v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Feb. 22, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol ALGN    
Entity Registrant Name ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001097149    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)   81,758,299  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 2,641,311,855
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No