CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
NET LOSS	$ (11,996)	$ (11,394)	$ (24,601)	$ (21,105)
Change in foreign currency translation and other comprehensive income/(loss) from equity investments:
Foreign currency translation loss	(317)	(41)	(318)	(148)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	0	1	1	(1)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	(12,313)	(11,434)	(24,918)	(21,254)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(2,305)	(1,874)	(4,736)	(3,496)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC BEFORE PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND	(10,008)	(9,560)	(20,182)	(17,758)
Dividends on preferred shares	(52)	(34)	(52)	(34)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ (10,060)	$ (9,594)	$ (20,234)	$ (17,792)