OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 segment Employee Plan	Sep. 30, 2010
OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS
Number of reportable segments			4
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	$ 479,375	$ 444,344	$ 1,419,444	$ 1,186,254
Segment income from operations	107,764	85,666	321,999	129,520
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	107,764	85,666	321,999	129,520
Unallocated amounts:
Acquisition-related charges	(1,019)	(1,167)	(3,069)	(433)
Restructuring charges		(1,080)	(21,210)	(3,663)
Asset impairment charges				(11,922)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	33,428	(5,715)	35,310	(99,767)
Income from operations	140,173	77,704	333,030	13,735
Micro-Controllers
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	301,275	255,546	897,293	604,054
Segment income from operations	70,084	57,920	219,341	93,614
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	70,084	57,920	219,341	93,614
Nonvolatile Memories
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	65,922	66,473	200,557	217,527
Segment income from operations	15,211	15,052	44,999	27,475
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	15,211	15,052	44,999	27,475
RF and Automotive
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	52,021	45,179	155,445	136,934
Segment income from operations	5,036	4,932	15,843	7,356
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	5,036	4,932	15,843	7,356
ASIC
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	60,157	77,146	166,149	227,739
Segment income from operations	17,433	7,762	41,816	1,075
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	$ 17,433	$ 7,762	$ 41,816	$ 1,075

The number of reportable segments of the entity.

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Amount of income or loss for the reportable segment before unusual Items, equity method income or loss, income taxes, and extraordinary items.

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The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.

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The gains (losses) included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of tangible assets. This item does not include any gain (loss) recognized on the sale of oil and gas property or timber property.

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Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.

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Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts.

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