Investments in Joint Ventures - Intrexon Energy Partners II - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) board_seat	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Investment		$ 18,870,000	$ 23,655,000
Intrexon Energy Partners II, LLC
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Membership interest	50.00%
Maximum additional capital contributions committed	$ 10,000,000
Total number of seats on the joint venture's governing board | board_seat		5
Total number of seats on the joint venture's governing board, internally selected | board_seat		1
Total number of seats on the joint venture's governing board, externally selected | board_seat		4
Intrexon Energy Partners II, LLC | Upfront and Milestone Payments | Upfront
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Collaborative agreement, consideration received, value	$ 18,000,000
Investor | Intrexon Energy Partners II, LLC
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Membership interest	50.00%
Capital contribution	$ 18,000,000
Maximum additional capital contributions committed	10,000,000
All Investors | Intrexon Energy Partners II, LLC
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Capital contribution	$ 4,000,000
Investments in affiliates | Intrexon Energy Partners II, LLC
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Investment		$ 572,000	$ 1,414,000