Restructuring and Related Charges - Activities in Restructuring Accrual (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 0
Restructuring charges in continuing operations	1,341
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	114
Cash payments	(1,060)
Non-cash write-offs	(300)
Ending Balance	95
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member] | Employee Severance And Benefit Arrangements [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges in continuing operations	1,089
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	66
Cash payments	(1,060)
Non-cash write-offs	0
Ending Balance	95
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member] | Impairment of Leasehold improvement [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges in continuing operations	101
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	48
Cash payments	0
Non-cash write-offs	(149)
Ending Balance	0
Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member] | Obsolete Inventory [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges in continuing operations	151
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	0
Cash payments	0
Non-cash write-offs	(151)
Ending Balance	0
Omneon Restructuring [Member] | Excess Facilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	869
Cash payments	(897)
Accretion	28
Ending Balance	0
HFC business [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges in discontinued operations	527
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	90
Cash payments	(587)
Ending Balance	30
HFC business [Member] | Employee Severance And Benefit Arrangements [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges in discontinued operations	403
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	119
Cash payments	(492)
Ending Balance	30
HFC business [Member] | Contract termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges in discontinued operations	124
Adjustments to restructuring provisions	(29)
Cash payments	(95)
Ending Balance	$ 0