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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 26, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SGMO
Entity Registrant Name	SANGAMO BIOSCIENCES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001001233
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		70,046,841

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 34,287	$ 6,030
Marketable securities	185,042	172,932
Interest receivable	399	423
Accounts receivable	7,004	10,368
Prepaid expenses	951	623
Restricted cash		320
Other current assets		183
Total current assets	227,683	190,879
Marketable securities, non-current		47,260
Property and equipment, net	3,063	1,479
Intangible assets, in-process research and development		1,870
Goodwill	1,585	1,585
Other assets	185	139
Total assets	232,516	243,212
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	8,888	8,704
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	2,779	2,853
Escrow liability		275
Deferred revenues	10,461	9,050
Total current liabilities	22,128	20,882
Deferred revenues, non-current	6,830	13,149
Contingent consideration liability		1,800
Deferred tax liability		748
Total liabilities	28,958	36,579
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized, 70,042,758 and 69,062,394 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively	700	690
Additional paid-in capital	558,044	534,518
Accumulated deficit	(355,240)	(328,550)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	54	(25)
Total stockholders' equity	203,558	206,633
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 232,516	$ 243,212

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Collaboration agreements	$ 8,406	$ 12,045	$ 28,878	$ 29,334
Research grants	163	372	1,540	1,584
Total revenues	8,569	12,417	30,418	30,918
Operating expenses:
Research and development	16,694	16,340	47,292	41,883
General and administrative	4,560	3,731	14,309	11,347
Total operating expenses	21,254	20,071	61,601	53,230
Loss from operations	(12,685)	(7,654)	(31,183)	(22,312)
Interest and other income, net	101	109	406	214
Loss before income taxes	(12,584)	(7,545)	(30,777)	(22,098)
Benefit from income taxes	3,339		4,087
Net loss	$ (9,245)	$ (7,545)	$ (26,690)	$ (22,098)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (0.13)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.38)	$ (0.33)
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	69,892	68,230	69,622	66,488

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (26,690)	$ (22,098)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	745	400
Amortization of premium on marketable securities	681	843
Stock-based compensation	8,664	6,165
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability	(1,800)	130
Intangible impairment	1,870
Benefit from income taxes	(4,087)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable	24	25
Accounts receivable	3,364	(5,319)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	129	(1,059)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(2,534)	3,619
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	(74)	(530)
Deferred revenues	(4,908)	14,861
Net cash used in operating activities	(24,616)	(2,963)
Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(168,627)	(176,385)
Maturities of marketable securities	203,175	76,605
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,327)	(559)
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities	32,221	(100,339)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs		93,796
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(48)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	6,248	10,525
Claims settlement under Section 16(b)	14,452
Net cash provided by financing activities	20,652	104,321
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	28,257	1,019
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,030	10,186
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 34,287	$ 11,205

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (“Sangamo” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The condensed consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2014 were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in Sangamo’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the SEC. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014, included in Sangamo’s Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including critical accounting policies or estimates related to revenue recognition, clinical trial accruals, fair value measurements, business combinations including the fair value of the contingent consideration liability for payments to former Ceregene, Inc. (Ceregene) stockholders and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Ceregene, and stock-based compensation. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other market specific and other relevant assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from research activities made under strategic partnering agreements and collaborations are recognized as the services are provided when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue generated from research and licensing agreements typically includes upfront signing or license fees, cost reimbursements, research services, minimum sublicense fees, milestone payments and royalties on future licensee’s product sales.

Multiple Element Arrangements prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition—Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (ASU 2009-13). For revenue arrangements entered into before January 1, 2011, that include multiple deliverables, the elements of such agreements were divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables met certain criteria, including whether the fair value of the delivered items could be determined and whether there was evidence of fair value of the undelivered items. In addition, the consideration was allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their fair values, and the applicable revenue recognition criteria are considered separately for each of the separate units of accounting. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2009-13, the Company recognized nonrefundable signing, license or non-exclusive option fees as revenue when rights to use the intellectual property related to the license were delivered and over the period of performance obligations if the Company had continuing performance obligations. The Company estimated the performance period at the inception of the arrangement and reevaluated it each reporting period. Changes to these estimates were recorded on a prospective basis.

Multiple Element Arrangements after the adoption of ASU 2009-13. ASU 2009-13 amended the accounting standards for certain multiple element revenue arrangements to:

provide updated guidance on whether multiple elements exist, how the elements in an arrangement should be separated, and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the separate elements;

require an entity to allocate arrangement consideration to each element based on a selling price hierarchy where the selling price for an element is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE), if available; third-party evidence (TPE), if available and VSOE is not available; or the best estimate of selling price (ESP), if neither VSOE nor TPE is available; and

eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method.

For revenue agreements with multiple element arrangements, such as license and development agreements, entered into on or after January 1, 2011, the Company allocates revenue to each non-contingent element based on the relative selling price of each element. When applying the relative selling price method, the Company determines the selling price for each deliverable using VSOE of selling price or TPE of selling price. If neither exists, the Company uses ESP for that deliverable. Revenue allocated is then recognized when the basic four revenue recognition criteria are met for each element. The collaboration and license agreements entered into with Shire International GmbH, formerly Shire AG (Shire), in January 2012 and Biogen Inc., formerly Biogen Idec Inc. (Biogen) in January 2014 were evaluated under these amended accounting standards.

Additionally, the Company may be entitled to receive certain milestone payments which are contingent upon reaching specified objectives. These milestone payments are recognized as revenue in full upon achievement of the milestone if there is substantive uncertainty at the date the arrangement is entered into that the objectives will be achieved and if the achievement is based on the Company’s performance.

Minimum annual sublicense fees are also recognized as revenue in the period in which such fees are due. Royalty revenues are generally recognized when earned and collectability of the related royalty payment is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes cost reimbursement revenue under collaborative agreements as the related research and development costs for services are rendered. Deferred revenue represents the portion of research or license payments received which have not been earned.

Sangamo’s research grants are typically multi-year agreements and provide for the reimbursement of qualified expenses for research and development as defined under the terms of the grant agreement. Revenue under grant agreements is recognized when the related qualified research expenses are incurred to the extent such amounts have been agreed to with the respective collaboration partner.

Recent Accounting Standards

In May 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). This standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The main principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 provides companies with two implementation methods: (i) apply the standard retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective application); or (ii) apply the standard retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings of the annual reporting period that includes the date of initial application (modified retrospective application). This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

NOTE 2—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, available-for sale-securities and the contingent consideration liability. The fair value of these assets and contingent liability was determined based on a three-tier hierarchy under the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

The fair value measurements of the Company’s cash equivalents, available-for-sale marketable securities and contingent consideration liability are identified at the following levels within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

	September 30, 2015
	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	12,747	$	12,747	$	—	$	—
Total		12,747		12,747		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper securities		15,399		—		15,399		—
Corporate debt securities		29,217		—		29,217		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		140,426		—		140,426		—
Total		185,042		—		185,042		—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	197,789	$	12,747	$	185,042	$	—

	December 31, 2014
	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	3,182	$	3,182	$	—	$	—
Total		3,182		3,182		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper securities		33,748		—		33,748		—
Corporate debt securities		22,813		—		22,813		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		163,631		—		163,631		—
Total		220,192		—		220,192		—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	223,374	$	3,182	$	220,192	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration liability	$	1,800	$	—	$	—	$	1,800
Total	$	1,800	$	—	$	—	$	1,800

Investments

The Company generally classifies its marketable securities as Level 2. Instruments can be classified as Level 2 when observable market prices for identical securities that are traded in less active markets are used. When observable market prices for identical securities are not available, such instruments are priced using benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, matrix pricing and valuation models. These valuation models are proprietary to the pricing providers or brokers and incorporate a number of inputs, including, listed in approximate order of priority: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the standard inputs may not be applicable. Evaluators may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the evaluation process for each security evaluation on any given day.

Contingent Consideration Liability

In October 2013, the Company acquired Ceregene and recorded a liability for the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payments to former Ceregene stockholders, as outlined under the terms of the merger agreement with Ceregene. These contingent payments are owed if the Company grants a third-party license to develop and commercialize certain product candidates acquired from Ceregene, or if the Company commercializes any of such product candidates itself. The fair value of this liability is estimated using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. Such valuations require significant estimates and assumptions including but not limited to: determining the timing and estimated costs to complete the in-process projects, projecting regulatory approvals, estimating future cash flows and developing appropriate discount rates. The Company has classified this liability as Level 3.

Subsequent changes in the fair value of this contingent consideration liability are recorded to the research and development (R&D) expense line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as operating expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the recognized amount of the liability for contingent consideration decreased by $1.8 million due to the decrease in the probability of incurring potential future royalty payments associated with the impairment of the in-process research and development (IPR&D) assets acquired from Ceregene (see Note 6).

Fair value as of December 31, 2014	$	1,800
Change in fair value		(1,800	)
Fair value as of September 30, 2015	$	—

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Marketable Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

NOTE 3—MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Sangamo generally classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale and records its investments at fair value. Available-for-sale securities are carried at estimated fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments that have maturities beyond one year as of the end of the reporting period are classified as non-current. The Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review, and the Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market value.

The table below summarizes the Company’s investments (in thousands):

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
	Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value
September 30, 2015
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	12,747	$	—	$	—		$	12,747
Total		12,747		—		—			12,747
Available-for-sale securities:
Commercial paper securities	$	15,371	$	28	$	—		$	15,399
Corporate debt securities		29,215		2		—			29,217
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		140,402		24		—			140,426
Total		184,988		54		—			185,042
Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities	$	197,735	$	54	$	—		$	197,789
December 31, 2014
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	3,182	$	—	$	—		$	3,182
Total		3,182		—		—			3,182
Available-for-sale securities:
Commercial paper securities	$	33,715	$	33	$	—		$	33,748
Corporate debt securities		22,831		—		(18	)		22,813
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		163,671		—		(40	)		163,631
Total		220,217		33		(58	)		220,192
Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities	$	223,399	$	33	$	(58	)	$	223,374

The Company had no other-than-temporary impairments of its investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References + Details

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

NOTE 5—MAJOR CUSTOMERS, PARTNERSHIPS AND STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

Collaboration Agreements

Collaboration and License Agreement with Biogen Inc. in Human Therapeutics

In January 2014 the Company entered into a Global Research, Development and Commercialization Collaboration and License Agreement (the “Biogen Agreement”) with Biogen, pursuant to which Sangamo and Biogen collaborate to discover, develop, seek regulatory approval for and commercialize therapeutics based on Sangamo’s zinc finger DNA-binding protein (ZFP) technology for hemoglobinopathies, including beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD).

Under the Biogen Agreement, Sangamo and Biogen jointly conduct two research programs: the beta-thalassemia program and the SCD program. For the beta-thalassemia program, Sangamo is responsible for all discovery, research and development activities through the first human clinical trial for the first ZFP Therapeutic developed under the Biogen Agreement for the treatment of beta-thalassemia. For the SCD program, both parties are responsible for research and development activities through the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ZFP Therapeutics intended to treat SCD. For both programs, Biogen is responsible for subsequent world-wide clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of licensed products developed under the Biogen Agreement. At the end of specified research terms for each program or under certain specified circumstances, Biogen retains the right to step in and take over any remaining activities of Sangamo. Furthermore, Sangamo has an option to co-promote in the United States any licensed product to treat beta-thalassemia and SCD developed under the Biogen Agreement, and Biogen agrees to compensate Sangamo for such co-promotion activities.

Sangamo received an upfront license fee of $20.0 million upon entering into the Biogen Agreement. In addition, the Company will also be eligible to receive $126.3 million in payments upon the achievement of specified research, regulatory, clinical development milestones, as well as $167.5 million in payments upon the achievement of specified commercialization and sales milestones. Biogen reimburses Sangamo for agreed upon costs incurred in connection with research and development activities conducted by Sangamo. In addition, Sangamo is eligible to receive contingent payments upon the achievement of specified regulatory, clinical development, commercialization and sales milestones. The total amount of potential regulatory, clinical development, commercialization and sales contingent payments, assuming the achievement of all specified milestone events in the Biogen Agreement, is $293.8 million, including Phase 1 contingent payments of $7.5 million for each of the beta-thalassemia and SCD programs. In addition, if products are commercialized under the Biogen Agreement, Biogen will pay Sangamo incremental royalties for each licensed product that are a tiered double-digit percentage of annual net sales of such product. To date, no milestone payments have been received and no products have been approved and therefore no royalty fees have been earned under the Biogen Agreement.

All contingent payments under the Biogen Agreement, when earned, will be non-refundable and non-creditable. The Company has evaluated the contingent payments under the Biogen Agreement based on the authoritative guidance for research and development milestones and determined that certain of these payments meet the definition of a milestone and that all such milestones are evaluated to determine if they are considered substantive milestones. Milestones are considered substantive if they are related to events (i) that can be achieved based in whole or in part on either the Company’s performance or on the occurrence of a specific outcome resulting from the Company’s performance, (ii) for which there was substantive uncertainty at the date the agreement was entered into that the event would be achieved and (iii) that would result in additional payments being due to the Company. Accordingly, consideration received for the achievement of milestones that are determined to be substantive will be recognized as revenue in their entirety in the period when the milestones are achieved and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue for the achievement of milestones that are not substantive will be recognized over the remaining period of the Biogen Agreement, assuming all other applicable revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Subject to the terms of the Biogen Agreement, Sangamo grants Biogen an exclusive, royalty-bearing license, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use certain ZFP and other technology controlled by Sangamo for the purpose of researching, developing, manufacturing and commercializing licensed products developed under the Biogen Agreement. Sangamo also grants Biogen a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty free, fully paid license, with the right to grant sublicenses, of Sangamo’s interest in certain other intellectual property developed pursuant to the Biogen Agreement.

