NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income attributable to Newport Corporation	$ 2,746	$ 6,592
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	38,601	37,731
Dilutive potential common shares, using treasury stock method	659	1,200
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	39,260	38,931
Net income per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.17
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.17