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, 2018	[1]	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	[2]	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (340,465)		$ (57,324)	$ (65,382)	$ (46,165)	$ (27,266)		$ (39,689)	$ (18,664)	$ (31,399)	$ (509,336)	$ (117,018)	$ (186,612)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)											129,521,731	119,998,826	117,983,836
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (2.59)		$ (0.44)	$ (0.51)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.23)		$ (0.33)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.26)	$ (3.93)	$ (0.98)	$ (1.58)

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reacquired certain in-process research and development from ZIOPHARM, Ares Trading, and Intrexon T1D Partners, all of which were immediately expensed (Notes 4 and 5). The Company also recorded an intangible asset impairment charge and a loss on abandonment of certain of its intangible assets (Note 11). The Company also recognized the remaining balance of deferred revenue associated with Histogenics and Synthetic Biologics upon the mutual termination of the ECCs with these entities (Note 17).

[2] 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).