Investments in Joint Ventures - Intrexon T1D Partners - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) board_seat	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment		$ 21,904,000	$ 23,655,000
Intrexon T1D Partners, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Membership interest	50.00%
Maximum additional capital contribution committed	$ 5,000,000
Additional capital contributions committed, remaining commitment		$ 3,650,000
Total number of seats on the joint venture's governing board | board_seat		5
Total number of seats on the joint venture's governing board, internally selected | board_seat		2
Total number of seats on the joint venture's governing board, externally selected | board_seat		3
Intrexon T1D Partners, LLC | Investors
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Membership interest	50.00%
Capital contributions	$ 10,000,000
Maximum additional capital contribution committed	5,000,000
Intrexon T1D Partners, LLC | Upfront | Upfront and Milestone Payments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Collaborative arrangement consideration received, value	$ 10,000,000
Intrexon T1D Partners, LLC | Other Accrued Liabilities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment		$ (142,000)
Intrexon T1D Partners, LLC | Investments In Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment			$ 806,000