Infinera (INFN) 10-K 18 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Feb. 09, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	INFINERA CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1138639
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-15
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	27-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Trading Symbol	INFN
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		128,004,196
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$845,017,931

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$86,495		$124,330
Short-term investments	239,628		172,660
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $38 in 2014 and $43 in 2013	154,596		100,643
Inventory	146,500	[1]	123,685	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,636		17,752
Total current assets	651,855		539,070
Property, plant and equipment, net	81,566		79,668
Long-term investments	59,233		64,419
Cost-method investment	14,500		9,000
Long-term restricted cash	5,460		3,904
Other non-current assets	5,402		4,865
Total assets	818,016		700,926
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	61,533		39,843
Accrued expenses	26,441		22,431
Accrued compensation and related benefits	38,795		33,899
Accrued warranty	12,241		12,374
Deferred revenue	35,321		32,402
Total current liabilities	174,331		140,949
Long-term debt, net	116,894		109,164
Accrued warranty, non-current	14,799		10,534
Deferred revenue, non-current	10,758		4,888
Other long-term liabilities	19,327		17,581
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value Authorized shares—25,000 and no shares issued and outstanding	0		0
Common stock, $0.001 par value Authorized shares—500,000 in 2014 and 2013 Issued and outstanding shares—126,160 in 2014 and 119,887 in 2013	126		120
Additional paid-in capital	1,077,225		1,025,661
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,618		-3,486
Accumulated deficit	-590,826		-604,485
Total stockholders’ equity	481,907		417,810
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$818,016		$700,926
[1]	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s inventory value had been reduced by $10.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for excess and obsolescence, and $7.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for LCM adjustments.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Net of Allowance for doubtful accounts	$38	$43
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	126,160,000	119,887,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	126,160,000	119,887,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenue:
Product	$572,276	$465,424	$380,035
Services	95,803	78,698	58,402
Total revenue	668,079	544,122	438,437
Cost of revenue:
Cost of product	340,856	295,715	259,437
Cost of services	38,919	29,768	21,431
Total cost of revenue	379,775	325,483	280,868
Gross profit	288,304	218,639	157,569
Operating expenses:
Research and development	133,484	124,794	117,233
Sales and marketing	79,026	72,778	75,862
General and administrative	48,452	45,253	47,475
Total operating expenses	260,962	242,825	240,570
Income (loss) from operations	27,342	-24,186	-83,001
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	1,456	923	911
Interest expense	-11,021	-6,061	0
Other gain (loss), net	-1,365	-1,141	-1,050
Total other income (expense), net	-10,930	-6,279	-139
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,412	-30,465	-83,140
Provision for income taxes	2,753	1,654	2,190
Net income (loss)	$13,659	($32,119)	($85,330)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.11	($0.27)	($0.77)
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.11	($0.27)	($0.77)
Weighted average shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in shares)	123,672	117,425	110,739
Dilutive (in shares)	128,565	117,425	110,739

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net income (loss)	$13,659	($32,119)	($85,330)
Reclassification of realized gain on auction rate securities	0	-166	-141
Unrealized gain (loss) on all other available-for-sale investments	-320	-140	158
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-812	-952	-43
Tax effect on items related to available-for-sale investment	0	0	-7
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,132	-1,258	-33
Comprehensive income (loss)	$12,527	($33,377)	($85,363)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Auction rate securities [Member]	Other Investments [Member]	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified							Auction rate securities [Member]	Other Investments [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$387,803			$107	$876,927	($2,195)			($487,036)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011				106,976
Stock options exercised	2,553			1	2,552
Stock options exercised (in shares)	582			582
ESPP shares purchased	9,030			1	9,029
ESPP shares issued (in shares)				1,653
Shares withheld for tax obligation (in shares)				-128
Shares withheld for tax obligation	-882				-882
Restricted stock units released (in shares)				3,378
Restricted stock units released				3	-3
Stock-based compensation	42,995				42,995
Comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments		-141	158				-141	158
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-43					-43
Tax effect on items related to available-for-sale investment	-7					-7
Net loss	-85,330								-85,330
Total comprehensive loss	-85,363
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	356,136			112	930,618	-2,228			-572,366
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2012				112,461
Stock options exercised	14,618			2	14,616
Stock options exercised (in shares)	2,217			2,217
ESPP shares purchased	8,559			2	8,557
ESPP shares issued (in shares)				1,656
Shares withheld for tax obligation (in shares)				-223
Shares withheld for tax obligation	-1,544				-1,544
Restricted stock units released (in shares)				3,754
Restricted stock units released				4	-4
Warrants exercised (in warrants)				22
Stock-based compensation	30,077				30,077
Conversion option related to convertible senior notes, net of allocated costs	43,341				43,341
Comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments		-166	-140				-166	-140
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-952					-952
Tax effect on items related to available-for-sale investment	0					0
Net loss	-32,119								-32,119
Total comprehensive loss	-33,377
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	417,810			120	1,025,661	-3,486			-604,485
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013				119,887
Stock options exercised	13,983			2	13,981
Stock options exercised (in shares)	2,001			2,001
ESPP shares purchased	10,728			1	10,727
ESPP shares issued (in shares)				1,438
Shares withheld for tax obligation (in shares)				-217
Shares withheld for tax obligation	-1,846				-1,846
Restricted stock units released (in shares)				3,051
Restricted stock units released				3	-3
Stock-based compensation	28,705				28,705
Comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments			-320					-320
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-812					-812
Tax effect on items related to available-for-sale investment	0
Net loss	13,659								13,659
Total comprehensive loss	12,527
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	$481,907			$126	$1,077,225	($4,618)			($590,826)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2014				126,160

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$13,659	($32,119)	($85,330)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	25,917	24,562	23,661
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	8,395	4,522	0
Amortization of premium on investments	3,772	1,539	2,068
Stock-based compensation expense	28,394	31,976	41,819
Other gain	-9	-276	-388
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-53,951	6,341	-26,517
Inventory	-25,486	-3,036	-40,623
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-8,324	-3,162	6,140
Accounts payable	18,810	-20,202	15,410
Accrued liabilities and other expenses	11,866	11,272	6,915
Deferred revenue	8,788	7,337	3,763
Accrued warranty	4,132	6,426	3,616
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	35,963	35,180	-49,466
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	-302,398	-288,140	-54,150
Purchase of cost-method investment	-5,500	0	0
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments	28,481	2,850	11,584
Proceeds from maturities and calls of investments	208,051	125,624	117,605
Purchase of property and equipment	-23,122	-21,065	-25,394
Reimbursement of manufacturing capacity advance	0	0	50
Change in restricted cash	-1,571	-69	-827
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-96,059	-180,800	48,868
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net	0	144,469	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	24,707	23,185	11,580
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for net share settlement	-1,846	-1,544	-882
Net cash provided by financing activities	22,861	166,110	10,698
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-600	-826	108
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-37,835	19,664	10,208
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,330	104,666	94,458
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	86,495	124,330	104,666
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	1,697	2,135	923
Cash paid for interest	2,625	1,320	0
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities
Non-cash settlement for manufacturing capacity advance	0	0	275
Transfer of inventory to fixed assets	2,569	5,458	3,222
Warrant exercise	$0	$500	$0

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	Infinera Corporation (“Infinera” or the “Company”), headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, was founded in December 2000 and incorporated in the State of Delaware. Infinera provides optical transport networking equipment, software and services to Tier 1 and Tier 2 telecommunications service providers, Internet content providers (“ICPs”), cable operators, wholesale and enterprise carriers, research and education institutions, and government entities (collectively, “Service Providers”) across the globe. Optical transport networks are deployed by Service Providers facing significant demands for transmission capacity prompted by increased use of high-speed Internet access, mobile broadband, high-definition video streaming services, business Ethernet services and cloud-based services.
	Our technologies and platforms enable Service Providers to deliver vast amounts of bandwidth with greater ease. We leverage our unique large scale photonic integrated circuits (“PICs”) to deliver innovative optical networking solutions for the most demanding network environments. The Infinera Intelligent Transport Network is an architecture that enables Service Providers to automate, converge and scale their long-haul, subsea, data center and metro optical networks.
	The Company operates and reports financial results on a fiscal year of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday of December in each year. Accordingly, fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 52-week years that ended on December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. The next 53-week year will end on December 31, 2016.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company reclassified certain amounts reported in previous periods to conform to the current presentation.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These accounting principles require the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments made by management include revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, inventory valuation, accrued warranty, fair value measurement of investments and accounting for income taxes. Other estimates, assumptions and judgments made by management include allowances for sales returns, allowances for doubtful accounts, useful life of property, plant and equipment, fair value measurement of the liability component of the convertible senior notes, other-than-temporary impairments and derivative instruments. Management believes that the estimates and judgments upon which they rely are reasonable based upon information available to them at the time that these estimates and judgments are made. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be affected.
	Revenue Recognition
	Substantially all of the Company's product sales are sold in combination with installation, deployment and software support services. Periodically, the Company's product sales are also sold with spares management, on-site hardware replacement services or training. Software support services, generally delivered over a one-year period, are comprised of software warranty or software subscription service. Software warranty provides customers with maintenance releases during the warranty support period. Software subscription service includes software warranty and additionally provides customers with rights to receive unspecified software product upgrades released during the support period.
	Spares management and on-site hardware replacement services include the replacement of defective units at customer sites in accordance with specified service level agreements and are generally delivered over a one-year period. Training services include the right to a specified number of instructor-led or web based training classes, and installation and deployment services may include customer site assessments, equipment installation and testing. These services are generally delivered over a 90-120 day period. Software warranty provides customers with maintenance releases and patches during the warranty support period.
	The Company recognizes product revenue when all of the following have occurred: (1) it has entered into a legally binding arrangement with the customer; (2) delivery has occurred, which is when product title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company allocates revenue to each element in its multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. The Company determines the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element has been met.
	VSOE of selling price is used in the selling price allocation in all instances where it exists. VSOE of selling price for products and services is determined when a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable range when sold separately. In certain instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This mainly occurs where insufficient standalone sales transactions have occurred or where pricing for that element has not been consistent.
	TPE of selling price can be established by evaluating largely interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. As the Company’s products contain a significant element of proprietary technology and the solution offered differs substantially from that of competitors, it is typically difficult to obtain the reliable standalone competitive pricing necessary to establish TPE.
	ESP represents the best estimate of the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service was sold on a standalone basis. The Company determines ESP for a product or service by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to market conditions, competitive landscape, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the overall go-to-market pricing strategy.
	As the Company’s go-to-market strategies evolve, the Company may modify its pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOE and ESP. As a result, the Company’s future revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements could differ from that recorded in the current period. The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE and ESP and maintains internal controls over the establishment and update of these inputs.
	The Company limits the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified return or refund privileges. The Company evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting.
	The Company has a limited number of software offerings which are not required to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality and can be sold separately. Revenue from sales of these software products and related post-contract support will continue to be accounted for under software revenue recognition rules. The Company’s multiple-element arrangements may therefore have a software deliverable that is subject to the existing software revenue recognition guidance. The revenue for these multiple-element arrangements is allocated to the software deliverable and the non-software deliverables based on the relative selling prices of all of the deliverables in the arrangement using the hierarchy in the new revenue recognition accounting guidance. Revenue related to these software offerings are not expected to be significant.
	Services revenue includes software subscription services, installation and deployment services, spares management, on-site hardware replacement services, extended software warranty and extended hardware warranty services, and training. Revenue from software subscription, spares management, on-site hardware replacement services and extended software and hardware warranty contracts is deferred and is recognized ratably over the contractual support period, which is generally one year. Revenue related to training and installation and deployment services is recognized as the services are completed.
	Contracts and customer purchase orders are generally used to determine the existence of an arrangement. In addition, shipping documents and customer acceptances, when applicable, are used to verify delivery and transfer of title. Revenue is recognized only when title and risk of loss pass to customers and when the revenue recognition criteria have been met. In instances where acceptance of the product occurs upon formal written acceptance, revenue is recognized only after such written acceptance has been received. The Company assesses whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction. Payment terms to customers generally range from net 30 to 120 days from invoice, which are considered to be standard payment terms. However, payment terms greater than 120 days but less than or equal to one year from invoice may be considered standard if payment is supported by an irrevocable commercial letter of credit (“LOC”) issued by a creditworthy bank or the LOC has been accepted and confirmed by a creditworthy bank. In the event payment terms are provided that differ from the Company’s standard business practices, the fees are deemed to not be fixed or determinable and, therefore, revenue is not recognized until the fees become fixed or determinable which the Company believes is when they are legally due and payable. The Company assesses its ability to collect from its customers based primarily on the creditworthiness and past payment history of the customer.
	For sales to resellers, the same revenue recognition criteria apply. It is the Company’s practice to identify an end-user prior to shipment to a reseller. The Company does not offer rights of return or price protection to its resellers.
	Shipping charges billed to customers are included in product revenue and related shipping costs are included in product cost. The Company reports revenue net of any required taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period) under the straight-line amortization method.
	The Company estimates the fair value of the stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula and a single option award approach. For new-hire grants, options typically vest with respect to 25% of the shares one year after the option’s vesting commencement date and the remainder ratably on a monthly basis over three years, commencing one year after the vesting commencement date. For annual refresh grants, options typically vest ratably on a monthly basis over three years.
	The Company makes a number of estimates and assumptions in determining stock-based compensation related to options including the following:
	•	The expected forfeiture rate is estimated based on the Company’s historical forfeiture data and compensation costs are recognized only for those equity awards expected to vest. The estimation of the forfeiture rate requires judgment, and to the extent actual forfeitures differ from expectations, changes in estimate will be recorded as an adjustment in the period when such estimates are revised. Actual results may differ substantially from the estimates. The Company records stock-based compensation expense to adjust estimated forfeiture rates to actual.
	•	The expected term represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to be outstanding prior to being exercised. The expected term is estimated based on the Company’s historical data on employee exercise patterns and post vesting termination behavior to estimate expected exercises over the contractual term of grants.
	•	Expected volatility of the Company’s stock has been historically based on the weighted-average implied and historical volatility of Infinera and its peer group. The peer group is comprised of similar companies in the same industrial sector. As the Company gained more historical volatility data, the weighting of its own data in the expected volatility calculation associated with options gradually increased to 100% by 2013.
	The Company estimates the fair value of the rights to acquire stock under its Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. The Company’s ESPP provides for consecutive six-month offering periods and the Company uses its own historical volatility data in the valuation of ESPP shares.
	The Company accounts for the fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. For new-hire grants, RSUs typically vest ratably on an annual basis over four years. For annual refresh grants, RSUs typically vest ratably on an annual basis over three years.
	The Company granted performance stock units ("PSUs") to its executives in 2013 and 2014 as part of the Company's annual refresh grant process. These PSUs entitle the Company's executive officers to receive a number of shares of the Company's common stock based on its stock price performance compared to a specified target composite index for the same period. The PSUs vest over the span of one year, two years and three years, and the number of shares to be issued upon vesting ranges from 0 to 1.5 times the number of PSUs granted depending on the relative performance of the Company's common stock price compared to the targeted composite index. This performance metric is classified as a market condition.
	The Company uses the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of PSUs on the date of grant. The Monte Carlo simulation model is based on a discounted cash flow approach, with the simulation of a large number of possible stock price outcomes for the Company's stock and the target composite index. The use of the Monte Carlo simulation model requires the input of a number of assumptions including expected volatility of the Company's stock price, expected volatility of target composite index, correlation between changes in the Company's stock price and changes in the target composite index, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends as applicable. Expected volatility of the Company's stock is based on the weighted-average historical volatility of its stock. Expected volatility of target composite index is based on the historical and implied data. Correlation is based on the historical relationship between the Company's stock price and the target composite index average. The risk-free interest rate is based upon the treasury zero-coupon yield appropriate for the term of the PSU as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is zero for the Company as it does not expect to pay dividends in the future. The expected dividend yield for the target composite index is the annual dividend yield expressed as a percentage of the composite average of the target composite index on the grant date.
	In 2012, the Company granted PSUs with performance conditions and estimated the fair value using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. These PSUs entitle the Company’s executive officers to receive a number of shares of the Company’s common stock based on pre-established performance criteria over approximately two and a half years. The PSUs cliff vest at 50% upon achievement of specific revenue criteria and 50% will cliff vest upon achievement of specific operating profit criteria. This performance metric is classified as a performance condition.
	Research and Development
	All costs to develop the Company’s hardware products are expensed as incurred. Software development costs are capitalized beginning when a product’s technological feasibility has been established and ending when a product is available for general release to customers. Generally, the Company’s software products are released soon after technological feasibility has been established. As a result, costs subsequent to achieving technological feasibility have not been significant and all software development costs have been expensed as incurred.
	Advertising
	All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	Accounting for Income Taxes
	As part of the process of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company estimates actual current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items, such as accruals and allowances not currently deductible for tax purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In general, deferred tax assets represent future tax benefits to be received when certain expenses previously recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations become deductible expenses under applicable income tax laws or loss or credit carryforwards are utilized. Accordingly, realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable income within the respective jurisdictions against which these deductions, losses and credits can be utilized within the applicable future periods.
	The Company must assess the likelihood that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income within the respective jurisdictions, and to the extent the Company believes that recovery does not meet the “more-likely-than-not” standard, the Company must establish a valuation allowance. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred tax assets. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s domestic net deferred tax assets were fully reserved with a valuation allowance because, based on the available evidence, the Company believed at that time it was more likely than not that it would not be able to utilize those deferred tax assets in the future. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient evidence exists to support the reversal of the valuation allowance. The Company makes estimates and judgments about its future taxable income, by jurisdiction, based on assumptions that are consistent with its plans and estimates. Should the actual amounts differ from the Company’s estimates, the amount of its valuation allowance could be materially impacted.
	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	The Company considers the functional currencies of its foreign subsidiaries to be the local currency. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, and costs and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Equity transactions are translated using historical exchange rates. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of Accumulated Comprehensive Loss in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	For all non-functional currency account balances, the re-measurement of such balances to the functional currency will result in either a foreign exchange transaction gain or loss which is recorded to Other gain (loss), net in the same period that the re-measurement occurred. Aggregate foreign exchange transaction loss recorded in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1.4 million, $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	The Company entered into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on earnings from accounts receivable balances denominated in euros and British pounds, and restricted cash denominated in euros.
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term and Long-term Investments
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity at the date of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. These instruments may include cash, money market funds and commercial paper. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist of highly-liquid investments in certificates of deposits, money market funds, commercial paper, corporate bonds and U.S. treasuries. Long-term investments primarily consist of corporate bonds. The Company considers all debt instruments with original maturities at the date of purchase greater than 90 days and remaining time to maturity of one year or less to be short-term investments. The Company classifies debt instruments with remaining maturities greater than one year as long-term investments, unless the Company intends to settle its holdings within one year or less and in such case it is considered to be short-term investments. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designations as of each balance sheet date.
	Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company evaluates its available-for-sale marketable debt securities for other-than-temporary impairments and records any credit loss portion in Other income (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity and for any credit losses incurred on these securities. Gains and losses are recognized when realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations under the specific identification method.
	Fair Value Measurement of Investments
	Pursuant to the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and its subsequent updates, fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
	Valuation techniques used by the Company are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable or market inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available. Observable inputs are the preferred source of values. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
	Level 1		–	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2		–	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3		–	Prices or valuations that require management inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
	The Company measures its cash equivalents, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and debt securities at fair value and classifies its securities in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s money market funds and U.S. treasuries are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
	The Company classifies its certificates of deposit, commercial paper, corporate bonds and foreign currency exchange forward contracts within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as follows:
	Certificates of Deposit
	The Company reviews market pricing and other observable market inputs for the same or similar securities obtained from a number of industry standard data providers. In the event that a transaction is observed for the same or similar security in the marketplace, the price on that transaction reflects the market price and fair value on that day. In the absence of any observable market transactions for a particular security, the fair market value at period end would be equal to the par value. These inputs represent quoted prices for similar assets or these inputs have been derived from observable market data.
	Commercial Paper
	The Company reviews market pricing and other observable market inputs for the same or similar securities obtained from a number of industry standard data providers. In the event that a transaction is observed for the same or similar security in the marketplace, the price on that transaction reflects the market price and fair value on that day and then follows a revised accretion schedule to determine the fair market value at period end. In the absence of any observable market transactions for a particular security, the fair market value at period end is derived by accreting from the last observable market price. These inputs represent quoted prices for similar assets or these inputs have been derived from observable market data accreted mathematically to par.
	Corporate Bonds
	The Company reviews trading activity and pricing for each of the corporate bond securities in its portfolio as of the measurement date and determines if pricing data of sufficient frequency and volume in an active market exists in order to support Level 1 classification of these securities. If sufficient quoted pricing for identical securities is not available, the Company obtains market pricing and other observable market inputs for similar securities from a number of industry standard data providers. In instances where multiple prices exist for similar securities, these prices are used as inputs into a distribution-curve to determine the fair market value at period end.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts
	As discussed in Note 5, "Derivative Instruments," to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company mainly holds non-speculative foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exchange exposures. The Company estimates the fair values of derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies.
	The Company classified its auction rate securities ("ARS") within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s ARS were classified within Level 3 because they were valued, in part, by using inputs that were unobservable in the market and were significant to the valuation. During 2013, the Company disposed of its remaining ARS. As of December 27, 2014, none of the Company’s existing securities were classified as Level 3 securities.
	Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	The Company reviews its available-for-sale marketable debt securities on a regular basis to evaluate whether or not a security has experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. If a debt security’s market value is below amortized cost and the Company either intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the Company records an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge to earnings for the entire amount of the impairment.
When the Company does not intend to sell an impaired security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company separates the OTTI into credit and non-credit loss portions. The amount representing the credit loss is recognized in Other income (expense), net, and the amount related to all other factors is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
In determining if a credit loss has occurred, it is the Company’s policy to isolate the credit loss related portion of the discount rate used to derive the fair market value of the security and apply this to the expected cash flows in order to determine the portion of the OTTI that is credit loss related. This credit related portion of the discount rate is based on the financial condition of the issuer, changes in rating agency credit ratings for the security or increases in credit related yield spreads on similar securities offered by the same issuer.
Once a credit impairment loss has been recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, the amortized cost basis of that available-for-sale security is reduced by the amount of the credit impairment loss, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any non-credit related unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company will continue to monitor the security’s credit rating and credit spread and will accrete any reduction in the credit impairment loss to interest income over the expected life of the security.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables recorded upon recognition of revenue for product and services, reduced by reserves for estimated bad debts. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Credit is extended based on evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Management makes judgments as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables and provides allowances for a portion of receivables when collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a review of all significant outstanding invoices.
Allowances for Sales Returns
Customer product returns are approved on a case by case basis. Specific reserve provisions are made based upon a specific review of all the approved product returns where the customer has yet to return the products to generate the related sales return credit at the end of a period. Estimated sales returns are provided for as a reduction to revenue in 2014, 2013 and 2012. At December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, revenue was reduced for estimated sales returns by $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Concentration of Risk
Financial instruments that are potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, long-term investments, cost-method investments and accounts receivable. Investment policies have been implemented that limit investments to investment-grade securities.
As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company has invested $14.5 million and $9.0 million in a privately-held company. This investment has been accounted for as a cost-basis investment, as the Company owns less than 20% of the voting securities and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the entity. See Note 4, “Cost-method Investment,” to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
The risk with respect to accounts receivable is mitigated by ongoing credit evaluations that the Company performs on its customers. As the Company expands its sales internationally, it may experience increased levels of customer credit risk associated with those regions. Collateral is generally not required for accounts receivable but may be used in the future to mitigate credit risk associated with customers located in certain geographical regions.
As of December 27, 2014, one customer accounted for approximately 13% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. As of December 28, 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 13% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance.
To date, a few of the Company’s customers have accounted for a significant portion of its revenue. One customer accounted for over 10% of total revenue in 2014. Revenue from this customer was 19% of total revenue in 2014. No individual customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s revenue in 2013 or 2012.
The Company depends on a single or limited number of suppliers for components and raw materials. The Company generally purchases these single or limited source components and materials through standard purchase orders and does not have long-term contracts with many of these limited-source suppliers. While the Company seeks to maintain sufficient reserve stock of such components and materials, the Company’s business and results of operations could be adversely affected by a stoppage or delay in receiving such components and materials, the receipt of defective parts, an increase in the price of such components and materials or the Company’s inability to obtain reduced pricing from its suppliers in response to competitive pressures.
Derivative Instruments
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative instruments, specifically forward contracts, to reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on earnings. The forward contracts are with one high-quality institution and the Company monitors the creditworthiness of the counter party consistently. The Company’s objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with gains and losses on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting fair values of assets. None of the Company’s derivative instruments contain credit-risk related contingent features, any rights to reclaim cash collateral or any obligation to return cash collateral. The Company does not have any leveraged derivatives. The Company does not use derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company enters into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates that arise primarily from its euro and British pound denominated receivables and euro denominated restricted cash balance amounts that are pledged as collateral for certain stand-by letters of credit. Gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on the underlying foreign currency denominated accounts receivables and restricted cash, and therefore, do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk. The forward contracts are with one high-quality institution and the Company consistently monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparty. The forward contracts entered into during 2014 were denominated in euros and British pounds, and typically had maturities of no more than 35 days. The contracts are settled for U.S. dollars at maturity at rates agreed to at inception of the contracts.
Inventory Valuation
Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods and are stated at standard cost adjusted to approximate the lower of actual cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Market value is based upon an estimated selling price reduced by the estimated cost of disposal. The determination of market value involves numerous judgments including estimated average selling prices based upon recent sales volumes, industry trends, existing customer orders, current contract price, future demand and pricing and technological obsolescence of the Company’s products.
Inventory that is obsolete or in excess of the Company’s forecasted demand or is anticipated to be sold at a loss is written down to its estimated net realizable value based on historical usage and expected demand. In valuing its inventory costs and deferred inventory costs, the Company considered whether the utility of the products delivered or expected to be delivered at less than cost, primarily comprised of common equipment, had declined. The Company concluded that, in the instances where the utility of the products delivered or expected to be delivered was less than cost, it was appropriate to value the inventory costs and deferred inventory costs at cost or market, whichever is lower, thereby recognizing the cost of the reduction in utility in the period in which the reduction occurred or can be reasonably estimated. The Company has, therefore, recognized inventory write-downs as necessary in each period in order to reflect inventory at the lower of cost or market (“LCM”).
The Company considers whether it should accrue losses on firm purchase commitments related to inventory items. Given that the net realizable value of common equipment is below contractual purchase price, the Company has also recorded losses on these firm purchase commitments in the period in which the commitment is made. When the inventory parts related to these firm purchase commitments are received, that inventory is recorded at the purchase price less the accrual for the loss on the purchase commitment.
Deferred Inventory Costs
When the Company’s products have been delivered and ownership (typically defined as title and risk of loss) has transferred to the customer, but the product revenue associated with the arrangement has been deferred as a result of not meeting the revenue recognition criteria, the Company also defers the related inventory costs for the delivered items and recognizes the inventory costs either ratably or when the related revenue meets the revenue recognition criteria.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. This includes enterprise-level business software that the Company customizes to meets its specific operational needs. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. An assumption of lease renewal where a renewal option exists is used only when the renewal has been determined to be reasonably assured. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful life for each asset category is as follows:
	Estimated Useful Lives
Laboratory and manufacturing equipment	1.5 to 10 years
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 5 years
Computer hardware and software	1.5 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years
The Company regularly reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated. If impairment indicators are present and the projected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, the carrying values are reduced to the estimated fair value. If assets are determined to be recoverable, but the useful lives are shorter than originally estimated, the carrying value of the assets is depreciated over the newly determined remaining useful lives.
Accrued Warranty
The Company warrants that its products will operate substantially in conformity with product specifications. Upon delivery of the Company's products, we provide for the estimated cost to repair or replace products that may be returned under warranty. The Company's hardware warranty periods range from one to five years from date of acceptance for hardware and 90 days for software warranty. The hardware warranty accrual is based on actual historical returns and cost of repair experience and the application of those historical rates to the Company's in-warranty installed base. The provision for warranty claims fluctuates depending upon the installed base of products and the failure rates and costs of repair associated with these products under warranty. Furthermore, the Company's costs of repair vary based on repair volume and its ability to repair, rather than replace, defective units.  In the event that actual product failure rates and costs to repair differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the warranty provision are required. Consequently, the Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. In addition, the Company has software warranty support obligations and the costs associated with providing these software warranties have been insignificant to the Company's consolidated financial statements to date.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, "Income Taxes - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry Forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry Forwards Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present the unrecognized tax benefits in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company's adoption of ASU 2013-11 during the first quarter of 2014 had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts from Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 will require an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers 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. This update creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s), which include (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determining the transaction price; (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations; and (v) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2017. The Company has the option to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of applying this ASU recognized at the date of initial application. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period" ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"), as it relates to such awards. ASU 2014-12 will be effective for the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2017 with early adoption permitted using either of two methods: (i) prospective to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (ii) retrospective to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-12 as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-12 on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items" (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result, an entity will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. However, ASU 2015-01 will still retain the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of ASU 2015-01 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 10): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 provides guidance on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In accordance with ASU 2015-02, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2015-02 on its consolidated financial statements.”

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables represent the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its marketable securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		As of December 27, 2014														As of December 28, 2013
		Fair Value Measured Using														Fair Value Measured Using
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Money market funds	$	21,478		$	—		$	—			$	21,478			$	51,749			$	—		$	—	$	51,749
	Certificates of deposit	—			8,060			—				8,060				—				3,840			—		3,840
	Commercial paper	—			46,072			—				46,072				—				85,860			—		85,860
	Corporate bonds	—			235,285			—				235,285				—				150,595			—		150,595
	U.S. treasuries	14,810			—			—				14,810				4,804				—			—		4,804
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	29		$	—	$	29
	Total assets	$	36,288		$	289,417		$	—			$	325,705			$	56,553			$	240,324		$	—	$	296,877
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	(64	)	$	—			$	(64	)		$	—			$	(26	)	$	—	$	(26	)
	During 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 financial assets.
	During 2013, the Company disposed of its remaining $3.1 million (par value) of ARS, with $0.1 million of ARS called at par value and $3.0 million of ARS tendered at 95% of par value. The following table presents a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (in thousands):
		December 29,			Total Net Gains			Calls					Sold				December 28,
		2012			Included in Other												2013
					Comprehensive Income
	ARS—available-for-sale	$	2,873		$	—		$	(92	)	(1)		$	(2,781	)	(2)	$	—
	(1)	Amount represents the fair market value of the securities called. Realized gains on these calls were not significant in 2013.
	(2)	Amount represents the fair market value of the securities sold at 95% par value. Realized gains for 2013 were $0.2 million.
	Investments were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014
		Adjusted			Gross			Gross				Fair Value
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Money market funds	$	21,478		$	—		$	—			$	21,478
	Certificates of deposit	8,060			—			—				8,060
	Commercial paper	46,073			—			(1		)		46,072
	Corporate bonds	235,713			2			(430		)		235,285
	U.S. treasuries	14,825			1			(16		)		14,810
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	326,149		$	3		$	(447	)		$	325,705
		December 28, 2013
		Adjusted			Gross			Gross				Fair Value
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Money market funds	$	51,749		$	—		$	—			$	51,749
	Certificates of deposit	3,840			—			—				3,840
	Commercial paper	85,870			2			(12		)		85,860
	Corporate bonds	150,711			27			(143		)		150,595
	U.S. treasuries	4,802			2			—				4,804
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	296,972		$	31		$	(155	)		$	296,848
	As of December 27, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale investments in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, corporate bonds and U.S. treasuries have a contractual maturity term of up to 18 months. Proceeds from sales, maturities and calls of available-for-sale investments were $236.5 million, $128.5 million and $129.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Gross realized gains (losses) on short-term and long-term investments were insignificant for these periods. The specific identification method is used to account for gains and losses on available-for-sale investments.
	Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	As a result of the Company’s disposal of $3.1 million of ARS (par value) during 2013, it recorded an approximately $0.2 million gain, which was recognized as Other gain (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There were no other-than-temporary impairments during 2014.
	A roll-forward of amortized cost, cumulative OTTI recognized in earnings and Accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized			Cumulative				Unrealized				OTTI Loss in				Accumulated
		Cost			OTTI in				Gain				Accumulated				Other
					Earnings								Other				Comprehensive
													Comprehensive				Income (Loss)
													Loss
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	2,707		$	(394	)		$	784			$	(618	)		$	166
	Call on investments	(87		)	13				(25		)		20				(5		)
	Investments sold	(2,620		)	381				(759		)		598				(161		)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—

Costmethod_Investment

Cost-method Investment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Cost-method Investment	Cost-method Investment
	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s investment in a privately-held company was $14.5 million and $9.0 million, respectively. This investment is accounted for as a cost-basis investment as the Company owns less than 20% of the voting securities and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the entity. The Company’s investment is in an entity that is not publicly traded and, therefore, no established market for the securities exists. The Company’s investment is carried at historical cost in its consolidated financial statements and will be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis if indicators of impairment exist in the future. If the Company believes that the carrying value of the cost basis investment is in excess of estimated fair value, the Company’s policy is to record an impairment charge in Other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations to adjust the carrying value to estimated fair value, when the impairment is deemed other-than-temporary. The Company regularly evaluates the carrying value of this cost-method investment for impairment. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, no event had occurred that would be considered an indicator of impairment, therefore, the fair value of the cost-method investment is not estimated. The Company did not record any impairment charges for this cost-method investment during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts
	As of December 27, 2014, the Company did not designate foreign currency exchange forward contracts related to euro and British pound denominated receivables and restricted cash as hedges for accounting purposes, and, accordingly, changes in the fair value of these instruments are included in Other gain (loss), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The before-tax effect of foreign currency exchange forward contracts for euro and British pound denominated receivables and restricted cash not designated as hedging instruments was a gain of $1.6 million for 2014, a loss of $2.2 million for 2013, and a gain of $1.4 million in 2012, included in Other gain (loss), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets was as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 27, 2014							As of December 28, 2013
		Gross		Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets		Other			Gross		Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets		Other
		Notional(1)				Accrued			Notional(1)				Accrued
						Liabilities							Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
	Related to euro denominated receivables	$	34,445	$	—	$	(53	)	$	16,867	$	27	$	—
	Related to British pound denominated receivables	$	2,678	$	—	$	(9	)	$	13,271	$	—	$	(26	)
	Related to restricted cash	$	1,236	$	—	$	(2	)	$	1,391	$	2	$	—
	Total			$	—	$	(64	)			$	29	$	(26	)
	(1)	Represents the face amounts of forward contracts that were outstanding as of the period noted.

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Details	Balance Sheet Details
	Restricted Cash
	The Company’s long-term restricted cash balance is primarily comprised of certificates of deposit, of which the majority is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These amounts primarily collateralize the Company’s issuances of stand-by and commercial letters of credit. Additionally, the Company’s restricted cash balance includes a leave encashment fund for India employees and a corporate bank card deposit for employees in the United Kingdom.
	The following table provides details of selected balance sheet items (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Inventory:
	Raw materials	$	15,169		$	14,311
	Work in process	50,046			49,172
	Finished goods(1)	81,285			60,202
	Total(2)	$	146,500		$	123,685
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Computer hardware	$	8,785		$	9,692
	Computer software(3)	17,684			16,988
	Laboratory and manufacturing equipment	162,004			146,834
	Furniture and fixtures	1,340			1,347
	Leasehold improvements	37,825			35,913
	Construction in progress	14,726			8,950
	Subtotal	$	242,364		$	219,724
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(4)	(160,798		)	(140,056		)
	Total	$	81,566		$	79,668
	Accrued expenses:
	Loss contingency related to non-cancelable purchase commitments	$	5,390		$	5,120
	Professional and other consulting fees	1,831			1,411
	Taxes payable	3,993			2,372
	Royalties	2,648			1,540
	Accrued rebate and customer prepay liability	941			3,807
	Accrued interest on convertible senior notes	219			219
	Other accrued expenses	11,419			7,962
	Total	$	26,441		$	22,431
	(1)	Included in finished goods inventory at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $10.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of inventory at customer locations for which product acceptance had not occurred.
	(2)	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s inventory value had been reduced by $10.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for excess and obsolescence, and $7.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for LCM adjustments.
	(3)	Included in computer software at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $7.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, related to an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system that the Company implemented during 2012. The unamortized ERP costs at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $5.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively.
	(4)	Depreciation expense was $25.9 million, $24.5 million and $23.5 million (which includes depreciation of capitalized ERP costs of $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Comprehensive_Loss

Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Loss	Comprehensive Loss
	Other comprehensive loss includes certain changes in equity that are excluded from net loss. The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Unrealized Gain (Loss)				Foreign Currency Translation				Accumulated			Total
		on Auction Rate			on Other								Tax Effect
		Securities			Available-for-Sale
					Securities
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	307		$	(142	)		$	(1,607	)		$	(753	)	$	(2,195	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			158				(43		)		(7		)	108
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(141		)	—				—				—			(141		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(141		)	158				(43		)		(7		)	(33		)
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	166		$	16			$	(1,650	)		$	(760	)	$	(2,228	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(140		)		(952		)		—			(1,092		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(166		)	—				—				—			(166		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(166		)	(140		)		(952		)		—			(1,258		)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	—		$	(124	)		$	(2,602	)		$	(760	)	$	(3,486	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(320		)		(812		)		—			(1,132		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—				—				—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	—			(320		)		(812		)		—			(1,132		)
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	—		$	(444	)		$	(3,414	)		$	(760	)	$	(4,618	)
	The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the periods presented (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other											Affected Line Item in
			Comprehensive Loss											the Statement Where
														Net Loss is Presented
			Years Ended
			27-Dec-14			28-Dec-13				29-Dec-12
	Unrealized gain on auction rate securities		$	—		$	(166	)		$	(141	)		Other gain (loss), net
			—			—				—				Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	—		$	(166	)		$	(141	)		Total, net of income tax

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed using net income (loss) and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, assumed release of outstanding restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance stock units ("PSUs"), assumed conversion of convertible senior notes from conversion spread, and assumed issuance of stock under the Company’s ESPP using the treasury stock method. The Company includes the common shares underlying PSUs in the calculation of diluted net income per share only when they become contingently issuable. In net loss periods, these potentially diluted common shares have been anti-dilutive and therefore, excluded from the diluted net loss calculation.
	The following table sets forth the computation of net income (loss) per common share—basic and diluted (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Years Ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	13,659		$	(32,119	)	$	(85,330	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	123,672			117,425			110,739
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee equity plans	4,778			—			—
	Assumed conversion of convertible senior notes from conversion spread	115			—			—
	Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding	128,565			117,425			110,739
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.11		$	(0.27	)	$	(0.77	)
	Diluted	$	0.11		$	(0.27	)	$	(0.77	)
	The number of shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share does not include the effect of the potential outstanding common stock listed in the following table. The effects of these potentially outstanding shares were not included in the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method or the performance condition of the award has not been met (in thousands):
		As of
		December 27,		December 28,			December 29,
		2014		2013			2012
	Stock options outstanding	362		6,367			9,008
	Restricted stock units	331		6,583			6,703
	Performance stock units	124		721			1,368
	Employee stock purchase plan shares	741		661			1,100
	Warrants to purchase common stock	—		—			93
	Total	1,558		14,332			18,272
	In 2014, the Company included the dilutive effects of the Company's convertible senior notes in the calculation of diluted net income per common share as the average market price was above the conversion price. The dilutive impact of the Company's convertible senior notes was based on the difference between the Company's average stock price and the conversion price of the convertible senior notes, provided there is a spread. In 2013, the Company excluded the potential shares issuable upon conversion of the convertible senior notes in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the market price was below the conversion price. Upon conversion of the convertible senior notes, it is the Company’s intention to pay cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount or the conversion value of the Notes being converted, therefore, only the conversion spread relating to the notes would be included in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation unless their effect is anti-dilutive.

Convertible_Senior_Notes

Convertible Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Senior Notes	Convertible Senior Notes
	In May 2013, the Company issued $150.0 million of 1.75% convertible senior notes due June 1, 2018 (the “Notes”). The Notes will mature on June 1, 2018, unless earlier purchased by the Company or converted. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing December 1, 2013. The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $144.5 million.
	The Notes are governed by an indenture dated as of May 30, 2013 (the “Indenture”), between the Company, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The Notes are unsecured and do not contain any financial covenants or any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of senior debt or other indebtedness, or the issuance or repurchase of securities by the Company.
	Upon conversion, it is the Company's intention to pay cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount or the conversion value of the Notes. For any remaining conversion obligation, The Company intends to pay cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company's election. The initial conversion rate is 79.4834 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The initial conversion price is approximately $12.58 per share of common stock.
	Throughout the term of the Notes, the conversion rate may be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain events, including for any cash dividends. Holders of the Notes will not receive any cash payment representing accrued and unpaid interest upon conversion of a Note. Accrued but unpaid interest will be deemed to be paid in full upon conversion rather than canceled, extinguished or forfeited. Holders may convert their Notes under the following circumstances:
	•	during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending on September 28, 2013 (and only during such fiscal quarter) if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
	•	during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the 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 trading day;
	•	upon the occurrence of specified corporate events described under the Indenture, such as a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange; or
	•	at any time on or after December 1, 2017 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
	If the Company undergoes a fundamental change as defined in the Indenture governing the Notes, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. In addition, upon the occurrence of a “make-whole fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture), the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares for a holder that elects to convert its Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change.
	The carrying amounts of the liability components of the Notes were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Principal	$	150,000		$	150,000
	Unamortized discount (1)	(30,257		)	(37,322		)
	Carrying amount	119,743			112,678
	(1)	Unamortized discount includes debt conversion discount and issuance costs, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the Notes, which is approximately 4 years.
	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the carrying amount of the equity components of the Notes was as follows (in thousands):
	Debt discount related to value of conversion option	45,000
	Debt issuance cost	(1,659	)
	Total	43,341
	In accounting for the issuance of the Notes, the Company separated the Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar debt instrument that does not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the Notes. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount (“debt discount”) is amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes. The remaining debt conversion discount amount to be amortized over the remaining years until maturity of the Notes was $33.1 million as of December 27, 2014.
	In accounting for the issuance costs of $5.5 million related to the Notes, the Company allocated the total amount incurred to the liability and equity components of the Notes based on their relative values. Issuance costs attributable to the liability component were recorded as other non-current assets and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes. The issuance costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component in stockholders’ equity. Additionally, the Company initially recorded a deferred tax liability of $17.0 million in connection with the issuance of the Notes, and a corresponding reduction in valuation allowance. The impact of both was recorded to stockholders’ equity.
	The Company determined that the embedded conversion option in the Notes does not require separate accounting treatment as a derivative instrument because it is both indexed to the Company’s own stock and would be classified in stockholder’s equity if freestanding.
	The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Notes (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		27-Dec-14			28-Dec-13
	Contractual interest expense	$	2,626		$	1,539
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	665			358
	Amortization of debt discount	7,730			4,164
	Total interest expense	$	11,021		$	6,061
	The coupon rate was 1.75%. For the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the debt discount and debt issuance costs were amortized, using an annual effective interest rate of 10.23%, to interest expense over the term of the Notes.
	As of December 27, 2014, the fair value of the Notes was $198.9 million. The fair value was determined based on the quoted bid price of the Notes in an over-the-counter market on December 26, 2014. The Notes are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $14.91 on December 26, 2014, the if-converted value of the Notes exceeded their principal amount by approximately $27.8 million.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the closing price of our common stock did not meet or exceed 130% of the applicable conversion price of our Notes on at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive trading days of the quarter; furthermore, no other conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert have been met as of December 27, 2014. Therefore, the Notes are not convertible as of December 27, 2014 and are classified as long-term debt.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. These leases have varying terms that range from one to ten years, predominantly no longer than ten years each and contain leasehold improvement incentives, rent holidays and escalation clauses. In addition, some of these leases have renewal options for up to five years. The Company has contractual commitments to remove leasehold improvements and return certain properties to a specified condition when the leases terminate. At the inception of a lease with such conditions, the Company records an asset retirement obligation liability and a corresponding capital asset in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the obligation. Asset retirement obligations were $2.7 million and $2.6 million as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. These obligations are classified as other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease period factoring in leasehold improvement incentives, rent holidays and escalation clauses. Rent expense for all leases was $7.2 million, $6.8 million and $6.7 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company did not have any sublease rental income for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Future annual minimum operating lease payments at December 27, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating lease payments	$	7,063	$	6,419	$	5,575	$	5,106	$	5,344	$	8,546	$	38,053
	Purchase Commitments
	The Company has service agreements with its major production suppliers, where the Company is committed to purchase certain parts. These obligations are typically less than the Company’s purchase needs. As of December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, these non-cancelable purchase commitments were $128.3 million, $69.6 million and $52.7 million, respectively.
	Future purchase commitments at December 27, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Purchase obligations	$	126,211	$	2,050	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	128,261
	The contractual obligation tables above exclude tax liabilities of $2.2 million related to uncertain tax positions because the Company is unable to determine the timing of settlement, if any, of these future payments with a reasonably reliable estimate.
	Indemnification Obligations
	From time to time, the Company enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require it to indemnify parties against third party claims. These contracts primarily relate to: (i) certain real estate leases under which the Company may be required to indemnify property owners for environmental and other liabilities, and other claims arising from the Company’s use of the applicable premises; (ii) certain agreements with the Company’s officers, directors and certain key employees, under which the Company may be required to indemnify such persons for liabilities; and (iii) certain provisions in the Company’s customer agreements that may require the Company to indemnify their customers and their affiliated parties against certain liabilities, including if the Company’s products infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights.
	The terms of such indemnification obligations vary. Because the maximum obligated amounts under these agreements generally are not explicitly stated, the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is generally unlimited.
	To date, the Company has not incurred any material costs as a result of the indemnification obligations and has not accrued any liabilities related to such obligations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company may be obligated to indemnify the Company's customers in connection with the lawsuit filed by Cambrian Science Corporation (“Cambrian”) on July 7, 2011, to the extent the Company’s product is found to infringe the Cambrian patent at issue (Patent No. 6,775,312) (see Note 12, “Legal Matters,” to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
	As permitted under Delaware law and the Company’s charter and bylaws, the Company has agreements whereby it indemnifies certain of its officers and each of its directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a Director and Officer insurance policy that may reduce its exposure and enable it to recover all or a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of its insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees
	Product Warranties
	Upon delivery of products, the Company provides for the estimated cost to repair or replace products or the related components that may be returned under hardware warranties. In general, hardware warranty periods range from one to five years. Hardware warranties provide the purchaser with protection in the event that the product does not perform to product specifications. During the warranty period, the purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy in the event of such defect or failure to perform is limited to the correction of the defect or failure by repair, refurbishment or replacement, at the Company’s sole option and expense. The Company estimates its hardware warranty obligations based on the Company’s historical and industry experience of product failure rates, use of materials to repair or replace defective products, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product failures. In addition, from time to time, specific hardware warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise with specific products. Management periodically assesses the adequacy of the Company’s recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.
	Activity related to product warranty was as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	22,908		$	16,482
	Charges to operations	22,697			21,193
	Utilization	(10,860		)	(9,404		)
	Change in estimate(1)	(7,705		)	(5,363		)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	27,040		$	22,908
	(1)	The Company records hardware warranty liabilities based on the latest quality and cost information available as of that date. The changes in estimate shown here are due to changes in overall actual failure rates and the resulting impact of these changes on the Company’s estimate of expected future returns, as well as changes in the estimated cost and the mix of new versus used units related to replacement of failed units.
	Letters of Credit
	The Company had $5.0 million of standby letters of credit outstanding as of December 27, 2014. These consisted of $3.0 million related to a customer proposal guarantee, $1.3 million related to a value added tax license and $0.7 million related to property leases. The Company had $3.5 million of standby letters of credit outstanding as of December 28, 2013. These consisted of $1.4 million related to a customer proposal guarantee, $1.4 million related to a value added tax license and $0.7 million related to property leases.

Legal_Matters

Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Legal Matters	Legal Matters
	Cambrian Science Patent Infringement Litigation
	On July 12, 2011, the Company was notified by Level 3 that Cambrian Science Corporation ("Cambrian") filed suit against Level 3 and six other defendants, including Cox Communications, Inc., XO Communications, LLC, Global Crossing Limited, 360Networks (USA), Inc., Integra Telecom, Inc. and IXC, Inc. dba Telekenex (collectively, the "Defendants") in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of patent no. 6,775,312 (the "'312 Patent") and requesting damages for such alleged infringement (the "Cambrian Claim"). The nature of the Cambrian Claim involves allegations of infringement of the '312 Patent resulting from the Defendants’ use of certain products and systems in the Defendants’ networks, including the Infinera DTN platform. On August 24, 2011, Cambrian amended the complaint to name the Company as a defendant. The Company assumed the defense of the Cambrian Claim and filed an answer to Cambrian’s complaint on September 21, 2011, in which the Company denied infringement of the '312 Patent and raised other defenses. Cambrian filed a second amended complaint on October 6, 2011, which included many of the same allegations as in the original complaint. The Company filed its answer to the second amended complaint on October 21, 2011, in which the Company maintained the same denials and defenses as in the Company’s initial answer. On December 23, 2011, the Company filed a motion requesting that the court stay the case with respect to each of the above-noted customer Defendants. Cambrian filed its opposition to the Company’s motion on December 30, 2011. The Company’s request was denied in the court’s decision on March 7, 2012. The Company presented evidence on the appropriate meanings of relevant key words used in the patent claims during a claim construction hearing on November 20, 2012.
	On June 17, 2013, the court issued an order regarding claim construction, in which the court agreed with almost all of the Company’s proposed claim constructions. On October 17, 2013, the parties met for a court-mandated mediation. On April 24, 2014, the Company filed two motions for summary judgment relating to non-infringement and Cambrian’s claim to an earlier date of invention. The court held a hearing on the summary judgment motions on June 9, 2014. On July 2, 2014, the court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment on non-infringement and entered a final judgment of non-infringement of the '312 Patent. On August 1, 2014, Cambrian filed a notice of appeal regarding the ruling of non-infringement to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and Cambrian's appeal brief was filed on November 6, 2014. The Company filed its responsive brief on January 5, 2015, and on February 5, 2015, Cambrian filed their reply brief. The Company is seeking to recover certain costs and attorney's fees from Cambrian.
	As of December 27, 2014, the Company concluded that the likelihood of a loss with respect to this suit was remote and the amount of any loss would be insignificant. The Company does not believe the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Factors that the Company considered in the determination of the likelihood of a loss and the estimate of that loss in respect to this matter included the merits of the case, the district court granting the Company's motion for summary judgment for non-infringement, the entry of final judgment of non-infringement and the current stage of the litigation. However, the outcome of such legal matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to uncertainty.
	Loss Contingencies
	The Company is subject to the possibility of various losses arising in the ordinary course of business. These may relate to disputes, litigation and other legal actions. In the preparation of its quarterly and annual financial statements, the Company considers the likelihood of loss or the incurrence of a liability, including whether it is probable, reasonably possible or remote that a liability has been incurred, as well as the Company’s ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss, in determining loss contingencies. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, an estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company regularly evaluates current information to determine whether any accruals should be adjusted and whether new accruals are required. As of December 27, 2014, the Company has not accrued or recorded any such material liabilities.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	2000 Stock Plan, 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	In December 2000, the Company adopted the 2000 Stock Plan (“2000 Plan”). Under the 2000 Plan, as amended, the Company had reserved an aggregate of 14.2 million shares of its common stock for issuance. As of December 27, 2014, options to purchase 0.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock were outstanding under the 2000 Plan. The Company’s board of directors decided not to grant any additional options or other awards under the 2000 Plan following the Company’s IPO in 2007. The 2000 Plan expired on December 6, 2010. However, the 2000 Plan will continue to govern the terms and conditions of the outstanding options previously granted under the 2000 Plan.
	In February 2007, the Company’s board of directors adopted the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”) and the Company’s stockholders approved the 2007 Plan in May 2007. The Company has reserved a total of 46.8 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2007 Plan. Pursuant to the 2007 Plan, the Company may award stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, PSUs, performance shares and stock appreciation rights to employees, consultants and members of the Company’s board of directors. The 2007 Plan has a maximum term of 10 years from the date of adoption, or it can be earlier terminated by the Company’s board of directors.
	The ESPP was adopted by the board of directors in February 2007 and approved by the stockholder in May 2007. The ESPP was last amended by the stockholders in May 2014 to increase the shares authorized under the ESPP to 16.6 million shares of common stock. The ESPP has a 20-year term. Eligible employees may purchase the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market values of the stock as of the beginning or the end of six-month offering periods. An employee’s payroll deductions under the ESPP are limited to 15% of the employee’s compensation and employees may not purchase more than $25,000 of stock during any calendar year.
	Shares Reserved for Future Issuances
	Common stock reserved for future issuance was as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,
		2014
	Outstanding stock options and awards	11,217
	Reserved for future option and award grants	17,256
	Reserved for future ESPP	7,262
	Total common stock reserved for stock options and awards	35,735
	Stock-based Compensation Plans
	The Company has stock-based compensation plans pursuant to which the Company has granted stock options, RSUs and PSUs. The Company also has an ESPP for all eligible employees. As of December 27, 2014, there were a total of 17.3 million shares of common stock available for grant under the Company’s 2007 Plan. The following tables summarize the Company’s equity award activity and related information (in thousands, except per share data):
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate
		Options			Exercise Price				Intrinsic
					Per Share				Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	9,873			$	7.03			$	7,924
	Options granted	127			$	7.18
	Options exercised	(582	)		$	4.39			$	1,484
	Options canceled	(410	)		$	8.5
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012	9,008			$	7.13			$	5,726
	Options granted	—			$	—
	Options exercised	(2,217	)		$	6.59			$	7,583
	Options canceled	(424	)		$	8.04
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	6,367			$	7.26			$	17,452
	Options granted	25			$	9.02
	Options exercised	(2,001	)		$	6.99			$	8,182
	Options canceled	(93	)		$	12.38
	Outstanding at December 27, 2014	4,298			$	7.29			$	32,833
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	4,296							$	32,814
	Exercisable at December 27, 2014	4,219			$	7.28			$	32,261
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate
		Restricted			Grant Date				Intrinsic
		Stock Units			Fair Value				Value
					Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	5,957			$	8.77			$	37,407
	RSUs granted	3,620			$	7.51
	RSUs released	(2,495	)		$	9.07			$	17,742
	RSUs canceled	(379	)		$	8.27
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012	6,703			$	8.01			$	38,873
	RSUs granted	3,602			$	7.63
	RSUs released	(3,070	)		$	8.26			$	25,028
	RSUs canceled	(652	)		$	7.63
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	6,583			$	7.72			$	64,443
	RSUs granted	2,705			$	8.8
	RSUs released	(2,797	)		$	7.84			$	24,858
	RSUs canceled	(449	)		$	7.85
	Outstanding at December 27, 2014	6,042			$	8.14			$	90,085
	Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	5,850							$	87,221
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate
		Performance			Grant Date				Intrinsic
		Stock Units			Fair Value Per Share				Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	2,595			$	10.51			$	16,304
	PSUs granted	515			$	7.85
	PSUs released	(883	)		$	9.4			$	5,448
	PSUs canceled	(859	)		$	10.04
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012	1,368			$	10.53			$	7,933
	PSUs granted	552			$	6.63
	PSUs released	(684	)		$	10.53			$	4,284
	PSUs canceled	(515	)		$	11.31
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	721			$	7.04			$	7,054
	PSUs granted	508			$	8.34
PSUs released	(255	)		$	6.36			$	2,097
PSUs canceled	(98	)		$	7.18
Outstanding at December 27, 2014	876			$	7.49			$	13,067
Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	663							$	9,884
The aggregate intrinsic value of unexercised options is calculated as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $14.91 at December 26, 2014 and the exercise prices of the underlying stock options. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options which have been exercised is calculated as the difference between the fair market value of the common stock at the date of exercise and the exercise price of the underlying stock options. The aggregate intrinsic value of unreleased RSUs and unreleased PSUs is calculated using the closing price of the Company's common stock of $14.91 at December 26, 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs and PSUs released is calculated using the fair market value of the common stock at the date of release.
The following table presents total stock-based compensation cost for instruments granted but not yet amortized, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 27, 2014. These costs are expected to be amortized on a straight-line basis over the following weighted-average periods (in thousands, except for weighted-average period):
	Unrecognized				Weighted-
	Compensation				Average Period
	Expense, Net				(in years)
Stock options	$	239			1.5
RSUs	$	28,287			2.3
PSUs	$	2,055			1.5
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 27, 2014.
		Options Outstanding									Vested and Exercisable
											Options
Exercise Price		Number of			Weighted-		Weighted-				Number of	Weighted-
		Shares			Average		Average				Shares	Average
					Remaining		Exercise					Exercise
					Contractual Life		Price					Price
		(In thousands)			(In years)						(In thousands)
$0.76 - $ 4.04		754			1.51		$	2.06			754	$	2.06
$6.30 - $ 7.25		536			5.29		$	6.87			504	$	6.88
$7.45 - $ 7.61		706			3.72		$	7.54			704	$	7.54
$7.68 - $ 8.19		1,069			3.91		$	8.12			1,049	$	8.13
$8.39 - $ 8.58		627			6.01		$	8.57			627	$	8.57
$8.85 - $ 22.36		606			3.91		$	11.05			581	$	11.14
		4,298			3.94		$	7.29			4,219	$	7.28
Employee Stock Options
In February 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors shortened the maximum term of future option grants under the 2007 Plan from 10 years to 7 years. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of options outstanding and exercisable was 3.9 years as of December 27, 2014. Total fair value of stock options granted to employees and directors that vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.8 million, $3.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively, based on the grant date fair value.
The estimated values of stock options, as well as assumptions used in calculating these values were based on estimates as follows (expense amounts in thousands):
	Years Ended
Employee and Director Stock Options	December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
	2014		2013		2012
Volatility	52%		N/A		65% - 68%
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%		N/A		0.7% - 1.0%
Expected life	4.3 years		N/A		4.0 - 5.3 years
Estimated fair value	3.85		N/A		$3.75 - $3.76
Total stock-based compensation expense	$702		$2,792		$8,436
N/A Not applicable because the Company did not grant any options to employees for the period presented.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The fair value of the ESPP shares was estimated at the date of grant using the following assumptions:
	Years Ended
	December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
	2014		2013		2012
Volatility	46% - 51%		46% - 49%		54% - 57%
Risk-free interest rate	0.02% - 0.11%		0.10% - 0.14%		0.16% - 0.17%
Expected life	0.3 - 0.5 years		0.5 years		0.5 years
Estimated fair value	$2.05 - $2.57		$1.87 - $3.00		$1.73 - $2.63
The Company’s ESPP activity for the following periods was as follows (in thousands):
	Years Ended
	December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
	2014				2013				2012
Stock-based compensation expense	$	3,760			$	3,022			$	3,586
Employee contributions	$	10,728			$	8,559			$	9,030
Shares purchased	1,438				1,656				1,653
Restricted Stock Units
During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted RSUs to employees and members of the Company’s board of directors to receive an aggregate of 2.7 million, 3.6 million and 3.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively. The Company accounted for the fair value of the RSUs using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $21.6 million, $23.8 million and $27.9 million, respectively.
Performance Stock Units
Pursuant to the 2007 Plan, during 2014, the Company granted 0.4 million shares of PSUs to certain of the Company's executive officers. The number of shares to be issued upon vesting of PSUs range from 0 to 1.5 times the number of PSUs granted depending on the relative performance of the Company's common stock price compared to the IGN Index over the span of one, two and three years of total shareholder returns.
The ranges of estimated values of the PSUs granted, as well as assumptions used in calculating these values were based on estimates as follows:
		Year Ended
		27-Dec-14
Infinera Volatility		49% - 50%
IGN Index Volatility		25%
Risk-free interest rate		0.66% - 0.71%
Correlation with IGN Index		0.6
Estimated fair value		$6.59 - $7.60
Pursuant to the 2007 Plan, during 2014, the Company granted 0.1 million shares of PSUs to several employees. These PSUs will only vest upon the achievement of certain specific performance criteria and are subject to each employee's continued service to the Company. If the specific performance metrics are not met within the time limits specified in the award agreements, the PSUs will be canceled.
Pursuant to the 2007 Plan, during 2013, the Company granted 0.6 million shares of PSUs to certain of its executive officers. The number of shares to be issued upon vesting of PSUs range from 0 to 1.5 times the number of PSUs granted depending on the relative performance of the Company’s common stock price compared to the NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index over the span of one, two and three years of total shareholder returns. If the specific performance metrics are not met within the time limits specified in the award agreements, the PSUs will be cancelled. During 2014, the Company released 0.3 million shares of PSUs based on a payout of 1.5 times of the target number of PSUs.
The ranges of estimated values of the PSUs granted, as well as assumptions used in calculating these values were based on estimates as follows:
	Year Ended
	December 28,
	2013
Infinera Volatility	55%
NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index Volatility	23%
Risk-free interest rate	0.42%
Correlation with NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index	0.56
Estimated fair value	$6.27 - $7.06
Pursuant to the 2007 Plan, during 2012, the Company granted 0.5 million shares of PSUs to certain of its executive officers. These PSUs will only vest upon the achievement of certain specific revenue and operating profit criteria and are subject to each named executive officer’s continued service to the Company. If the financial performance metrics are not met within the time limits specified in the award agreements, the PSUs will be canceled. During 2014, the Company did not release any shares subject to these PSUs.
During 2009, the Company granted PSUs primarily to members of the Company’s board of directors and executive officers. The number of shares to be issued upon vesting of PSUs range from 0.5 to 2.0 times the number of PSUs granted depending on the relative performance of the Company’s common stock price compared to the NASDAQ Composite Index over a three-year and four-year periods. If the specific performance metrics are not met within the time limits specified in the award agreements, the PSUs will be cancelled. During 2013, the Company released 0.5 million shares of these PSUs based on a payout of 0.5 of the target number of PSUs.
Amortization of stock-based compensation related to PSUs in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $2.2 million, $0.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Amortization of stock-based compensation in 2013 included $2.1 million of expense offset by a $1.4 million decrease in fair value for one award classified as a liability award, in accordance with ASC 718.
Common Stock Warrants
During 2013, warrants to purchase 92,592 shares of common stock were net exercised. The aggregate consideration for such exercises was approximately $0.5 million. As of December 27, 2014, there were no warrants of common stock outstanding.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
The following tables summarize the effects of stock-based compensation on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
	Years Ended
	December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
	2014				2013				2012
Stock-based compensation effects in inventory	$	3,088			$	3,189			$	4,891
Stock-based compensation effects in deferred inventory cost	$	13			$	15			$	42
Stock-based compensation effects in fixed assets	$	119			$	145			$	146
Stock-based compensation effects in net income (loss) before income taxes
Cost of revenue	$	1,921			$	1,871			$	2,710
Research and development	8,927				10,900				13,306
Sales and marketing	7,477				7,624				10,450
General and administrative	6,383				5,956				9,529
	24,708				26,351				35,995
Cost of revenue—amortization from balance sheet (1)	3,686				5,625				5,824
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	28,394			$	31,976			$	41,819
(1)	Represents stock-based compensation expense deferred to inventory and deferred inventory costs in prior periods and recognized in the current period.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The following is a geographic breakdown of the provision for income taxes (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—			$	—			$	(133	)
	State	446				(135		)		22
	Foreign	2,423				1,719				2,169
	Total current	$	2,869			$	1,584			$	2,058
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	—			$	—			$	—
	State	—				—				—
	Foreign	(116		)		70				132
	Total deferred	$	(116	)		$	70			$	132
	Total provision	$	2,753			$	1,654			$	2,190
	Income before provision for income taxes from international operations was $5.6 million, $5.8 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.
	The provisions for income taxes differ from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected tax at federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8	%		0.3	%		—	%
	Research credits	(11.4	)%		4.9	%		—	%
	Stock-based compensation	14.7	%		(12.2	)%		(3.9	)%
	Change in valuation allowance	(25.3	)%		(34.2	)%		(33.5	)%
	Other	2	%		0.8	%		(0.2	)%
	Effective tax rate	16.8	%		(5.4	)%		(2.6	)%
	The Company recognized income tax expense of $2.8 million on income before income taxes of $16.4 million, $1.7 million on loss before income taxes of $30.5 million and $2.2 million on loss of $83.1 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The resulting effective tax rates were 16.8%, (5.4)% and (2.6)% for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2014 effective tax rate differs from the expected statutory rate of 35% based upon the utilization of unbenefited U.S. loss carryforwards , offset by state income taxes and foreign taxes provided on foreign subsidiary earnings. The 2013 and 2012 effective tax rates reflect unbenefited current U.S. losses and foreign taxes provided on our profitable foreign subsidiaries. The increase in 2014 tax expense compared to 2013 tax expense relates primarily to higher state income taxes because of the profitable position of the U.S. operations, additional tax reserves and an increase in taxable foreign profits. The decrease in 2013 tax expense compared to 2012 tax expense relates primarily to the release of tax reserves due to the lapsing of the statute of limitations.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		December 27,				December 28,
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	107,601			$	123,908
	Research credits	37,435				33,647
	Nondeductible accruals	31,151				26,365
	Inventory valuation	19,625				13,540
	Property, plant and equipment	1,387				1,453
	Intangible assets	2,119				3,446
	Stock-based compensation	12,830				15,454
	Total deferred tax assets	$	212,148			$	217,813
	Valuation allowance	(199,698		)		(202,747		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	12,450			$	15,066
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation	(203		)		(161		)
	Convertible senior notes	(12,167		)		(14,941		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(12,370	)		$	(15,102	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	80			$	(36	)
	The realization of tax benefits of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future levels of taxable income, of an appropriate character, in the periods the items are scheduled to be deductible or taxable. Based on the available objective evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the domestic net deferred tax assets will not be realizable. Accordingly, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance against its domestic deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013. In determining future taxable income, the Company makes assumptions to forecast federal, state and international operating income, the reversal of taxable temporary differences, and the implementation of any feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. The assumptions require judgment regarding the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the Company’s forecasts used to manage its business. The Company intends to maintain the remaining valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support a reversal of, or decrease, in the valuation allowance.
	As of December 27, 2014, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $309.1 million for federal tax purposes and $278.7 million for state tax purposes. The carryforward balance reflects expected utilization of both federal and state net operating losses for the year ended December 27, 2014. Additionally, the Company has federal and California research and development credits available to reduce future income taxes payable of approximately $28.0 million and $29.3 million, respectively, as of December 27, 2014. Infinera Canada Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, has Scientific Research and Experimental Development Expenditures ("SRED") credits available of $2.1 million to offset future Canadian income tax payable as of December 27, 2014. The federal research credits will begin to expire in the year 2021 if not utilized and the California research credits have no expiration date. Canadian SRED credits will begin to expire in the year 2030 if not fully utilized.
	The Company maintains net operating losses generated from excess tax benefits associated with the accumulated stock award attributes in a memo account, not included in the deferred tax balances. The additional tax benefit associated with these stock award attributes, of which the net operating loss amounts are included in the carryforward amounts noted above is not recognized until the deduction reduces cash taxes payable. At December 27, 2014, the Company had unbenefited stock option deductions for federal and state tax purposes of $42.0 million and $37.8 million, respectively. When utilized, the estimated tax benefits of approximately $17.8 million will result in a credit to stockholders’ equity.
	Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the amount of benefit from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances. Events which cause limitations in the amount of net operating losses that the Company may utilize in any one year include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50 percent as defined over a three-year testing period. As of December 27, 2014, the Company had determined that while ownership changes had occurred in the past, the resulting limitations were not significant enough to impact the utilization of the tax attributes against its taxable profits earned to date.
	The Company’s policy with respect to its undistributed foreign subsidiaries’ earnings is to consider those earnings to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no related provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes has been provided. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company may be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes in the various foreign countries. At December 27, 2014, the undistributed earnings approximated $20.3 million. The future tax consequence of the remittance of these earnings is negligible because of the significant net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. and state purposes and full valuation allowance provided against such carryforwards.
	The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
		2014				2013				2012
	Beginning balance	$	15,148			$	13,902			$	13,066
	Tax position related to current year
	Additions	1,990				1,676				1,437
	Tax positions related to prior years
	Additions	140				32				75
	Reductions	(76		)		(132		)		(580		)
	Lapses of statute of limitations	(224		)		(330		)		(96		)
Ending balance	$	16,978			$	15,148			$	13,902
As of December 27, 2014, the cumulative unrecognized tax benefit was $17.0 million, of which $15.1 million was netted against deferred tax assets, which would have otherwise been subjected with a full valuation allowance. Of the total unrecognized tax benefit as of December 27, 2014, approximately $1.8 million, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.
As of December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of accrued interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, of which less than $0.2 million was included in the Company’s provision for income taxes in the year ended December 27, 2014, and less than $0.1 million was included in the Company’s provision for income taxes each for the years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012.
The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the Company’s provision for income taxes.
The Company is potentially subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the relevant state income taxing authorities under the statute of limitations for years 2002 and forward.
The Company has received assessments of tax resulting from a transfer pricing examinations in India for fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 through March 31, 2009. The Company is appealing the assessment and does not expect a significant adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits as a result of this inquiry. Fiscal years subsequent to March 2009 remain open to examination in India.
The Company does not currently believe there to be a reasonable possibility of a significant change in total unrecognized tax benefits that would occur within the next 12 months and, as such, amounts are classified as other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 27, 2014.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"). The Company’s CEO reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis, accompanied by information about revenue by geographic region for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. The Company has one business activity. Accordingly, the Company is considered to be in a single reporting segment and operating unit structure.
	Revenue by geographic region is based on the shipping address of the customer. The following tables set forth revenue and long-lived assets by geographic region (in thousands):
	Revenue
		Years Ended
		December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013		2012
	Americas:
	United States	$	476,172	$	345,734	$	296,849
	Other Americas	34,379		10,377		11,811
		$	510,551	$	356,111	$	308,660
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	132,271		150,912		116,663
	Asia Pacific	25,257		37,099		13,114
	Total revenue	$	668,079	$	544,122	$	438,437
	Property, plant and equipment, net
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	United States	$	79,025	$	76,850
	Other Americas	196		319
	Asia Pacific	1,477		1,451
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	868		1,048
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	81,566	$	79,668

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan
	The Company has established a savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Plan”). As allowed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Plan provides tax-deferred salary contributions for eligible U.S. employees. Employee contributions are limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Code. Expenses related to the Company’s 401(k) plan were insignificant for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Financial_Information_by_Quart

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)	Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)
	The following table sets forth the Company’s unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data for 2014 and 2013. The data has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report. The table includes all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of this data.
		For the Three Months Ended (Unaudited)
					2014									2013
		Dec. 27			Sep. 27			Jun. 28			Mar. 29			Dec. 28			Sep. 28			Jun. 29			Mar. 30
								(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue:
	Product	$	158,492		$	147,178		$	142,364		$	124,242		$	115,102		$	121,332		$	120,647		$	108,343
	Services	27,814			26,381			23,035			18,573			23,990			20,688			17,738			16,282
	Total revenue	186,306			173,559			165,399			142,815			139,092			142,020			138,385			124,625
	Cost of revenue:
	Cost of product	89,809			86,703			85,906			78,438			73,385			66,685			80,198			75,447
	Cost of services	12,154			11,554			9,240			5,971			9,795			6,964			6,533			6,476
	Total cost of revenue	101,963			98,257			95,146			84,409			83,180			73,649			86,731			81,923
	Gross profit	84,343			75,302			70,253			58,406			55,912			68,371			51,654			42,702
	Operating expenses	71,477			67,822			62,201			59,462			62,993			61,926			60,262			57,644
	Income (loss) from operations	12,866			7,480			8,052			(1,056		)	(7,081		)	6,445			(8,608		)	(14,942		)
	Other income (expense), net	(2,773		)	(2,432		)	(2,655		)	(3,070		)	(2,683		)	(2,790		)	(800		)	(6		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	10,093			5,048			5,397			(4,126		)	(9,764		)	3,655			(9,408		)	(14,948		)
	Provision for income taxes	1,683			205			617			248			414			308			601			331
	Net income (loss)	$	8,410		$	4,843		$	4,780		$	(4,374	)	$	(10,178	)	$	3,347		$	(10,009	)	$	(15,279	)
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.07		$	0.04		$	0.04		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	0.03		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.13	)
	Diluted	$	0.06		$	0.04		$	0.04		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	0.03		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.13	)
	The Company operates and reports financial results on a fiscal year of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday of December in each year. Accordingly, fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were 52-week years that ended on December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. The quarters for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were 13-week quarters.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
		Years Ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance
	Beginning balance	$	202,747		$	213,449		$	188,351
	Additions	17,276			5,706			25,098
	Reductions	(20,325		)	(16,408		)	—
	Ending balance	$	199,698		$	202,747		$	213,449
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Beginning balance	$	43		$	94		$	—
	Additions	18			56			94
	Reductions	(23		)	(107		)	—
	Ending balance	$	38		$	43		$	94
	Provision for other receivables
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	—		$	563
	Additions	—			—			—
	Reductions	—			—			(563		)
	Ending balance	$	—		$	—		$	—

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These accounting principles require the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Significant estimates, assumptions and judgments made by management include revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, inventory valuation, accrued warranty, fair value measurement of investments and accounting for income taxes. Other estimates, assumptions and judgments made by management include allowances for sales returns, allowances for doubtful accounts, useful life of property, plant and equipment, fair value measurement of the liability component of the convertible senior notes, other-than-temporary impairments and derivative instruments. Management believes that the estimates and judgments upon which they rely are reasonable based upon information available to them at the time that these estimates and judgments are made. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be affected.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Substantially all of the Company's product sales are sold in combination with installation, deployment and software support services. Periodically, the Company's product sales are also sold with spares management, on-site hardware replacement services or training. Software support services, generally delivered over a one-year period, are comprised of software warranty or software subscription service. Software warranty provides customers with maintenance releases during the warranty support period. Software subscription service includes software warranty and additionally provides customers with rights to receive unspecified software product upgrades released during the support period.
	Spares management and on-site hardware replacement services include the replacement of defective units at customer sites in accordance with specified service level agreements and are generally delivered over a one-year period. Training services include the right to a specified number of instructor-led or web based training classes, and installation and deployment services may include customer site assessments, equipment installation and testing. These services are generally delivered over a 90-120 day period. Software warranty provides customers with maintenance releases and patches during the warranty support period.
	The Company recognizes product revenue when all of the following have occurred: (1) it has entered into a legally binding arrangement with the customer; (2) delivery has occurred, which is when product title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company allocates revenue to each element in its multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. The Company determines the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element has been met.
	VSOE of selling price is used in the selling price allocation in all instances where it exists. VSOE of selling price for products and services is determined when a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable range when sold separately. In certain instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This mainly occurs where insufficient standalone sales transactions have occurred or where pricing for that element has not been consistent.
	TPE of selling price can be established by evaluating largely interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. As the Company’s products contain a significant element of proprietary technology and the solution offered differs substantially from that of competitors, it is typically difficult to obtain the reliable standalone competitive pricing necessary to establish TPE.
	ESP represents the best estimate of the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service was sold on a standalone basis. The Company determines ESP for a product or service by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to market conditions, competitive landscape, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the overall go-to-market pricing strategy.
	As the Company’s go-to-market strategies evolve, the Company may modify its pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOE and ESP. As a result, the Company’s future revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements could differ from that recorded in the current period. The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE and ESP and maintains internal controls over the establishment and update of these inputs.
	The Company limits the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified return or refund privileges. The Company evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting.
	The Company has a limited number of software offerings which are not required to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality and can be sold separately. Revenue from sales of these software products and related post-contract support will continue to be accounted for under software revenue recognition rules. The Company’s multiple-element arrangements may therefore have a software deliverable that is subject to the existing software revenue recognition guidance. The revenue for these multiple-element arrangements is allocated to the software deliverable and the non-software deliverables based on the relative selling prices of all of the deliverables in the arrangement using the hierarchy in the new revenue recognition accounting guidance. Revenue related to these software offerings are not expected to be significant.
	Services revenue includes software subscription services, installation and deployment services, spares management, on-site hardware replacement services, extended software warranty and extended hardware warranty services, and training. Revenue from software subscription, spares management, on-site hardware replacement services and extended software and hardware warranty contracts is deferred and is recognized ratably over the contractual support period, which is generally one year. Revenue related to training and installation and deployment services is recognized as the services are completed.
	Contracts and customer purchase orders are generally used to determine the existence of an arrangement. In addition, shipping documents and customer acceptances, when applicable, are used to verify delivery and transfer of title. Revenue is recognized only when title and risk of loss pass to customers and when the revenue recognition criteria have been met. In instances where acceptance of the product occurs upon formal written acceptance, revenue is recognized only after such written acceptance has been received. The Company assesses whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction. Payment terms to customers generally range from net 30 to 120 days from invoice, which are considered to be standard payment terms. However, payment terms greater than 120 days but less than or equal to one year from invoice may be considered standard if payment is supported by an irrevocable commercial letter of credit (“LOC”) issued by a creditworthy bank or the LOC has been accepted and confirmed by a creditworthy bank. In the event payment terms are provided that differ from the Company’s standard business practices, the fees are deemed to not be fixed or determinable and, therefore, revenue is not recognized until the fees become fixed or determinable which the Company believes is when they are legally due and payable. The Company assesses its ability to collect from its customers based primarily on the creditworthiness and past payment history of the customer.
	For sales to resellers, the same revenue recognition criteria apply. It is the Company’s practice to identify an end-user prior to shipment to a reseller. The Company does not offer rights of return or price protection to its resellers.
	Shipping charges billed to customers are included in product revenue and related shipping costs are included in product cost. The Company reports revenue net of any required taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period) under the straight-line amortization method.
	The Company estimates the fair value of the stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula and a single option award approach. For new-hire grants, options typically vest with respect to 25% of the shares one year after the option’s vesting commencement date and the remainder ratably on a monthly basis over three years, commencing one year after the vesting commencement date. For annual refresh grants, options typically vest ratably on a monthly basis over three years.
	The Company makes a number of estimates and assumptions in determining stock-based compensation related to options including the following:
	•	The expected forfeiture rate is estimated based on the Company’s historical forfeiture data and compensation costs are recognized only for those equity awards expected to vest. The estimation of the forfeiture rate requires judgment, and to the extent actual forfeitures differ from expectations, changes in estimate will be recorded as an adjustment in the period when such estimates are revised. Actual results may differ substantially from the estimates. The Company records stock-based compensation expense to adjust estimated forfeiture rates to actual.
	•	The expected term represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to be outstanding prior to being exercised. The expected term is estimated based on the Company’s historical data on employee exercise patterns and post vesting termination behavior to estimate expected exercises over the contractual term of grants.
	•	Expected volatility of the Company’s stock has been historically based on the weighted-average implied and historical volatility of Infinera and its peer group. The peer group is comprised of similar companies in the same industrial sector. As the Company gained more historical volatility data, the weighting of its own data in the expected volatility calculation associated with options gradually increased to 100% by 2013.
	The Company estimates the fair value of the rights to acquire stock under its Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. The Company’s ESPP provides for consecutive six-month offering periods and the Company uses its own historical volatility data in the valuation of ESPP shares.
	The Company accounts for the fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. For new-hire grants, RSUs typically vest ratably on an annual basis over four years. For annual refresh grants, RSUs typically vest ratably on an annual basis over three years.
	The Company granted performance stock units ("PSUs") to its executives in 2013 and 2014 as part of the Company's annual refresh grant process. These PSUs entitle the Company's executive officers to receive a number of shares of the Company's common stock based on its stock price performance compared to a specified target composite index for the same period. The PSUs vest over the span of one year, two years and three years, and the number of shares to be issued upon vesting ranges from 0 to 1.5 times the number of PSUs granted depending on the relative performance of the Company's common stock price compared to the targeted composite index. This performance metric is classified as a market condition.
	The Company uses the Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of PSUs on the date of grant. The Monte Carlo simulation model is based on a discounted cash flow approach, with the simulation of a large number of possible stock price outcomes for the Company's stock and the target composite index. The use of the Monte Carlo simulation model requires the input of a number of assumptions including expected volatility of the Company's stock price, expected volatility of target composite index, correlation between changes in the Company's stock price and changes in the target composite index, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends as applicable. Expected volatility of the Company's stock is based on the weighted-average historical volatility of its stock. Expected volatility of target composite index is based on the historical and implied data. Correlation is based on the historical relationship between the Company's stock price and the target composite index average. The risk-free interest rate is based upon the treasury zero-coupon yield appropriate for the term of the PSU as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is zero for the Company as it does not expect to pay dividends in the future. The expected dividend yield for the target composite index is the annual dividend yield expressed as a percentage of the composite average of the target composite index on the grant date.
	In 2012, the Company granted PSUs with performance conditions and estimated the fair value using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. These PSUs entitle the Company’s executive officers to receive a number of shares of the Company’s common stock based on pre-established performance criteria over approximately two and a half years. The PSUs cliff vest at 50% upon achievement of specific revenue criteria and 50% will cliff vest upon achievement of specific operating profit criteria. This performance metric is classified as a performance condition.
Research and Development	Research and Development
	All costs to develop the Company’s hardware products are expensed as incurred. Software development costs are capitalized beginning when a product’s technological feasibility has been established and ending when a product is available for general release to customers. Generally, the Company’s software products are released soon after technological feasibility has been established. As a result, costs subsequent to achieving technological feasibility have not been significant and all software development costs have been expensed as incurred.
Advertising	Advertising
	All advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Accounting for Income Taxes	Accounting for Income Taxes
	As part of the process of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company estimates actual current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items, such as accruals and allowances not currently deductible for tax purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In general, deferred tax assets represent future tax benefits to be received when certain expenses previously recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations become deductible expenses under applicable income tax laws or loss or credit carryforwards are utilized. Accordingly, realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable income within the respective jurisdictions against which these deductions, losses and credits can be utilized within the applicable future periods.
	The Company must assess the likelihood that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income within the respective jurisdictions, and to the extent the Company believes that recovery does not meet the “more-likely-than-not” standard, the Company must establish a valuation allowance. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred tax assets. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s domestic net deferred tax assets were fully reserved with a valuation allowance because, based on the available evidence, the Company believed at that time it was more likely than not that it would not be able to utilize those deferred tax assets in the future. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient evidence exists to support the reversal of the valuation allowance. The Company makes estimates and judgments about its future taxable income, by jurisdiction, based on assumptions that are consistent with its plans and estimates. Should the actual amounts differ from the Company’s estimates, the amount of its valuation allowance could be materially impacted.
	The Company's adoption of ASU 2013-11 during the first quarter of 2014 had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	The Company considers the functional currencies of its foreign subsidiaries to be the local currency. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, and costs and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Equity transactions are translated using historical exchange rates. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of Accumulated Comprehensive Loss in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	For all non-functional currency account balances, the re-measurement of such balances to the functional currency will result in either a foreign exchange transaction gain or loss which is recorded to Other gain (loss), net in the same period that the re-measurement occurred. Aggregate foreign exchange transaction loss recorded in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1.4 million, $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	The Company entered into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on earnings from accounts receivable balances denominated in euros and British pounds, and restricted cash denominated in euros.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term and Long-term Investments	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term and Long-term Investments
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity at the date of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. These instruments may include cash, money market funds and commercial paper. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist of highly-liquid investments in certificates of deposits, money market funds, commercial paper, corporate bonds and U.S. treasuries. Long-term investments primarily consist of corporate bonds. The Company considers all debt instruments with original maturities at the date of purchase greater than 90 days and remaining time to maturity of one year or less to be short-term investments. The Company classifies debt instruments with remaining maturities greater than one year as long-term investments, unless the Company intends to settle its holdings within one year or less and in such case it is considered to be short-term investments. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designations as of each balance sheet date.
	Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company evaluates its available-for-sale marketable debt securities for other-than-temporary impairments and records any credit loss portion in Other income (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity and for any credit losses incurred on these securities. Gains and losses are recognized when realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations under the specific identification method.
Fair Value Measurement of Investments	Fair Value Measurement of Investments
	Pursuant to the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and its subsequent updates, fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
	Valuation techniques used by the Company are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable or market inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available. Observable inputs are the preferred source of values. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
	Level 1		–	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2		–	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3		–	Prices or valuations that require management inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
