Illumina (ILMN) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Apr. 10, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Illumina Inc
Entity Central Index Key	1110803
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-2
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		144.1

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$533,537	$636,154
Short-term investments	832,952	702,217
Accounts receivable, net	350,044	289,458
Inventory	205,184	191,144
Deferred tax assets, current portion	49,105	40,786
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	89,459	29,844
Total current assets	2,060,281	1,889,603
Property and equipment, net	280,628	265,264
Goodwill	724,904	724,904
Intangible assets, net	301,302	314,500
Deferred tax assets, long-term portion	63,122	49,848
Other assets	68,856	95,521
Total assets	3,499,093	3,339,640
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	106,674	82,626
Accrued liabilities	296,150	335,276
Long-term debt, current portion	307,427	304,256
Total current liabilities	710,251	722,158
Long-term debt	993,777	986,780
Other long-term liabilities	171,739	167,904
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	1,823	1,805
Additional paid-in capital	2,311,970	2,172,940
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,334	-1,080
Retained earnings	697,864	561,206
Treasury stock, at cost	-1,390,665	-1,272,073
Total stockholders’ equity	1,623,326	1,462,798
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,499,093	$3,339,640

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Revenue:
Product revenue	$459,127	$362,211
Service and other revenue	79,438	58,570
Total revenue	538,565	420,781
Cost of revenue:
Cost of product revenue	119,624	111,441
Cost of service and other revenue	32,529	21,513
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	11,385	9,535
Total cost of revenue	163,538	142,489
Gross profit	375,027	278,292
Operating expense:
Research and development	91,772	77,041
Selling, general and administrative	116,317	109,573
Acquisition related gain, net	-9,887	-1,013
Headquarter relocation	699	595
Total operating expense	198,901	186,196
Income from operations	176,126	92,096
Other income (expense):
Interest income	1,693	956
Interest expense	-11,164	-9,743
Cost-method investment gain, net	12,582
Other (expense) income, net	-1,191	479
Total other income (expense), net	1,920	-8,308
Income before income taxes	178,046	83,788
Provision for income taxes	41,388	23,811
Net income	$136,658	$59,977
Net income per basic share	$0.95	$0.47
Net income per diluted share	$0.92	$0.40
Shares used in calculating basic net income per share	143,771	128,146
Shares used in calculating diluted net income per share	148,683	150,619

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$136,658	$59,977
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax	3,414	-26
Total comprehensive income	$140,072	$59,951

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$136,658	$59,977
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation expense	16,754	14,593
Amortization of intangible assets	13,348	13,814
Share-based compensation expense	31,918	33,424
Accretion of debt discount	10,169	8,992
Contingent compensation expense		2,417
Incremental tax benefit related to share-based compensation	-76,445	-50,528
Deferred income taxes	53,452	33,943
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	-9,887	-1,760
Change in estimated cease-use loss	699
Cost-method investment gain, net	-12,582
Other	556	-636
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-59,474	-52,156
Inventory	-14,044	-9,991
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,157	125
Other assets	-2,530	-8,972
Accounts payable	28,867	10,060
Accrued liabilities	-51,044	-23,147
Accrued legal contingencies		5,847
Other long-term liabilities	1,521	1,085
Net cash provided by operating activities	66,779	37,087
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-325,383	-253,255
Sales of available-for-sale securities	152,156	89,030
Maturities of available-for-sale securities	42,564	44,075
Net sales proceeds from (purchases of) strategic investments	-13,067	4,600
Purchases of property and equipment	-36,551	-19,012
Cash paid for intangible assets		-625
Net cash used in investing activities	-154,147	-144,387
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on financing obligations	-114	-29,654
Incremental tax benefit related to share-based compensation	76,445	50,528
Common stock repurchases	-34,753	-130,017
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	-83,839	-8,826
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	29,727	32,045
Net cash used in financing activities	-12,534	-85,924
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2,715	100
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-102,617	-193,124
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	636,154	711,637
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$533,537	$518,513

