Note 3 - Balance Sheet Components (Details) - Balance Sheet Components (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 30, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 30, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents        
Cash $ 260,060 $ 282,163    
Cash equivalents:        
Money market funds 1,588 3,906    
Cash and cash equivalents 262,473 286,069 261,732 262,177
Short-term investments        
Time deposits 14,054 14,045    
Short-term investments 26,922 25,428    
Account receivable, net        
Accounts receivable, gross 177,123 178,252    
Allowance for doubtful accounts (409) (414)    
Account receivable, net 176,714 177,838    
Inventories        
Raw materials 8,992 11,056    
Work-in-process 191,920 176,601    
Finished goods 55,979 66,497    
Inventories 256,891 254,154    
Property, plant and equipment, net        
Land 45,168 45,168    
Buildings and leasehold improvements 62,966 61,923    
Equipment 398,416 385,679    
Construction in progress 18,131 19,734    
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (340,033) (326,999)    
Property, plant and equipment, net 184,648 185,505    
Other long term assets        
Long term license 24,954 30,273    
Others 26,026 29,935    
Other long term assets 50,980 60,208    
Accrued compensation and benefits        
Accrued vacation 11,486 11,077    
MCA business employees related pension obligation 25,046 22,406    
Others 26,203 24,393    
Accrued compensation and benefits 62,735 57,876    
Accrued liabilities and other        
Short term license liability 11,435 13,003    
Obligation recorded from sale of Sunnyvale property 58,908      
Litigation reserve 17,888 20,419    
Others 57,828 52,930    
Accrued liabilities and other 146,059 86,352    
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
       
Cash equivalents:        
FDIC insured certificates of deposit 825      
Short-term Investments [Member]
       
Cash equivalents:        
FDIC insured certificates of deposit $ 12,868 $ 11,383