Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	[1]	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	[2]	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Precigen											$ (206,165)	$ (408,947)	$ (70,637)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Precigen											(116,159)	(100,389)	(46,381)
Net loss attributable to Precigen	$ (169,215)		$ (53,634)	$ (38,766)	$ (60,709)	$ (340,465)		$ (57,324)	$ (65,382)	$ (46,165)	$ (322,324)	$ (509,336)	$ (117,018)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)											154,138,774	129,521,731	119,998,826
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Precigen per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (0.47)		$ (0.32)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.34)	$ (2.08)		$ (0.38)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.28)	$ (1.34)	$ (3.16)	$ (0.59)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Precigen per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)											(0.75)	(0.77)	(0.39)
Net loss attributable to Precigen per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (1.09)		$ (0.35)	$ (0.25)	$ (0.40)	$ (2.59)		$ (0.44)	$ (0.51)	$ (0.36)	$ (2.09)	$ (3.93)	$ (0.98)

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge related to the Trans Ova reporting unit (Note 11) as well as impairment charges on certain assets held for sale (Note 3).

[2] During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reacquired certain in-process research and development from ZIOPHARM, Ares Trading, and Intrexon T1D Partners, all of which were immediately expensed (Notes 5 and 6). The Company also recorded a loss on abandonment of certain of its intangible assets (Note 11). The Company also recognized the remaining balance of deferred revenue associated with Histogenics and Synthetic Biologics upon the mutual termination of the ECCs with these entities (Note 18).