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. In management’s opinion, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
	Interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results anticipated for the full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, from which the balance sheet information herein was derived.
	The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fiscal Year
	The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to December 31, with quarters of 13 or 14 weeks ending the Sunday closest to March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 were both 13 weeks.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The new standard modifies current guidance on consolidation under the variable interest model and the voting model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the ASU 2015-02 on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and allows for a full retrospective or a modified retrospective adoption approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
	Derivatives
	The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risks in the normal course of business. The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risks related to monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These foreign exchange contracts are carried at fair value in other assets or other liabilities and are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative are recognized in other expense, net, along with the remeasurement gain or loss on the foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities.
	As of March 29, 2015, the Company had foreign exchange forward contracts in place to hedge exposures in the euro, Japanese yen, and Australian dollar. As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the total notional amounts of outstanding forward contracts in place for foreign currency purchases were $69.9 million and $61.0 million, respectively.
	Reserve for Product Warranties
	The Company generally provides a one-year warranty on instruments. Additionally, the Company provides a warranty on consumables through the expiration date, which generally ranges from six to twelve months after the manufacture date. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company establishes an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical experience as well as anticipated product performance. The Company periodically reviews its warranty reserve for adequacy and adjusts the warranty accrual, if necessary, based on actual experience and estimated costs to be incurred. Warranty expense is recorded as a component of cost of product revenue.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenue is generated primarily from the sale of products and services. Product revenue primarily consists of sales of instruments and consumables used in genetic analysis. Service and other revenue primarily consists of revenue generated from genotyping and sequencing services and instrument service contracts.
	The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In instances where final acceptance of the product or system is required, revenue is deferred until all the acceptance criteria have been met. The Company occasionally offers discounts on newly introduced products to recent customers of existing products. These promotions sometimes involve the trade-in of existing products in exchange for a discount on new products. Where applicable, the Company defers a portion of revenue on the sales of existing products in recognition of the promotional discounts until the delivery of new products. All revenue is recorded net of discounts and sales taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities.
	Revenue from product sales is recognized generally upon transfer of title to the customer, provided that no significant obligations remain and collection of the receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue from instrument service contracts is recognized as the services are rendered, typically evenly over the contract term. Revenue from genotyping and sequencing services is recognized when earned, which is generally at the time the genotyping or sequencing analysis data is made available to the customer or agreed upon milestones are reached.
	In order to assess whether the price is fixed or determinable, the Company evaluates whether an arrangement is cancellable or subject to future changes in price, deliverables, or other terms. If it is determined that the price is not fixed or determinable, the Company defers revenue recognition until the price becomes fixed or determinable. The Company assesses collectibility based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with, and the creditworthiness of, the customer. If the Company determines that collection of a payment is not reasonably assured, revenue recognition is deferred until receipt of payment.
	The Company regularly enters into contracts where revenue is derived from multiple deliverables including products or services. These products or services are generally delivered within a short time frame, approximately three to six months, after the contract execution date. Revenue recognition for contracts with multiple deliverables is based on the individual units of accounting determined to exist in the contract. A delivered item is considered a separate unit of accounting when the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. Items are considered to have stand-alone value when they are sold separately by any vendor or when the customer could resell the item on a stand-alone basis.
	For transactions with multiple deliverables, consideration is allocated at the inception of the contract to all deliverables based on their relative selling price. The relative selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence exists, the Company uses its best estimate of the selling price for the deliverable.
	In order to establish VSOE of selling price, the Company must regularly sell the product or service on a standalone basis with a substantial majority priced within a relatively narrow range. VSOE of selling price is usually the midpoint of that range. If there are not a sufficient number of standalone sales and VSOE of selling price cannot be determined, then the Company considers whether third party evidence can be used to establish selling price. Due to the lack of similar products and services sold by other companies within the industry, the Company has rarely established selling price using third-party evidence. If neither VSOE nor third party evidence of selling price exists, the Company determines its best estimate of selling price using average selling prices over a rolling 12-month period coupled with an assessment of current market conditions. If the product or service has no history of sales or if the sales volume is not sufficient, the Company relies upon prices set by the Company’s pricing committee adjusted for applicable discounts. The Company recognizes revenue for delivered elements only when it determines there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance.
	In certain markets, the Company sells products and provides services to customers through distributors that specialize in life science products. In most sales through distributors, the product is delivered directly to customers. In cases where the product is delivered to a distributor, revenue recognition is deferred until acceptance is received from the distributor, and/or the end-user, if required by the applicable sales contract. The terms of sales transactions through distributors are consistent with the terms of direct sales to customers. These transactions are accounted for in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy described herein.
	Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the sum of the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
	Potentially dilutive common shares consist of shares issuable under convertible senior notes, equity awards, and warrants. Convertible senior notes have a dilutive impact when the average market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the applicable conversion price of the respective notes. Potentially dilutive common shares from equity awards and warrants are determined using the average share price for each period under the treasury stock method. In addition, the following amounts are assumed to be used to repurchase shares: proceeds from exercise of equity awards and warrants; the average amount of unrecognized compensation expense for equity awards; and estimated tax benefits that will be recorded in additional paid-in capital when expenses related to equity awards become deductible. In loss periods, basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share are identical because the otherwise dilutive potential common shares become anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded.
	The following table presents the calculation of weighted average shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,	March 30,
