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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SGMO
Entity Registrant Name	SANGAMO BIOSCIENCES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001001233
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		70,368,994
Entity Public Float			$ 754,796,213

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 69,482	$ 6,030
Marketable securities	139,518	172,932
Interest receivable	307	423
Accounts receivable	2,521	10,368
Prepaid expenses	754	623
Restricted cash		320
Other current assets		183
Total current assets	212,582	190,879
Marketable securities, non-current		47,260
Property and equipment, net	2,916	1,479
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	1,585	3,455
Other assets	152	139
Total assets	217,235	243,212
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	8,229	8,704
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	2,748	2,853
Escrow liability		275
Deferred revenues	9,120	9,050
Total current liabilities	20,097	20,882
Deferred revenues, non-current	4,699	13,149
Contingent consideration liability		1,800
Deferred tax liability		748
Total liabilities	24,796	36,579
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized, 70,354,608 and 69,062,394 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively	703	690
Additional paid-in capital	560,989	534,518
Accumulated deficit	(369,253)	(328,550)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(25)
Total stockholders' equity	192,439	206,633
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 217,235	$ 243,212

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 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	70,354,608	69,062,394
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,354,608	69,062,394

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Collaboration agreements	$ 37,844	$ 43,880	$ 21,678
Research grants	1,695	1,990	2,455
Total revenues	39,539	45,870	24,133
Operating expenses:
Research and development	67,198	56,974	37,039
General and administrative	19,197	15,677	13,800
Total operating expenses	86,395	72,651	50,839
Loss from operations	(46,856)	(26,781)	(26,706)
Other income, net	431	364	82
Loss before taxes	(46,425)	(26,417)	(26,624)
Benefit from income taxes	5,722
Net loss	$ (40,703)	$ (26,417)	$ (26,624)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (0.58)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.48)
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	69,757	67,022	55,974

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (14,013)	$ (9,245)	$ (12,126)	$ (5,319)	$ (4,319)	$ (7,545)	$ (6,981)	$ (7,572)	$ (40,703)	$ (26,417)	$ (26,624)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax									25	(37)	(14)
Comprehensive loss									$ (40,678)	$ (26,454)	$ (26,638)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) [Member]
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 64,896	$ 531	$ 339,848	$ (275,509)	$ 26
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		53,058,525
Issuance of common stock in connection with underwritten public offering, net of issuance costs	69,492	$ 70	69,422
Issuance of common stock in connection with underwritten public offering, net of issuance costs, shares		7,015,000
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with restricted stock units	6,118	$ 19	6,099
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with restricted stock units, shares		1,889,818
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	$ 496	$ 1	495
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan, shares	180,551	180,551
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of Ceregene, Inc.	$ 1,200	$ 1	1,199
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of Ceregene, Inc., shares		99,998
Stock-based compensation	6,146		6,146
Comprehensive loss:
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	(14)				(14)
Net loss	(26,624)			(26,624)
Comprehensive loss	(26,638)
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	121,710	$ 622	423,209	(302,133)	12
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		62,243,892
Issuance of common stock in connection with underwritten public offering, net of issuance costs	93,796	$ 44	93,752
Issuance of common stock in connection with underwritten public offering, net of issuance costs, shares		4,444,444
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with restricted stock units	7,533	$ 23	7,510
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with restricted stock units, shares		2,266,855
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	$ 848	$ 1	847
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan, shares	107,203	107,203
Stock-based compensation	$ 9,200		9,200
Comprehensive loss:
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	(37)				(37)
Net loss	(26,417)			(26,417)
Comprehensive loss	(26,454)
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 206,633	$ 690	534,518	(328,550)	(25)
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	69,062,394	69,062,394
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with restricted stock units	$ 4,348	$ 12	4,336
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and in connection with restricted stock units, shares		1,164,033
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	$ 911	$ 1	910
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan, shares	128,181	128,181
Stock-based compensation	$ 11,730		11,730
Claims settlement under Section 16(b), net of tax benefit	9,495		9,495
Comprehensive loss:
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax	25				$ 25
Net loss	(40,703)			(40,703)
Comprehensive loss	(40,678)
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 192,439	$ 703	$ 560,989	$ (369,253)
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	70,354,608	70,354,608

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (40,703)	$ (26,417)	$ (26,624)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	988	549	569
Amortization of premium on marketable securities	827	1,098	912
Stock-based compensation	11,730	9,200	6,146
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability	(1,800)	230	60
Intangible impairment	1,870
Benefit from income taxes	(5,722)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable	116	(85)	(148)
Accounts receivable	7,847	(7,213)	1,008
Prepaid expenses and other assets	376	(258)	(480)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(764)	4,324	544
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	(105)	(341)	721
Deferred revenues	(8,380)	13,238	(2,190)
Net cash used in operating activities	(33,720)	(5,675)	(19,482)
Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(257,988)	(227,802)	(118,894)
Maturities of marketable securities	337,861	127,765	51,129
Acquisition of Ceregene, Inc., net of cash received			79
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,411)	(621)	(432)
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities	77,462	(100,658)	(68,118)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs		93,796	69,492
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(1,546)	(4,556)	(2,015)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	6,804	12,937	8,630
Claims settlement under Section 16(b)	14,452
Net cash provided by financing activities	19,710	102,177	76,107
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	63,452	(4,156)	(11,493)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,030	10,186	21,679
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 69,482	$ 6,030	10,186
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
Fair value of shares of common stock issued pursuant to the acquisition of Ceregene Inc.			$ 1,200

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Overview

Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (the Company or Sangamo) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 22, 1995 and is focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel therapeutic strategies for unmet medical needs. Sangamo’s genome editing and gene regulation technology platform is enabled by the engineering of a class of transcription factors known as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs). Potential applications of Sangamo’s technology include development of human therapeutics, plant agriculture and enhancement of pharmaceutical protein production. Sangamo will require additional financial resources to complete the development and commercialization of its products including ZFP Therapeutics.

Sangamo is currently working on a number of long-term development projects that will involve experimental technology. The projects may require several years and substantial expenditures to complete and ultimately may be unsuccessful. The Company plans to finance operations with available cash resources, collaborations and strategic partnerships funds, research grants and from the issuance of equity or debt securities. Sangamo believes that its available cash, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2015, along with expected revenues from collaborations, strategic partnerships and research grants, will be adequate to fund its operations at least through 2017. Sangamo will need to raise substantial additional capital to fund subsequent operations and complete the development and commercialization of its products. Additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. If adequate funds are not available, or if the terms of potential funding sources are unfavorable, the Company’s business and ability to develop its technology and ZFP Therapeutic products would be harmed. Furthermore, any sales of additional equity securities may result in dilutions to the Company’s stockholders, and any debt financing may include covenants that restrict the Company’s business.

Basis of Presentation

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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sangamo and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ceregene and Gendaq Limited, after elimination of all intercompany balances and transactions.

Business Combinations

The Company accounted for the acquisition of Ceregene in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 805, Business Combinations (ASC Topic 805). ASC Topic 805 establishes principles and requirements for recognizing and measuring the total consideration transferred to and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interests in the acquired target in a business combination. ASC Topic 805 also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring goodwill acquired in a business combination; requires purchased in-process research and development to be capitalized at fair value as intangible assets at the time of acquisition; requires acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs to be recognized separately from the business combination; expands the definition of what constitutes a business; and requires the acquirer to disclose information that users may need to evaluate and understand the financial effect of the business combination.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Sangamo considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less at the purchase date to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits in money market investment accounts, government sponsored entity debt securities, US Treasury debt securities and corporate bank accounts.

As part of the acquisition of Ceregene, Sangamo was required to set aside $0.3 million in an escrow account until April 1, 2015 at which time it was released.

Marketable Securities

Sangamo classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale and records its investments at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or observable market inputs of almost identical assets, with the unrealized holding gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. 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. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in other income, which is determined using the specific identification method.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts for financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Marketable securities and contingent consideration liabilities are stated at their estimated fair values. The counterparties to the agreements relating to the Company’s investment securities consist of the US Treasury, governmental agencies, various major corporations and financial institutions with high credit standing.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets (generally three to five years). For leasehold improvements, amortization is calculated using the straight-line method based on the shorter of the useful life or the lease term. The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

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 agreement 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. (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 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 but 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.

