| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | INTREXON CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001356090 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | VA |
| Entity File Number | 001-36042 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-0084895 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 20374 Seneca Meadows Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Germantown |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20876 |
| City Area Code | (301) |
| Local Phone Number | 556-9900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, no par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | XON |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