		2015	2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding	143,771	128,146
	Effect of potentially dilutive common shares from:
	Convertible senior notes	2,177	5,518
	Equity awards	2,735	4,816
	Warrants	—	12,139
	Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share	148,683	150,619
	Potentially dilutive shares excluded from calculation due to anti-dilutive effect	3	124

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details

Balance Sheet Account Details	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Balance Sheet Account Details [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Account Details	Balance Sheet Account Details
	Short-Term Investments
	The following is a summary of short-term investments (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015												December 28, 2014
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated			Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value			Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
					Gains			Losses								Gains		Losses
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Debt securities in government sponsored entities	$	53,975		$	16		$	(13	)	$	53,978		$	51,308	$	10	$	(55	)	$	51,263
	Corporate debt securities	587,346			340			(416		)	587,270			502,924		46		(2,882		)	500,088
	U.S. Treasury securities	191,487			263			(46		)	191,704			151,255		5		(394		)	150,866
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	832,808		$	619		$	(475	)	$	832,952		$	705,487	$	61	$	(3,331	)	$	702,217
	As of March 29, 2015, the Company had 291 available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position, all of which had been in such position for less than twelve months. There were no material impairments considered other-than-temporary as it is more likely than not the Company will hold the securities until maturity or the recovery of the cost basis.
	The following table shows the fair values and the gross unrealized losses of such available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, aggregated by investment category (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015						December 28, 2014
		Estimated			Gross			Estimated			Gross
		Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized
					Losses						Losses
	Debt securities in government sponsored entities	$	31,068		$	(13	)	$	36,084		$	(55	)
	Corporate debt securities	298,212			(416		)	428,078			(2,882		)
	U.S. Treasury securities	84,323			(46		)	143,755			(394		)
	Total	$	413,603		$	(475	)	$	607,917		$	(3,331	)
	Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in interest income.
	Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of March 29, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated
		Fair Value
	Due within one year	$	375,825
	After one but within five years	457,127
	Total	$	832,952
	Cost-Method Investments
	As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the aggregate carrying amounts of the Company’s cost-method investments in non-publicly traded companies were $38.8 million and $37.2 million, respectively, included in other assets. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, the Company sold a cost-method investment and recognized a $15.1 million gain. The Company’s cost-method investments are assessed for impairment quarterly. The Company determines that it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of its cost-method investments on a regular basis and does not reassess the fair value of cost-method investments if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investments. No material impairment loss was recorded during the three months ended March 29, 2015 or March 30, 2014.
	Inventory
	Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials	$	72,083		$	70,316
	Work in process	104,329			94,102
	Finished goods	28,772			26,726
	Total inventory	$	205,184		$	191,144
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Deferred revenue, current portion	$	83,758		$	75,294
	Accrued compensation expenses	78,776			112,606
	Accrued taxes payable	46,622			38,942
	Acquisition related contingent liability, current portion	34,237			44,124
	Reserve for product warranties	15,991			15,616
	Customer deposits	11,945			20,274
	Facility exit obligation, current portion	3,769			3,837
	Other	21,052			24,583
	Total accrued liabilities	$	296,150		$	335,276
	Warranties
	Changes in the Company’s reserve for product warranties during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	15,616		$	10,407
	Additions charged to cost of revenue	6,897			4,192
	Repairs and replacements	(6,522		)	(3,107		)
	Balance at end of period	$	15,991		$	11,492
	Leases
	Changes in the Company’s facility exit obligation related to its former headquarters lease during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
	March 29,			March 30,
	2015			2014
Balance at beginning of period	$	37,700		$	38,218
Accretion of interest expense	607			595
Cash payments	(1,488		)	(1,633		)
Balance at end of period	$	36,819		$	37,180
On December 30, 2014, the Company entered into a lease agreement with BMR-Lincoln Centre LP (“BMR”) for certain office buildings in Foster City, California. Minimum lease payments during the initial term of 16 years are estimated to be $204.0 million. One of our Board members also serves on the Board of BMR. In addition, the Company entered into an amendment of its headquarter lease for additional rental square footage, which is expected to increase its minimum lease payments by $44.1 million over 15 years.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015									December 28, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money market funds (cash equivalents)	$	317,288		$	—	$	—	$	317,288	$	431,172	$	—	$	—	$	431,172
	Debt securities in government-sponsored entities	—			53,978		—		53,978		—		51,263		—		51,263
	Corporate debt securities	—			587,270		—		587,270		—		500,088		—		500,088
	U.S. Treasury securities	191,704			—		—		191,704		150,866		—		—		150,866
	Deferred compensation plan assets	—			26,052		—		26,052		—		23,486		—		23,486
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	508,992		$	667,300	$	—	$	1,176,292	$	582,038	$	574,837	$	—	$	1,156,875
	Liabilities:
	Acquisition related contingent consideration liabilities	$	—		$	—	$	34,237	$	34,237	$	—	$	—	$	44,124	$	44,124
	Deferred compensation liability	—			24,760		—		24,760		—		20,310		—		20,310
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—		$	24,760	$	34,237	$	58,997	$	—	$	20,310	$	44,124	$	64,434
	The Company holds available-for-sale securities that consist of highly liquid, investment grade debt securities. The Company considers information provided by the Company’s investment accounting and reporting service provider in the measurement of fair value of its debt securities. The investment service provider provides valuation information from an industry-recognized valuation service. Such valuations may be based on trade prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) or valuation models using inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs), such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures. The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets consist primarily of investments in life insurance contracts carried at cash surrender value, which reflects the net asset value of the underlying publicly traded mutual funds. The Company performs control procedures to corroborate the fair value of its holdings, including comparing valuations obtained from its investment service provider to valuations reported by the Company’s asset custodians, validation of pricing sources and models, and review of key model inputs if necessary.
	At March 29, 2015, the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities consists primarily of amounts related to the 2013 Verinata Health, Inc. acquisition. The Company reassesses the fair value of contingent consideration to be settled in cash related to its acquisitions on a quarterly basis using the income approach. Assumptions used to estimate the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration include discount rates ranging from 6% to 20%, volatility of 50%, risk-free rate of 0.26%, revenue projections, and the probability of achieving regulatory milestones. This fair value measurement of the contingent consideration is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. Level 3 instruments are valued based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the Company’s own assumptions in measuring fair value. The changes in the fair value of the contingent considerations during the three months ended March 29, 2015 were due to changes in the estimated payments and a shorter discounting period.
	Changes in estimated fair value of contingent consideration liabilities during the three months ended March 29, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
		Contingent
		Consideration
		Liability
		(Level 3
		Measurement)
	Balance as of December 28, 2014	$	44,124
	Change in estimated fair value, recorded in acquisition related gain, net	(9,887		)
	Balance as of March 29, 2015	$	34,237

