NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income attributable to Newport Corporation	$ 8,952	$ 2,662	$ 16,838	$ 5,408
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	39,881	39,085	39,703	38,843
Dilutive potential common shares, using treasury stock method	647	276	810	468
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	40,528	39,361	40,513	39,311
Net income per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.07	$ 0.42	$ 0.14
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.07	$ 0.42	$ 0.14