The Company has identified the deliverables within the arrangement as a license to the technology and on-going research services activities. The Company has concluded that the license is not a separate unit of accounting as it does not have stand-alone value to Biogen apart from the research services to be performed pursuant to the Biogen Agreement. As a result, the Company will recognize revenue from the upfront payment on a straight-line basis over a forty-month estimated initial research term during which the Company will perform research services. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has deferred revenue of $10.2 million related to the Biogen Agreement.

Revenues recognized under the agreement with Biogen for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenue related to Biogen Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	1,556	$	1,557	$	4,619	$	3,756
Research services		2,594		3,508		5,827		5,270
Total	$	4,150	$	5,065	$	10,446	$	9,026

Related costs and expenses incurred under the Biogen agreement related to the beta-thalassemia project, which was co-funded with California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), were $2.3 million and $2.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and, 2014, respectively and $4.7 million and $4.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and, 2014, respectively. Related costs and expenses for other projects including sickle cell disease under the Biogen agreement were $0.7 million and $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and, 2014, respectively and $2.7 million and $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Collaboration and License Agreement with Shire International GmbH in Human Therapeutics and Diagnostics

In January 2012 the Company entered into a collaboration and license agreement (the “Shire Agreement”) with Shire, pursuant to which the Company and Shire collaborate to research, develop and commercialize human therapeutics and diagnostics for monogenic diseases based on Sangamo’s novel ZFP technology. This agreement was amended on September 1, 2015.

Under the original Shire Agreement, the Company and Shire agreed to develop potential human therapeutic or diagnostic products for seven gene targets. The initial four gene targets selected were blood clotting Factors VII, VIII, IX and X, and products developed for such initial gene targets will be used for treating or diagnosing hemophilia A and B. In June 2012, Shire selected a fifth gene target for the development of a ZFP Therapeutic for Huntington’s disease. Shire had the right, subject to certain limitations, to designate two additional gene targets. Pursuant to the Shire Agreement, the Company granted Shire an exclusive, world-wide, royalty-bearing license, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use Sangamo’s ZFP technology for the purpose of developing and commercializing human therapeutic and diagnostic products for the gene targets.

Under the terms of the Shire Agreement, the Company was responsible for all research activities through the submission of an IND or European Clinical Trial Application (CTA), while Shire was responsible for clinical development and commercialization of products generated from the research program from and after the acceptance of an IND or CTA for the product. Shire reimbursed Sangamo for agreed upon internal and external program-related research costs. The Company received an upfront license fee of $13.0 million upon entering into the Shire Agreement in 2012. In 2014 Sangamo recognized a $1.0 million milestone payment related to the hemophilia program.

On September 1, 2015, the Shire Agreement was amended such that Shire agreed to return to Sangamo the exclusive, world-wide rights to gene targets for the development and commercialization of ZFP Therapeutics for hemophilia A and B. Shire retains the rights and will continue to develop a ZFP Therapeutic for Huntington’s disease and a ZFP Therapeutic for one additional gene target yet to be named. Sangamo will provide certain target feasibility services, and upon Shire’s request, certain research activities according to a research plan as agreed upon by both companies. Such research activities performed by Sangamo will be reimbursed by Shire. Shire’s rights with respect to other targets contemplated in the original agreement revert to Sangamo. Under the revised agreement, each company is responsible for expenses associated with its own programs and will reimburse the other for any ongoing services provided. Shire is responsible for reimbursement of $4.0 million related to obligations prior to the amendment date which will be recognized in revenue as expenses are incurred. During the 3 months ended September 30, 2015, $2.3 million was incurred and recognized related to prior obligations. Sangamo has granted Shire a right of first negotiation to license the hemophilia A and B programs. Under the amended agreement, Shire does not have any milestone payment obligations to us with respect to the retained programs, but it is required to pay single digit percentage royalties to us, up to a specified maximum cap, on the commercial sales of ZFP therapeutic products from such programs. Under the Agreement, Sangamo has full control over, and full responsibility for the costs of, the hemophilia programs returned to us, subject to certain diligence obligations and Shire’s right of first negotiation to obtain a license to such programs under certain circumstances. The Company is required to pay single digit percentage royalties to Shire, up to a specified maximum cap, on commercial sales of ZFP therapeutic products from such returned programs.

The Company has identified the deliverables within the amended arrangement as a license to the technology and on-going research services activities. The Company has concluded that the license is not a separate unit of accounting as it does not have stand-alone value to Shire apart from the research services to be performed pursuant to the Shire amendment. Sangamo continues to be responsible for research activities related to our licensed technology with Shire under the amendment. As a result, the Company will continue to recognize revenue from the upfront payment received upon entering into the original Shire agreement in 2012 on a straight-line basis over the six-year initial research term during which the Company expects to perform research services. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has deferred revenue of $7.1 million related to the Shire Agreement.

Revenues recognized under the agreement with Shire for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, were as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenue related to Shire Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	542	$	542	$	1,625	$	1,625
Recognition of milestone		—		1,000		—		1,000
Research services		3,313		5,002		11,729		15,912
Total	$	3,855	$	6,544	$	13,354	$	18,537

Related costs and expenses incurred under the Shire agreement were $3.2 million and $5.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $11.9 million and $15.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Agreement with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation in Laboratory Research Reagents, Transgenic Animal and Commercial Protein Production Cell-line Engineering

In July 2007 the Company entered into a license agreement (the “Sigma Agreement”) with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Sigma). Under the Sigma Agreement, Sangamo agreed to provide Sigma with access to Sangamo’s proprietary ZFP technology and the exclusive right to use the technology to develop and commercialize research reagent products and services in the research field, excluding certain agricultural research uses that Sangamo previously licensed to Dow AgroSciences LLC (DAS). Under the Sigma Agreement, Sangamo and Sigma agreed to conduct a three-year research program to develop laboratory research reagents using Sangamo’s ZFP technology during which time Sangamo agreed to assist Sigma in connection with its efforts to market and sell services employing the Company’s ZFP technology in the research field. Sangamo has transferred its ZFP manufacturing technology to Sigma.

In October 2009 the Company expanded the Sigma Agreement. In addition to the original terms of the Sigma Agreement, Sigma received exclusive rights to develop and distribute ZFP-modified cell lines for commercial production of protein pharmaceuticals and certain ZFP-engineered transgenic animals for commercial applications. Under the terms of the Sigma Agreement as expanded in 2009, Sigma made an upfront cash payment of $20.0 million consisting of a $4.9 million purchase of 636,133 shares of Sangamo common stock and a $15.1 million upfront license fee. The upfront license fee was recognized on a straight-line basis from the effective date of the expanded license through July 2010, which represents the period over which Sangamo was obligated to perform research services for Sigma. Sangamo is also eligible to receive commercial license fees of $5.0 million based upon a percentage of net sales. As of September 30, 2015 Sangamo has received the entire $5.0 million of commercial license fees and is eligible to receive royalty payments of 5.25% of net sales and sublicensing revenue. In addition, upon the achievement of certain cumulative commercial milestones Sigma will make milestone payments to Sangamo up to an aggregate of $25.0 million.

Revenues recognized under the agreement with Sigma for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, were as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenue related to Sigma Collaboration:
Royalty revenues	$	97	$	67	$	390	$	270
License fee revenues		172		269		4,449		447
Total	$	269	$	336	$	4,839	$	717

Related costs and expenses incurred under the Sigma agreement were both $0.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Related costs and expenses incurred under the Sigma agreement were $0.3 million and $0.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Agreement with Dow AgroSciences in Plant Agriculture

In October 2005 the Company entered into an exclusive commercial license agreement with DAS (the “DAS Agreement”). Under the DAS Agreement, Sangamo provides DAS with access to Sangamo’s proprietary ZFP technology and the exclusive right to use the technology to modify the genomes or alter the nucleic acid or protein expression of plant cells, plants, or plant cell cultures. Sangamo has retained rights to use plants or plant-derived products to deliver ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TFs) or ZFP nucleases (ZFNs) into humans or animals for diagnostic, therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. The DAS Agreement provided for an initial three-year research term. In June 2008, DAS exercised its option under the agreement to obtain a commercial license to sell products incorporating or derived from plant cells generated using the Company’s ZFP technology, including agricultural crops, industrial products and plant-derived biopharmaceuticals. The exercise of the option triggered a one-time commercial license fee of $6.0 million, payment of the remaining $2.3 million of the previously agreed $4.0 million in research milestones, development and commercialization milestone payments for each product, and royalties on sales of products. Furthermore, DAS has the right to sublicense Sangamo’s ZFP technology to third parties for use in plant cells, plants or plant cell cultures. Sangamo will be entitled to 25% of any cash consideration received by DAS under such sublicenses. In December 2010, the Company amended the DAS Agreement to extend the period of reagent manufacturing services and research services through December 31, 2012.

