Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 26,902	$ 35,208	$ (22,055)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense)	(11,342)	(13,899)	3,325
Actuarial gains (losses) related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $4,561 in 2015, $2,826 in 2014 and $(1,210) in 2013	7,096	(6,309)	2,913
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments arising during period, net of tax benefit	(1,364)	(771)	147
atml_Reclassificationadjustmentoninvestmentsales	2,137	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(3,473)	(20,979)	6,385
Total comprehensive income (loss)	23,429	14,229	(15,670)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	(11)	(3,013)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Atmel	$ 23,418	$ 11,216	$ (15,670)