During 2015 revenue related to Shire and Biogen represent 40% and 35%, respectively of total revenues. During 2014 revenues related to Shire and Biogen represented 57% and 28%, respectively of total revenues. During 2013, revenues related to Shire, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Sigma) and Dow AgroSciences LLC (DAS) represented 68%, 9% and 12%, respectively of total revenues. Receivables from collaborations are typically unsecured and are concentrated in the biopharmaceutical industry. Accordingly, we may be exposed to credit risk generally associated with biopharmaceutical companies or specific to our collaboration agreements. To date, we have not experienced any losses related to these receivables.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist of direct and research-related allocated overhead costs such as facilities costs, salaries and related personnel costs, and material and supply costs. In addition, research and development expenses include costs related to clinical trials, validation of the Company’s testing processes and procedures as well as related overhead expenses. Research and development costs incurred in connection with collaborator-funded activities are expensed as incurred. Costs to acquire technologies that are utilized in research and development that have no alternative future use are expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to Sangamo employees and directors, including employee share options, restricted stuck units (RSUs) and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), based on estimated fair values at grant date. The fair value of stock-based awards is amortized over the vesting period of the award using a straight-line method.

To estimate the value of an award, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model requires inputs such as expected life, expected volatility and risk-free interest rate. These inputs are subjective and generally require significant analysis and judgment to develop. While estimates of expected life and volatility are derived primarily from the Company’s historical data, the risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant commensurate with the expected life assumption. Further, the Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

As part of the Ceregene acquisition the Company recognized indefinite-lived intangible assets for in-process research and development and goodwill as further discussed below. ASC 350 and related updates require companies to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, and more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. ASC 350 includes an optional qualitative assessment for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment that permits companies to assess whether it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50%) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If a company concludes based on the qualitative assessment that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset or, in the case of goodwill, that the fair value of the related reporting unit, is less than carrying value, it would not have to determine the asset’s or reporting unit’s fair value, as applicable.

In-Process Research and Development

Intangible assets related to in-process research and development costs, or IPR&D, are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs if and when regulatory approval to market a product is obtained, the associated assets would be deemed finite-lived and would then be amortized based on their respective estimated useful lives at that point in time. Prior to completion of the research and development efforts, the assets are considered indefinite-lived. During this period, the assets will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if the Company becomes aware of any events occurring or changes in circumstances that would indicate a reduction in the fair value of the IPR&D projects below their respective carrying amounts. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company decided to discontinue the CERE-110 and CERE-120 clinical trial programs. As such, the probability of achieving projected revenues and cash flows associated with these programs were adversely affected. The Company did not believe the programs have an alternative future use for itself or other market participants. Accordingly, the Company recognized a $1.9 million impairment charge related to these assets during the year ended December 31, 2015 and recorded to the research and development (R&D) expense line item in the consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination and is considered to be indefinite-lived. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if the Company becomes aware of any events occurring or changes in circumstances that would indicate an impairment of goodwill has occurred. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company performed an assessment of the qualitative factors affecting the fair value of its reporting unit and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit was less than carrying value and that, as a result, it is not more likely than not that goodwill is impaired.

Contingent Consideration Liability

Under the merger agreement with Ceregene, the Company may be required to make contingent earn-out payments 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 these product candidates itself. These earn-out payments will become payable in the period they are earned. In accordance with ASC Topic 805, the Company determined the fair value of this liability for contingent consideration on the acquisition date using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. Future changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration will be determined each period and charged to expense in the “Changes in fair value of contingent liability” expense line item in the consolidated statements of operations under operating expenses. During the year ended December 31, 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 IPR&D assets acquired from Ceregene.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense has been provided using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

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 options and restricted stock units, which are all anti-dilutive. All stock options and restricted stock units outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for all periods presented. Stock options and restricted stock units outstanding at the end of 2015, 2014 and 2013 were 9,008,185, 8,905,782, and 9,469,521, respectively.

Segments

The Company operates in one segment. Management uses one measure of profitability and does not segregate its business for internal reporting. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, all of the Company’s assets were maintained in the U.S. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, substantially all the Company’s revenues and operating expenses were generated and incurred in the U.S.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

During 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 as part of their simplification initiative. The amendments to ASC 740 eliminate the requirement that an entity must separate deferred tax liabilities and assets between current and noncurrent amounts in a classified balance sheet. Rather, deferred taxes will be presented as noncurrent under the new standard. While the rule takes effect in 2017 for public companies, early adoption is permitted, including for December 31, 2015 year-end financial statements. The Company is electing to early adopt the pronouncement and include a prospective presentation in their year-end financial statements. By electing to file prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets the Company has included a statement in Footnote 11 that prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted, the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle.

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (ASU 2014-15). ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In doing so, companies will have reduced diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures than under the current guidance. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the impact of adopting ASU 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements will be material

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

NOTE 2 –FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The Company measures certain 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 is 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;

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 cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities and the contingent consideration liabilities are identified at the following levels within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

	December 31, 2015
	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	25,070	$	25,070	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper securities		2,000		2,000		—		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		38,867		38,867		—		—
Total		65,937		65,937		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper securities		30,717		—		30,717		—
Corporate debt securities		17,263		—		17,263		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		91,538		—		91,538		—
Total		139,518		—		139,518		—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	205,455	$	65,937	$	139,518	$	—

	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 are 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 expense line item in the consolidated statements of operations as operating expenses. During the year ended December 31, 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 IPR&D assets acquired from Ceregene (see Note 6).

The following sets forth the changes in the estimated fair value for our contingent consideration liability classified as Level 3 (in thousands):

Fair value as of December 31, 2013	$	1,570
Change in fair value		230
Fair value as of December 31, 2014		1,800
Change in fair value		(1,800	)
Fair value as of December 31, 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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

NOTE 3 – MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The table below summarizes the Company’s cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities (in thousands):

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
	Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value
December 31, 2015
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	25,070	$	—	$	—		$	25,070
Commercial paper securities		2,000		—		—			2,000
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		38,866		1		—			38,867
Total		65,936		1		—			65,937
Available-for-sale securities:
Commercial paper securities	$	30,667	$	50	$	—		$	30,717
Corporate debt securities		17,275		—		(12	)		17,263
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		91,562		—		(24	)		91,538
Total		139,504		50		(36	)		139,518
Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities	$	205,440	$	51	$	(36	)	$	205,455
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

As of December 31, 2015, all of the Company’s investments had maturity dates within two years. All of the Company’s available-for-sale securities mature within the next twelve months of the date of the balance sheet. The Company had no material realized losses or other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Sangamo has the intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market value. No investments were other-than-temporarily impaired.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

NOTE 4 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The following table shows total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Research and development	$	6,444	$	5,064	$	3,204
General and administrative		5,286		4,136		2,942
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	11,730	$	9,200	$	6,146

As of December 31, 2015, total stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options to be recognized in future periods was $18.3 million, which is expected to be expensed over a weighted-average period of 2.94 years. As of December 31, 2015, total stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs to be recognized in future periods was $8.1 million, which is expected to be expensed over a weighted-average period of 2.34 years. There was no capitalized stock-based employee compensation expense as of December 31, 2015.

Valuation Assumptions

The employee stock-based compensation expense was determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Option valuation models require the input of subjective assumptions and these assumptions can vary over time.

The Company bases its determination of expected volatility through its assessment of the historical volatility of its common stock. The Company relied on its historical exercise and post-vested termination activity for estimating its expected term for use in determining the fair value of these options.

The weighted-average estimated fair value per share of options granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $5.72, $8.16 and $8.29, respectively based upon the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model. The assumptions used for estimating the fair value of the employee stock options are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.46-1.58%			1.60-1.70%			1.50-1.88%
Expected life of option (in years)	5.25-5.31			5.28-5.33			5.36-5.38
Expected dividend yield of stock		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected volatility	0.66-0.67			0.66-0.69				0.88

Employees purchased approximately 128,181, 107,203, and 180,551 shares of common stock through the 2010 Purchase Plan at an average exercise price of $7.10, $7.92 and $2.75 per share during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The weighted-average estimated fair value of shares purchased under the Company’s ESPP during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $4.42, $3.25 and $1.47, respectively based upon the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model. The weighted–average assumptions used for estimating the fair value of the ESPP purchase rights are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate	0.06-0.33%			0.05-0.30%			0.05-0.61%
Expected life of option (in years)	0.5-2.0			0.5-2.0			0.5-2.0
Expected dividend yield of stock		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected volatility	0.55-0.70			0.52-0.75			0.51-0.85

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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 the 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 December 31, 2015, the Company has deferred revenue of $8.6 million related to the Biogen Agreement.