The DAS Agreement also provides for minimum license fees each year due to Sangamo every October, provided the Agreement is not terminated by DAS. Annual fees range from $250,000 to $3.0 million and total $25.3 million over 11 years. The Company does not have any ongoing performance obligations under the agreement with DAS. DAS has the right to terminate the agreement at any time; accordingly, the Company’s actual license fees over the term of the DAS Agreement could be lower than $25.3 million. In addition, each party may terminate the DAS Agreement upon an uncured material breach by the other party. In the event of any termination of the DAS Agreement, all rights to use the Company’s ZFP technology will revert to Sangamo, and DAS will no longer be permitted access to Sangamo’s ZFP technology or to develop or, except in limited circumstances, commercialize any products derived from the Company’s ZFP technology.

There were no revenues or related costs and expenses recognized under the DAS Agreement during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Funding from Research Foundations

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine - HIV

In May 2014 CIRM agreed to fund a $5.6 million Strategic Partnership Award to fund the clinical studies of this potentially curative ZFP Therapeutic for HIV/AIDS based on the application of its ZFN genome editing technology in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). The four year grant provides matching funds to support evaluation of the Company’s stem cell-based ZFP Therapeutic in a clinical trial in HIV-infected individuals conducted at City of Hope.

There were no revenues attributable to research and development performed under the Strategic Partnership Award during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Related costs and expenses incurred under the CIRM Strategic Partnership Award were $0.6 million and $0.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $1.3 million and $0.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine - Beta-Thalassemia

In May 2013 CIRM granted Sangamo a $6.4 million Strategic Partnership Award to develop a potentially curative ZFP Therapeutic for beta-thalassemia based on the application of its ZFN gene editing technology in HSCs. The four-year grant was intended to provide matching funds for preclinical work to support an IND application and a Phase 1 clinical trial in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients using the BCL11A knockout strategy. In May 2015 Sangamo announced a consolidated development path for its beta-thalassemia and SCD programs using the “BCL11A Enhancer” target. Due to the switch to the BCL11A Enhancer strategy, CIRM and Sangamo terminated the Strategic Partnership Award as of June 30, 2015. Sangamo returned $3.0 million in unused funds received from CIRM under the award during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Revenue attributable to research and development performed under the CIRM grant agreement for beta-thalassemia was $0.0 million and $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $1.2 million and $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Related costs and expenses incurred under the CIRM grant agreement were $0.0 million and $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $1.2 million and $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Use of Estimates

Revenue Recognition

Multiple Element Arrangements after the adoption of ASU 2009-13. ASU 2009-13 amended the accounting standards for certain multiple element revenue arrangements to:

eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method.

Recent Accounting Standards

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Value Measurements of Cash Equivalents, Available-for-Sale Securities and Contingent Consideration Liability

	September 30, 2015
	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	12,747	$	12,747	$	—	$	—
Total		12,747		12,747		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper securities		15,399		—		15,399		—
Corporate debt securities		29,217		—		29,217		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		140,426		—		140,426		—
Total		185,042		—		185,042		—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	197,789	$	12,747	$	185,042	$	—

	December 31, 2014
	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	3,182	$	3,182	$	—	$	—
Total		3,182		3,182		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper securities		33,748		—		33,748		—
Corporate debt securities		22,813		—		22,813		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		163,631		—		163,631		—
Total		220,192		—		220,192		—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	223,374	$	3,182	$	220,192	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration liability	$	1,800	$	—	$	—	$	1,800
Total	$	1,800	$	—	$	—	$	1,800

Schedule of Changes in Estimated Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Liability

Fair value as of December 31, 2014	$	1,800
Change in fair value		(1,800	)
Fair value as of September 30, 2015	$	—

Marketable Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Investments

The table below summarizes the Company’s investments (in thousands):

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
	Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value
September 30, 2015
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	12,747	$	—	$	—		$	12,747
Total		12,747		—		—			12,747
Available-for-sale securities:
Commercial paper securities	$	15,371	$	28	$	—		$	15,399
Corporate debt securities		29,215		2		—			29,217
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		140,402		24		—			140,426
Total		184,988		54		—			185,042
Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities	$	197,735	$	54	$	—		$	197,789
December 31, 2014
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	3,182	$	—	$	—		$	3,182
Total		3,182		—		—			3,182
Available-for-sale securities:
Commercial paper securities	$	33,715	$	33	$	—		$	33,748
Corporate debt securities		22,831		—		(18	)		22,813
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		163,671		—		(40	)		163,631
Total		220,217		33		(58	)		220,192
Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities	$	223,399	$	33	$	(58	)	$	223,374

