| Cover | Dec. 16, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 16, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36150 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SORRENTO THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000850261 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0344842 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4955 Directors Place |
| 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 | 203-4100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | SRNE |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
