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 Public Float 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 Area of office space (in square feet) Area of Land Award Type [Axis] Summary of 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 receivable Accounts payable Accrued bonuses Accrued Bonuses, Current Increase in accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant and Equipment, Period Increase (Decrease) Write off fully depreciated assets offset by foreign currency rates Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Write-down of Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated other comprehensive income Intangible assets, useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Contributed capital Contributed Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Stock options granted for compensation 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 Advertising revenue Advertising Revenue Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of deferred license, royalty and subscription revenues Amortization of Deferred Charges Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted loss per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] CURRENT ASSETS ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current TOTAL ASSETS Assets (Loss) per common share - basic (in dollars per share) Other current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Business Acquisition [Axis] Cash Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid BioTime warrants Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Liabilities Incurred Pro Forma Financial Information for Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (UNAUDITED) Assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Components of the purchase price [Abstract] Assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price [Abstract] Net assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Preliminary allocation of purchase price [Abstract] Allocation of purchase price [Abstract] Preliminary allocation of purchase price [Abstract] Cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents (Loss) available to common shareholders Fair value of shares issued (in dollar per share) Equity interests issued (in shares) Common shares contributed (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Assumed obligations Liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Date of acquisition (Loss) per common share - diluted (in dollars per share) Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Cash distributable to sellers Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Other Liabilities Current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Geron asset acquisition related transaction costs paid by BioTime BioTime common shares Common shares Components of the purchase price [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity [Abstract] Due from sellers Business Acquisition [Line Items] Total purchase price Total purchase price Property, plant and equipment, net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Transaction and other costs At end of year At beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash acquired in connection with merger with Glycosan NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per share) Initial exercise price of unit (in dollars per share) Class of Stock [Domain] Number of warrants issued (in shares) Warrants issued as part of investment in subsidiary (in shares) Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies Common Class A [Member] Common Shares [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common shares, par value (in dollars per share) BALANCE (in shares) BALANCE (in shares) Common shares, outstanding (in shares) Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares) Common shares, no par value, authorized 125,000,000 and 75,000,000 shares respectively as of December 31, 2013 and 2012; 67,412,139 issued and 56,714,424 outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 51,183,318 issued and 49,383,209 outstanding at December 31, 2012 Common shares, issued (in shares) Common shares, shares issued (in shares) Common Class B [Member] Common shares, authorized (in shares) Common [Member] Common shares reserved for future issuance (in shares) Common Shares [Abstract] Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] COMPREHENSIVE 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] Shares issued in exchange of shares purchase (in shares) Conversion rate Cost of sales Cost of sales Cost of Revenue Components of deferred tax assets [Abstract] Patents and licenses Amortization of deferred license fees [Abstract] Deferred Costs [Abstract] Total Deferred Costs Deferred license and consulting fees Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Royalty Obligation and Deferred License Fees [Abstract] Deferred federal income tax benefit Deferred rent, net of current portion Deferred income tax benefit Deferred income tax benefit Deferred income tax benefit Net deferred tax (liabillities) Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Royalty Obligation and Deferred License Fees Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) [Abstract] Total Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred state income tax benefit Deferred license revenue, net of current portion Deferred tax assets Deferred license and subscription revenue, current portion Net operating loss carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes Net operating loss carryforwards for state tax purposes Research & development and other credits Other, net Foreign net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liability, net Deposits Deposits Assets, Noncurrent Depreciation expense Depreciation expense Stock Option Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Option Plans [Abstract] Federal [Member] BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share) Basic and diluted net loss per share (in dollars per share) Loss per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Income tax rate reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Total (in hundredths) Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Computed tax benefit at federal statutory rate (in hundredths) State tax benefit, net of effect on federal income taxes (in hundredths) Research and development and other credits (in hundredths) Weighted average recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Total unrecognized compensation costs Percentage of total revenues (in hundredths) Domestic Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Asia Equipment [Member] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Expected volatility (in hundredths) Expected volatility (in hundredths) Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths) Risk-free interest rates (in hundredths) Expected term Expected term Exercise price (in dollars per share) Fair Value Assumptions, Exercise Price Dividend yield (in hundredths) Expected dividend yield (in hundredths) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenues of royalty and commission fees Intangible assets, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Intangible assets future amortization expense [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, net [Abstract] Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign currency translation gain/(loss) and comprehensive loss Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Gain/(loss) on sale of fixed assets General and administrative General and Administrative Expense General and Administrative [Member] Geographic Area [Abstract] Intangible assets Intangible assets [Abstract] Grants receivable Grants Receivable, Current Award granted from research project Total revenues, net Gross Profit Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Gain)/Loss on sale or write-off of equipment DEFERRED NET LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFITS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other long term liabilities Deferred revenues Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other long term assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Changes in operating assets and liabilities: [Abstract] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Reduction in receivables from the reversal of revenues Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Intangible assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Patent costs Intangible Assets, Costs Incurred to Renew or Extend, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible assets, net Interest income/(expense), net Cash paid during year for interest Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Write-off of expired inventory Inventory Write-down Inventory of finished products on-site Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Inventory [Abstract] Leased area Land Subject to Ground Leases Rent expenses Lease Expiration Date Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent CURRENT LIABILITIES LONG-TERM LIABILITIES LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity License fees Liable for improvement cost Major Customers [Axis] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] BioTime Ownership (in hundredths) Name of Major Customer [Domain] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BIOTIME, INC. Net loss attributable to BioTime, Inc. Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net loss allocation to noncontrolling interest Effect of recently issued and recently adopted accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Contract [Axis] New Contract [Domain] SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES : Warrants issued to purchase common shares (in shares) Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial or Equity Instrument Consideration, Warrants Issued Total other income/(expenses), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES): Number of operating segments Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Thereafter Minimum annual lease payments under the various operating leases [Abstract] EXPENSES: Total expenses Operating expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Loss from operations 2016 2015 2014 2017 2018 Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Organization and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Foreign currency translation gain/(loss) Foreign currency gain (loss) included in comprehensive loss Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net Other income/(expense), net Inventory held by third party on consignment Other Inventory, Materials, Supplies and Merchandise under Consignment, Gross Other long term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Products and Services [Domain] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Domain] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Axis] BioTime, Inc. [Member] Parent Company [Member] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract] Purchase of equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash paid, net of cash acquired for CTI assets Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Preferred Shares, no par value, authorized 2,000,000 and 1,000,000 shares respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012; none issued Preferred Shares, authorized (in shares) Preferred shares, shares authorized (in shares) Cumulative annual preferred dividend (in hundredths) Preferred Shares, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Shares [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred Shares, issued (in shares) Cumulative annual preferred dividend (in dollars per share) Preferred shares, issued and outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Prepaid expenses and other current assets Reclassification Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from exercises of warrants Proceeds from issuance of stock and warrants to private investor Proceeds from sale of common shares of subsidiary Payment received from research project Proceeds from issuance of common shares Proceeds from issuance of common shares Cash proceeds from sale of equipment Proceeds from exercises of stock options Proceeds from sale of treasury shares Products and Services [Axis] NET LOSS NET LOSS Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Equipment useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Equipment, furniture and fixtures [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment [Abstract] Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equipment net of accumulated depreciation Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Equipment, furniture and fixtures Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Equipment, furniture and fixtures Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Bad debt expense Selected Quarterly Financial Information (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Information (UNAUDITED) [Abstract] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party [Axis] BioTime [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense Research and Development [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accumulated deficit Accumulated Deficit [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Grant income Grants revenue Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total revenues Revenues Royalties from product sales Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Expected life (in years) Options Outstanding, Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Number of shares issued through open market (in shares) Sale of stock by subsidiary (in shares) Proceeds from sale of stock by subsidiary Sale of Stock, Consideration Received Per Transaction Initial per share price (in dollars per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Sale of research products Total revenues Revenues, net Revenue, Net REVENUES: Geographic Area Information Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Sources of Revenues Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Financial Information for Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 Schedule of weighted average assumptions to calculate fair value of stock options Income tax rate reconciliation Intangible assets future amortization expense Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Future minimum operating lease payments Allocation of purchase price of merger Allocation of purchase price for the acquisition Components and Allocation of Purchase Price Selected Quarterly Financial Information Components of net deferred tax assets Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [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 Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Allocation of stock based compensation expense Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Additional information regarding options outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Activity related to warrants Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Warrants [Abstract] Numbers of Warrants [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Stock-based compensation Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price [Rollforward] Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Warrants Outstanding Ending Balance (in shares) Warrants Outstanding Beginning Balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Weighted average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms All stock-based compensation expense [Abstract] Fair value share issued (in dollars per share) Share Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in shares) Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited/expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Risk-free interest rates (in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility (in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield (in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Options [Abstract] Number of options to purchase for employees (in shares) Number of Options Outstanding [Rollforward] Authorize number of shares under stock option plan (in shares) Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Forfeited/expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Additional Information regarding options outstanding [Abstract] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract] Number Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Outstanding, beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Outstanding, end of the period (in shares) Outstanding, beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Award Type [Domain] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] State [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY [Abstract] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Common shares issued for consulting services (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services Common shares retired as payment for exercise of options Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Number of shares issued as part of acquisition (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Stock Options [Member] Exercise of options Sale of common shares, net of fees paid and amortized and syndication costs Gross proceeds from issuance of common shares Common shares issued for consulting services Common shares issued for consulting services Common shares issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Treasury shares issued as part of investment in subsidiary Common shares retired as payment for exercise of options (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Sale of common shares, net of fees paid and amortized and syndication costs (in shares) Stock issued during period (in shares) Treasury shares issued as part of investment in subsidiary (in shares) Shares received by subsidiary (in shares) Exercise of options (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Options exercised (in shares) Common shares issued as part of acquisition of CTI assets (in shares) Common shares issued, market value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other Common shares issued as part of acquisition of CTI assets EQUITY BALANCE BALANCE Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Grant Awarded Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Member] OncoCyte, OrthoCyte, ReCyte Therapeutics, Cell Cure Neurosciences, LifeMap and BioTime Asia [Member] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury stock at cost: 10,697,715 and 1,800,109 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively Treasury stock value Treasury Stock, Value Number of shares purchased (in shares) Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warrants [Member] Warrant [Member] WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: BASIC AND DILUTED (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted The amount of purchased research and development assets that are capitalized in the period of acquisition. Research and Development n Process, Purchased Acquired in-process research and development Acquired in-process research and development The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of deferred grant revenues. Amortization of Deferred Grant Revenues Amortization of deferred grant revenues 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 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 fair value of warrants issued as part of a merger in noncash investing and financing activities. Warrants Issued As Part Of Merger Warrants issued as part of merger with Glycosan The fair value of common shares issued as part of a merger in noncash investing and financing activities. Common Shares Issued As Part Of Merger Common shares issued as part of merger with Glycosan The fair value of common shares issued in connection with investment in subsidiary in noncash investing and financing activities. Common Shares Issued In Connection With Investment In Subsidiary Common shares issued in connection with investment in OncoCyte (Treasury shares) Represents the fair value of common shares acquired by our subsidiary in connection with the investment in that subsidiary from an outside investor. Common Shares Acquired In Connection With Investment In Subsidiary As Part Of Share Exchange And Contribution Agreement Common shares acquired in connection with investment in LifeMap as part of Share Exchange and Contribution Agreement The fair value of common shares issued in connection with purchase of assets in noncash investing and financing activities. Common Shares Issued In Connection With Purchase Of Assets Common shares issued in connection with the purchase of assets from CTI The cash inflow associated with security deposit received during the period. Security deposit received Security deposit received/(paid) Refers to cash acquired in connection with merger during the reporting period. Cash acquired in connection with merger Cash acquired in connection with merger with XenneX The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of deferred rent. Amortization of deferred rent Charge for the reduction of the carrying amount of security deposits. Write off of security deposit Write-off of security deposit The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of deferred license fees. Amortization of deferred license fees The cash outflow associated with license fees during the period. Payment of license fee Payments of license fees Value of shares of stock issued during the period as part of a merger. Common shares issued as part of merger two Common shares issued as part of merger with XenneX 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 fair value of intangible assets acquired from Geron. Intangible assets acquired from Geron The cash outflow associated with transaction fees payment during the period. Payment of transaction fees Payment of transaction fees to Geron The cash outflow associated with payment of syndication fees incurred during the period. Payment of syndication fees incurred Payment of syndication fees incurred 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 shares The fair value of common shares issued to subsidiary in exchange for subsidiary shares in noncash investing and financing activities.. Common shares issued to subsidiary in exchange for subsidiary shares Common shares issued to Cell Cure in exchange for Cell Cure shares The fair value of common shares issued for rent in noncash investing and financing activities. Common shares issued for rent 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 Common shares issued to Asterias upon consummation of asset contribution (Treasury shares) 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 Warrants issued to Asterias upon consummation of asset contribution Represents number areas which entity engaged in biomedical research and product development during the period. Number areas which entity engaged in biomedical research and product development Number areas which entity engaged in biomedical research and product development 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Acquisition 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. BioTime Acquisition 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. 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. 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. Asterias Biotherapeutics [Member] Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. [Member] 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 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 Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred with assets during the period. Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Business Combination With Assets Outside investment in subsidiary with assets The value of warrants issued pursuant to mergers during the period. Warrants Issued During Period, Value, Mergers Warrants issued as part of merger with Glycosan Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred with stock during the period. Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Business Combination with Stock Outside investment in subsidiaries with stock Number of shares of stock issued during the period as part of a merger. Stock Issued During Period Shares Merger Common shares issued as part of merger (in shares) Amount pertaining to adjustment of sales of treasury stock during the period. Adjustment of Sales of Treasury Stock Value Sales of treasury shares Value of shares of stock issued during the period as part of a merger. Stock Issued During Period Value Merger Common shares issued as part of merger Represents number of common shares issued during the period as part of outside investment in subsidiary. Outside Investment In Subsidiary With Common Shares Outside investment in subsidiary with BioTime common shares (in shares) This element represents the amount of recognized equity-based compensation paid to a subsidiary related to stock options during the period, that is, the amount recognized as expense in the income statement (or as asset if compensation is capitalized). Adjustments to Noncontrolling Interest Share Based Compensation Stock Options Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock options granted for compensation in subsidiary Number of shares (units) pertaining to adjustment of sales of treasury stock during the period. Adjustment of Sales of Treasury Stock Shares Sales of treasury shares (in shares) Represents an increase in noncontrolling interest from issuance of additional equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders or the sale of a portion of the parent's controlling interest. Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest to outside party Outside investment in subsidiaries Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred in cash during the period. Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Business Combination in Cash Outside investment in subsidiaries in cash Cash received from investors Value stock issued during the period as a result of the exercise of warrants. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrants Exercised Warrants exercised Equity impact of investment in subsidiary with company shares during the reporting period. Outside Investment In Subsidiary With Company Shares Outside investment in subsidiary with BioTime common shares Refers to subsidiary shares issued as part of merger during the reporting period. Subsidiary shares issued as part of merger Subsidiary shares issued as part of merger with XenneX Number of warrants exercised during the current period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Warrants Exercises in Period Warrants exercised (in shares) Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax, SSE Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Value of warrants issued during the period of outside investors. Warrants issued during the period value outside investors Warrants issued to outside investors Value of warrants issued during the period of investment in subsidiary. Warrants Issued During Period, Value, Investment In subsidiary 8,000,000 Warrants issued as part of investment in subsidiary Number of shares of stock issued during the period as part of investment in subsidiary. Stock Issued During Period Shares of investment in subsidiary Common shares issued as part of investment in subsidiary (in shares) Value of stock issued during the period as part of investment in subsidiary. Stock Issued During Period Value Merger of investment in subsidiary Common shares issued as part of investment in subsidiary Number of shares of stock issued during the period for rent. Common shares issued, Shares for rent Common shares issued for rent (in shares) 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 Asset Contribution Agreement [Abstract] 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 A table or schedule providing information pertaining to Asset Contribution Agreement. Asset Contribution Agreement [Table] Refers to competitor of the entity. Geron [Member] 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] This line item represents the fair value of share issued based on Black Sholes Merton valuation assumptions. Fair Value of Shares Issued Fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share) 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] 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) Warrants to purchase stock at a contracted price. Warrants1 [Member] Warrants [Member] 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 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 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 Total consideration received under the asset contribution agreement. Total consideration received, asset contribution agreement Total consideration issued 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 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) Period in which warrant issued expire. Warrant Expiration term Warrant expiration term 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) 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 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 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) 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 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 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 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 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 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 Represents the percentage change in ownership necessary under internal revenue code which places limitation on amount of taxable income that can be offset by net operating loss carryforwards. Percentage of change in ownership Percentage of change in ownership (in hundredths) Represents the period in which change of ownership for a specified percentage should occur. Period in which change of ownership for a specified percentage should occur The portion of the difference between effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by permanent differences. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Permanent differences Permanent differences (in hundredths) The portion of the difference between effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by losses for which no benefit has been recognized. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Unrecognized Losses Losses for which no benefit has been recognized (in hundredths) Tabular disclosure of the number and weighted-average exercise prices (or conversion ratios) for share options (or share units) that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, vested and expected to vest, exercisable or convertible at the end of the year, and the number of share options or share units that were granted, exercised or converted, forfeited, and expired during the year. Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity Subsidiaries [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity for subsidiaries Refers to the office space monthly rental . Monthly Rent For Office Space Rent per month Merger with Glycosan BioSystems, Inc. [Abstract] The entire disclosure for business combinations, including leverage buyout transactions (as applicable), and divestitures. This may include a description of a business combination or divestiture (or series of individually immaterial business combinations or divestitures) completed during the period, including background, timing, and assets and liabilities recognized and reclassified or sold. This element does not include fixed asset sales and plant closings. Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions [Text Block] Merger with Glycosan BioSystems, Inc. BioTime acquisition of XenneX, Inc. through a merger into LifeMap. Merger with Glycosan BioSystems, Inc. [Member] 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 Cell Targeting, Inc. Asset Purchase [Abstract] The entire disclosure for asset purchases by the company. Asset Purchase Disclosure [Text Block] Cell Targeting, Inc. Asset Purchase Represents the related party of the entity. Cell Targeting, Inc. [Member] Represents the number of trading days preceding the agreement used for share price calculation. Number of trading days preceding the agreement used for share price calculation Refers to the base monthly rent as per lease agreement. Base rent Represents the number of years for which the lease can be extended. Number of years lease can be extended Number of years lease can be extended (in years) Represents the number of additional terms the lease can be extended. Number of terms lease can be extended Refers to the leased rental property. Laboratory space [Member] Laboratory space [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office Space In New York City [Member] Office space in New York City [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office and laboratory space, Jerusalem Israel [Member] Office and laboratory space, Jerusalem, Israel [Member] This refer to base rent increase rate per year as per lease agreement. Base rent increase rate Base rent increase rate (in hundredths) Refers to the leased rental property. Office space in Tel Aviv Israel [Member] Office space in Tel Aviv, Israel [Member] BioTime's Consolidated Subsidiary. ESI [Member] ESI [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office Space in Hong Kong [Member] Office space in Hong Kong [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office Space in Marshfield Massachusetts [Member] Office space in Marshfield, Massachusetts [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office and research laboratory In Alameda [Member] Office and research laboratory in Alameda [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office and research facility in La Jolla [Member] Office and research facility in La Jolla [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office and research facility in Menlo Park [Member] Office and research facility in Menlo Park [Member] Refers to the leased rental property. Office and research facility in Fremont [Member] Office and research facility in Fremont [Member] Area of land subject to a ground lease during the first 12 months commencing on the term commencement date, except that during the first 15 months of the lease term. Land Subject To Ground Leases During first 15 Months Leased area during first 15 months (in square feet) Refers to real estate taxes assessed on the premises provided that subsidiary is not in default in performing its obligations under the lease beyond any notice and cure periods. Real estate taxes during first 15 months Real estate taxes during first 15 months Refers to percentage of assessed for real property tax purposes at a valuation higher than the valuation of the improvements on the Premises on the date signed the lease, taxes levied on the excess assessed valuation. Levied taxes on excess assessed valuation Levied taxes on excess assessed valuation Date which lease or group of leases is set to commence, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Lease Commenced date Lease commencement date 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] Pro Forma Financial Information for Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (UNAUDITED) Tabular disclosure of the estimated aggregate amortization expense for deferred license fees subject to amortization for each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Schedule Of Expected Amortization Deferred License Expense [Table Text Block] Amortization of deferred license fees Stock price of a share for the calculation of fair value of warrants issued under Black Scholes Merton option pricing model. Fair value assumptions, stock price Stock price (in dollars per share) Enterprise wide Disclosures [Abstract] The entire disclosure for sources of revenue by geographic region and major customers. Enterprise Wide Disclosures [Text Block] Enterprise-wide Disclosures Represents one of the major customers of the entity. N I H, Separate Grant Awarded [Member] Number of major customers comprising significant amounts of total revenues. Number of major customers Number of major grants comprising significant amounts of total revenues. Number of Major grants Number of major grants Represents one of the major customers of the entity. Hospira [Member] Represents one of the major customers of the entity. Others [Member] Represents one of the major customers of the entity. OCS [Member] Represents one of the major customers of the entity. C J [Member] Represents one of the major customers of the entity. N I H [Member] Represents one of the major customers of the entity. Summit [Member] Represents one of the major customers of the entity. C I R M [Member] Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts due under the terms of governmental, corporate, or foundation grants remaining. Remaining Grants Receivable Remaining award granted from research project Carrying amounts as of the balance sheet of noncurrent 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 classified as noncurrent Deferred license and consulting fees in noncurrent assts Carrying amounts as of the balance sheet of related prepaid expenses which are classified in other current assets on the balance sheet. Prepaid expenses in other current Assets Prepaid expenses in other current assets Cell Cure Neuroscience clinical trial 2 for OpRegen and OpRegen-Plus. Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd (Clinical trial phase II) [Member] ReCyte Therapeutics (subsidiary) stem cell agreement with reproductive genetics institute. Reproductive Genetics Institute [Member] BioTime's royalty-bearing exclusive worldwide license from the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. (SBMRI). Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute [Member] Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute [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) license agreement with Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. [Member] A Sponsored Research Agreement entered into by BioTime, under which scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College will engage in certain research for BioTime. Sponsored Research Agreement with Weill Cornell Medical College [Member] BioTime's acquisition of a license from University of Utah to use for certain patents in the production and sale of certain hydro gel products. University of Utah license [Member] University of Utah License [Member] Cell Cure Neuroscience clinical trial 3 for OpRegen and OpRegen-Plus. Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd (Clinical trial phase III) [Member] Cell Cure Neurosciences (subsidiary), amended and restated research and license agreement with Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development, Ltd. Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd [Member] Research-use products of the Company. Research Use Products [Member] Pharmaceutical products of the Company. Pharmaceutical Products [Member] The percentage of fees for filing, prosecuting, and maintaining patent protection to be reimbursed by the Company's subsidiary. Fees for filing, prosecuting, and maintaining patent protection, percentage Portion of fees for filing, prosecuting, and maintaining patent protection to be reimbursed by subsidiary (in hundredths) Minimum royalty payment due in the second year. Minimum Royalty Due in Year Two Minimum royalty amount in 2014 Refers to balance of the cash license fee. Remaining Cash License Fee Amount Remaining cash license fee amount Refers to amended license agreement amount. Amended License Agreement Amount Amended license agreement amount Minimum royalty payment due in the three year and thereafter. Minimum Royalty Due in Year Three and Thereafter Minimum royalty amount in 2015 and thereafter Annual payment related to license maintenance fee. Annual License Maintenance Fee Annual license maintenance fee The percentage of payment to licensor to be made upon the exercise of option to license patents. Payment to licensor upon exercise of option to license patents, percentage Payment to licensor upon exercise of option to license (in hundredths) The minimum amount of annual royalty due. Annual minimum royalty due Number of licensed patents issued that trigger payments to licensor. Number of licensed patents issued that trigger payments to licensor Payments made for patent expenses during the period. Payment for patent expense Percentage of fees for sublicense. Fees for sublicense, percentage Fees for sublicense (in hundredths) 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) Number of other licensees that triggers a reduction in payments to licensor for attaining a milestone. Number of other licensees that triggers reduction in payments for attaining milestone Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for deferred license fee. Deferred License Fees Amortization Expense Next Twelve Months 2014 Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for deferred license fee. Deferred License Fees Amortization Expense Year Three 2016 Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for deferred license fee. Deferred License Fees Amortization Expense Year Four 2017 Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for deferred license fee. Deferred License Fees Amortization Expense After Year Five Thereafter 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 increase (or decrease) in royalties payable if royalties or other fees must be paid to third parties in connection with the sale of any products. Increase Decrease in Royalties Payable, Percentage, If Royaties or Other Fees Paid to Third Party Reduction in royalties payable, percentage (in hundredths) Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for deferred license fee. Deferred License Fees Amortization Expense Year Two 2015 Payments required to be made for attaining a milestone. Payments for attaining milestone Payments for attaining milestone Refers to license agreement amount. License Agreement Amount License agreement amount A license acquired from University of Utah to use for certain patents in the production and sale of certain hydro gel products pertaining to the attainment of first milestone . University of Utah license, Milestone I [Member] University of Utah License, Milestone I [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] Advanced Cell Technology Inc, with Kirin Sublicense I [Member] Cell Cure Neuroscience clinical trial for OpRegen and OpRegen-Plus. Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd (Clinical trial phase I) [Member] BioTime commercial license and option agreement with Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). WARF [Member] Fees for filing, prosecuting, and maintaining patent protection to be reimbursed. Fees For Filing Prosecuting And Maintaining Patent Protection Fees for filing prosecuting and maintaining patent protection The time period over which research will be conducted. Research period Research period The maximum amount of reduction in royalty payments. Maximum reduction in royalty payments Maximum reduction in royality payments (in hundredths) Period of notice for termination of the agreement. Period of notice for termination of the agreement Asterias License from the University of California. Asterias License from the University of California [Member] Asterias Sublicenes from Geron Asterias Sublicenes from Geron [Member] Merger with XenneX, Inc. [Abstract] The entire disclosure for business combinations, including leverage buyout transactions (as applicable), and divestitures. This may include a description of a business combination or divestiture (or series of individually immaterial business combinations or divestitures) completed during the period, including background, timing, and assets and liabilities recognized and reclassified or sold. This element does not include fixed asset sales and plant closings. Mergers and Acquisitions Disclosure [Text Block] Merger with XenneX, Inc. BioTime acquisition of XenneX, Inc. through a merger into LifeMap. Merger with XenneX, Inc. [Member] Percentage of acquirer's common shares outstanding issued to acquire entity. Subsequent Event, Percentage of Common Shares Outstanding Issued in Transaction Subsequent Event, Percentage of Common Shares Outstanding Issued in Transaction (in hundredths) Name of stock option plan originating in 2002 and 2012 plan. Stock Option 2002 Plan and 2012 Plan [Member] 2002 Plan and 2012 Plan [Member] Name of stock option plan originating in 2012. Stock Option Plan Of 2012 [Member] 2012 Plan [Member] The period when options may not be granted or exercised. Period when options may not be granted or exercised Period when options may not be granted or exercised Refers to the Asterias Equity Incentive Plan. Asterias Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Asterias Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available for Grant [Roll Forward] Options Available for Grant [Rollforward] The number of shares reduce options ungranted under 2002 Plan, available for grant.. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available for Grant Reduce Options Ungranted Under 2002 Plan Reduce options ungranted under 2002 Plan (in shares) The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available For Grant Beginning of the period (in shares) End of the period (in shares) Weighted average price of options that reduced options ungranted under 2002 plan. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Reduce options ungranted under 2002 Plan Reduce options ungranted under 2002 Plan (in dollars per share) Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available Grants In Period Gross Granted (in shares) Number of share options (or share units) which is reduce options ungranted under 2002 plan. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Options Reduce Options Ungranted Under 2002 Plan Reduce options ungranted under 2002 Plan (in shares) Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices One [Member] $0.50 [Member] Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Six [Member] 2.05 [Member] Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Five [Member] 1.00-1.75 [Member] Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Three [Member] $0.50-$8.58 [Member] Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Four [Member] 0.003-$0.75 [Member] Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Eight [Member] 0.003-$42.02 [Member] Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Available For Exercised Exercised (in shares) For presentations that combine terminations, the number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan or that expired. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available For Forfeitures And Expirations In Period Forfeited/expired (in shares) The number of shares added by plan under option activity available for grant. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available for Grant Added by 2012 Plan Added by 2012 Plan (in shares) Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Two [Member] 2.30-8.58 [Member] Refers to the range of exercise prices. Range Of Exercise Prices Seven [Member] 27.00-42.02 [Member] Weighted average price of options that were added by 2012 plan. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Added by 2012 Plan Added by 2012 Plan (in dollars per share) Refers to Cell Cure Neurosciences' option plan . Cell Cure Neurosciences' option plan [Member] Refers to BioTime Asia stock option plan. BioTime Asia stock option plan [Member] Refers to the LifeMap stock option plan. Lifemap Stock Option Plan [Member] Refers to the OncoCyte, OrthoCyte and ReCyte Therapeutics stock option plans. OncoCyte, OrthoCyte and ReCyte Therapeutics stock option plans [Member] Name of stock option plan originating in 2002. Stock Option Plan of 2002 [Member] 2002 Plan [Member] Refers to Granted under 2012 Plan. Granted under 2012 Plan [Member] Number of share options (or share units) added by 2012 plan. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Options Added by 2012 Plan Added by 2012 Plan (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Per Share Exercise Price [Abstract] Per share exercise price [Abstract] The increase in number of shares for reverse spilt and change in plan under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Under Reverse Stock Spilt and Change in Plan Reverse stock split and change in plan (in shares) Exercise price at which option holders acquired shares when converting other than stock options into shares. Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Exercises In Period Per Share Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Exercise price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on other than stock options awarded. Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Grants In Period Per Share Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) For presentations that combine terminations, the number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan or that exercised. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Exercises In Period Forfeited/Exercised (in shares) The increase in number of shares outstanding under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Under Amendment Added upon adoption of option plan (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under other than stock option plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) Outstanding Ending Balance(in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting other than stock options into shares. Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Weighted average price of options that were either forfeited or exercised. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Excercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited/Exercised (in dollars per share) Exercise price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under other than stock option plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Outstanding Per Share Exercise Price Outstanding Ending Balance (in dollars per share) Outstanding Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan under amendment. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Under Amendment Weighted Average Exercise Price Added upon adoption of option plan (in dollars per shares) The increase in number of shares reserved for stock spilt and change in plan under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available For Grant Under Reverse Spilt And Change in Plan Reverse stock split and change in plan (in shares) The increase in number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available For Grant Period Under Amendment Added upon adoption of option plan (in shares) For presentations that combine terminations, the number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan or that exercised. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available For Forfeitures And Exercises In Period Forfeited/Exercised (in shares) Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on other than stock options awarded. Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan for reverse spilt and change in plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Under Reverse Spilt and Change in Plan Weighted Average Exercise Price Reverse stock split and change in plan (in dollars per share) Exercise price at which option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event. Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Expired In Period Per Share Exercise Price Expired (in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event. Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Expired In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired (in dollars per share) The increase in number of shares reserved for stock spilt and change in plan under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Available For Grant Under Increase Option Pool Increase option pool (in shares) The increase in number of shares for reverse spilt and change in plan under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding, including vested options. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Under Increase option pool Increase option pool (in shares) Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan for reverse spilt and change in plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Under Increase option pool Increase option pool (in dollars per share) The number of subsidiaries that sold common shares to raise revenues. Number of subsidiaries that sold common shares to raise revenues The percentage of voting power disposed that entitles the holder of Series A Preferred Stock to vote as a separate class. Percentage of voting power disposed Percentage of voting power disposed (in hundredths) The conversion price of convertible preferred stock. Preferred Stock, Conversion Price Conversion price (in dollars per share) The number of semi-annual installment payments of preferred dividend. Number of semi-annual installment payments of preferred dividend SBIR Phase 1 Small Business Grant SBIR Phase 1 Small Business Grant [Member] Sale of Common Shares [Abstract] Sale of Common Shares [Abstract] Share Exchange and Contribution Agreement [Abstract] The disclosure refers to an agreement and plan entered into by LifeMap and Biotime with Alfred D Kingsley and Greenway Partners, L. P. in which shares of LifeMap were exchanged for contribution by Mr. Kingsley and Greenway. Share Exchange and Contribution Agreement [Text Block] Share Exchange and Contribution Agreement Represents an agreement where parties agreed to contribute share mentioned under agreement. Share Exchange and Contribution Agreement By Type [Axis] Represents an agreement where parties agreed to contribute shares mentioned under agreement. Share Exchange And Contribution Agreement By Type [Domain] An agreement and plan entered into by LifeMap and Biotime with Alfred D Kingsley and Greenway Partners, L. P. in which shares of LifeMap were exchanged for contribution by Mr. Kingsley and Greenway. Share Exchange and Contribution Agreement [Member] Represents an decrease in ownership interest by parent from the sale of subsidiary stock. Sale Of Subsidiary Stock By Parent Sale of subsidiary stock (in shares) The number of shares issued or sold by the subsidiary or equity method investee in exchange for capital contribution. Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Number of Shares Issued in Exchange for Capital Contribution Number of common shares received in exchange for capital contribution (in shares) Number of new stock issued during the period by subsidiary under agreement. Stock issued during period shares under agreement by subsidiary Stock issued during period shares under agreement by subsidiary (in shares) Percentage of shares of common stock issued to total outstanding shares in the business combination. Business Acquisition, Shares Issued or Issuable, Percentage of Common Stock Ownership Original ownership interest percentage in LifeMap (in hundredths) Represents the minimum amount of common shares contributed in shares exchange and contribution agreement. Minimum Value Of Common Shares Contributed Minimum value of common shares contributed Represents the maximum amount of common shares contributed under share exchange and contribution agreement. Maximum Value Of Common Shares Contributed Maximum value of common shares contributed The resulting maximum ownership percentage, as a result of the share agreement. Ending Percentage of Common Shares Outstanding, Maximum New ownership interest percentage (in hundredths) Represents the percentage of ownership in subsidiary permitted to party under agreement. Percentage Of Ownership in Subsidiary Permitted To Party Under Agreement Percentage of ownership in subsidiary permitted to party under agreement (in hundredths) Fair value of new stock issued during the period under agreement by subsidiary. Stock Issued During Period Value Under Agreement By Subsidiary Stock issued during period value under agreement by subsidiary Number of trading days considered for weighted average closing price. Number of trading days considered for weighted average closing price Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Landlord Landlord [Member] Private investors. Private Investors [Member] The market value associated with the amount received from entity's raising of capital via private rather than public placement. Market Value of Common Shares Issued Market value of common shares issued Number of common shares included in a unit. Number of Shares in a Unit Number of shares in a unit (in shares) The value associated with the amount received from entity's raising of capital via private rather than public placement. Value of Common Shares Issued Value of common shares issued Private Funding [Axis] Cash Inflows [Domain] Certain investors [Member] Number of warrants for common shares included in a unit. Number of warrants in a unit Number of warrants in a unit (in shares) Aggregate offering price of the controlled equity offering facility. Aggregate Offering Price - Controlled Equity Offering Aggregate offering price Offering price of a single equity unit. Offering price of equity units Offering price of unit (in dollars per share) Cantor Fitzgerald Controlled Equity Offering. Cantor Fitzgerald Controlled Equity Offering [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. Merger of XenneX with LifeMap Sciences, Inc. [Member] Number of shares of stock purchased during the period. Number of shares Purchased Number of shares purchased (in 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. Cell Cure Nuerosciences LTD [Member] Cell Cure Nuerosciences ,Ltd. [Member] Number of shares Issued in Exchange For Shares of The Company Number of shares Issued in Exchange For Shares of The Company Number of shares issued in exchange for shares of The Company (in shares) Private Outside Funding [Table] Private Funding [Line Items] The life of the warrants. Life of warrants Number of warrants issued during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. Warrants Issued During Period, Shares, Other Warrants issued (in shares)