Discloses the amount charged against the accrued restructuring reserves, or earnings if not previously accrued, during the period for the specified type of restructuring cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$ 1,055	$ 1,909		$ 2,842	$ 4,492
Harmonic 2017 Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost			$ 2,800