Contingencies (Details) (Coalescev Wafer Gen [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Coalescev Wafer Gen [Member]
Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	Coalesce v. WaferGen. On April 24, 2012, an action entitled Coalesce Corporation ("Coalesce") v. WaferGen Bio-systems, Inc. was filed in the Alameda County Superior Court. Coalesce, a company that had been providing marketing services between 2006 and 2010, sued the Company for alleged non-payment of sums due, breach of contract, misrepresentation and unjust enrichment. On September 5, 2012, Coalesce filed an amended complaint, with additional claims, for compensatory damages in excess of $500,000 and other compensation. On April 15, 2013, the case was referred to mediation. The first mediation session was held on August 7, 2013, resulting in further requests for documentation by both parties. The Company believes the claim to be substantially without merit, and while no assurance can be given regarding the outcome of this litigation, management believes that the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations. Related legal costs are being expensed as incurred
Loss Contingency, Lawsuit Filing Date	April 24, 2012
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	WaferGen Bio-systems, Inc. was filed in the Alameda County Superior Court.
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	Alameda County Superior Court
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value (in Dollars)	$ 500,000