligations occur. The Company recognized $4.0 million of revenue related to a substantive milestone achieved under the Mitsui joint development agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013.