Revenues recognized under the Biogen Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014
Revenue related to Biogen Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	6,176	$	5,313
Research services		7,769		7,751
Total	$	13,945	$	13,064

Related costs and expenses incurred under the Biogen agreement related to the beta-thalassemia project, which is co-funded with California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), were $6.5 million and $5.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Related costs and expenses for other projects including SCD under the Biogen agreement were $2.9 million and $3.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

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

In January 2012 the Company entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement with Shire (the “Shire Agreement ”), 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 was responsible for reimbursement of $4.0 million related to obligations prior to the amendment date which is being recognized in revenue as expenses are incurred. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2015, $3.4 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 with respect to the retained programs, but it is required to pay single digit percentage royalties to Sangamo, 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 December 31, 2015, the Company has deferred revenue of $5.1 million related to the Shire Agreement.

Revenues recognized under the Shire Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Revenue related to Shire Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	2,167	$	2,167	$	2,167
Recognition of milestone		—		1,000		—
Research services		13,584		22,765		14,286
Total	$	15,751	$	25,932	$	16,453

Related costs and expenses incurred under the Shire agreement were $13.5 million, $21.1 million and $14.2 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

In July 2007 Sangamo entered into a license agreement with Sigma. Under the license 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 DAS. Under the 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 the ZFP manufacturing technology to Sigma.

In October 2009 Sangamo expanded its license agreement with Sigma. In addition to the original terms of the license 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 agreement, 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, valued at $4.9 million, and a $15.1 million upfront license fee. Sangamo is also eligible to receive commercial license fees of $5.0 million based upon a percentage of net sales and sublicensing revenue and thereafter a reduced royalty rate of 10.5% 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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Revenue related to Sigma Collaboration:
Royalty revenues	$	390	$	344	$	824
License fee and milestone revenues		4,463		448		1,351
Total	$	4,853	$	792	$	2,175

Related costs and expenses incurred under the Sigma agreement were $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively

Agreement with Dow AgroSciences in Plant Agriculture

In October 2005 Sangamo entered into an exclusive commercial license with Dow AgroSciences, LLC (DAS). Under this agreement, Sangamo is providing DAS with access to its 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 Company’s agreement with DAS 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 upon $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, and Sangamo will be entitled to 25% of any cash consideration received by DAS under such sublicenses. In December 2010 the Company amended its agreement with DAS to extend the period of reagent manufacturing services and research services through December 31, 2012.

The agreement with DAS also provides for minimum sublicense 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 performance obligations with respect to the sublicensing activities to be conducted by DAS. DAS has the right to terminate the agreement at any time; accordingly, the Company’s actual sublicense fees over the term of the agreement could be lower than $25.3 million. In addition, each party may terminate the agreement upon an uncured material breach of the agreement by the other party. In the event of any termination of the agreement, all rights to use the Company’s ZFP technology will revert to Sangamo, and DAS will no longer be permitted to practice Sangamo’s ZFP technology or to develop or, except in limited circumstances, commercialize any products derived from the Company’s ZFP technology.

Revenues under the agreement with DAS were $3.0 million during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related costs and expenses incurred under the agreement with DAS were $0.0 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively and $0.4 million during 2013.

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 clinical studies of a potentially curative ZFP Therapeutic for HIV/AIDS based on the application of its ZFN genome editing technology in hematopoietic stem 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.

Revenues attributable to research and development performed under the CIRM grant agreements for HIV/AIDS were $0.0 million, during 2015 and 2014, respectively and $1.2 million during 2013. Related costs were $1.7 million in 2015 and $1.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine - Beta-Thalassemia

In May 2013 CIRM granted the Company a $6.4 million Strategic Partnership Award to develop a potentially curative ZFP Therapeutic for beta-thalassemia based on the application of its ZFN genome editing technology in HSPCs. The four year grant provides matching funds for preclinical work that will support an IND application and a Phase 1 clinical trial in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients. The State of California has the right to receive, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement between Sangamo and CIRM, payments from Sangamo, or its collaborators, from sales of a commercial product resulting from research and development efforts supported by the grant, in accordance with Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Section 100600.

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 were $1.2 million, $1.4 million and $0.1 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related costs during 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Acquisition of Ceregene	12 Months Ended
Acquisition of Ceregene	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Ceregene	NOTE 6 – ACQUISITION OF CEREGENE In August 2013, Sangamo acquired all the outstanding shares of Ceregene, a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of AAV gene therapies. The acquired assets included certain intellectual property rights relating to the manufacturing of AAV, and certain toxicology data and safety and efficacy data from Ceregene’s human clinical trials, that were be used in the preparation and filing of IND applications for Sangamo’s in vivo ZFP Therapeutics, particularly those that target the brain. The acquisition closed in October 2013 (the Closing Date). The aggregate consideration transferred or transferable by Sangamo to former Ceregene stockholders at closing consisted of 100,000 shares of Sangamo common stock, with an approximate fair value of $1.2 million and a contingent earn-out of $1.5 million on the Closing Date. Sangamo was not required to make the contingent earn-out payments (the Earn-Out Payments) to the stockholders of Ceregene as Sangamo has not pursued the development of Ceregene’s AAV gene therapies as the Company decided to discontinue CERE-110 and CERE-120 clinical trial programs. Also on the Closing Date, Sangamo, Ceregene and certain of Ceregene’s stockholders entered into an indemnity escrow agreement, pursuant to which $0.3 million of Ceregene remaining cash was deposited in an escrow account and released subsequent to April 1, 2015 for the benefit of Sangamo to satisfy indemnity obligations of the stockholders under the Merger Agreement. In-Process Research and Development Intangible assets include IPR&D, which consists of Ceregene’s two clinical product candidates, CERE-110 for the treatment of AD and CERE-120 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The Company determined that the combined Closing Date estimated fair values of CERE-110 and CERE-120 was $1.9 million. The Company used an income approach, which is a measurement of the present value of the net economic benefit or cost expected to be derived from an asset or liability, to measure the fair value of these two product candidates. Under the income approach, an intangible asset’s fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company decided to discontinue the CERE-110 and CERE-120 clinical trial programs. As such, the probability of achieving projected revenues and cash flows associated with these programs were adversely affected. The Company does not believe the programs have an alternative future use for itself or other market participants. Accordingly, during the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a $1.9 million impairment charge related to these assets Goodwill The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was $1.6 million, which represents the goodwill resulting from the acquisition. Goodwill represents benefits that Sangamo believes will result from combining its operations with the operations of Ceregene and any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, as well as any future, yet unidentified products. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or sooner, if deemed necessary. There have been no changes to the assets acquired or liabilities assumed, including goodwill, since the Closing Date Liability for Contingent Consideration In addition the Company was required to make contingent Earn-Out Payments in the future if the Company grants a third-party license to develop and commercialize products based on the technology acquired from Ceregene (the “Earn-out Products”) or if the Company commercializes any Earn-Out Products itself. The fair value of the liability for the contingent consideration recognized on the Closing Date was $1.5 million. The Company determined the fair value of the liability for the contingent consideration based on a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis. During the year ended December 31, 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 7).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

NOTE 7 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets for IPR&D consist of two clinical product candidates from our acquisition of Ceregene. IPR&D is an intangible asset classified as indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development effort, and will be amortized over an estimated useful life to be determined at the date the project is completed. If the project is abandoned, the IPR&D will be expensed at the time such determination is made.

The carrying values of these intangibles assets are as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014
CERE-110 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease	$	—	$	1,640
CERE-120 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease		—		230
Total identifiable intangible assets	$	—	$	1,870

In the first quarter of 2015, the Company decided to discontinue the CERE-110 and CERE-120 clinical trial programs. As such, the probability of achieving projected revenues and cash flows associated with these programs were adversely affected. The Company does not believe the programs have an alternative future use for itself or other market participants. Accordingly, during the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a $1.9 million impairment charge related to these assets. The impairment is recorded in research and development expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

NOTE 8 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Laboratory equipment	$	5,801		$	3,665
Furniture and fixtures		652			550
Leasehold improvements		1,309			1,163
		7,762			5,378
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(4,846	)		(3,899	)
	$	2,916		$	1,479

Depreciation and amortization expense was $1.0 million in 2015, $0.5 million in 2014 and $0.6 million for 2013.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Sangamo occupies office and laboratory space under operating leases in Richmond, California. In August 2013 Sangamo amended its lease agreement wherein the lease was extended through August 2019. We have two additional properties located in Richmond, CA, including a lease to occupy approximately 7,700 square feet of research and office space that expires in January 2018 and a build-to-suit lease to occupy approximately 41,400 square feet of space that expires five years after substantial construction is completed. The rent expense was $0.9 million in 2015, $0.7 million in 2014, and $0.7 million in 2013. Future minimum payments under contractual obligations at December 31, 2015 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Operating
Fiscal Year:	Leases
2016	$	1,015
2017		1,388
2018		1,222
2019		984
2020		503
Thereafter		385
Total minimum payments	$	5,497

Contingencies

Sangamo is not party to any material pending legal proceeding. From time to time, we may be involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

NOTE 10 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company has 5,000,000 preferred shares authorized, which may be issued at the Board of director’s discretion.

Common Stock

On March 25, 2014, Sangamo completed an underwritten public offering of its common stock, in which the Company sold an aggregate of 4,444,444 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $22.50 per share. The net proceeds to Sangamo from the sale of shares in this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, were approximately $93.8 million. On September 23, 2013, Sangamo completed an underwritten public offering of its common stock, in which the Company sold an aggregate of 7,015,000 shares of its common stock, including 915,000 shares issued to the Underwriters pursuant to a 30-day overallotment option, at a public offering price of $10.58 per share. The net proceeds to Sangamo from the sale of shares in this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, were approximately $69.5 million.

Stock Incentive Plan

In April 2013 Sangamo’s board of directors adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2013 Plan) as the successor to the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan). At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 12, 2013, the 2013 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders and became effective. In connection with the approval by stockholders of the 2013 Plan, outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan were transferred to the 2013 Plan. The 2004 Plan was terminated and no further awards will be made pursuant to the 2004 Plan.

Under the 2013 Plan, the exercise price per share of options granted will generally not be less than 100 percent of the fair value per share of common stock on the grant date, and the option term will not exceed ten years. If the person to whom the option is granted is a 10 percent stockholder, and the option granted qualifies as an Incentive Stock Option Grant, then the exercise price per share will not be less than 110 percent of the fair value per share of common stock on the grant date, and the option term will not exceed five years. Options granted under the 2013 Plan generally vest over four years at a rate of 25 percent one year from the grant date and one thirty-sixth per month thereafter and expire ten years after the grant, or earlier upon employment termination. Certain options previously granted under the 2004 Plan to the Company’s non-employee directors are structured so that they may be exercised prior to vesting, with the related shares subject to Sangamo’s right to repurchase any shares that have not vested pursuant to the vesting schedule in effect for such award at the exercise price paid if the option holder’s board service terminates. Approximately 14.1 million shares were initially reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan, including 9.7 million shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards previously granted under the 2004 Plan that were transferred to the 2013 Plan, and an additional 4.4 million shares of common stock.

The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan will be reduced: (i) on a 1-for-1 basis for each share of common stock subject to a stock option or stock appreciation right granted under the plan, (ii) on a 1-for-1 basis for each share of common stock issued pursuant to a full value award granted under the plan prior to the plan effective date, and (iii) by a fixed ratio of 1.33 shares of common stock for each share of common stock issued pursuant to a full-value award granted under the plan on or after the plan effective date.

Shares subject to any outstanding options or other awards under the 2013 Plan that expire or otherwise terminate prior to the issuance of the shares subject to those options or awards will be available for subsequent issuance under the 2013 Plan. Any unvested shares issued under the 2013 Plan that the Company subsequently purchases, pursuant to repurchase rights under the 2013 Plan, will be added back to the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan on a 1-for-1 basis or a 1.33-for-1 basis (depending on the ratio at which the share reserve was debited for the original award) and will accordingly be available for subsequent issuance in accordance with the terms of the plan.

In June 2015 Sangamo’s stockholders were asked to vote to approve the amendment and restatement of our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan in order to increase the number of shares in our common stock reserved for issuance over the term of the 2013 Plan by 5,300,000 shares. At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 22, 2015, the amendment and restatement of our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders and became effective.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Sangamo’s 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Purchase Plan), which supersedes the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, provides a total reserve of 2,100,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the Purchase Plan. Eligible employees may purchase common stock at 85 percent of the lesser of the fair market value of Sangamo’s common stock on the first day of the applicable two-year offering period or the last day of the applicable six-month purchase period.

Stock Option Activity

A summary of Sangamo’s stock option activity is as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average		Weighted Average		Aggregate
	Number of			Exercise per		Remaining		Intrinsic
	Shares			Share Price		Contractual Term		Value
						(In years)		(In thousands)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		8,006,380		$	8.90
Options granted		1,628,402		$	9.95
Options exercised		(949,252	)	$	6.21
Options canceled		(508,162	)	$	11.91
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015		8,177,368		$	9.24		6.56	$	14,074
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015		7,752,480		$	9.15		6.40	$	14,042
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015		4,950,680		$	7.97		4.92	$	13,119

Newly created shares are issued upon exercise of options. There were no shares subject to Sangamo’s right of repurchase as of December 31, 2015. The intrinsic value of options exercised was $6.4 million, $20.4 million and $8.9 million during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic values of the outstanding and exercisable options were $14.1 million and $13.1 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $14.0 million, $49.4 million and $54.9 million, respectively. The aggregate estimated fair value of stock options granted to employees that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes information with respect to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

	Options Outstanding and Exercisable				Options Exercisable
	Number of				Number of
	Shares of				Shares of
	common stock		Weighted Average		common stock
	subject to		Remaining		subject to		Weighted Average
Range of Exercise Price	options		Contractual Life		options		Exercise Price
			(In years)
$2.55 – $5.35		1,486,569		3.72		1,484,693	$	4.35
$5.41 – $5.41		826,984		6.79		598,837	$	5.41
$5.42 – $5.94		1,001,858		5.07		1,001,858	$	5.76
$6.05 – $9.40		308,171		6.16		193,003	$	7.00
$9.41 – $9.41		1,229,402		9.94		—	$	—
$9.45 – $12.12		967,099		7.82		472,328	$	11.87
$12.23 – $13.99		702,135		4.31		521,809	$	13.83
$14.07 – $14.07		1,019,650		8.91		258,665	$	14.07
$14.15 – $19.80		629,500		5.66		416,862	$	14.69
$23.02 – $23.02		6,000		8.21		2,625	$	23.02
		8,177,368		6.56		4,950,680	$	7.97

Restricted Stock Units

During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company awarded 446,000, 488,000, and 392,500 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), respectively. The RSUs awarded in 2015, 2014 and 2013 had an average grant date fair value of $9.45, $14.05 and $12.12, respectively. These awards will vest as follows: one-third of the award will vest in a series of three successive equal annual installments. The aggregate value of shares vested during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3.5 million, $9.1 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

A summary of Sangamo’s RSU activity is as follows:

	Number			Weighted Average
	of			Remaining		Aggregate Intrinsic
	Shares			Contractual Term		Value
				(In years)		(In thousands)
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2014		899,402
RSUs awarded		446,000
RSUs released		(387,588	)
RSUs forfeited		(126,997	)
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015		830,817			1.63	$	7,585
RSUs vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015		718,502			1.61	$	6,560

RSUs that vested in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were net-share settled such that the Company withheld shares with value equivalent to the employees’ minimum statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes, and remitted the cash to the appropriate taxing authorities. The total shares withheld were approximately 172,807, 309,102, and 167,138 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively and were based on the value of the RSUs on their respective issuance dates as determined by the Company’s closing stock price. Total payments for the employees’ tax obligations to taxing authorities were $1.5 million, $4.6 million and $2.0 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively and are reflected as a financing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows. These net-share settlements had the effect of share repurchases by the Company as they reduced and retired the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued as a result of the vesting and did not represent an expense to the Company.

