Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (31,399)	$ (64,429)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	118,956,780	116,861,151
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.55)