Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	$ 553,109	$ 533,631
Unrealized loss on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	0	(2)
Loss on foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	(9,587)	(15,552)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Intrexon shareholders' equity	$ (9,587)	$ (15,554)