CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 18,621	$ (58,134)	$ (43,779)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(106)	(424)	125
Available for sale investments:
Unrealized (loss)/gain on available for sale securities, net of taxes	(395)	1	(1)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	18,120	(58,557)	(43,655)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	14,951	11,143	7,367
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS BEFORE PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND	33,071	(47,414)	(36,288)
Preferred stock dividend	0	(415)	(87)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ 33,071	$ (47,829)	$ (36,375)