Other Inome (Expenses), Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Jan. 02, 2010
Other Income, Net
Interest income	$ 1,303	$ 1,201	$ 2,595
Gains on sale of non-marketable securities (Note 10)	8,281	4,885
Gains on available-for-sale securities and short-term investments (Note 10)	8,009	109	2,341
Gains (losses) on securities in Cadence's non-qualified deferred compensation trust (Note 18)	(472)	2,623	(1,049)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt (Note 3)		(5,705)
Gains on foreign exchange	740	449	431
Equity loss from investments	(136)	(133)	(481)
Write-down of investments (Note 10)		(1,500)	(5,207)
Other income	349	612	328
Total other income (expense), net	$ 18,074	$ 2,541	$ (1,042)