Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2012 Rate D		Jul. 01, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors
Deferred revenue on shipments to distributors	$ 395,941				$ 302,815
Deferred cost of sales on shipments to distributors	(31,594)				(30,536)
Deferred income on shipment to distributors	364,347				272,279
Advances to distributors	0				(648)
Other deferred revenue	9,828	[1]			8,245	[1]
Total	374,175				279,876
Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributor Activity
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	279,876		428,711
Deferred revenue recognized upon shipment to distributors	2,562,024		2,633,755
Deferred costs of sales recognized upon shipments to distributors	(117,311)		(169,519)
Decrease/(increase) in advances to distributors	648		61,812
Revenue recognized upon sell-through to end customers	(493,575)		(654,099)
Costs of sales recognized upon sell through to end customers	114,534		162,787
Earned distributor price concessions	(1,934,713)	[2]	(1,990,272)	[2]
Returns	(37,187)		(93,286)
Increase/(decrease) in other deferred revenue	(121)		899
Deferred revenue, end of period	$ 374,175		$ 380,788
Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors Textuals [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of average aggregate price concessions on list price	65.00%
Maximum percentage of average aggregate price concessions on list price	80.00%
Maximum time period to submit claim for receiving price concession, days	60
Period of settlement for receivable balances, days	30

[1] Principally represents revenue deferred on our software and intellectual property licenses.

[2] Average aggregate price concessions typically range from 65% to 80% of our list price on an annual basis, depending upon the composition of our sales, volumes, and factors associated with timing of shipments to distributors.