XML 59 R43.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments (Details Textual) - USD ($) |  |  |  |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 04, 2017 | Dec. 04, 2015 | Aug. 10, 2015 | Dec. 05, 2013 | Oct. 05, 2012 | Nov. 30, 2017 | Jan. 17, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2015 | Aug. 29, 2015 | Apr. 28, 2015 | Apr. 17, 2014 | Dec. 19, 2012 | Nov. 28, 2012 | Feb. 29, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2012
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 381,150 |  |  |
Research and Development Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18,784,000 | $ 29,109,000 | $ 32,906,000 |
Operating Leases, Rent Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 199,000 | 145,000 | 108,000 |
Officers Compensation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 385,000 |  |  | $ 348,000 |  |  | 385,000 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 292,000 |  |  |
Payments for Fees |  |  |  |  |  | $ 5,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments to Acquire in Process Research and Development |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 643,000 | $ 424,000 |
Exchange percentage of unregistered common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50.00% |  |  |
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity, Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 |  |
Options To Be Received Common Stock Shares |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 |  |  |
Operating Annual Lease Payments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 285,843 |  |
Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,350,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,350,000 | 1,350,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Channel Collaboration Agreement [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shares, Issued |  |  | 937,500 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock Issued |  |  | $ 3,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mark Pimentel [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock Outstanding Percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00% |  |  |
Licensing Agreements [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments for Fees |  |  |  | $ 150,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues |  |  |  | 334,911 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Patents [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments for Fees |  |  |  | $ 220,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Riley Employment Agreement [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Officers Compensation | $ 200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense |  | $ 550,000 |  |  |  |  | $ 385,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 188,927 |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Awards Granted, Percentage |  | 75.00% |  |  |  |  | 75.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shallcross Employment Agreement [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash Payment for License Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,000 |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 315,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Awards Granted, Percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 75.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Jeffrey Riley [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,700,000 |  |  |  |
Officers Compensation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750,000 |  |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Awards Granted, Percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 75.00% |
Steven A. Shallcross [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,900,000 |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 346,500 |  |  |
Intrexon [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Research and Development Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7,800,000
Milestone Payment |  |  | 27,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions |  |  |  |  | 3,552,210 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shares Issued, Price Per Share |  |  |  |  | $ 0.001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Milestone Payment upon First Dosing |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 |  |  |
Intrexon [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Royalty Revenue, Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100,000,000 |  |  |
Intrexon [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Royalty Revenue, Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750,000,000 |  |  |
Prev Abr Llc [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional Cash Payment for License Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 235,000 |  |  |  |  |
Unregistered Shares Issued to License Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 625,000 |  |  |  |  |
Additional Consideration Payable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50% in cash and 50% in our stock |  |  |  |  |
Options To Be Received Common Stock Shares |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 655,321 |
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock Outstanding Percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00% |  |  |
Office Space In Ann Arbor [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,000
Office Space In Rockville [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Annual Lease Payments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 142,172
December 31, 2014 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 50,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
December 31, 2015 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 25,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Phase I Clinical Trials [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Milestone Payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Phase III Clinical Trials [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Milestone Payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
NDA Submission In US [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Milestone Payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 250,000 |  |  | $ 2,500,000 |  |  |
European Medicines Agency Approval [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Milestone Payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Regulatory Approval In Asian Country [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Milestone Payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
First Year [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Research Agreement Fixed Fee |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 303,287 |  |  |  |  |  |
Second Year [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Research Agreement Fixed Fee |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 316,438 |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Year [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
License, Collaborative and Employment Agreements and Commitments [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Research Agreement Fixed Fee |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 328,758 |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition The amount of additional cash payment for license agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_AdditionalCashPaymentForLicenseAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description related to additional consideration payable. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_AdditionalConsiderationPayable
