NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income attributable to Newport Corporation	$ 7,886	$ 2,746
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	39,525	38,601
Dilutive potential common shares, using treasury stock method	974	659
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	40,499	39,260
Net income per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.07
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.07