Investments in Joint Ventures and Related Party Transactions - Summary of Carrying Amounts of Assets and Fair Value of Liabilities Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Maximum Loss Exposure in VIE (Detail) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2013 Solazyme Bunge JV USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Bank guarantees USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Bank guarantees BRL	Jun. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Non cancelable purchase commitments USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Non cancelable purchase commitments BRL
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 14,418	$ 10,452	$ 9,290
Unbilled Revenues			3,607		1,100
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Venture	42,641	22,532	42,641
Loan Guarantee			0
Maximum Exposure to Loss			$ 76,493	[1]		$ 16,000	35,400	$ 5,000	10,900

[1] Includes maximum exposure to loss attributable to the Company’s bank guarantee required to be provided for the Solazyme Bunge JV of R$35.4 million (approximately $16.0 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2014) and non-cancelable purchase obligations of R$10.9 million (approximately $5.0 million based on the exchange rate at June 30, 2014).