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References + Details

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Biogen Inc [Member]

Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]

Revenues Recognized under Agreement

Revenues recognized under the agreement with Biogen for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenue related to Biogen Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	1,556	$	1,557	$	4,619	$	3,756
Research services		2,594		3,508		5,827		5,270
Total	$	4,150	$	5,065	$	10,446	$	9,026

Shire AG [Member]

Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]

Revenues Recognized under Agreement

Revenues recognized under the agreement with Shire for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, were as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenue related to Shire Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	542	$	542	$	1,625	$	1,625
Recognition of milestone		—		1,000		—		1,000
Research services		3,313		5,002		11,729		15,912
Total	$	3,855	$	6,544	$	13,354	$	18,537

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation [Member]

Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]

Revenues Recognized under Agreement

Revenues recognized under the agreement with Sigma for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, were as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenue related to Sigma Collaboration:
Royalty revenues	$	97	$	67	$	390	$	270
License fee revenues		172		269		4,449		447
Total	$	269	$	336	$	4,839	$	717

Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Fair Value Measurements of Cash Equivalents, Available-for-Sale Securities and Contingent Consideration Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	$ 12,747	$ 3,182
Total marketable securities	185,042	220,192
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	197,789	223,374
Total contingent consideration liabilities		1,800
Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Commercial paper securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	15,399	33,748
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	12,747	3,182
Level 1 [Member] \| Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	185,042	220,192
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	185,042	220,192
Level 2 [Member] \| Commercial paper securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	15,399	33,748
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total contingent consideration liabilities		1,800
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	29,217	22,813
Corporate debt securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	29,217	22,813
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	140,426	163,631
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	$ 140,426	163,631
Contingent consideration liability [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total contingent consideration liabilities		1,800
Contingent consideration liability [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total contingent consideration liabilities		$ 1,800

Marketable Securities - Schedule of Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 34,287	$ 6,030	$ 11,205	$ 10,186
Total cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Amortized Cost	197,735	223,399
Gross Unrealized Gains	54	33
Gross Unrealized (Losses)		(58)
Estimated Fair Value	197,789	223,374
Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	184,988	220,217
Gross Unrealized Gains	54	33
Gross Unrealized (Losses)		(58)
Estimated Fair Value	185,042	220,192
Money market funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Total cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Cash equivalents [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Total cash equivalents	12,747	3,182
Commercial paper securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	15,371	33,715
Gross Unrealized Gains	28	33
Estimated Fair Value	15,399	33,748
Corporate debt securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	29,215	22,831
Gross Unrealized Gains	2
Gross Unrealized (Losses)		(18)
Estimated Fair Value	29,217	22,813
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	140,402	163,671
Gross Unrealized Gains	24
Gross Unrealized (Losses)		(40)
Estimated Fair Value	$ 140,426	$ 163,631

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($) Program	Jun. 30, 2012 Targets	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($) Targets	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Product Targets	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2015 USD ($)
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Number of research programs \| Program	2
Research and development				$ 16,694	$ 16,340	$ 47,292	$ 41,883
Biogen Inc [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenues under agreement	$ 20,000
Potential amount eligible to receive for certain milestones	126,300
Potential amount to be funded for achievement of specified commercialized and sales milestones	167,500
Milestone revenue receivable	293,800
Milestone payments received						$ 0
Number of products approved \| Product						0
Royalty revenues						$ 0
Research program to develop laboratory research reagents						40 months
Deferred revenue				10,200		$ 10,200
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Sickle cell disease [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Milestone revenue receivable	7,500
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Beta-thalassemia Project [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Milestone revenue receivable	$ 7,500
Research and development				2,300	2,000	4,700	4,500
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Other Projects [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development				700	500	$ 2,700	800
Shire AG [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenues under agreement			$ 13,000
Research program to develop laboratory research reagents						6 years
Deferred revenue				7,100		$ 7,100
Research and development				3,200	5,100	$ 11,900	15,500
Aggregate number of gene targets \| Targets			7
Number of initial gene targets \| Targets			4
Number of gene targets \| Targets		5
Number of additional gene targets \| Targets		2				1
Recognition of milestone					$ 1,000		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Amount of obligation related to reimbursement									$ 4,000
Revenue recognized related to prior obligations				$ 2,300

