OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 355,534	$ 347,816	$ 692,895	$ 676,959
Segment income (loss) from operations	40,746	27,617	70,816	41,799
Micro-Controllers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	254,775	247,016	489,915	475,381
Segment income (loss) from operations	30,326	15,170	49,152	19,975
Nonvolatile Memories
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	40,180	36,351	75,832	71,509
Segment income (loss) from operations	8,036	5,318	13,083	10,164
RF and Automotive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	35,994	36,319	76,965	75,798
Segment income (loss) from operations	3,284	1,403	10,038	2,713
Multi-market and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	24,585	28,130	50,183	54,271
Segment income (loss) from operations	$ (900)	$ 5,726	$ (1,457)	$ 8,947