Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (514,706)	$ (126,820)	$ (190,274)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(59)	87	430
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,073)	20,599	(23,901)
Comprehensive loss	(527,838)	(106,134)	(213,745)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	5,548	9,764	3,683
Comprehensive loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (522,290)	$ (96,370)	$ (210,062)