Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Numerator:
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Precigen	$ (29,508)	$ (49,054)	$ (102,804)	$ (132,667)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Precigen	0	(4,580)	(26,056)	(20,442)
Net loss attributable to Precigen	$ (29,508)	$ (53,634)	$ (128,860)	$ (153,109)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	165,527,024	154,596,257	163,318,375	153,770,785
Net Loss Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Precigen per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.32)	$ (0.63)	$ (0.86)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Precigen per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	0	(0.03)	(0.16)	(0.14)
Net loss attributable to Precigen per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.35)	$ (0.79)	$ (1.00)