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of initial cash payment upon execution of the license Agreement during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_CashPaymentForLicenseAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The percentage of common stock outstanding during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_CommonStockOutstandingPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage of common stock outstanding during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_ExchangePercentageOfUnregisteredCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_LicenseCollaborativeAndEmploymentAgreementsAndCommitmentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition A milestone payment is an authority payment made to a contractor which is linked to the contractor delivering a service or commodity such that, should the agreement be terminated at the point of payment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_MilestonePayment
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of milestone payment upon first dosing of a patient in a clinical trail. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_MilestonePaymentUponFirstDosing
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of required minimum rental payments for annual leases payments having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_OperatingAnnualLeasePayments
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition It Represents options to be received common stock shares reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_OptionsToBeReceivedCommonStockShares
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of research and development costs incurred for a fixed-price, all payable in quarterly installments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_ResearchAgreementFixedFee
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of shares issued during the period for license agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | syn_UnregisteredSharesIssuedToLicenseAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | syn_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of shares converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4304-108586 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4313-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of new shares issued in the conversion of stock in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4313-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Commitment made to pay deferred cash remuneration expressed as a percentage of the individual's base salary. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCashAwardsGrantedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96867065&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 710 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of rent expense incurred for leased assets, including but not limited to, furniture and equipment, that is not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the required periodic payment applied to interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodicPaymentInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Expenditures for salaries of officers. Does not include allocated share-based compensation, pension and post-retirement benefit expense or other labor-related non-salary expense. For commercial and industrial companies, excludes any direct and overhead labor that is included in cost of goods sold. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OfficersCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of required minimum rental payments for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year due in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 40 -Subparagraph (Note 3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846649&loc=d3e38371-112697 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902758&loc=d3e41502-112717 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of cash outflow for fees classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsForFees
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflows from the purchase of net carrying value allocated to in-process research and development costs and materials acquired in a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInProcessResearchAndDevelopment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow resulting from the entity's share transaction. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepurchaseOfEquity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 730 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420194&loc=d3e21568-108373 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 985 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501960&loc=d3e128462-111756 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Revenue earned during the period from the leasing or otherwise lending to a third party the entity's rights or title to certain property. Royalty revenue is derived from a percentage or stated amount of sales proceeds or revenue generated by the third party using the entity's property. Examples of property from which royalties may be derived include patents and oil and mineral rights. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RoyaltyRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value of options vested. Excludes equity instruments other than options, for example, but not limited to, share units, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96867065&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21463-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SharesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Per share or per unit amount of equity securities issued. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The fair value of stock issued in noncash financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4304-108586 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=d3e4313-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssued1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares of stock issued during the period pursuant to acquisitions. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of new stock issued during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | syn_AgreementAxis=syn_StockPurchaseAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | syn_AgreementAxis=syn_ChannelCollaborationAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=syn_MarkPimentelMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_PatentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=syn_RileyEmploymentAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=syn_ShallcrossEmploymentAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=syn_JeffreyRileyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=syn_StevenAShallcrossMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=syn_IntrexonMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=syn_PrevAbrLlcMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=syn_CedarssinaiMedicalCenterMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_EntityByLocationAxis=syn_OfficeSpaceInAnnArborMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_EntityByLocationAxis=syn_OfficeSpaceInRockvilleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | syn_AnnualPaymentEffectivePeriodAxis=syn_December312014Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | syn_AnnualPaymentEffectivePeriodAxis=syn_December312015Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=syn_PhaseIClinicalTrialsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=syn_PhaseIiiClinicalTrialsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=syn_NdaSubmissionInUsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=syn_EuropeanMedicinesAgencyApprovalMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=syn_RegulatoryApprovalInAsianCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | syn_QuarterlyInstallmentsPaymentPeriodAxis=syn_FirstYearMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | syn_QuarterlyInstallmentsPaymentPeriodAxis=syn_SecondYearMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | syn_QuarterlyInstallmentsPaymentPeriodAxis=syn_ThirdYearMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |