Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
NET LOSS	$ (46,784)	$ (23,289)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	1,303	668
Available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes		521
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	(45,481)	(22,100)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	794	3,313
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ (44,687)	$ (18,787)