As of December 31, 2015, there were 4,508,405 shares reserved for future awards under the Company’s 2013 Plan and 1,292,379 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section S99
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

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-Publisher SEC
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-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

The benefit for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015			2014		2013
Benefit for income taxes:
Current:
Federal	$	—		$	—	$	—
State		—			—		—
Subtotal		—			—		—
Deferred:
Federal	$	(5,563	)	$	—	$	—
State		(159	)		—		—
Subtotal		(5,722	)
Income tax benefit	$	(5,722	)	$	—	$	—

The difference between the benefit for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate (34%) to loss before taxes is explained as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Tax at federal statutory rate	$	(15,785	)	$	(8,982	)	$	(9,052	)
State taxes, net		4,840			(822	)		(4,004	)
Non-deductible stock compensation		1,085			(148	)		(598	)
Research credits		(814	)		(320	)		(280	)
Change in valuation allowance		5,043			9,778			14,261
Other		(91	)		494			(327	)
Income tax benefit	$	(5,722	)	$	—		$	—

Deferred income taxes 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. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Assets:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	93,824		$	90,921
Research and development tax credit carryforwards		9,979			8,646
Stock-based compensation		6,853			8,171
Deferred revenue		4,479			2,690
Other		2,807			2,471
Total deferred tax asset		117,942			112,899
Valuation allowance		(117,942	)		(112,899	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Net deferred tax liability related to intangible assets		—			(748	)
Total deferred tax liability	$	—		$	(748	)

In October 2013, we acquired Ceregene. The Company recorded goodwill and intangible assets as part of accounting for the acquisition of Ceregene. A portion of the intangible assets acquired were for the use in a particular research and development project IPR&D and are considered indefinite-lived assets with no tax basis. In 2015, the Company impaired these intangible assets and reversed the corresponding deferred tax liability.

In 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 $9.5 million, which resulted in an income tax benefit of $5.0 million being recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The changes in the fair value of the unrealized gain/loss on securities investment are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of a provision for income taxes.

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. Accordingly, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance. The valuation allowance increased by $5.0 million, $9.8 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, Sangamo had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $351.3 million and $264.3 million, respectively. If not utilized, the net federal and state operating loss carryforwards will start to expire in 2018 and 2016 respectively. The Company also has federal and state research tax credit carryforwards of $7.8 million and $8.2 million, respectively. The federal research credits will begin to expire in 2018 while the state research credits have no expiration date. Utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards and research tax credit carryforwards may be subject to substantial annual limitations due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. The annual limitation could result in the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards and research tax credit carryforwards before utilization.

The Company files federal and state income tax returns with varying statutes of limitations. The tax years from 2000 forward remain open to examination due to the carryover of net operating losses or tax credits. The Company also files a UK income tax return, and the tax years from 2008 and thereafter remain open to examination.

The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had no accrued interest and/or penalties. The unrecognized tax benefits may change during the next year for items that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the event that any unrecognized tax benefits are recognized, the effective tax rate will not be affected.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Beginning balance	$	3,438	$	3,182	$	2,735
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		557		228		294
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,335		28		153
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—		—		—
Ending balance	$	8,330	$	3,438	$	3,182

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

NOTE 12 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015		2014
Accounts payable	$	3,905	$	5,525
Accrued research and development expenses		3,624		2,435
Accrued professional fees		356		531
Deferred rent		196		129
Other		148		84
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	8,229	$	8,704

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plan	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	NOTE 13 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN The Company sponsors a defined-contribution savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering all full-time employees (Sangamo 401(k) Plan). The Sangamo 401(k) Plan is intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matched contributions by employees equal to 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions up to a limit of $3,000 in 2015 and $2,000 in 2014. Matching funds are fully vested when contributed. Contributions to the Sangamo 401(k) Plan by the Company were $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

NOTE 14 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the eight quarters ended December 31, 2015. The unaudited information set forth below has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information set forth herein. The operating results for any quarter are not indicative of results for any future period. All data is in thousands except per common share data.

	2015												2014
	Q1			Q2			Q3			Q4			Q1			Q2			Q3			Q4
Revenues	$	13,491		$	8,358		$	8,569		$	9,121		$	8,116		$	10,385		$	12,417		$	14,952
Expenses	$	19,712		$	20,635		$	21,254		$	24,794		$	15,727		$	17,432		$	20,071		$	19,421
Net loss	$	(5,319	)	$	(12,126	)	$	(9,245	)	$	(14,013	)	$	(7,572	)	$	(6,981	)	$	(7,545	)	$	(4,319	)
Net loss per share	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.06	)

Build-to-Suit Lease	12 Months Ended
Build-to-Suit Lease	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases Operating [Abstract]
Build-to-Suit Lease	NOTE 15 – BUILD-TO-SUIT LEASE In December 2015 the Company entered into a long-term property lease which includes construction by the lessor of a building with approximately 41,400 square feet of space, in Richmond, California. The lease agreement expires five years after substantial completion of the building, which is estimated to be completed in late 2016. The Company has two options to extend the lease term for up to a combined additional ten years. The Company is deemed, for accounting purposes only, to be the owner of the entire project including the building shell, even though it is not the legal owner. In connection with the Company’s accounting for this transaction, the Company will capitalize costs of construction as a build-to-suit property within property and equipment, net, and recognize a corresponding build-to-suit lease obligation for the same amount. As of December 31, 2015 no costs were capitalized or liabilities recognized related to this lease. Upon construction a portion of the monthly lease payment will be allocated to land rent and recorded as an operating lease expense and the non-interest portion of the amortized lease payments to the landlord related to the rent of the building will be applied to reduce the build-to-suit lease obligation.

Claims Settlement	12 Months Ended
Claims Settlement	Dec. 31, 2015
Claims Settlement Disclosure [Abstract]
Claims Settlement	NOTE 16 – CLAIMS SETTLEMENT In September 2015 the Company received $14.5 million as a settlement with certain institutional investors that were beneficial owners of Sangamo’s common stock related to the disgorgement of short-swing profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The settlement of $9.5 million, net of a $5.0 million income tax benefit and certain expenses, was recognized as additional paid-in capital.

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Business Combinations

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As part of the acquisition of Ceregene, Sangamo was required to set aside $0.3 million in an escrow account until April 1, 2015 at which time it was released.

Marketable Securities

Fair Value Measurements

Property and Equipment

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.

Research and Development Expenses

Stock-Based Compensation

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

In-Process Research and Development

Goodwill

Contingent Consideration Liability

Income Taxes

Net Loss Per Share

Segments

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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

	December 31, 2015
	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	25,070	$	25,070	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper securities		2,000		2,000		—		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		38,867		38,867		—		—
Total		65,937		65,937		—		—
Marketable securities:
Commercial paper securities		30,717		—		30,717		—
Corporate debt securities		17,263		—		17,263		—
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		91,538		—		91,538		—
Total		139,518		—		139,518		—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	205,455	$	65,937	$	139,518	$	—

	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

The following sets forth the changes in the estimated fair value for our contingent consideration liability classified as Level 3 (in thousands):

Fair value as of December 31, 2013	$	1,570
Change in fair value		230
Fair value as of December 31, 2014		1,800
Change in fair value		(1,800	)
Fair value as of December 31, 2015	$	—

Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Summary of Cash Equivalents and Available-for-Sale Securities

The table below summarizes the Company’s cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities (in thousands):

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Estimated
	Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Fair Value
December 31, 2015
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	25,070	$	—	$	—		$	25,070
Commercial paper securities		2,000		—		—			2,000
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		38,866		1		—			38,867
Total		65,936		1		—			65,937
Available-for-sale securities:
Commercial paper securities	$	30,667	$	50	$	—		$	30,717
Corporate debt securities		17,275		—		(12	)		17,263
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities		91,562		—		(24	)		91,538
Total		139,504		50		(36	)		139,518
Total cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities	$	205,440	$	51	$	(36	)	$	205,455
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

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The following table shows total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Research and development	$	6,444	$	5,064	$	3,204
General and administrative		5,286		4,136		2,942
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	11,730	$	9,200	$	6,146

Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Value of Employee Stock Options

