OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	$ 1,172,456	$ 1,413,334	$ 1,386,447
Micro Controllers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	807,924	994,069	958,471
Segment income from operations	67,631	116,417	67,847
Nonvolatile Memories [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	150,780	166,768	153,363
Segment income from operations	25,039	35,868	24,383
Automotive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	138,728	153,221	159,774
Segment income from operations	20,425	23,096	13,685
Multi-market and other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	75,024	99,276	114,839
Segment income from operations	$ 23,531	$ 3,260	$ 17,441