Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (92,166)	$ (170,521)	$ (323,916)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(344)	6	68
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,450)	4,502	1,087
Release of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments to net loss from discontinued operations	0	26,957	0
Comprehensive loss	(95,960)	(139,056)	(322,761)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	1,581
Comprehensive loss attributable to Precigen	$ (95,960)	$ (139,056)	$ (321,180)