Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (126,820)	$ (190,274)	$ (87,994)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	87	430	(561)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments	20,599	(23,901)	(12,108)
Comprehensive loss	(106,134)	(213,745)	(100,663)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	9,764	3,683	3,422
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (96,370)	$ (210,062)	$ (97,241)

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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