Investments in Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in affiliated companies	$ 64,232		$ 64,232		$ 60,579
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	2,154	2,179	5,766	4,800
Equity Method Investment Pro Rata Share Of Debt Obligations Of Joint Venture	5,850		5,850
Marubun/Arrow [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Investments in affiliated companies	49,224		49,224		45,626
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	1,840	1,686	4,684	3,678
Altech Industries [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Investments in affiliated companies	15,008		15,008		14,953
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	$ 314	$ 493	$ 1,082	$ 1,122

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

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This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details