Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Selected Financial Information from Unaudited Consolidated Statements (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 31,092	$ 21,197	$ 11,787	$ 7,854	$ 7,143	$ 6,042	$ 6,690	$ 3,885	$ 71,930	$ 23,760	$ 13,774
Operating loss	(18,961)	(15,047)	(18,082)	(17,872)	(17,726)	(12,037)	(14,254)	(14,006)	(69,962)	(58,023)	(75,157)
Net income (loss)	17,932	(53,862)	(52,935)	3,249	(13,018)	14,991	(6,519)	(36,362)	(85,616)	(40,908)	(81,874)
Net income (loss) attributable to Intrexon	$ 18,831	$ (52,725)	$ (52,043)	$ 4,115	$ (12,204)	$ 15,498	$ (5,963)	$ (36,311)	$ (81,822)	$ (38,980)	$ (81,874)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders per share, basic (usd per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.53)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.04	$ (0.13)	$ 0.15	$ (2.45)	$ (7.54)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders per share, diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.53)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.04	$ (0.13)	$ 0.15	$ (2.45)	$ (7.54)