Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 153,655	$ 130,132	$ 310,822	$ 258,543
Cost of sales	86,772	70,460	175,870	140,995
Gross profit	66,883	59,672	134,952	117,548
Selling, general and administrative expenses	41,887	32,739	85,947	63,212
Research and development expense	13,651	10,196	27,450	20,633
Operating income	11,345	16,737	21,555	33,703
Foreign currency translation gain from dissolution of subsidiary				7,198
Gain on sale of investment	5,298		5,298
Interest and other expense, net	(2,828)	(1,624)	(5,015)	(4,029)
Income before income taxes	13,815	15,113	21,838	36,872
Income tax provision	4,754	1,191	6,189	2,191
Net income	9,061	13,922	15,649	34,681
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(93)		(97)
Net income attributable to Newport Corporation	9,154	13,922	15,746	34,681
Net income	9,061	13,922	15,649	34,681
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	(3,485)	902	(1,898)	(3,135)
Unrecognized net pension gains	102	559	86	425
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	(140)	(900)	(107)	(762)
Comprehensive income	5,538	14,483	13,730	31,209
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(69)		(115)
Comprehensive income attributable to Newport Corporation	5,607	14,483	13,845	31,209
Comprehensive income	$ 5,538	$ 14,483	$ 13,730	$ 31,209
Net income per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic	$ 0.24	$ 0.37	$ 0.41	$ 0.93
Diluted	$ 0.24	$ 0.36	$ 0.40	$ 0.89
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic	38,220	37,477	37,975	37,241
Diluted	38,898	38,788	38,915	38,812