Convertible_Senior_Notes

Convertible Senior Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Senior Notes	Convertible Senior Notes
	As of March 29, 2015, the Company had outstanding $320.0 million in principal amount of 0.25% convertible senior notes due March 15, 2016, $632.5 million in principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2019, and $517.5 million in principal amount of 0.5% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2021.
	0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 and 0.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021
	In June 2014, the Company issued $632.5 million aggregate principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due 2019 (2019 Notes) and $517.5 million aggregate principal amount of 0.5% convertible senior notes due 2021 (2021 Notes). The Company used the net proceeds plus cash on hand to repurchase a portion of the outstanding 2016 Notes in privately negotiated transactions concurrently with the issuance of the 2019 and 2021 Notes. The 2019 Notes carry no coupon interest. The Company pays 0.5% interest per annum on the principal amount of the 2021 Notes, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The 2019 and 2021 Notes mature on June 15, 2019 and June 15, 2021, respectively, and the implied estimated effective rates of the liability components of the Notes were 2.9% and 3.5%, respectively, assuming no conversion. Assumptions used in the estimate represent what market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market interest rates, credit standing, and yield curves, all of which are defined as Level 2 observable inputs. The estimated implied interest rates were applied to the 2019 and 2021 Notes, which resulted in a fair value of the liability component in aggregate of $971.5 million upon issuance, calculated as the present value of implied future payments based on the $1,150.0 million aggregate principal amount. The $161.2 million difference between the cash proceeds of $1,132.7 million and the estimated fair value of the liability component was recorded in additional paid-in capital as the 2019 and 2021 Notes are not considered redeemable.
	Both the 2019 and 2021 Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company's election, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 3.9318 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $254.34 per share), only in the following circumstances and to the following extent: (1) during the five business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per 2019 and 2021 Note for each day of such measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such day; (2) during any calendar quarter (and only during that quarter) after the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2014, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for 20 or more trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (3) upon the occurrence of specified events described in the indenture for the 2019 and 2021 Notes; and (4) at any time on or after March 15, 2019 for the 2019 Notes, or March 15, 2021 for the 2021 Notes, through the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.
	As noted in the indentures for the 2019 and 2021 Notes, it is the Company’s intent and policy to settle conversions through combination settlement, which essentially involves repayment of an amount of cash equal to the “principal portion” and delivery of the “share amount” in excess of the conversion value over the principal portion in shares of common stock. As a policy election under applicable guidance related to the calculation of diluted net income per share, the Company elected the combination settlement method as its stated settlement policy and applied the treasury stock method in the calculation of the potential dilutive impact of the 2019 and 2021 Notes. Neither the 2019 nor the 2021 Notes were convertible as of March 29, 2015 and had no dilutive impact during the three months ended March 29, 2015. If the 2019 and 2021 Notes were converted as of March 29, 2015, the if-converted value would not exceed the principal amount.
	0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016
	In 2011, the Company issued $920.0 million aggregate principal amount of 0.25% convertible senior notes due 2016 (2016 Notes). The Company pays 0.25% interest per annum on the principal amount of the 2016 Notes semiannually in arrears in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The 2016 Notes mature on March 15, 2016. The effective rate of the liability component was estimated to be 4.5%.
	The 2016 Notes are convertible into cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company’s election, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 11.9687 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the 2016 Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $83.55 per share), only in the following circumstances and to the following extent: (1) during the five business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per 2016 Note for each day of such measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such day; (2) during any calendar quarter (and only during that quarter) after the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2011, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for 20 or more trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (3) upon the occurrence of specified events described in the indenture for the 2016 Notes; and (4) at any time on or after December 15, 2015 through the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Based upon meeting the stock trading price conversion requirement during the three months ended March 30, 2015, the 2016 Notes will continue to be convertible through June 30, 2015.
	In conjunction with the issuance of the 2019 and 2021 Notes, the Company used the net proceeds from the issuance plus cash on hand to repurchase $600.0 million in principal amount of the outstanding 2016 Notes in privately negotiated transactions. The aggregate cash used for the repurchase was $1,244.7 million. The repurchase is accounted for as an extinguishment of debt and resulted in a $31.4 million loss for the difference between the $588.8 million fair value of debt component and the carrying value of the repurchased 2016 Notes. The $655.9 million of the repurchase price allocated to the equity component was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.
	As noted in the indenture for the 2016 Notes, it is the Company’s intent and policy to settle conversions through combination settlement, which essentially involves repayment of an amount of cash equal to the “principal portion” and delivery of the “share amount” in excess of the conversion value over the principal portion in shares of common stock. As a policy election under applicable guidance related to the calculation of diluted net income per share, the Company elected the combination settlement method as its stated settlement policy and applied the treasury stock method in the calculation of the dilutive impact of the 2016 Notes. The calculation of dilutive potential common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 29, 2015 reflects the dilutive impact from the 2016 Notes. If the 2016 Notes were converted as of March 29, 2015, the if-converted value would exceed the principal amount by $417.5 million.
	Summary of Convertible Senior Notes
	The following table summarizes information about the equity and liability components of all convertible senior notes outstanding as of the period reported (dollars in thousands). The fair values of the respective notes outstanding were measured based on quoted market prices.
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Principal amount of convertible notes outstanding	$	1,470,027		$	1,470,027
	Unamortized discount of liability component	(168,823		)	(178,991		)
	Net carrying amount of liability component	1,301,204			1,291,036
	Less: current portion	(307,427		)	(304,256		)
	Long-term debt	$	993,777		$	986,780
	Carrying value of equity component, net of debt issuance cost	$	215,283		$	215,283
	Fair value of outstanding notes	$	2,023,059		$	2,021,750
	Weighted-average remaining amortization period of discount on the liability component	5.0 years			5.2 years

Sharebased_Compensation_Expens

Share-based Compensation Expense	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Expense	Share-based Compensation Expense
	Share-based compensation expense for all stock awards consists of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Cost of product revenue	$	2,332		$	2,095
	Cost of service and other revenue	279			285
	Research and development	11,307			11,669
	Selling, general and administrative	18,000			19,375
	Share-based compensation expense before taxes	31,918			33,424
	Related income tax benefits	(9,113		)	(10,577		)
	Share-based compensation expense, net of taxes	$	22,805		$	22,847
	The assumptions used for the specified reporting periods and the resulting estimates of weighted-average fair value per share for stock purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) during the three months ended March 29, 2015 are as follows:
		Employee Stock Purchase Rights
	Risk-free interest rate	0.07% - 0.17%
	Expected volatility	35% - 38%
	Expected term	0.5 - 1.0 year
	Expected dividends	—
	Weighted-average fair value per share	$	53.35
	As of March 29, 2015, approximately $243.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, restricted stock, and ESPP shares granted to date is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	As of March 29, 2015, approximately 5.5 million shares remained available for future grants under the 2005 Stock and Incentive Plan, the 2005 Solexa Equity Plan, and the 2008 Verinata Health Stock Plan.
	Restricted Stock
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Restricted		Restricted		Performance		Weighted-Average
		Stock Awards		Stock Units		Stock Units		Grant-Date Fair Value per Share
		(RSA)		(RSU)		(PSU)		RSA		RSU		PSU
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014	108		2,841		1,257		$	56.62	$	92.35	$	96.21
	Awarded	—		22		3		—		$	194.61	$	194.34
	Vested	—		(308	)	—		—		$	70.22	—
	Cancelled	—		(132	)	(103	)	—		$	91.13	$	81.12
	Outstanding at March 29, 2015	108		2,423		1,157		$	56.62	$	96.18	$	97.77
	Stock Options
	The Company’s stock option activity under all stock option plans during the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Options		Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014	3,211		$	34.74
	Exercised	(593	)	$	28.1
	Cancelled	(25	)	$	17.94
	Outstanding at March 29, 2015	2,593		$	36.42
	At March 29, 2015, outstanding options to purchase 2.4 million shares were exercisable with a weighted-average exercise price per share of $37.57.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The price at which common stock is purchased under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the offering period, whichever is lower. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, approximately 0.1 million shares were issued under the ESPP. As of March 29, 2015, there were approximately 14.6 million shares available for issuance under the ESPP.
	Share Repurchases
	In April 2012 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized share repurchases for up to $250.0 million via a combination of Rule 10b5-1 and discretionary share repurchase programs. In addition, on January 30, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to $250.0 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock on a discretionary basis. During the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, the Company repurchased approximately 0.2 million and 0.8 million shares for $34.8 million and $130.0 million, respectively. Authorizations to repurchase up to an additional $95.6 million of the Company’s common stock remained available as of March 29, 2015.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate may vary from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate due to the change in the mix of earnings in tax jurisdictions with different statutory rates, benefits related to tax credits, and the tax impact of non-deductible expenses and other permanent differences between income before income taxes and taxable income. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 29, 2015 was 23.2%. The variance from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% was primarily attributable to the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate, such as in Singapore and the United Kingdom. The decrease from the U.S. federal statutory rate also resulted from the reversal of a valuation allowance related to research and development tax credits as well as tax deductions related to stock award activities, which were recorded as discrete items in the quarter.
	The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for tax year 2011. The IRS has not yet proposed any adjustments to the filed return.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is involved in various lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including actions with respect to intellectual property, employment, and contractual matters. In connection with these matters, the Company assesses, on a regular basis, the probability and range of possible loss based on the developments in these matters. A liability is recorded in the financial statements if it is believed to be probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable results could occur, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. The Company regularly reviews outstanding legal matters to determine the adequacy of the liabilities accrued and related disclosures. The amount of ultimate loss may differ from these estimates. Each matter presents its own unique circumstances, and prior litigation does not necessarily provide a reliable basis on which to predict the outcome, or range of outcomes, in any individual proceeding. Because of the uncertainties related to the occurrence, amount, and range of loss on any pending litigation or claim, the Company is currently unable to predict their ultimate outcome, and, with respect to any pending litigation or claim where no liability has been accrued, to make a meaningful estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome. In the event that opposing litigants in outstanding litigations or claims ultimately succeed at trial and any subsequent appeals on their claims, any potential loss or charges in excess of any established accruals, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows in the period in which the unfavorable outcome occurs or becomes probable, and potentially in future periods.
	On November 14, 2014, the Company entered into a Settlement and License Agreement with Syntrix Biosystems, Inc. and its sole shareholders, John A. Zebala and Amy Zebala, that settled all claims in the litigation brought against the Company. On December 2, 2014, the Company and its subsidiary Verinata Health, Inc. entered into a series of agreements with Sequenom, Inc. and several other parties that, among other items, settled a patent litigation among the parties involved. For more detailed discussions on these matters, refer to note “10. Legal Proceedings” in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. In management’s opinion, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
	Interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results anticipated for the full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, from which the balance sheet information herein was derived.
	The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year
	The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to December 31, with quarters of 13 or 14 weeks ending the Sunday closest to March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 were both 13 weeks.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The new standard modifies current guidance on consolidation under the variable interest model and the voting model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the ASU 2015-02 on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and allows for a full retrospective or a modified retrospective adoption approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risks in the normal course of business. The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risks related to monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These foreign exchange contracts are carried at fair value in other assets or other liabilities and are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative are recognized in other expense, net, along with the remeasurement gain or loss on the foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities.
	As of March 29, 2015, the Company had foreign exchange forward contracts in place to hedge exposures in the euro, Japanese yen, and Australian dollar. As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the total notional amounts of outstanding forward contracts in place for foreign currency purchases were $69.9 million and $61.0 million, respectively.
Reserve for Product Warranties	Reserve for Product Warranties
	The Company generally provides a one-year warranty on instruments. Additionally, the Company provides a warranty on consumables through the expiration date, which generally ranges from six to twelve months after the manufacture date. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company establishes an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical experience as well as anticipated product performance. The Company periodically reviews its warranty reserve for adequacy and adjusts the warranty accrual, if necessary, based on actual experience and estimated costs to be incurred. Warranty expense is recorded as a component of cost of product revenue.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenue is generated primarily from the sale of products and services. Product revenue primarily consists of sales of instruments and consumables used in genetic analysis. Service and other revenue primarily consists of revenue generated from genotyping and sequencing services and instrument service contracts.
	The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In instances where final acceptance of the product or system is required, revenue is deferred until all the acceptance criteria have been met. The Company occasionally offers discounts on newly introduced products to recent customers of existing products. These promotions sometimes involve the trade-in of existing products in exchange for a discount on new products. Where applicable, the Company defers a portion of revenue on the sales of existing products in recognition of the promotional discounts until the delivery of new products. All revenue is recorded net of discounts and sales taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities.
	Revenue from product sales is recognized generally upon transfer of title to the customer, provided that no significant obligations remain and collection of the receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue from instrument service contracts is recognized as the services are rendered, typically evenly over the contract term. Revenue from genotyping and sequencing services is recognized when earned, which is generally at the time the genotyping or sequencing analysis data is made available to the customer or agreed upon milestones are reached.
	In order to assess whether the price is fixed or determinable, the Company evaluates whether an arrangement is cancellable or subject to future changes in price, deliverables, or other terms. If it is determined that the price is not fixed or determinable, the Company defers revenue recognition until the price becomes fixed or determinable. The Company assesses collectibility based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with, and the creditworthiness of, the customer. If the Company determines that collection of a payment is not reasonably assured, revenue recognition is deferred until receipt of payment.
	The Company regularly enters into contracts where revenue is derived from multiple deliverables including products or services. These products or services are generally delivered within a short time frame, approximately three to six months, after the contract execution date. Revenue recognition for contracts with multiple deliverables is based on the individual units of accounting determined to exist in the contract. A delivered item is considered a separate unit of accounting when the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. Items are considered to have stand-alone value when they are sold separately by any vendor or when the customer could resell the item on a stand-alone basis.
	For transactions with multiple deliverables, consideration is allocated at the inception of the contract to all deliverables based on their relative selling price. The relative selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence exists, the Company uses its best estimate of the selling price for the deliverable.
	In order to establish VSOE of selling price, the Company must regularly sell the product or service on a standalone basis with a substantial majority priced within a relatively narrow range. VSOE of selling price is usually the midpoint of that range. If there are not a sufficient number of standalone sales and VSOE of selling price cannot be determined, then the Company considers whether third party evidence can be used to establish selling price. Due to the lack of similar products and services sold by other companies within the industry, the Company has rarely established selling price using third-party evidence. If neither VSOE nor third party evidence of selling price exists, the Company determines its best estimate of selling price using average selling prices over a rolling 12-month period coupled with an assessment of current market conditions. If the product or service has no history of sales or if the sales volume is not sufficient, the Company relies upon prices set by the Company’s pricing committee adjusted for applicable discounts. The Company recognizes revenue for delivered elements only when it determines there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance.
	In certain markets, the Company sells products and provides services to customers through distributors that specialize in life science products. In most sales through distributors, the product is delivered directly to customers. In cases where the product is delivered to a distributor, revenue recognition is deferred until acceptance is received from the distributor, and/or the end-user, if required by the applicable sales contract. The terms of sales transactions through distributors are consistent with the terms of direct sales to customers. These transactions are accounted for in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy described herein.
Net Income per Share	Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the sum of the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
	Potentially dilutive common shares consist of shares issuable under convertible senior notes, equity awards, and warrants. Convertible senior notes have a dilutive impact when the average market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the applicable conversion price of the respective notes. Potentially dilutive common shares from equity awards and warrants are determined using the average share price for each period under the treasury stock method. In addition, the following amounts are assumed to be used to repurchase shares: proceeds from exercise of equity awards and warrants; the average amount of unrecognized compensation expense for equity awards; and estimated tax benefits that will be recorded in additional paid-in capital when expenses related to equity awards become deductible. In loss periods, basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share are identical because the otherwise dilutive potential common shares become anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded.
	The following table presents the calculation of weighted average shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,	March 30,
		2015	2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding	143,771	128,146
	Effect of potentially dilutive common shares from:
	Convertible senior notes	2,177	5,518
	Equity awards	2,735	4,816
	Warrants	—	12,139
	Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share	148,683	150,619
	Potentially dilutive shares excluded from calculation due to anti-dilutive effect	3	124

