Mergers and Acquisitions - 2015 Acquisitions - Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Loss before income taxes	$ (30,429)	$ (39,952)	$ (148,652)	$ (53,913)
Net loss	(30,011)	(39,029)	(145,362)	(54,719)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	$ 1,029	816	$ 2,887	2,940
2015 Business Acquisitions | Pro Forma
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues		53,754		133,060
Loss before income taxes		(43,979)		(66,686)
Net loss		(43,057)		(66,319)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests		816		2,940
Net loss attributable to Intrexon		$ (42,241)		$ (63,379)