Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (323,916)	$ (514,706)	$ (126,820)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	68	(59)	87
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments	1,087	(13,073)	20,599
Comprehensive loss	(322,761)	(527,838)	(106,134)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	1,581	5,548	9,764
Comprehensive loss attributable to Precigen	$ (321,180)	$ (522,290)	$ (96,370)