SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, Revenue and Loss From Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 segment	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013 business_unit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	2
Number of business units			4
Loss from operations:	$ (8,742)	$ (12,206)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue:	82,971	77,945
Loss from operations:	(8,742)	(12,206)
Operating Segments [Member] | Affymetrix Core [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue:	59,447	55,920
Loss from operations:	(7,589)	(8,054)
Operating Segments [Member] | eBioscience [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue:	23,524	22,025
Loss from operations:	$ (1,153)	$ (4,152)