SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, Revenue and Loss From Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 segment	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013 business_unit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments			2
Number of business units					4
Income (loss) from operations:	$ 4,876	$ (1,283)	$ (4,169)	$ (16,442)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue:	87,086	80,354	255,489	237,763
Income (loss) from operations:	4,876	(1,283)	(4,169)	(16,442)
Operating Segments [Member] | Affymetrix Core [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue:	64,645	58,178	186,177	171,335
Income (loss) from operations:	3,139	686	(3,595)	(7,103)
Operating Segments [Member] | eBioscience [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue:	22,441	22,176	69,312	66,428
Income (loss) from operations:	$ 1,737	$ (1,969)	$ (574)	$ (9,339)