NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Atmel	$ 16,495us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 2,166us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Net income	$ 16,546us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 2,166us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Weighted-average shares - basic	417,038	425,390
Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	1,424	1,886
Weighted-average shares - diluted	418,462	427,276
Basic
Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders	$ 0.04us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ 0.01us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Diluted
Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders	$ 0.04us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ 0.01us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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