Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 235,404	$ 164,016
Short-term investments		13,997
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2012 - $13,508; 2011 - $12,306)	100,559	92,088
Inventories	75,580	75,575
Deferred income taxes	11,890	11,895
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,532	14,219
Assets held for sale	5,500	6,592
Total current assets	445,465	378,382
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	6,243	4,888
Buildings	54,559	52,730
Equipment	304,954	281,521
Accumulated depreciation	(244,845)	(220,255)
Net property, plant and equipment	120,911	118,884
Intangible assets, net of amortization:
Patents, licenses and software	11,144	10,753
Distribution network	18,964	19,307
Customer lists, trademarks and tradenames	18,704	14,523
Goodwill	133,592	115,697
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	8,666	6,000
Other investments	10,327	8,867
Deferred income taxes	8,090	4,191
Other assets	1,865	1,820
Total assets	777,728	678,424
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	27,226	19,934
Accrued payroll	20,540	23,048
Accrued expenses	11,062	8,861
Accrued severance	1,033	1,843
Accrued income taxes	11,559	10,591
Current portion of long-term debt	84,000	85,000
Total current liabilities	155,420	149,277
Accrued post-retirement benefits	22,338	15,292
Other long-term liabilities	12,412	12,752
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 34,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding, 2012 –22,029,446; 2011 – 21,552,529	220	216
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,561,967 and 1,534,550 shares, respectively	(60,496)	(58,834)
Additional paid-in capital	195,803	174,375
Accumulated other comprehensive income	16,548	8,631
Retained earnings	435,340	376,572
Littelfuse, Inc. shareholders’ equity	587,415	500,960
Non-controlling interest	143	143
Total equity	587,558	501,103
Total liabilities and equity	$ 777,728	$ 678,424