Restructuring and Related Charges - Activities in Restructuring Accrual (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and related charges	$ 149,000	$ 424,000
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	179,000
Restructuring and related charges	228,000	565,000	2,200,000
Cash payments	(274,000)
Ending Balance	133,000		179,000
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member] | Excess Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring and related charges	32,000
Cash payments	0
Ending Balance	32,000
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	179,000
Restructuring and related charges	196,000
Cash payments	(274,000)
Ending Balance	$ 101,000