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - Agreement with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2009	Jul. 31, 2007	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development			$ 16,694	$ 16,340	$ 47,292	$ 41,883
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research program to develop laboratory research reagents		3 years
Upfront license fee	$ 20,000
Public offering, common stock shares issued	636,133
Amount received on commercial license fees					$ 5,000
Reduced royalty rate					5.25%
Funding available under the amended agreement			25,000		$ 25,000
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation [Member] \| Upfront license fee [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Upfront license fee	$ 15,100
Common stock issued under license agreement	4,900
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation [Member] \| License agreement terms [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Royalty revenues expected to be received	$ 5,000
Research and development			$ 0	$ 0	$ 300	$ 100

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share	9 Months Ended
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share	NOTE 4—BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE Basic net loss per share has been computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and potential dilutive securities outstanding during the period. Because Sangamo is in a net loss position, diluted net loss per share excludes the effects of common stock equivalents consisting of stock options and unvested restricted stock units, which are anti-dilutive. The total number of shares subject to stock options outstanding excluded from consideration in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 7,868,033 and 8,263,998, respectively.

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	NOTE 7—INCOME TAXES The Company maintains deferred tax assets that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. These deferred tax assets include net operating loss carryforwards, research credits and capitalized research and development costs. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain based on Sangamo’s history of losses. Accordingly, the Company’s net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance. Utilization of operating losses and credits may be subject to substantial annual limitation due to ownership change provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company received a $14.5 million disgorgement settlement that was recognized as additional paid-in capital. The disgorgement settlement was recognized net of taxes of $5.8 million, which under the intraperiod tax allocation rules resulted in an income tax benefit of $3.4 being recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Claims Settlement	9 Months Ended
Claims Settlement	Sep. 30, 2015
Claims Settlement Disclosure [Abstract]
Claims Settlement	NOTE 9—CLAIMS SETTLEMENT In September 2015, the Company received $14.5 million as a settlement with certain investors who were beneficial owners of our common stock related to the disgorgement of short-swing profits pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The settlement of $8.7 million, net of a $5.8 million income tax benefit and certain expenses, was recognized as additional paid-in capital.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock options outstanding excluded in calculation of diluted net loss per share	7,868,033	8,263,998	7,868,033	8,263,998

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - California Institute for Regenerative Medicine - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research grants			$ 163	$ 372	$ 1,540	$ 1,584
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Funds due under the agreement	$ 5,600
Agreement to receive	4 years
Research grants			0	0	0	0
Collaboration agreement related costs and expenses			600	0	1,300	0
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine [Member] \| Beta-thalassemia [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Funds due under the agreement		$ 6,400
Agreement to receive		4 years
Research grants			0	400	1,200	1,100
Collaboration agreement related costs and expenses			0	$ 400	$ 1,200	$ 1,100
Unused funds received			$ 3,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	160,000,000	160,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	70,042,758	69,062,394
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,042,758	69,062,394

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - Agreement with Dow AgroSciences in Plant Agriculture - Additional Information (Detail) - Dow Agro Sciences [Member] - License agreement terms [Member] - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2005	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research program to develop laboratory research reagents	3 years
One-time license fee earned on exercise of option	$ 6,000,000
Royalty revenues	$ 2,300,000
Percentage of royalties to be received from sublicensing	25.00%
Previously agreed research, development and commercialization milestone payments, and royalties on sales of products	$ 4,000,000
Fee due	$ 25,300,000
Minimum license annual fees specific reckoning period	11 years
Collaboration agreement related costs and expenses		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Revenue attributable to research and development		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Annual fees	$ 250,000
Maximum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Annual fees	$ 3,000,000

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Candidate
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charge \| $	$ 1,870
Ceregene, Inc. [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of clinical product candidates \| Candidate	2

Intangible Assets - Carrying Value of Intangibles Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total identifiable intangible assets	$ 1,870
CERE-110 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease ("IPR&D") [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total identifiable intangible assets	1,640
CERE-120 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease ("IPR&D") [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total identifiable intangible assets	$ 230

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Claim settlement received		$ 14,452
Benefit from income taxes	$ 3,339	4,087
Income tax benefit, claims settlement	$ 3,400	3,400
Disgorgement settlement [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes		$ 5,800

Claims Settlement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Claims Settlement [Line Items]
Claim settlement received		$ 14,452
Settlement recognized as additional paid-in capital, net of tax		8,700
Benefit from income taxes	$ 3,339	4,087
Disgorgement settlement [Member]
Claims Settlement [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes		$ 5,800