OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 segment	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS
Number of reportable segments	4
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	$ 1,803,053	$ 1,644,060	$ 1,217,345
Segment income (loss) from operations	372,170	226,076	(21,926)
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	372,170	226,076	(21,926)
Unallocated amounts:
Acquisition-related charges	(5,408)	(1,600)	(16,349)
Restructuring charges	(20,064)	(5,253)	(6,681)
Asset impairment charges		(11,922)	(79,841)
(Loss) gain on sale of assets	35,310	(99,767)	164
Income (loss) from operations	382,008	107,534	(124,633)
Micro-Controllers
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	1,113,579	892,301	457,797
Segment income (loss) from operations	235,478	158,888	(1,741)
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	235,478	158,888	(1,741)
Nonvolatile Memories
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	255,683	277,179	290,936
Segment income (loss) from operations	55,721	39,839	10,255
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	55,721	39,839	10,255
RF and Automotive
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	202,013	188,090	147,871
Segment income (loss) from operations	16,962	14,341	(8,402)
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	16,962	14,341	(8,402)
ASIC
Information about Reportable Segments
Net revenues from external customers	231,778	286,490	320,741
Segment income (loss) from operations	64,009	13,008	(22,038)
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Total segment income from operations	$ 64,009	$ 13,008	$ (22,038)