Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Intrexon	$ (65,382)	$ (18,664)	$ (111,547)	$ (50,063)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	129,299,584	119,731,042	128,500,897	119,346,050
Net loss attributable to Intrexon per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (0.51)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.87)	$ (0.42)