Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units	Sep. 30, 2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units	Dec. 31, 2013 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units	Nov. 01, 2013 Archer-Daniels-Midland Company	Sep. 30, 2014 Archer-Daniels-Midland Company	Dec. 31, 2013 Archer-Daniels-Midland Company	Jan. 31, 2013 Archer-Daniels-Midland Company	Sep. 30, 2014 Solazyme Bunge JV	May 31, 2011 Solazyme Bunge JV
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of warrants granted											500,000		1,000,000
Warrant exercise price per share											7.17		13.50
Warrant shares vested									91,666			750,000
Canceled Warrant shares												250,000
Warrant vesting period									5 years
Fees paid in form of shares for use and operation of Clinton Facility								423,278		770,761
Unvested PSUs					0		100,000
Unvested PSUs cancelled					100,000
Number of stock units granted under performance-based restricted stock units						0
Common stock, shares issued	5,750,000	79,289,677		68,744,534
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001		$ 0.001
Share price (in dollars per share)	$ 11.00
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	$ 59,300	$ 7,427	$ 3,260