Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (23,289)	$ 18,621	$ (58,134)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	668	(106)	(424)
Available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	521	(395)	1
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(22,100)	18,120	(58,557)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,313	14,951	11,143
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS BEFORE PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND	(18,787)	33,071	(47,414)
Preferred stock dividend			(415)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ (18,787)	$ 33,071	$ (47,829)