OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 segment	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	$ 1,432,110	$ 1,803,053	$ 1,644,060
Segment income (loss) from operations	74,543	372,170	226,076
Unallocated amounts:
Acquisition-related charges	(7,388)	(5,408)	(1,600)
Restructuring charges	(23,986)	(20,064)	(5,253)
ImpairmentOfRecivablesDueFromFoundry	(6,495)	0	0
Asset Impairment Charges	0	0	(11,922)
Credit from Reserved Economic Grant Income	10,689	0	0
Gain on sale of assets	0	35,310	(99,767)
Income from operations	47,363	382,008	107,534
Number of Operating Segments	4
Micro-Controllers
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	892,839	1,113,579	892,301
Segment income (loss) from operations	22,994	235,478	158,888
Nonvolatile Memories
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	170,736	255,683	277,179
Segment income (loss) from operations	21,057	55,721	39,839
RF and Automotive
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	174,237	202,013	188,090
Segment income (loss) from operations	(12,004)	16,962	14,341
ASIC
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenue from external customers	194,298	231,778	286,490
Segment income (loss) from operations	$ 42,496	$ 64,009	$ 13,008