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Weighted average shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share	The following table presents the calculation of weighted average shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,	March 30,
		2015	2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding	143,771	128,146
	Effect of potentially dilutive common shares from:
	Convertible senior notes	2,177	5,518
	Equity awards	2,735	4,816
	Warrants	—	12,139
	Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share	148,683	150,619
	Potentially dilutive shares excluded from calculation due to anti-dilutive effect	3	124

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_

Balance Sheet Account Details (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Balance Sheet Account Details [Abstract]
Short-term investments	The following is a summary of short-term investments (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015												December 28, 2014
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated			Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value			Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
					Gains			Losses								Gains		Losses
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Debt securities in government sponsored entities	$	53,975		$	16		$	(13	)	$	53,978		$	51,308	$	10	$	(55	)	$	51,263
	Corporate debt securities	587,346			340			(416		)	587,270			502,924		46		(2,882		)	500,088
	U.S. Treasury securities	191,487			263			(46		)	191,704			151,255		5		(394		)	150,866
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	832,808		$	619		$	(475	)	$	832,952		$	705,487	$	61	$	(3,331	)	$	702,217
Available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position	The following table shows the fair values and the gross unrealized losses of such available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, aggregated by investment category (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015						December 28, 2014
		Estimated			Gross			Estimated			Gross
		Fair Value			Unrealized			Fair Value			Unrealized
					Losses						Losses
	Debt securities in government sponsored entities	$	31,068		$	(13	)	$	36,084		$	(55	)
	Corporate debt securities	298,212			(416		)	428,078			(2,882		)
	U.S. Treasury securities	84,323			(46		)	143,755			(394		)
	Total	$	413,603		$	(475	)	$	607,917		$	(3,331	)
Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of March 29, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated
		Fair Value
	Due within one year	$	375,825
	After one but within five years	457,127
	Total	$	832,952
Inventory	Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials	$	72,083		$	70,316
	Work in process	104,329			94,102
	Finished goods	28,772			26,726
	Total inventory	$	205,184		$	191,144
Accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Deferred revenue, current portion	$	83,758		$	75,294
	Accrued compensation expenses	78,776			112,606
	Accrued taxes payable	46,622			38,942
	Acquisition related contingent liability, current portion	34,237			44,124
	Reserve for product warranties	15,991			15,616
	Customer deposits	11,945			20,274
	Facility exit obligation, current portion	3,769			3,837
	Other	21,052			24,583
	Total accrued liabilities	$	296,150		$	335,276
Warranties	Changes in the Company’s reserve for product warranties during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	15,616		$	10,407
	Additions charged to cost of revenue	6,897			4,192
	Repairs and replacements	(6,522		)	(3,107		)
	Balance at end of period	$	15,991		$	11,492
Leases	Changes in the Company’s facility exit obligation related to its former headquarters lease during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	37,700		$	38,218
	Accretion of interest expense	607			595
	Cash payments	(1,488		)	(1,633		)
	Balance at end of period	$	36,819		$	37,180

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015									December 28, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money market funds (cash equivalents)	$	317,288		$	—	$	—	$	317,288	$	431,172	$	—	$	—	$	431,172
	Debt securities in government-sponsored entities	—			53,978		—		53,978		—		51,263		—		51,263
	Corporate debt securities	—			587,270		—		587,270		—		500,088		—		500,088
	U.S. Treasury securities	191,704			—		—		191,704		150,866		—		—		150,866
	Deferred compensation plan assets	—			26,052		—		26,052		—		23,486		—		23,486
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	508,992		$	667,300	$	—	$	1,176,292	$	582,038	$	574,837	$	—	$	1,156,875
	Liabilities:
	Acquisition related contingent consideration liabilities	$	—		$	—	$	34,237	$	34,237	$	—	$	—	$	44,124	$	44,124
	Deferred compensation liability	—			24,760		—		24,760		—		20,310		—		20,310
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—		$	24,760	$	34,237	$	58,997	$	—	$	20,310	$	44,124	$	64,434
Changes in estimated fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	Changes in estimated fair value of contingent consideration liabilities during the three months ended March 29, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
		Contingent
		Consideration
		Liability
		(Level 3
		Measurement)
	Balance as of December 28, 2014	$	44,124
	Change in estimated fair value, recorded in acquisition related gain, net	(9,887		)
	Balance as of March 29, 2015	$	34,237

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Table

Convertible Senior Notes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summarized information about equity and liability components of convertible senior notes	The following table summarizes information about the equity and liability components of all convertible senior notes outstanding as of the period reported (dollars in thousands). The fair values of the respective notes outstanding were measured based on quoted market prices.
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Principal amount of convertible notes outstanding	$	1,470,027		$	1,470,027
	Unamortized discount of liability component	(168,823		)	(178,991		)
	Net carrying amount of liability component	1,301,204			1,291,036
	Less: current portion	(307,427		)	(304,256		)
	Long-term debt	$	993,777		$	986,780
	Carrying value of equity component, net of debt issuance cost	$	215,283		$	215,283
	Fair value of outstanding notes	$	2,023,059		$	2,021,750
	Weighted-average remaining amortization period of discount on the liability component	5.0 years			5.2 years

Sharebased_Compensation_Expens1

Share-based Compensation Expense (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense for all stock awards	Share-based compensation expense for all stock awards consists of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Cost of product revenue	$	2,332		$	2,095
	Cost of service and other revenue	279			285
	Research and development	11,307			11,669
	Selling, general and administrative	18,000			19,375
	Share-based compensation expense before taxes	31,918			33,424
	Related income tax benefits	(9,113		)	(10,577		)
	Share-based compensation expense, net of taxes	$	22,805		$	22,847
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value per share of employee stock purchase rights granted	The assumptions used for the specified reporting periods and the resulting estimates of weighted-average fair value per share for stock purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) during the three months ended March 29, 2015 are as follows:
		Employee Stock Purchase Rights
	Risk-free interest rate	0.07% - 0.17%
	Expected volatility	35% - 38%
	Expected term	0.5 - 1.0 year
	Expected dividends	—
	Weighted-average fair value per share	$	53.35

