Investments in Joint Ventures and Related Party Transactions Summarized Information on Solazyme Bunge JV's Balance Sheets and Income Statements (Details) (Solazyme Bunge JV, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Solazyme Bunge JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current Assets	$ 4,302		$ 9,872
Noncurrent Assets	180,253		127,346
Total Assets	184,555		137,218
Current Liabilities	44,098		20,798
Noncurrent Liabilities	102,678		90,933
JV's partners' capital, net	37,779		25,487
Total Liabilities and Equity	184,555		137,218
Net Sales	0	0
Net Losses	$ 5,601	$ 1,435