| Cover Page Cover Page | Nov. 06, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001001233 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 6, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SANGAMO THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 501 Canal Blvd. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Richmond |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94804 |
| City Area Code | 510 |
| Local Phone Number | 970-6000 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 000-30171 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 68-0359556 |
| Trading Symbol | SGMO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
