CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 29,265	$ (16,741)	$ 26,361	$ (41,329)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation	(307)	44	(334)	(273)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	121	0	(119)	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	29,079	(16,697)	25,908	(41,602)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	1,934	3,115	12,286	7,762
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. BEFORE PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND	31,013	(13,582)	38,194	(33,840)
Preferred stock dividend	0	(363)	0	(415)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ 31,013	$ (13,945)	$ 38,194	$ (34,255)