OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 374,485	$ 356,268	$ 1,067,380	$ 1,033,227
Segment income from operations	54,864	37,916	125,680	79,715
Micro-Controllers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	264,432	244,061	754,348	719,443
Segment income from operations	36,996	22,531	86,148	42,505
Nonvolatile Memories
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	46,908	43,265	122,739	114,773
Segment income from operations	11,329	8,275	24,413	18,439
RF and Automotive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	37,273	39,954	114,238	115,752
Segment income from operations	5,689	3,664	15,727	6,377
Multi-market and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	25,872	28,988	76,055	83,259
Segment income from operations	$ 850	$ 3,446	$ (608)	$ 12,394