Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (50,031)	$ (41,494)	$ (115,351)	$ (15,690)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	152	(8)	739	19
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,370)	848	(9,672)	(2,272)
Comprehensive loss	(60,249)	(40,654)	(124,284)	(17,943)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	969	843	1,892	2,096
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (59,280)	$ (39,811)	$ (122,392)	$ (15,847)