The assumptions used for estimating the fair value of the employee stock options are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.46-1.58%			1.60-1.70%			1.50-1.88%
Expected life of option (in years)	5.25-5.31			5.28-5.33			5.36-5.38
Expected dividend yield of stock		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected volatility	0.66-0.67			0.66-0.69				0.88

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Value of ESPP Purchase Rights

The weighted–average assumptions used for estimating the fair value of the ESPP purchase rights are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate	0.06-0.33%			0.05-0.30%			0.05-0.61%
Expected life of option (in years)	0.5-2.0			0.5-2.0			0.5-2.0
Expected dividend yield of stock		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected volatility	0.55-0.70			0.52-0.75			0.51-0.85

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Biogen Inc [Member]

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

Revenues Recognized under Agreement

Revenues recognized under the Biogen Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014
Revenue related to Biogen Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	6,176	$	5,313
Research services		7,769		7,751
Total	$	13,945	$	13,064

Shire AG [Member]

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

Revenues Recognized under Agreement

Revenues recognized under the Shire Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Revenue related to Shire Collaboration:
Recognition of upfront fee	$	2,167	$	2,167	$	2,167
Recognition of milestone		—		1,000		—
Research services		13,584		22,765		14,286
Total	$	15,751	$	25,932	$	16,453

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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Revenue related to Sigma Collaboration:
Royalty revenues	$	390	$	344	$	824
License fee and milestone revenues		4,463		448		1,351
Total	$	4,853	$	792	$	2,175

Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Carrying Values of Intangibles Assets

The carrying values of these intangibles assets are as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014
CERE-110 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease	$	—	$	1,640
CERE-120 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease		—		230
Total identifiable intangible assets	$	—	$	1,870

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Summary of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Laboratory equipment	$	5,801		$	3,665
Furniture and fixtures		652			550
Leasehold improvements		1,309			1,163
		7,762			5,378
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(4,846	)		(3,899	)
	$	2,916		$	1,479

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Future Minimum Payments under Contractual Obligations

Future minimum payments under contractual obligations at December 31, 2015 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Operating
Fiscal Year:	Leases
2016	$	1,015
2017		1,388
2018		1,222
2019		984
2020		503
Thereafter		385
Total minimum payments	$	5,497

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Stock Option Activity

A summary of Sangamo’s stock option activity is as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average		Weighted Average		Aggregate
	Number of			Exercise per		Remaining		Intrinsic
	Shares			Share Price		Contractual Term		Value
						(In years)		(In thousands)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		8,006,380		$	8.90
Options granted		1,628,402		$	9.95
Options exercised		(949,252	)	$	6.21
Options canceled		(508,162	)	$	11.91
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015		8,177,368		$	9.24		6.56	$	14,074
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015		7,752,480		$	9.15		6.40	$	14,042
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015		4,950,680		$	7.97		4.92	$	13,119

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding

The following table summarizes information with respect to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

	Options Outstanding and Exercisable				Options Exercisable
	Number of				Number of
	Shares of				Shares of
	common stock		Weighted Average		common stock
	subject to		Remaining		subject to		Weighted Average
Range of Exercise Price	options		Contractual Life		options		Exercise Price
			(In years)
$2.55 – $5.35		1,486,569		3.72		1,484,693	$	4.35
$5.41 – $5.41		826,984		6.79		598,837	$	5.41
$5.42 – $5.94		1,001,858		5.07		1,001,858	$	5.76
$6.05 – $9.40		308,171		6.16		193,003	$	7.00
$9.41 – $9.41		1,229,402		9.94		—	$	—
$9.45 – $12.12		967,099		7.82		472,328	$	11.87
$12.23 – $13.99		702,135		4.31		521,809	$	13.83
$14.07 – $14.07		1,019,650		8.91		258,665	$	14.07
$14.15 – $19.80		629,500		5.66		416,862	$	14.69
$23.02 – $23.02		6,000		8.21		2,625	$	23.02
		8,177,368		6.56		4,950,680	$	7.97

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity

A summary of Sangamo’s RSU activity is as follows:

	Number			Weighted Average
	of			Remaining		Aggregate Intrinsic
	Shares			Contractual Term		Value
				(In years)		(In thousands)
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2014		899,402
RSUs awarded		446,000
RSUs released		(387,588	)
RSUs forfeited		(126,997	)
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015		830,817			1.63	$	7,585
RSUs vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015		718,502			1.61	$	6,560

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Benefit for Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015			2014		2013
Benefit for income taxes:
Current:
Federal	$	—		$	—	$	—
State		—			—		—
Subtotal		—			—		—
Deferred:
Federal	$	(5,563	)	$	—	$	—
State		(159	)		—		—
Subtotal		(5,722	)
Income tax benefit	$	(5,722	)	$	—	$	—

Schedule of Difference Between Benefit for Income Taxes and Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate

The difference between the benefit for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate (34%) to loss before taxes is explained as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Tax at federal statutory rate	$	(15,785	)	$	(8,982	)	$	(9,052	)
State taxes, net		4,840			(822	)		(4,004	)
Non-deductible stock compensation		1,085			(148	)		(598	)
Research credits		(814	)		(320	)		(280	)
Change in valuation allowance		5,043			9,778			14,261
Other		(91	)		494			(327	)
Income tax benefit	$	(5,722	)	$	—		$	—

Schedule of Company's Deferred Tax Assets

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015			2014
Assets:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	93,824		$	90,921
Research and development tax credit carryforwards		9,979			8,646
Stock-based compensation		6,853			8,171
Deferred revenue		4,479			2,690
Other		2,807			2,471
Total deferred tax asset		117,942			112,899
Valuation allowance		(117,942	)		(112,899	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	—		$	—
Liabilities:
Net deferred tax liability related to intangible assets		—			(748	)
Total deferred tax liability	$	—		$	(748	)

Summary of Activity Related to Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Beginning balance	$	3,438	$	3,182	$	2,735
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		557		228		294
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,335		28		153
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—		—		—
Ending balance	$	8,330	$	3,438	$	3,182

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015		2014
Accounts payable	$	3,905	$	5,525
Accrued research and development expenses		3,624		2,435
Accrued professional fees		356		531
Deferred rent		196		129
Other		148		84
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	8,229	$	8,704

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Financial Data

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the eight quarters ended December 31, 2015.

	2015												2014
	Q1			Q2			Q3			Q4			Q1			Q2			Q3			Q4
Revenues	$	13,491		$	8,358		$	8,569		$	9,121		$	8,116		$	10,385		$	12,417		$	14,952
Expenses	$	19,712		$	20,635		$	21,254		$	24,794		$	15,727		$	17,432		$	20,071		$	19,421
Net loss	$	(5,319	)	$	(12,126	)	$	(9,245	)	$	(14,013	)	$	(7,572	)	$	(6,981	)	$	(7,545	)	$	(4,319	)
Net loss per share	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.06	)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Segments shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) shares
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Liquid investments purchased with original maturities	three months or less
Restricted cash		$ 320
Percentage of likelihood of indefinite lived intangible assets being impaired	50.00%
Impairment charge	$ 1,870
Change in fair value of contingent liability	$ (1,800)	$ 230	$ 60
Stock options and restricted stock units outstanding \| shares	9,008,185	8,905,782	9,469,521
Number of operating segments \| Segments	1
Shire AG [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Total revenues [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues	40.00%	57.00%	68.00%
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Total revenues [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues	35.00%	28.00%
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Total revenues [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues			9.00%
Dow AgroSciences LLC [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Total revenues [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues			12.00%
Minimum [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of related assets	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of related assets	5 years

Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Fair Value Measurements of Cash Equivalents, Available-for-Sale Securities and Contingent Consideration Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	$ 65,937	$ 3,182
Total marketable securities	139,518	220,192
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	205,455	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	25,070	3,182
Commercial paper securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	2,000
Total marketable securities	30,717	33,748
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	65,937	3,182
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	65,937	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	25,070	3,182
Level 1 [Member] \| Commercial paper securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	2,000
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	139,518	220,192
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities	139,518	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	30,717	33,748
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total contingent consideration liabilities		1,800
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	38,867
Total marketable securities	91,538	163,631
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total cash equivalents	38,867
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	91,538	163,631
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total marketable securities	17,263	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	$ 17,263	22,813
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

Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Change in fair value of contingent liability	$ (1,800)	$ 230	$ 60

