Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	[1]	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (27,266)		$ (39,689)	$ (18,664)	$ (31,399)	$ (44,137)	$ (28,982)	$ (49,064)	$ (64,429)	$ (117,018)	$ (186,612)	$ (84,493)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted										119,998,826	117,983,836	111,066,352
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted	$ (0.23)		$ (0.33)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.42)	$ (0.55)	$ (0.98)	$ (1.58)	$ (0.76)

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recognized the remaining balance of deferred revenue associated with ZIOPHARM ECC2 upon the parties' mutual agreement to terminate (Note 5). The Company also recorded goodwill impairment charges primarily related to the AquaBounty reporting unit and an impairment charge related to certain of its in-process research and development assets (Note 11).