Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (46,165)	$ (31,399)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	127,693,336	118,956,780
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.26)