Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	$ 533,631	$ 560,237
Unrealized loss on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	(2)	(89)
Loss on foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	(15,552)	(36,113)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	$ (15,554)	$ (36,202)