Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (38,213)	$ (52,725)	$ (51,779)	$ (100,653)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	112,244,129	99,888,203	109,244,641	98,711,564
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted (usd per share)	$ (0.34)	$ (0.53)	$ (0.47)	$ (1.02)