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	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2013 Solazyme Bunge JV USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Bank guarantees USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Bank guarantees BRL	Sep. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Non cancelable purchase commitments USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV Non cancelable purchase commitments BRL
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 7,614	$ 10,452	$ 4,083
Unbilled Revenues			5,287		1,100
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Venture	41,896	22,532	41,896
Loan Guarantee			0
Maximum Exposure to Loss			$ 66,847	[1]		$ 14,500	35,400	$ 1,100	2,600

[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 $14.5 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014) and non-cancelable purchase obligations of R$2.6 million (approximately $1.1 million based on the exchange rate at September 30, 2014).