Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (85,616)us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ (40,908)us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ (81,874)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on investments	21	21	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(33)	58	0
Comprehensive loss	(85,628)	(40,829)	(81,874)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	3,750	1,901	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (81,878)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ (38,928)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ (81,874)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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