Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Net sales	$ 142,881	$ 125,598	$ 453,703	$ 384,141
Cost of sales	80,073	69,815	255,943	210,810
Gross profit	62,808	55,783	197,760	173,331
Selling, general and administrative expenses	37,320	30,417	123,267	93,629
Research and development expense	12,869	11,152	40,319	31,785
Operating income	12,619	14,214	34,174	47,917
Foreign currency translation gain from dissolution of subsidiary				7,198
Gain on sale of investments	950		6,248
Interest and other expense, net	(2,082)	(2,348)	(7,097)	(6,377)
Income before income taxes	11,487	11,866	33,325	48,738
Income tax provision	3,955	1,364	10,144	3,555
Net income	7,532	10,502	23,181	45,183
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(104)		(201)
Net income attributable to Newport Corporation	7,636	10,502	23,382	45,183
Net income	7,532	10,502	23,181	45,183
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	1,399	(5,514)	(499)	(8,649)
Unrecognized net pension gains	10	119	96	544
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities	(13)	481	(120)	(281)
Comprehensive income	8,928	5,588	22,658	36,797
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(94)		(209)
Comprehensive income attributable to Newport Corporation	9,022	5,588	22,867	36,797
Comprehensive income	$ 8,928	$ 5,588	$ 22,658	$ 36,797
Net income per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.28	$ 0.61	$ 1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.27	$ 0.60	$ 1.17
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic (in shares)	38,264	37,543	38,072	37,342
Diluted (in shares)	38,645	38,571	38,825	38,732