LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2008 patent
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of alleged patent infringments (in patents)		1
Significant costs incurred in connection with administrative proceedings	$ 0

Legal expenses incurred in connection with intellectual property and patents.

No definition available.

Name:	affx_LegalExpensesAssociatedWithAdministrativeProceedings
Namespace Prefix:	affx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration