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Investment in AquaBounty - Summary of Unaudited Condensed Pro Forma Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Line Items]            
Net loss $ 14,991 $ (20,490) $ (27,890) $ (50,937) $ (81,874) $ (85,280)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 449   1,114      
Accretion of dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock     (18,391) (16,291) (21,994) (13,868)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders 8,290 (25,959) (45,167) (67,228) (103,868) (99,148)
Net loss attributable to Intrexon common shareholders per share, basic and diluted         $ (18.77) $ (18.92)
Pro Forma [Member]
            
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Line Items]            
Revenues           9,146
Net loss attributable to Intrexon           (89,116)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders           (102,984)
Net loss attributable to Intrexon common shareholders per share, basic and diluted           $ (19.01)
AquaBounty [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
            
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Line Items]            
Revenues   2,904 16,890 7,269    
Net loss   (21,483) (35,742) (46,858)    
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest   459 1,496 1,541    
Net loss attributable to Intrexon   (21,024) (34,246) (45,317)    
Accretion of dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock   (5,469) (18,391) (16,291)    
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders   $ (26,493) $ (52,637) $ (61,608)    
Net loss attributable to Intrexon common shareholders per share, basic and diluted   $ (4.75) $ (2.39) $ (11.19)