INVENTORIES, FAIR VALUE STEP-UP IN BASIS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of inventory step-up in fair value	$ 0	$ 4,666

The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the costs of fair value step-up in inventory over the expected benefit period of such assets. This element applies only to the fair value step-up in inventory used in the production of goods.

No definition available.

Name:	affx_CostOfGoodsSoldInventoryStep-UpAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	affx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration