Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Liquidity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Precigen	$ (29,508)	$ (53,634)	$ (128,860)	$ (153,109)
Accumulated deficit	$ (1,781,729)		$ (1,781,729)		$ (1,652,869)