Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Oct. 28, 2012
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
License revenue from a single licensing arrangement	$ 7.5

License revenue from a single licensing arrangement

No definition available.

Name:	smtc_LicenseRevenueFromSingleLicensingArrangement
Namespace Prefix:	smtc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration