Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' and Total Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit	Total Intrexon Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	118,688,770	118,688,770
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 569,248	$ 0	$ 1,325,780	$ (36,202)	$ (729,341)	$ 560,237	$ 9,011
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-09	0		1,461		(1,461)	0
Stock-based compensation expense	7,894		7,889			7,889	5
Exercises of stock options (in shares)		10,343
Exercises of stock options	175		175			175
Shares issued as payment for services (in shares)		151,396
Shares issued as payment for services	2,915		2,915			2,915
Shares issued to acquire noncontrolling interests (in shares)		221,743
Shares issued to acquire noncontrolling interests	(913)		5,082			5,082	(5,995)
Shares issued as payment of deferred consideration (in shares)		480,422
Shares issued as payment of deferred consideration	0		0			0
Adjustments for noncontrolling interests	(13)		2,789			2,789	(2,802)
Noncash dividend	0		(22,385)			(22,385)	22,385
Net loss	(32,377)				(31,399)	(31,399)	(978)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 3,232			3,235		3,235	(3)
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	119,552,674	119,552,674
Balances at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 550,161	$ 0	$ 1,323,706	$ (32,967)	$ (762,201)	$ 528,538	$ 21,623