CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 21,225	$ (11,996)	$ (2,653)	$ (24,601)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation	(254)	(317)	(27)	(318)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	(190)	0	(240)	1
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	20,781	(12,313)	(2,920)	(24,918)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	3,324	2,305	10,091	4,736
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. BEFORE PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND	24,105	(10,008)	7,171	(20,182)
Preferred stock dividend	0	(52)	0	(52)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ 24,105	$ (10,060)	$ 7,171	$ (20,234)