OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 segment	Sep. 30, 2011
Information about Reportable Segments
Number of Operating Segments				4
Net revenue from external customers	$ 360,990		$ 479,375	$ 1,087,027	$ 1,419,444
Segment income (loss) from operations	27,524		107,764	68,252	321,999
Unallocated amounts:
Acquisition-related charges	(1,530)		(1,019)	(5,442)	(3,069)
Restructuring credit	1,404
Restructuring charges			0	(12,950)	(21,210)
Credit from reserved grant income		10,700		10,689
Gain on sale of assets	0		33,428	0	35,310
Income from operations	27,398		140,173	60,549	333,030
Micro-Controllers
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	226,125		301,275	663,993	897,293
Segment income (loss) from operations	11,545		70,084	21,255	219,341
Nonvolatile Memories
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	43,948		65,922	138,871	200,557
Segment income (loss) from operations	6,415		15,211	16,792	44,999
RF and Automotive
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	43,289		52,021	134,363	155,445
Segment income (loss) from operations	(327)		5,036	(1,141)	15,843
ASIC
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	47,628		60,157	149,800	166,149
Segment income (loss) from operations	$ 9,891		$ 17,433	$ 31,346	$ 41,816