| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Fate Therapeutics, Inc. |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001434316 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36076 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 65-1311552 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3535 General Atomics Court |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Diego |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92121 |
| City Area Code | (858) |
| Local Phone Number | 875-1800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | FATE |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