Fair Value Measurement - Schedule of Changes in Estimated Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value beginning balance	$ 1,800	$ 1,570
Change in fair value	(1,800)	230
Fair value ending balance	$ 0	$ 1,800

Marketable Securities - Summary of Cash Equivalents and Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 69,482	$ 6,030	$ 10,186	$ 21,679
Total cash equivalents	65,937	3,182
Amortized Cost	205,440	223,399
Gross Unrealized Gains	51	33
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(36)	(58)
Estimated Fair Value	205,455	223,374
Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	139,504	220,217
Gross Unrealized Gains	50	33
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(36)	(58)
Estimated Fair Value	139,518	220,192
Money market funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	25,070	3,182
Total cash equivalents	25,070	3,182
Commercial paper securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	2,000
Total cash equivalents	2,000
Commercial paper securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	30,667	33,715
Gross Unrealized Gains	50	33
Estimated Fair Value	30,717	33,748
Cash equivalents [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	65,936	3,182
Gross Unrealized Gains	1
Total cash equivalents	65,937	3,182
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	38,866
Gross Unrealized Gains	1
Total cash equivalents	38,867
U.S. government sponsored entity debt securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	91,562	163,671
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(24)	(40)
Estimated Fair Value	91,538	163,631
Corporate debt securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	17,275	22,831
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(12)	(18)
Estimated Fair Value	$ 17,263	$ 22,813

Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments maturity period	2 years
Realized losses	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities	0	$ 0	$ 0
Investments other-than-temporarily impaired	$ 0

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 11,730	$ 9,200	$ 6,146
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	6,444	5,064	3,204
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 5,286	$ 4,136	$ 2,942

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost related to unvested stock options and RSU	$ 18,300,000
Weighted-average period of unvested stock options and RSU	2 years 11 months 9 days
Capitalized stock-based employee compensation expense	$ 0
Weighted-average estimated fair value per share of options granted	$ 5.72	$ 8.16	$ 8.29
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan, shares	128,181	107,203	180,551
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, average exercise price	$ 7.10	$ 7.92	$ 2.75
Weighted-average estimated fair value of shares purchased under ESPP plan	$ 4.42	$ 3.25	$ 1.47
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost related to unvested stock options and RSU	$ 8,100,000
Weighted-average period of unvested stock options and RSU	2 years 4 months 2 days

Stock-Based Compensation - Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Value of Employee Stock Options (Detail) - Employee Stock Option [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield of stock	0.00%		0.00%
Expected volatility			0.88%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.46%	1.60%	1.50%
Expected life of option (in years)	5 years 3 months	5 years 3 months 11 days	5 years 4 months 10 days
Expected volatility	0.66%	0.66%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.58%	1.70%	1.88%
Expected life of option (in years)	5 years 3 months 22 days	5 years 3 months 29 days	5 years 4 months 17 days
Expected volatility	0.67%	0.69%

Stock-Based Compensation - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Value of ESPP Purchased Rights (Detail) - 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield of stock	0.00%		0.00%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.06%	0.05%	0.05%
Expected life of option (in years)	6 months	6 months	6 months
Expected volatility	0.55%	0.52%	0.51%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.33%	0.30%	0.61%
Expected life of option (in years)	2 years	2 years	2 years
Expected volatility	0.70%	0.75%	0.85%

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($) Program	Jun. 30, 2012 Targets	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($) Targets	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Product Targets	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 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				$ 67,198,000	$ 56,974,000	$ 37,039,000
Biogen Inc [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenues under agreement	$ 20,000,000
Potential amount eligible to receive for certain milestones	126,300,000
Potential amount to be funded for achievement of specified commercialized and sales milestones	167,500,000
Milestone revenue receivable	293,800,000
Milestone payments received				$ 0
Number of products approved \| Product				0
Royalty revenues				$ 0
Research program to develop laboratory research reagents				40 months
Deferred revenue				$ 8,600,000
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Sickle cell disease [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Milestone revenue receivable	7,500,000
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Beta-thalassemia Project [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Milestone revenue receivable	$ 7,500,000
Research and development				6,500,000	5,200,000
Biogen Inc [Member] \| Other Projects [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development				$ 2,900,000	3,500,000
Shire AG [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenues under agreement			$ 13,000,000
Research program to develop laboratory research reagents				6 years
Deferred revenue				$ 5,100,000
Research and development				$ 13,500,000	21,100,000	$ 14,200,000
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					$ 1,000,000
Amount of obligation related to reimbursement							$ 4,000,000
Revenue recognized related to prior obligations				$ 3,400,000

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - Revenues Recognized under Agreement (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Biogen Inc [Member]
Revenues:
Recognition of upfront fee	$ 6,176,000	$ 5,313,000
Royalty revenues	0
Research services	7,769,000	7,751,000
Total	13,945,000	13,064,000
Shire AG [Member]
Revenues:
Recognition of upfront fee	2,167,000	2,167,000	$ 2,167,000
Recognition of milestone		1,000,000
Research services	13,584,000	22,765,000	14,286,000
Total	15,751,000	25,932,000	16,453,000
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation [Member]
Revenues:
Royalty revenues	390,000	344,000	824,000
License fee and milestone revenues	4,463,000	448,000	1,351,000
Total	$ 4,853,000	$ 792,000	$ 2,175,000

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - Agreement with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2009	Jul. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Common stock issued under license agreement				$ 93,796	$ 69,492
Research and development			$ 67,198	56,974	37,039
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
Reduced royalty rate	10.50%
Funding available under the amended agreement	$ 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			$ 400	$ 100	$ 200

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	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$ 400,000
Revenue attributable to research and development		$ 3,000,000	$ 3,000,000	$ 3,000,000
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

Major Customers, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances - California Institute for Regenerative Medicine - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research grants				$ 1,695	$ 1,990	$ 2,455
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	1,200
Collaboration agreement related costs and expenses				1,700	1,800	1,800
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				1,200	1,400	100
Collaboration agreement related costs and expenses				$ 1,200	$ 1,100	$ 400
Unused funds received			$ 3,000

Acquisition of Ceregene - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Candidate	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairment charge		$ 1,870
Change in fair value of contingent liability		$ 1,800	$ (230)	$ (60)
Ceregene, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, transferred, shares \| shares	100,000
Sangamo shares of common stock	$ 1,200
Contingent earn-out	1,500
Purchase price deposited in escrow account	300
Number of clinical product candidates \| Candidate		2
Estimated fair values of in-process research and development	1,900
Impairment charge		$ 1,870
Goodwill	1,585
Fair value liability for contingent consideration recognized	$ 1,500
Change in fair value of contingent liability		$ 1,800

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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
Impairment charge	$ 1,870

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

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	$ 7,762	$ 5,378
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,846)	(3,899)
Property and equipment, Net	2,916	1,479
Laboratory equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	5,801	3,665
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	652	550
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	$ 1,309	$ 1,163

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 988	$ 549	$ 569

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 ft² Property	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) ft² Property	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Additional property available under lease \| Property	2	2
Property leased	41,400
Rent expenses \| $		$ 0.9	$ 0.7	$ 0.7
Operating lease expiration period	5 years
Lease expiration date		Jan. 31, 2018
Research and Office Space [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Area of space leased	7,700	7,700

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Future Minimum Payments under Contractual Obligations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2016	$ 1,015
2017	1,388
2018	1,222
2019	984
2020	503
Thereafter	385
Total minimum payments	$ 5,497

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 22, 2015 shares	Mar. 25, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 23, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Installment $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred shares authorized				5,000,000
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs \| $					$ 93,796	$ 69,492
Stock option maximum term				4 years 11 months 1 day
Specified stockholder ownership percentage				10.00%
Purchase price of common stock percent under stock incentive plans for specified stockholder				110.00%
Stock option maximum term for specified stockholder				5 years
Share of common stock subject to a stock option or stock appreciation right				100.00%
Fixed ratio shares of common stock				1.33
Intrinsic value of options exercised \| $				$ 6,400	20,400	8,900
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $				14,074
Options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $				13,119
Options vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value \| $				$ 14,000	$ 49,400	$ 54,900
Aggregate estimated fair value of stock options vested \| $ / shares				$ 1.4	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
Restricted stock units awarded				446,000
Aggregate value of shares vested in period \| $				$ 3,500	$ 9,100	$ 4,100
Total payments for the employees' tax obligations to taxing authorities \| $				$ 1,546	$ 4,556	$ 2,015
Share-Based Compensation Awards, Tranche 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted vesting percentage				0.33%
Share-Based Compensation Awards, Tranche 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted vesting percentage				0.33%
2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of fair value per share of common stock on option grant date				100.00%
Stock options vesting period				4 years
Stock options expiration term				10 years
Stock reserved for issuance under plan				14,100,000
Additional shares authorized under 2013 stock incentive plan	5,300,000			4,400,000
Shares reserved for issuance of future awards				4,508,405
2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock reserved for issuance under plan				9,700,000
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of fair value per share of common stock on option grant date				85.00%
Stock reserved for issuance under plan				2,100,000
Purchase plan offering period				2 years
Purchase plan purchase period				6 months
Shares reserved for issuance of future awards				1,292,379
Maximum [Member] \| 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option maximum term				10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares subject to repurchase rights				0
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based vesting rights				Options granted under the 2013 Plan generally vest over four years at a rate of 25 percent one year from the grant date and one thirty-sixth per month thereafter and expire ten years after the grant, or earlier upon employment termination.
Stock options granted vesting percentage				25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based vesting rights				These awards will vest as follows: one-third of the award will vest in a series of three successive equal annual installments.
Restricted stock units awarded				446,000	488,000	392,500
Grant date fair value of restricted stock units awarded \| $ / shares				$ 9.45	$ 14.05	$ 12.12
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of vesting installment \| Installment				3
Shares withheld from issuance in order to pay employee taxes				172,807	309,102	167,138
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Share-Based Compensation Awards, Tranche 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted vesting percentage				0.33%
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Public offering, common stock shares issued		4,444,444	7,015,000		4,444,444	7,015,000
Public offering price of common stock issued \| $ / shares		$ 22.50	$ 10.58
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs \| $		$ 93,800	$ 69,500
Underwriters \| Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction			915,000

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014 \| shares	8,006,380
Options granted \| shares	1,628,402
Options exercised \| shares	(949,252)
Options canceled \| shares	(508,162)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 \| shares	8,177,368
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 \| shares	7,752,480
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015 \| shares	4,950,680
Options outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise per Share Price, Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 8.90
Options granted, Weighted-Average Exercise per Share Price \| $ / shares	9.95
Options exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise per Share Price \| $ / shares	6.21
Options canceled, Weighted-Average Exercise per Share Price \| $ / shares	11.91
Options outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise per Share Price, Ending Balance \| $ / shares	9.24
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Exercise Per Share Price \| $ / shares	9.15
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015, Weighted-Average Exercise per Share Price \| $ / shares	$ 7.97
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Ending	6 years 6 months 22 days
Options vested and expected to vest at December, 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 4 months 24 days
Options exercisable at December, 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 11 months 1 day
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 14,074
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	14,042
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 13,119

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	8,177,368
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	6 years 6 months 22 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	4,950,680
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.97
Range 1 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	2.55
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 5.35
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	1,486,569
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	3 years 8 months 19 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	1,484,693
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 4.35
Range 2 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	5.41
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 5.41
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	826,984
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	6 years 9 months 15 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	598,837
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 5.41
Range 3 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	5.42
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 5.94
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	1,001,858
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	5 years 26 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	1,001,858
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 5.76
Range 4 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	6.05
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 9.40
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	308,171
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	6 years 1 month 28 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	193,003
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.00
Range 5 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	9.41
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 9.41
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	1,229,402
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	9 years 11 months 9 days
Range 6 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	$ 9.45
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 12.12
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	967,099
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	7 years 9 months 26 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	472,328
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 11.87
Range 7 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	12.23
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 13.99
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	702,135
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	4 years 3 months 22 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	521,809
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13.83
Range 8 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	14.07
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 14.07
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	1,019,650
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	8 years 10 months 28 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	258,665
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 14.07
Range 9 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	14.15
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 19.80
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	629,500
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	5 years 7 months 28 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	416,862
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 14.69
Range 10 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower Range of Exercise Price	23.02
Upper Range of Exercise Price	$ 23.02
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	6,000
Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years)	8 years 2 months 16 days
Options Exercisable Number of Shares of common stock subject to options \| shares	2,625
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23.02

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) shares
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2014	899,402
RSUs awarded	446,000
RSUs released	(387,588)
RSUs forfeited	(126,997)
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015	830,817
RSUs vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015	718,502
RSUs outstanding at December, 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 7 months 17 days
RSUs vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 7 months 10 days
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 7,585
RSUs vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 6,560

Income Taxes - Summary of Benefit for Income Taxes (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Deferred:
Federal	$ (5,563)
State	(159)
Subtotal	(5,722)
Income tax benefit	$ (5,722)

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal statutory income tax rate		34.00%
Claim settlement received	$ 14,500,000	$ 14,452,000
Settlement recognized as additional paid-in capital, net of tax		9,495,000
Income tax benefit, claims settlement		5,000,000
Increase in deferred tax assets valuation allowance		5,000,000	$ 9,800,000	$ 14,900,000
Deferred tax assets, net operating loss carryforwards for federal		351,300,000
Deferred tax assets, net operating loss carryforwards for state		264,300,000
Federal research tax credit carryforwards		7,800,000
State research tax credit carryforwards		$ 8,200,000
Tax credit carryforward, expiration year		2018
Accrued interest and/or penalties		$ 0
State
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year		2016
Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year		2018

Income Taxes - Schedule of Difference Between Benefit for Income Taxes and Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax at federal statutory rate	$ (15,785)	$ (8,982)	$ (9,052)
State taxes, net	4,840	(822)	(4,004)
Non-deductible stock compensation	1,085	(148)	(598)
Research credits	(814)	(320)	(280)
Change in valuation allowance	5,043	9,778	14,261
Other	(91)	$ 494	$ (327)
Income tax benefit	$ (5,722)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Company's Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 93,824	$ 90,921
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	9,979	8,646
Stock-based compensation	6,853	8,171
Deferred revenue	4,479	2,690
Other	2,807	2,471
Total deferred tax asset	117,942	112,899
Valuation allowance	$ (117,942)	(112,899)
Liabilities:
Net deferred tax liability related to intangible assets		(748)
Total deferred tax liability		$ (748)

Income Taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 3,438	$ 3,182	$ 2,735
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	557	228	294
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4,335	28	153
Ending balance	$ 8,330	$ 3,438	$ 3,182

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 3,905	$ 5,525
Accrued research and development expenses	3,624	2,435
Accrued professional fees	356	531
Deferred rent	196	129
Other	148	84
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 8,229	$ 8,704

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan, employer's matching contribution percent	50.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution to employee contribution	6.00%	6.00%
Maximum percentage limit of employee contributions	6.00%	6.00%
Defined contribution plan, maximum employer's contribution per employee	$ 3,000	$ 2,000
Aggregate employers contributions to defined contribution plan	$ 300,000	$ 200,000	$ 100,000

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 9,121	$ 8,569	$ 8,358	$ 13,491	$ 14,952	$ 12,417	$ 10,385	$ 8,116	$ 39,539	$ 45,870	$ 24,133
Expenses	24,794	21,254	20,635	19,712	19,421	20,071	17,432	15,727	86,395	72,651	50,839
Net loss	$ (14,013)	$ (9,245)	$ (12,126)	$ (5,319)	$ (4,319)	$ (7,545)	$ (6,981)	$ (7,572)	$ (40,703)	$ (26,417)	$ (26,624)
Net loss per share	$ (0.20)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.58)	$ (0.39)	$ (0.48)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Build-to-Suit Lease - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended
Build-to-Suit Lease - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) ft² Option
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Property leased \| ft²	41,400
Operating lease expiration period	5 years
Number of lease term extension options \| Option	2
Costs capitalized	$ 0
Build-to-suit lease obligation	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease agreement, extendable lease term	10 years

Claims Settlement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Claims Settlement [Line Items]
Claim settlement received	$ 14,500	$ 14,452
Settlement recognized as additional paid-in capital, net of tax		9,495
Benefit from income taxes		5,722
Disgorgement settlement [Member]
Claims Settlement [Line Items]
Benefit from income taxes		$ 5,000