CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 13,986	$ 29,265	$ 48,783	$ 26,361
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation	(349)	(307)	56	(334)
Available for sale investments:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	219	121	822	(119)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	13,856	29,079	49,661	25,908
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	335	1,934	3,175	12,286
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ 14,191	$ 31,013	$ 52,836	$ 38,194