Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Entity [Domain] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type Award Type [Axis] Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Select Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Trade accounts receivable Accounts payable Accrued bonuses Accrued Bonuses, Current Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income Contributed capital Adjustments to reconcile net loss attributable to BioTime, Inc. to net cash used in operating activities: Transaction costs allocated to issuance of equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs OncoCyte [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Amortization of deferred license, royalty and subscription revenues Amortization of Deferred Charges Amortization of intangible assets Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares) TOTAL ASSETS Assets CURRENT ASSETS ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current General Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Unaudited Pro Forma Interim Financial Information - Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 [Abstract] Gross profit Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net loss available to common shareholders Geron asset acquisition related transaction costs paid by BioTime Transaction and other costs Capital lease liability, current portion Equipment, furniture , and fixtures included in capital lease borrowings Capital expenditure funded by capital lease borrowing Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) At beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents At end of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Michael D. West [Member] Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per share) Number of warrants issued (in shares) Class of Stock [Domain] Commitments and contingencies Common Class A [Member] BioTime Common Stock [Member] Common shares, no par value, authorized 125,000,000 shares as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; 72,268,526 issued and 66,869,984 outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and 67,412,139 issued and 56,714,424 outstanding at December 31, 2013 Common shares, shares issued (in shares) Common shares, issued (in shares) Asterias Series B Common Stock [Member] Common shares, authorized (in shares) Common [Member] Common shares, par value (in dollars per share) Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares) Common shares, outstanding (in shares) Common Shares [Abstract] Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE NET LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Concentrations of credit risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] BioTime's ownership of outstanding shares of its subsidiaries Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block] Principles of consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of sales Cost of sales Cost of Revenue Deferred license and consulting fees Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Royalty Obligation and Deferred License Fees [Abstract] Deferred tax liability on temporary taxable difference Deferred income tax benefit Deferred rent, net of current portion Royalty Obligation and Deferred License Fees Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred license and subscription revenue, current portion Deferred income tax benefit, federal Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred income tax benefit, state taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Deferred tax liability, net Deposits Deposits Assets, Noncurrent Depreciation expense Depreciation expense Broadwood Partners, LP [Member] BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE Loss per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Stock Options [Member] Equipment [Member] Equity [Abstract] Robert W. Peabody [Member] Expected volatility (in hundredths) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths) Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected term Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Dividend yield (in hundredths) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible assets, useful life Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Intangible assets, net [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gain and Comprehensive loss Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency transaction loss included in other income/(expense) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Gain/(loss) on sale or write off of fixed assets General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Intangible assets Intangible assets [Abstract] Grants receivable Grants Receivable, Current Gross Profit Gross Profit Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss on sale or write-off of equipment CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (unaudited) [Abstract] LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income Taxes [Abstract] Deferred income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Other long term liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other long term assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Deferred revenues Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Intangible assets, net Intangible assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Patent costs Intangible Assets, Costs Incurred to Renew or Extend, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest (expense)/income, net Cash paid during the period for interest Inventory Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory of finished products on-site Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory [Abstract] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent CURRENT LIABILITIES LONG-TERM LIABILITIES LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] License fees Capital lease, net of current portion George Karfunkel [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] BioTime Ownership (in hundredths) Noncontrolling interest Ownership percentage (in hundredths) NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. Net loss attributable to BioTime, Inc. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net loss attributable to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net loss allocable to non-controlling interest Effect of recently issued and recently adopted accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Total other expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES): EXPENSES: Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Select Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Foreign currency translation (loss)/gain Foreign currency translation (loss)/gain Unrealized gain (loss) Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale assets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other income/(expense), net Other long term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Inventory held by third party on consignment Other Inventory, Materials, Supplies and Merchandise under Consignment, Gross Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract] Purchase of equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred stock dividend rate (in hundredths) Preferred shares, no par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; 70,000 and nil issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively Preferred Shares [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred shares, issued (in shares) Preferred shares, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred shares, authorized (in shares) Preferred share dividend (in dollars per shares) Dividends on preferred shares Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Preferred shares, issued and outstanding (in shares) Preferred shares outstanding (in shares) Series Preferred A Stock [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Reclassification Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from sale of common shares of subsidiary Proceeds from sale of preferred stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from issuance of common shares Employee options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from sale of BioTime stock Proceeds from sale of treasury stock and subsidiary warrants Proceeds from the sale of equipment NET LOSS Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equipment useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Equipment, furniture and fixtures [Abstract] Equipment, furniture and fixtures Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Equipment, net Equipment, net Equipment [Abstract] Equipment, furniture and fixtures Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Research and development Research and Development Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Stock [Member] Accumulated deficit Grant income Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Minimum royalty amount each year and thereafter Royalties from product sales Sale of research products Total revenues Revenue, Net REVENUES: Unaudited Pro Forma Information Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Stock-based compensation Stock options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Stock price (in dollars per share) Market value of common shares (in dollars per share) Number of Shares Authorized (in shares) Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Award [Domain] Number of shares purchased (in shares) Shares withheld for exercise price and income tax withholding (in shares) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) [Abstract] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Common shares issued for consulting services Common shares issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Options exercised (in shares) Shares issued, stock options exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock issued during period (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common shares issued, market value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY BioTime stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury stock at cost: 5,398,542 and 10,697,715 shares at June 30, 2014 and at December 31, 2013, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asterias Warrants [Member] Warrants [Member] Warrant [Member] WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING: BASIC AND DILUTED Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Allocation of the proceeds received from the sale common stock and warrants based on relative fair values. Allocation Of Proceeds From Sale of Shares And Warrants Allocation of proceeds from sale of shares and warrants Refers to number of investors. Number of Investors Number of investors Refers to sales of BioTime Common Shares by Subsidiaries. Sales of BioTime Common Shares by Subsidiaries [Text Block] Sales of BioTime Common Shares by Subsidiaries Sales of BioTime Common Shares by Subsidiaries (Details) [Abstract] This line item represents the amount of contribution received from investor in relation to asset contribution agreement. Amount of Contribution From Investor Amount of contribution from investor Excess of contributed asset's value over consideration under the asset contribution agreement. Excess of contributed asset's value over consideration, asset contribution agreement Excess of contributed asset's value over consideration The specified number of securities that each class of warrants or rights outstanding give the holder the right but not the obligation to purchase from the issuer at a specific price, on or before a certain date. Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities to be issued Number of warrants to be issued by Asterias to Series A common shareholders (in shares) Patents and other intellectual property rights related to hES cells acquired under the asset contribution agreement. Patents and other intellectual property rights related to hES cells, asset contribution agreement Patents and other intellectual property rights related to hES cells The amount of Series A common stock received under the asset contribution agreement. Series A common stock, Consideration Transferred, asset contribution agreement Asterias Series A shares, net of issuance cost of $541,800 Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Asset Contribution Agreement [Line Items] The amount of cancellation of outstanding obligation under the asset contribution agreement. Cancellation of outstanding obligation, asset contribution agreement Cancellation of outstanding obligation to BioTime Cost of the investment at close of period. For investment in and advances to affiliates, if operations of any controlled companies are different in character from those of the company, group such affiliates within divisions and by type of activities. Investments in affiliates, at cost Investment in affiliates, at cost Total assets transferred under the asset contribution agreement. Total assets transferred, asset contribution agreement Total assets transferred The fair value of warrants issued to subsidiary upon consummation of asset contribution in noncash investing and financing activities. Warrants issued to subsidiary upon consummation of asset contribution BioTime Warrants, at fair value The amount of warrants to purchase Series common B shares received under the asset contribution agreement. Warrants to purchase Series B common shares, Consideration Transferred, asset contribution agreement Warrants to purchase Asterias Series B shares The amount of Series B common stock received under the asset contribution agreement. Series B common stock, Consideration Transferred, asset contribution agreement Asterias Series B shares The amount of obligation to distribute warrants received under the asset contribution agreement. Obligation to distribute Warrants, Consideration Transferred, asset contribution agreement Obligation to distribute BioTIme Warrants Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Romulus Films, Ltd. [Member] Romulus Films, Ltd. [Member] Refers to competitor of the entity. Geron [Member] Geron [Member] The fair value of common shares issued to subsidiary upon consummation of asset contribution in noncash investing and financing activities. Common shares issued to subsidiary upon consummation of asset contribution BioTIme common shares, at fair value Deferred tax liability arising from difference in book versus tax basis on Geron intangible assets acquired. Deferred tax liability arising from difference in book versus tax basis on Geron intangible assets acquired Deferred tax liability arising from difference in book versus tax basis on Geron intangible assets acquired Total consideration received under the asset contribution agreement. Total consideration received, asset contribution agreement Total consideration issued This line item represents the percentage of subsidiary stock contributed by the entity. Percentage of Subsidiary Stock Contributed Percentage of subsidiary stock contributed (in hundredths) This line item represents the royalty rate at which Geron will be paid on net sales from patents acquired from Geron. Royalty rate on net sales of products Royalty rate on net sales of products (in hundredths) This line item represents the market value of the common stock at the end of the day trading on the NYSE. Market Value of BioTime Common Shares Market value of BioTime common stock (in dollars per share) Total assets and in process research and development acquired under the asset contribution agreement. Total assets and in process research and development acquired, asset contribution agreement Total assets and in-process research and development acquired Period in which warrant issued expire. Warrant Expiration term Warrant expiration term Amount of IPR and D expensed upon acquisition under the asset contribution agreement. IPR and D expensed upon acquisition, asset contribution agreement IPR&D expensed upon acquisition A table or schedule providing information pertaining to Asset Contribution Agreement. Asset Contribution Agreement [Table] Tabular disclosure of the assets transferred and related consideration recorded under the asset contribution agreement.. Assets Transferred and Related Consideration Recorded [Table Text Block] Assets Transferred by BioTime and Related Consideration Tabular disclosure of the assets acquired and related consideration recorded under the asset contribution agreement. Assets Acquired and Related Consideration recorded [Table Text Block] Assets Acquired from Geron and Related Consideration Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Refers to minimum percentage of sales of affiliates or sub licensees (in hundredths). Minimum percentage of sales of affiliates or sub licensees (in hundredths) The percentage fee for the use of research findings. Fees for research use Fees for research use (in hundredths) Reduction in royalty fees as applicable to the agreement. Reduction in royalties Reduction in royalties (in hundredths) Amount reimbursed for cost incurred. Reimbursement to SBMRI for cost incurred (in hundredths) Payment made in phases per the agreement. Milestone payments Receipts from sublicensing creditable milestone payments per the agreement. Sublicensing receipts for creditable milestone payments. The amount of payment to be made upon issuance of first five licenses. Payment upon issuance of first five license Disclosure of payments for each clinical phase. Phase III Clinical [Member] Disclosure of payments for each clinical phase. Phase II Clinical [Member] Disclosure of payments for each clinical phase. Phase I Clinical [Member] Reduction in payment granted to any patent that licensed two or more sublicenses. Reduction for any patent that have licensed two or more Disclosure of payments for each clinical phase. Payment Phase [Domain] Disclosure of payments for each clinical phase. Payment Phase [Axis] The notice period to be given in order to terminate agreement. Notice period to terminate agreement Exclusive sublicense under certain patents owned by the university of Colorado's university license equity holdings, inc. Asterias Sublicense From Geron [Member] Exclusive agreement with the regents of the university of California. Asterias License, University of California [Member] Asterias License From University of California [Member] License from the university of Utah. BioTime License For The University of Utah [Member] Research and exclusive License option agreement. Teva License Agreement [Member] Percentage of fees for sublicense. Fees for sublicense, percentage Fees for sublicense (in hundredths) Refers to amended license agreement amount. Amended License Agreement Amount Amended license agreement amount Acquisition of the assets for cell targeting, inc. Cell Cure Neurosciences License From Hadasit [Member] Annual payment related to license maintenance fee. Annual License Maintenance Fee Annual license maintenance fee Maximum amount of royalty payments under a contractual arrangement such as payment for mineral and drilling rights and use of technology or intellectual property. Royalty, Maximum Payment Maximum royalty payments The total amount paid related to license fees. License Fee, Amount Paid Licensing fees paid The percentage of royalty payments under a contractual arrangement such as payment for mineral and drilling rights and use of technology or intellectual property. Royalty, Percentage Royalty rate on sale of products and services (in hundredths) The minimum amount of annual royalty due. Annual minimum royalty due ReCyte Therapeutics (subsidiary) license agreement with Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. [Member] ReCyte Therapeutics (subsidiary) stem cell agreement with reproductive genetics institute. Reproductive Genetics Institute [Member] BioTime commercial license and option agreement with Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). WARF [Member] ReCyte Therapeutics (subsidiary) agreement that permits the commercialization of products in human therapeutic and diagnostic product markets. Advanced Cell Technology Inc., with Kirin Sublicense II [Member] ReCyte Therapeutics (subsidiary) agreement that permits the commercialization of products in human therapeutic and diagnostic product markets. Advanced