Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	$ 560,237	$ 694,078
Unrealized loss on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	(89)	(519)
Loss on foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	(36,113)	(12,233)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	$ (36,202)	$ (12,752)