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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Solazyme Bunge JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 3,974		$ 3,974		$ 9,872
Noncurrent assets	197,746		197,746		127,346
Total assets	201,720		201,720		137,218
Current liabilities	40,853		40,853		20,798
Noncurrent liabilities	90,737		90,737		90,933
JV's partners' capital, net	70,130		70,130		25,487
Total liabilities and partners' capital, net	201,720		201,720		137,218
Net sales	540	0	540	0
Net losses	$ 10,992	$ 4,289	$ 23,822	$ 7,350