Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
NET INCOME/(LOSS)	$ 39,296	$ (63,698)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(732)	75
Available-for-sale investments:
Reclassification of beginning accumulated other comprehensive income to accumulated deficit		(328)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)	38,564	(63,951)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	14	150
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$ 38,578	$ (63,801)