Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (30,011)	$ (39,029)	$ (145,362)	$ (54,719)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(151)	230	588	249
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,495)	(3,102)	(13,167)	(5,374)
Comprehensive loss	(33,657)	(41,901)	(157,941)	(59,844)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	1,024	778	2,916	2,874
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (32,633)	$ (41,123)	$ (155,025)	$ (56,970)