Mergers and Acquisitions - 2015 Acquisitions - Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ (67,601)	$ 26,599
Net income (loss)	(65,320)	25,804
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	$ 891	1,293
2015 Business Acquisitions | Pro Forma
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues		34,228
Income before income taxes		20,127
Net income (loss)		20,459
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests		1,293
Net income attributable to Intrexon		$ 21,752