Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss	$ (66,369,311)	$ (56,582,857)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation elimination on exit of segment	(169,993)	0
Foreign currency translation	405,021	2,606,639
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,152,343)	2,606,639
Comprehensive loss	(70,521,654)	(53,976,218)
Noncontrolling interests elimination on sale of segment	(6,014,981)	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12,448,950)	(8,215,026)
Comprehensive net loss attributable to NeoStem, Inc. common stockholders	(52,057,723)	(45,761,192)
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - China business [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation elimination on sale of segment	$ (4,387,371)	$ 0

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