GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended					1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Secure Microcontroller Solutions SMS	Dec. 31, 2011 Secure Microcontroller Solutions SMS	Dec. 31, 2010 Secure Microcontroller Solutions SMS	Jun. 30, 2010 Manufacturing operations in Rousset, France	Dec. 31, 2011 Manufacturing operations in Rousset, France	Dec. 31, 2010 Manufacturing operations in Rousset, France	Feb. 15, 2011 Dream, France	Dec. 31, 2011 Dream, France	Dec. 31, 2010 Dream, France
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of assets	$ 0	$ 35,310	$ (99,767)	$ 33,428	$ 0	$ (5,715)	$ 0	$ (5,715)	$ (94,052)	$ 0	$ (94,052)	$ 1,900	$ 1,882	$ 0