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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (28,982)	$ (38,213)	$ (142,475)	$ (51,779)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	118,346,782	112,244,129	117,785,160	109,244,641
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.34)	$ (1.21)	$ (0.47)