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Restricted stock activity	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and related information for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Restricted		Restricted		Performance		Weighted-Average
		Stock Awards		Stock Units		Stock Units		Grant-Date Fair Value per Share
		(RSA)		(RSU)		(PSU)		RSA		RSU		PSU
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014	108		2,841		1,257		$	56.62	$	92.35	$	96.21
	Awarded	—		22		3		—		$	194.61	$	194.34
	Vested	—		(308	)	—		—		$	70.22	—
	Cancelled	—		(132	)	(103	)	—		$	91.13	$	81.12
	Outstanding at March 29, 2015	108		2,423		1,157		$	56.62	$	96.18	$	97.77
Stock option activity under all stock option plans	The Company’s stock option activity under all stock option plans during the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Options		Weighted-Average
		(in thousands)		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014	3,211		$	34.74
	Exercised	(593	)	$	28.1
	Cancelled	(25	)	$	17.94
	Outstanding at March 29, 2015	2,593		$	36.42

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Weighted average shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	143,771	128,146
Effect of potentially dilutive common shares from:
Convertible senior notes	2,177	5,518
Equity awards	2,735	4,816
Warrants		12,139
Weighted average shares used in calculation of diluted net income per share	148,683	150,619
Potentially dilutive shares excluded from calculation due to anti-dilutive effect	3	124

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Quarterly operating cycle	P13W	P13W
Total notional amount of outstanding forward contract in place for foreign currency purchases	$69.90		$61
Instrument warranty period	1 year
Period of time average selling prices are observed to establish best estimate of selling price	12 months
Minimum [Member]
Warranty on consumable sales through the expiration date	6 months
Product or service delivery period	3 months
Maximum [Member]
Warranty on consumable sales through the expiration date	12 months
Product or service delivery period	6 months

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_1

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale securities:
Available for sale securities, Amortized Cost	$832,808	$705,487
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	619	61
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-475	-3,331
Available for sale securities, Estimated Fair Value	832,952	702,217
Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available for sale securities, Amortized Cost	53,975	51,308
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	16	10
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-13	-55
Available for sale securities, Estimated Fair Value	53,978	51,263
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available for sale securities, Amortized Cost	587,346	502,924
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	340	46
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-416	-2,882
Available for sale securities, Estimated Fair Value	587,270	500,088
U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available for sale securities, Amortized Cost	191,487	151,255
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	263	5
Available for sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-46	-394
Available for sale securities, Estimated Fair Value	$191,704	$150,866

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_2

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale securities gross unrealized loss position
Estimated Fair Value	$413,603	$607,917
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-475	-3,331
Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities gross unrealized loss position
Estimated Fair Value	31,068	36,084
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-13	-55
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities gross unrealized loss position
Estimated Fair Value	298,212	428,078
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-416	-2,882
U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities gross unrealized loss position
Estimated Fair Value	84,323	143,755
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	($46)	($394)

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_3

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due within one year	$375,825
After one but within five years	457,127
Available for sale securities, Estimated Fair Value	$832,952	$702,217

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_4

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$72,083	$70,316
Work in process	104,329	94,102
Finished goods	28,772	26,726
Total inventory	$205,184	$191,144

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_5

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, current portion	$83,758	$75,294
Accrued compensation expenses	78,776	112,606
Accrued taxes payable	46,622	38,942
Acquisition related contingent liability, current portion	34,237	44,124
Reserve for product warranties	15,991	15,616	11,492	10,407
Customer deposits	11,945	20,274
Facility exit obligation, current portion	3,769	3,837
Other	21,052	24,583
Total accrued liabilities	$296,150	$335,276

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_6

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Reserve for product warranties [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$15,616	$10,407
Additions charged to cost of revenue	6,897	4,192
Repairs and replacements	-6,522	-3,107
Balance at end of period	$15,991	$11,492

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_7

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details 6) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Headquarter Facility Exit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$37,700	$38,218
Accretion of interest expense	607	595
Cash payments	-1,488	-1,633
Balance at end of period	$36,819	$37,180

Balance_Sheet_Account_Details_8

Balance Sheet Account Details (Details Textual) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
		securities
Balance Sheet Account Details [Abstract]
Number of available-for-sale securities in a gross unrealized loss position		291
Company's cost-method investments in non-publicly traded companies		$38.80	$37.20
Cost-method investment gain		15.1
Lease Term	16 years	15 years
Future minimum payment due for lease addition in period		204
Increase in minimum lease payments due to amendment in headquarter lease		$44.10

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Change in estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability
Change in estimated fair value, recorded in acquisition related gain, net	($9,887)	($1,760)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds (cash equivalents)	317,288		431,172
Deferred compensation plan assets	26,052		23,486
Total assets measured at fair value	1,176,292		1,156,875
Liabilities:
Acquisition related contingent consideration liabilities	34,237		44,124
Deferred compensation liability	24,760		20,310
Total liabilities measured at fair value	58,997		64,434
Change in estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability
Balance as of December 28, 2014			44,124
Balance as of March 29, 2015	34,237		44,124
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Money market funds (cash equivalents)	317,288		431,172
Total assets measured at fair value	508,992		582,038
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	26,052		23,486
Total assets measured at fair value	667,300		574,837
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation liability	24,760		20,310
Total liabilities measured at fair value	24,760		20,310
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Acquisition related contingent consideration liabilities	34,237
Change in estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability
Balance as of December 28, 2014	44,124
Change in estimated fair value, recorded in acquisition related gain, net	-9,887
Balance as of March 29, 2015	34,237
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Acquisition related contingent consideration liabilities	34,237		44,124
Total liabilities measured at fair value	34,237		44,124
Change in estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability
Balance as of December 28, 2014			44,124
Balance as of March 29, 2015	34,237		44,124
Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investments, fair value disclosure	53,978		51,263
Debt securities in government sponsored entities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investments, fair value disclosure	53,978		51,263
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investments, fair value disclosure	587,270		500,088
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investments, fair value disclosure	587,270		500,088
U.S. Treasury securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investments, fair value disclosure	191,704		150,866
U.S. Treasury securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investments, fair value disclosure	$191,704		$150,866

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (Verinata [Member])	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 21, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	50.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.26%
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	20.00%
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.00%

