NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Atmel	$ 26,891	$ 32,195	$ (22,055)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 26,902	$ 35,208	$ (22,055)
Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income per share
Weighted-average shares - basic	418,759	419,103	427,460
Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	1,528	1,807	0
Weighted-average shares - diluted	420,287	420,910	427,460
Basic
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - basic	$ 0.06	$ 0.08	$ (0.05)
Diluted
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - diluted	$ 0.06	$ 0.08	$ (0.05)