Cover page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Entity File Number	0-23081
Entity Registrant Name	FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000917491
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	FL
Entity Tax Identification Number	59-3157093
Entity Address, Address Line One	250 Technology Park,
Entity Address, City or Town	Lake Mary,
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	32746
City Area Code	407
Local Phone Number	333-9911
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.001
Trading Symbol	FARO
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,782,205