Summary of Carrying Amounts of Assets and Fair Value of Liabilities Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Maximum Loss Exposure in VIE (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	$ 10,452	$ 3,280
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	22,532	19,047
Solazyme Bunge JV [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	6,941
Unbilled Revenues	1,058
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	22,532
Loan Guarantee	0
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 67,702