Class of Warrant or Right, Amount Reclassified as Debt Discount

No definition available.

Name:	atec_ClassofWarrantorRightAmountReclassifiedasDebtDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Associated with Each Disbursement Borrowing

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_ClassofWarrantorRightNumberofSecuritiesCalledbyWarrantsorRightsAssociatedwithEachDisbursementBorrowing
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Warrants Issued

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_ClassofWarrantorRightNumberofWarrantsIssued
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Class of Warrant or Right, Warrants Value

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_ClassofWarrantorRightWarrantsValue
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument Debt Default Accrued Interest Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_DebtInstrumentDebtDefaultAccruedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line Of Credit Facility Amendment Fee

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_LineOfCreditFacilityAmendmentFee
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Floor on Interest Rate, Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_LineofCreditFacilityFlooronInterestRatePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Transaction Fee as Percentage of Principal Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_LineofCreditFacilityTransactionFeeasPercentageofPrincipalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Net Proceeds from Draw Under Facility Agreement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_NetProceedsfromDrawUnderFacilityAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Net Proceeds from Initial Draw Under Facility Agreement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_NetProceedsfromInitialDrawUnderFacilityAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of Equal Annual Payments to Make Under Facility Agreement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_NumberofEqualAnnualPaymentstoMakeUnderFacilityAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Unamortized debt issuance and debt discount.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	atec_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceAndDebtDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	atec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of securities into which the class of warrant or right may be converted. For example, but not limited to, 500,000 warrants may be converted into 1,000,000 shares.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of debt issuance costs (for example, but not limited to, legal, accounting, broker, and regulatory fees).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, expected to be settled within one year or normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Current Liabilities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509677

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35750535&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41228-113958

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35750535&loc=d3e13495-108611

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720828&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41271-113958

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 20, 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The effective interest rate at the end of the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the interest rate for the amounts borrowed under the credit facility, including the terms and the method for determining the interest rate (for example, fixed or variable, LIBOR plus a percentage, increasing rate, timing of interest rate resets, remarketing provisions).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of the required periodic payment applied to principal.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodicPaymentPrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of litigation expense, including but not limited to legal, forensic, accounting, and investigative fees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph f

-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash and equivalents whose use in whole or in part is restricted for the long-term, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	atec_TermLoanPaymentScheduleAxis=atec_BeginningOctober2013Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	atec_TermLoanPaymentScheduleAxis=atec_BeginningOctober2014Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=atec_AmendedCreditFaciltywithMidCapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=atec_DeerfieldMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=atec_OrthotecLLCLitigationSettlementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended					1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 30, 2013	Nov. 21, 2014	Mar. 20, 2014	Mar. 20, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014	Jul. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Common stock warrant liabilities		$ 8,817,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent										$ 8,702,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
Repayments under lines of credit		40,227,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit	36,601,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Unamortized debt issuance and debt discount costs		6,819,000
Additional interest rate to be charged in the event of default		5.00%
Amendment fee	100,000atec_LineOfCreditFacilityAmendmentFee
Warrants value													5,700,000atec_ClassofWarrantorRightWarrantsValue
Restricted cash		4,400,000										4,400,000
Long-term restricted cash		1,300,000
Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					73,000,000									50,000,000
Repayments under lines of credit					28,000,000
Debt issuance costs				400,000
Unamortized debt issuance and debt discount costs		400,000
Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member] \| Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate description		( "LIBOR") plus 8.0%
Debt, spread on variable rate		8.00%
Floor on interest rate		9.50%
Interest rate of revolving line of credit		9.50%
Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member] \| Term Loan Drawn On Closing [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					33,000,000
Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member] \| Term Loan. Delayed Draw [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					5,000,000
Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member] \| Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					40,000,000
Interest rate description		LIBOR plus 6.0%
Debt, spread on variable rate		6.00%
Interest rate of revolving line of credit		6.20%
Amount of initial draw-down under Facility Agreement		30,500,000
Deerfield [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity													50,000,000
Transaction fee as percentage of principal amount													2.50%
Debt instrument, stated interest rate													8.75%
Number of securities called by warrants													6,250,000
Amount of initial draw-down under Facility Agreement		26,000,000				6,000,000	20,000,000	20,000,000
Net Proceeds from draw under Facility Agreement						5,900,000
Net Proceeds from initial draw under Facility Agreement							19,500,000	19,500,000
Transaction fee						200,000	500,000
Number of warrants issued						1,200,000	4,000,000	4,000,000
Warrants value						900,000	4,700,000	4,700,000
Warrant amount reclassified as debt discount		200,000					2,300,000	2,300,000
Equal annual payments		3
Maximum [Member] \| Deerfield [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of securities called by warrants associated with each disbursement borrowing													10,000,000
Orthotec LLC, Litigation Settlement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Litigation settlement expense		19,700,000							15,750,000	1,750,000
Beginning October 2013 [Member] \| Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term loan payments		300,000
Beginning October 2014 [Member] \| Amended Credit Facilty with MidCap [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term loan payments		500,000
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Orthotec LLC, Litigation Settlement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Litigation settlement expense											$ 1,100,000