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Detai

Convertible Senior Notes (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summarized information about equity and liability components of convertible senior notes
Principal amount of convertible notes outstanding	$1,470,027	$1,470,027
Unamortized discount of liability component	-168,823	-178,991
Net carrying amount of liability component	1,301,204	1,291,036
Less: current portion	307,427	304,256
Long-term debt	993,777	986,780
Carrying value of equity component, net of debt issuance cost	215,283	215,283
Fair value of outstanding notes	$2,023,059	$2,021,750
Weighted average remaining amortization period of discount on the liability component	5 years 0 months	5 years 2 months

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Detai1

Convertible Senior Notes (Details Textual) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 11, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Jan. 01, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of liability component		$1,301,204,000		$1,291,036,000
Carrying value of equity component, net of debt issuance cost		215,283,000		215,283,000
0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of convertible senior notes		632,500,000
Interest rate on convertible senior notes	0.00%
Debt maturity date	15-Jun-19
Effective interest rates of liability component	2.90%
0.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of convertible senior notes		517,500,000
Interest rate on convertible senior notes	0.50%
Debt maturity date	15-Jun-21
Effective interest rates of liability component	3.50%
Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 and 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of convertible senior notes	1,150,000,000
Fair value of liability component	971,500,000
Cash proceeds	1,132,700,000
Carrying value of equity component, net of debt issuance cost	161,200,000
Conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of notes (in shares per thousand dollars)	3.9318
Principal amount used in calculating incremental share settlement amount	1,000
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	254.34
Circumstances of converting notes at referred conversion ratio	(1) during the five business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per 2019 and 2021 Note for each day of such measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such day; (2) during any calendar quarter (and only during that quarter) after the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2014, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for 20 or more trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (3) upon the occurrence of specified events described in the indenture for the 2019 and 2021 Notes; and (4) at any time on or after March 15, 2019 for the 2019 Notes, or March 15, 2021 for the 2021 Notes, through the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date
Number of consecutive trading days in the measurement period (in days)	10 days
Conversion triggering common stock trading price as a percentage of price last reported in Measurement period converted at conversion rate	less than 98%
Minimum number of consecutive trading days on which trading price is examined for triggering of conversion (in days)	20 days
Number of consecutive trading days on which trading price is examined for triggering of conversion	30 days
Conversion triggering common stock price as a percentage of applicable conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter	exceeds 130%
0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of convertible senior notes		320,000,000	920,000,000
Interest rate on convertible senior notes			0.25%
Debt maturity date			15-Mar-16
Effective interest rates of liability component			4.50%
Conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of notes (in shares per thousand dollars)			11.9687
Principal amount used in calculating incremental share settlement amount			1,000
Conversion price (in dollars per share)			$83.55
Circumstances of converting notes at referred conversion ratio			(1) during the five business-day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per 2016 Note for each day of such measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such day; (2) during any calendar quarter (and only during that quarter) after the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2011, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for 20 or more trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (3) upon the occurrence of specified events described in the indenture for the 2016 Notes; and (4) at any time on or after December 15, 2015 through the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.
Number of consecutive trading days in the measurement period (in days)			10 days
Conversion triggering common stock trading price as a percentage of price last reported in Measurement period converted at conversion rate			less than 98%
Minimum number of consecutive trading days on which trading price is examined for triggering of conversion (in days)			20 days
Number of consecutive trading days on which trading price is examined for triggering of conversion			30 days
Conversion triggering common stock price as a percentage of applicable conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter			exceeds 130%
Convertible senior note conversion end period		30-Jun-15
Repurchased principal amount	600,000,000
Repurchase amount	1,244,700,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	31,400,000
Repayment of convertible debt - debt component	588,800,000
Repayment of convertible debt - equity component	655,900,000
If-converted value in excess of principal		$417,500,000

Sharebased_Compensation_Expens2

Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense before taxes	$31,918	$33,424
Related income tax benefits	-9,113	-10,577
Share-based compensation expense, net of taxes	22,805	22,847
Cost of product revenue
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense before taxes	2,332	2,095
Cost of service and other revenue
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense before taxes	279	285
Research and development
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense before taxes	11,307	11,669
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense before taxes	$18,000	$19,375

Sharebased_Compensation_Expens3

Share-based Compensation Expense (Details 1) (Employee Stock Purchase Rights [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value per share of employee stock purchase rights granted
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.07%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	0.17%
Expected volatility, minimum	35.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	38.00%
Expected dividends	0.00%
Weighted average fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$53.35
Minimum [Member]
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value per share of employee stock purchase rights granted
Expected term (in years)	6 months
Maximum [Member]
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value per share of employee stock purchase rights granted
Expected term (in years)	1 year

Sharebased_Compensation_Expens4

Share-based Compensation Expense (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, restricted stock, and ESPP shares issued to date	$243.50
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, restricted stock, and ESPP shares granted to date (in years)	2 years 0 months

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at period start (in shares)		108
Outstanding at period end (in shares)	108	108
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at period start (in dollars per share)		$56.62
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at period end (in dollars per share)	$56.62	$56.62
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at period start (in shares)	2,841
Awarded (in shares)	22
Vested (in shares)	-308
Cancelled (in shares)	-132
Outstanding at period end (in shares)	2,423
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at period start (in dollars per share)	$92.35
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Awarded (in dollars per share)	$194.61
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested (in dollars per share)	$70.22
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$91.13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at period end (in dollars per share)	$96.18
Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at period start (in shares)	1,257
Awarded (in shares)	3
Cancelled (in shares)	-103
Outstanding at period end (in shares)	1,157
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at period start (in dollars per share)	$96.21
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Awarded (in dollars per share)	$194.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$81.12
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at period end (in dollars per share)	$97.77

Stockholders_Equity_Details_1

Stockholders' Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015
Stock option activity
Outstanding at period start (in shares)	3,211
Options, Exercised (in shares)	-593
Options, Cancelled (in shares)	-25
Outstanding at period end (in shares)	2,593
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at period start (in dollars per share)	$34.74
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share)	$28.10
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$17.94
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at period end (in dollars per share)	$36.42

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Te

Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Apr. 29, 2012	Jan. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercisable (in shares)	2.4
Stock options exercisable outstanding weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$37.57
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$34,753,000	$130,017,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	95,600,000
2005 Illumina, Solexa, and Verinata Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance	5.5
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance	14.6
Specified percentage of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the offering period whichever is lower at which stock is purchased	85.00%
Total shares issued under the ESPP	0.1
April 18, 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			250,000,000
Number of shares repurchased	0.2	0.8
January 30 2014 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$250,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	23.20%
U.S. federal statutory tax rate	35.00%