| Cover Document | Feb. 14, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 14, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | FL |
| Entity File Number | 0-23081 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $.001 |
| Trading Symbol | FARO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000917491 |
