ACQUISITION, Part I (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
ACQUISITION [Abstract]
Revenue, Net, eBioscience specific	$ 19,008	$ 0
Net Loss, eBioscience specific	$ 3,920	$ 0

Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts for eBioscience only.

No definition available.

Name:	affx_RevenueNeteBioscienceSpecific
Namespace Prefix:	affx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration