Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (29,508)	$ (53,634)	$ (128,860)	$ (154,701)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(186)	(25)	86	81
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments	2,198	(4,871)	1,787	(4,560)
Release of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments to loss from discontinued operations	0	0	26,957	0
Comprehensive loss	(27,496)	(58,530)	(100,030)	(159,180)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	1,581
Comprehensive loss attributable to Precigen	$ (27,496)	$ (58,530)	$ (100,030)	$ (157,599)