Cell Technology Inc., with Kirin Sublicense I [Member] Stem cell agreement with reproductive genetics institutes. OncoCyte License From SBMRI [Member] Disclosure of accounting policy for an entity's warrants to purchase common stock, including common shares issued to subsidiaries for future potential working capital needs. Warrants to purchase common stock [Policy Text Block] Warrants to purchase common stock Disclosure of accounting policy for certain significant risks and uncertainties. Certain significant risks and uncertainties [Policy Text Block] Certain significant risks and uncertainties Disclosure of accounting policy for an entity's treasury stock, including common shares issued to subsidiaries for future potential working capital needs. Treasury stock [Policy Text Block] Treasury stock Carrying amounts as of the balance sheet of deferred license and consulting fees, which consists of the value of warrants issued to third parties for services and to the minority shareholder in BioTime Asia for consulting services, and deferred license fees paid to acquire rights to use the proprietary technologies of third parties. Deferred license and consulting fees Amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and the amounts due under the terms of governmental, corporate, or foundation grants. Trade accounts and grants receivable net current Trade accounts and grants receivable, net Refers to price per share of options to purchase company (in dollars per share) Price per share of options to purchase company (in dollars per share) Price per share of options to puchase company (in dollars per share) Price of a single share of a number of saleable stocks of a company. Share conversion price (in dollars per share) The ratio applied to the debt for purposes of determining the number of shares of the equity security into which the debt will be converted. Preferred shares, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Common stock conversion ratio Name of equity incentive plan originating in 2012 plan. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Number of warrants exercised during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. Warrants exercised Warrants exercised (in shares) Certain investors [Member] Tranche Two [Member] Tranche two [Member] Tranche one [Member] Cash Inflows [Domain] Private Funding [Line Items] Private Funding [Axis] Private Outside Funding [Table] Name of stock option plan originating in 2002. Stock Option Plan 2002 [Member] Refers to number of warrants currently hold and distribute to holders. Number of warrants currently held to be distributed to holders of Series A Common Stock (in shares) The pro forma basic and diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Net loss per common share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Write-off for Loans, receivables or other debts that have virtually no chance of being paid. An account may become uncollectible for many reasons, including the debtor's bankruptcy, an inability to find the debtor, lack of proper documentation, etc. Write-off for uncollectible receivables The cash outflow associated with fee paid on sale of common shares during the period. Fees paid on sale of common shares Fees paid on sale of common stock The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their Director options. Proceeds From Director Options Exercised Director options exercised Refers to subsidiary warrants issued purchasers of BioTime common shares sold by a subsidiary. Fair value of subsidiary warrants (See Note 10) The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of amortization of stock based prepaid rent. Amortization of Stock Based Prepaid Rent Amortization of stock-based prepaid rent The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of deferred license fees and royalty fees. Amortization Of Deferred License Fees And Royalty Fees Amortization of deferred license fees The increase (decrease) during the reporting period for amounts due under the terms of governmental, corporate, or foundation grants. Increase (decrease) in Grant receivable Grant receivable The net cash inflow/(outflow) associated with security deposit received during the period. Security deposit received Security deposit paid, net The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of deferred rent. Amortization of deferred rent The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of deferred consulting fees. Amortization of deferred consulting fees The fair value of common shares issued for rent in noncash investing and financing activities. Common shares issued for rent Refers to the taxable gain on the sale of subsidiary shares Taxable Gain On Sale Of Subsidiary Shares Taxable gain on sale of subsidiary shares Refers to the tax payable on sale of subsidiary shares. Tax payable on sale of subsidiary shares Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. OrthoCyte Corporation [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Cell Cure Neurosciences, Ltd. [Member] Cell Cure Neurosciences, Ltd. [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. BioTime Asia, Limited [Member] BioTime Asia, Limited [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. OncoCyte Corporation [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. LifeMap Sciences, Inc. [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. LifeMap Sciences, Ltd. [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. ES Cell International Pte., Ltd. [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. LifeMap Solutions, Inc [Member] LifeMap Solutions, Inc. [Member] Another company which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by its parent. The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Asterias Biotherapeutics [Member] The number of large urology clinics that patient samples were obtained. Large Urology Clinics Number of large urology clinics The number of patient samples being tested. Number of patient samples The number of shares sold by third parities during the period reported. Shares sold by third party Number of shares sold (in shares) Exercise price per share or per unit of stock options exercised. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Exercise Price Exercise price (in dollars per share) The entire disclosure for Asset Contribution Agreement pursuant to which the entity contributes certain assets in exchange for shares of common stock. Asset Contribution Agreement [Text Block] Asset Contribution Agreement Asset Contribution Agreement [Abstract] Entire disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate. Business Acquisitions ProForma Information [Text Block] Unaudited Pro Forma Interim Financial Information - Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013