Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (19,662)	$ (50,031)	$ (52,039)	$ (115,351)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	15	152	(5)	739
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments	8,743	(10,370)	11,995	(9,672)
Comprehensive loss	(10,904)	(60,249)	(40,049)	(124,284)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	986	969	1,967	1,892
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (9,918)	$ (59,280)	$ (38,082)	$ (122,392)