	The Company measures its cash equivalents, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and debt securities at fair value and classifies its securities in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s money market funds and U.S. treasuries are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
	The Company classifies its certificates of deposit, commercial paper, corporate bonds and foreign currency exchange forward contracts within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as follows:
	Certificates of Deposit
	The Company reviews market pricing and other observable market inputs for the same or similar securities obtained from a number of industry standard data providers. In the event that a transaction is observed for the same or similar security in the marketplace, the price on that transaction reflects the market price and fair value on that day. In the absence of any observable market transactions for a particular security, the fair market value at period end would be equal to the par value. These inputs represent quoted prices for similar assets or these inputs have been derived from observable market data.
	Commercial Paper
	The Company reviews market pricing and other observable market inputs for the same or similar securities obtained from a number of industry standard data providers. In the event that a transaction is observed for the same or similar security in the marketplace, the price on that transaction reflects the market price and fair value on that day and then follows a revised accretion schedule to determine the fair market value at period end. In the absence of any observable market transactions for a particular security, the fair market value at period end is derived by accreting from the last observable market price. These inputs represent quoted prices for similar assets or these inputs have been derived from observable market data accreted mathematically to par.
	Corporate Bonds
	The Company reviews trading activity and pricing for each of the corporate bond securities in its portfolio as of the measurement date and determines if pricing data of sufficient frequency and volume in an active market exists in order to support Level 1 classification of these securities. If sufficient quoted pricing for identical securities is not available, the Company obtains market pricing and other observable market inputs for similar securities from a number of industry standard data providers. In instances where multiple prices exist for similar securities, these prices are used as inputs into a distribution-curve to determine the fair market value at period end.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts
	As discussed in Note 5, "Derivative Instruments," to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company mainly holds non-speculative foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exchange exposures. The Company estimates the fair values of derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, credit risk, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies.
	The Company classified its auction rate securities ("ARS") within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s ARS were classified within Level 3 because they were valued, in part, by using inputs that were unobservable in the market and were significant to the valuation. During 2013, the Company disposed of its remaining ARS. As of December 27, 2014, none of the Company’s existing securities were classified as Level 3 securities.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
	The Company reviews its available-for-sale marketable debt securities on a regular basis to evaluate whether or not a security has experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. If a debt security’s market value is below amortized cost and the Company either intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the Company records an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charge to earnings for the entire amount of the impairment.
	When the Company does not intend to sell an impaired security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company separates the OTTI into credit and non-credit loss portions. The amount representing the credit loss is recognized in Other income (expense), net, and the amount related to all other factors is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
	In determining if a credit loss has occurred, it is the Company’s policy to isolate the credit loss related portion of the discount rate used to derive the fair market value of the security and apply this to the expected cash flows in order to determine the portion of the OTTI that is credit loss related. This credit related portion of the discount rate is based on the financial condition of the issuer, changes in rating agency credit ratings for the security or increases in credit related yield spreads on similar securities offered by the same issuer.
	Once a credit impairment loss has been recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, the amortized cost basis of that available-for-sale security is reduced by the amount of the credit impairment loss, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any non-credit related unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company will continue to monitor the security’s credit rating and credit spread and will accrete any reduction in the credit impairment loss to interest income over the expected life of the security.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables recorded upon recognition of revenue for product and services, reduced by reserves for estimated bad debts. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Credit is extended based on evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Management makes judgments as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables and provides allowances for a portion of receivables when collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a review of all significant outstanding invoices.
Allowances for Sales Returns	Allowances for Sales Returns
	Customer product returns are approved on a case by case basis. Specific reserve provisions are made based upon a specific review of all the approved product returns where the customer has yet to return the products to generate the related sales return credit at the end of a period. Estimated sales returns are provided for as a reduction to revenue in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Concentration of Risk	Concentration of Risk
	Financial instruments that are potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, long-term investments, cost-method investments and accounts receivable. Investment policies have been implemented that limit investments to investment-grade securities.
	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company has invested $14.5 million and $9.0 million in a privately-held company. This investment has been accounted for as a cost-basis investment, as the Company owns less than 20% of the voting securities and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the entity. See Note 4, “Cost-method Investment,” to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
	The risk with respect to accounts receivable is mitigated by ongoing credit evaluations that the Company performs on its customers. As the Company expands its sales internationally, it may experience increased levels of customer credit risk associated with those regions. Collateral is generally not required for accounts receivable but may be used in the future to mitigate credit risk associated with customers located in certain geographical regions.
	As of December 27, 2014, one customer accounted for approximately 13% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. As of December 28, 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 13% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance.
	To date, a few of the Company’s customers have accounted for a significant portion of its revenue. One customer accounted for over 10% of total revenue in 2014. Revenue from this customer was 19% of total revenue in 2014. No individual customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s revenue in 2013 or 2012.
	The Company depends on a single or limited number of suppliers for components and raw materials. The Company generally purchases these single or limited source components and materials through standard purchase orders and does not have long-term contracts with many of these limited-source suppliers. While the Company seeks to maintain sufficient reserve stock of such components and materials, the Company’s business and results of operations could be adversely affected by a stoppage or delay in receiving such components and materials, the receipt of defective parts, an increase in the price of such components and materials or the Company’s inability to obtain reduced pricing from its suppliers in response to competitive pressures.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative instruments, specifically forward contracts, to reduce the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on earnings. The forward contracts are with one high-quality institution and the Company monitors the creditworthiness of the counter party consistently. The Company’s objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with gains and losses on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting fair values of assets. None of the Company’s derivative instruments contain credit-risk related contingent features, any rights to reclaim cash collateral or any obligation to return cash collateral. The Company does not have any leveraged derivatives. The Company does not use derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes.
	The Company enters into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates that arise primarily from its euro and British pound denominated receivables and euro denominated restricted cash balance amounts that are pledged as collateral for certain stand-by letters of credit. Gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on the underlying foreign currency denominated accounts receivables and restricted cash, and therefore, do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk. The forward contracts are with one high-quality institution and the Company consistently monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparty. The forward contracts entered into during 2014 were denominated in euros and British pounds, and typically had maturities of no more than 35 days. The contracts are settled for U.S. dollars at maturity at rates agreed to at inception of the contracts.
Inventory Valuation	Inventory Valuation
	Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods and are stated at standard cost adjusted to approximate the lower of actual cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Market value is based upon an estimated selling price reduced by the estimated cost of disposal. The determination of market value involves numerous judgments including estimated average selling prices based upon recent sales volumes, industry trends, existing customer orders, current contract price, future demand and pricing and technological obsolescence of the Company’s products.
	Inventory that is obsolete or in excess of the Company’s forecasted demand or is anticipated to be sold at a loss is written down to its estimated net realizable value based on historical usage and expected demand. In valuing its inventory costs and deferred inventory costs, the Company considered whether the utility of the products delivered or expected to be delivered at less than cost, primarily comprised of common equipment, had declined. The Company concluded that, in the instances where the utility of the products delivered or expected to be delivered was less than cost, it was appropriate to value the inventory costs and deferred inventory costs at cost or market, whichever is lower, thereby recognizing the cost of the reduction in utility in the period in which the reduction occurred or can be reasonably estimated. The Company has, therefore, recognized inventory write-downs as necessary in each period in order to reflect inventory at the lower of cost or market (“LCM”).
	The Company considers whether it should accrue losses on firm purchase commitments related to inventory items. Given that the net realizable value of common equipment is below contractual purchase price, the Company has also recorded losses on these firm purchase commitments in the period in which the commitment is made. When the inventory parts related to these firm purchase commitments are received, that inventory is recorded at the purchase price less the accrual for the loss on the purchase commitment.
Deferred Inventory Costs	Deferred Inventory Costs
	When the Company’s products have been delivered and ownership (typically defined as title and risk of loss) has transferred to the customer, but the product revenue associated with the arrangement has been deferred as a result of not meeting the revenue recognition criteria, the Company also defers the related inventory costs for the delivered items and recognizes the inventory costs either ratably or when the related revenue meets the revenue recognition criteria.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. This includes enterprise-level business software that the Company customizes to meets its specific operational needs. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. An assumption of lease renewal where a renewal option exists is used only when the renewal has been determined to be reasonably assured. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful life for each asset category is as follows:
		Estimated Useful Lives
	Laboratory and manufacturing equipment	1.5 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures	3 to 5 years
	Computer hardware and software	1.5 to 7 years
	Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years
	The Company regularly reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated. If impairment indicators are present and the projected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, the carrying values are reduced to the estimated fair value. If assets are determined to be recoverable, but the useful lives are shorter than originally estimated, the carrying value of the assets is depreciated over the newly determined remaining useful lives.
Accrued Warranty	Accrued Warranty
	The Company warrants that its products will operate substantially in conformity with product specifications. Upon delivery of the Company's products, we provide for the estimated cost to repair or replace products that may be returned under warranty. The Company's hardware warranty periods range from one to five years from date of acceptance for hardware and 90 days for software warranty. The hardware warranty accrual is based on actual historical returns and cost of repair experience and the application of those historical rates to the Company's in-warranty installed base. The provision for warranty claims fluctuates depending upon the installed base of products and the failure rates and costs of repair associated with these products under warranty. Furthermore, the Company's costs of repair vary based on repair volume and its ability to repair, rather than replace, defective units.  In the event that actual product failure rates and costs to repair differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the warranty provision are required. Consequently, the Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. In addition, the Company has software warranty support obligations and the costs associated with providing these software warranties have been insignificant to the Company's consolidated financial statements to date.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, "Income Taxes - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry Forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry Forwards Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present the unrecognized tax benefits in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company's adoption of ASU 2013-11 during the first quarter of 2014 had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts from Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 will require an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers 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. This update creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s), which include (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determining the transaction price; (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations; and (v) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2017. The Company has the option to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of applying this ASU recognized at the date of initial application. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period" ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"), as it relates to such awards. ASU 2014-12 will be effective for the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2017 with early adoption permitted using either of two methods: (i) prospective to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (ii) retrospective to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-12 as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-12 on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items" (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result, an entity will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. However, ASU 2015-01 will still retain the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of ASU 2015-01 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 10): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 provides guidance on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In accordance with ASU 2015-02, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2015-02 on its consolidated financial statements.”

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life of Asset	The estimated useful life for each asset category is as follows:
		Estimated Useful Lives
	Laboratory and manufacturing equipment	1.5 to 10 years
	Furniture and fixtures	3 to 5 years
	Computer hardware and software	1.5 to 7 years
	Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot1

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables represent the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its marketable securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		As of December 27, 2014														As of December 28, 2013
		Fair Value Measured Using														Fair Value Measured Using
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Total				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Money market funds	$	21,478		$	—		$	—			$	21,478			$	51,749			$	—		$	—	$	51,749
	Certificates of deposit	—			8,060			—				8,060				—				3,840			—		3,840
	Commercial paper	—			46,072			—				46,072				—				85,860			—		85,860
	Corporate bonds	—			235,285			—				235,285				—				150,595			—		150,595
	U.S. treasuries	14,810			—			—				14,810				4,804				—			—		4,804
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	29		$	—	$	29
	Total assets	$	36,288		$	289,417		$	—			$	325,705			$	56,553			$	240,324		$	—	$	296,877
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	—		$	(64	)	$	—			$	(64	)		$	—			$	(26	)	$	—	$	(26	)
Reconciliation of All Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (in thousands):
		December 29,			Total Net Gains			Calls					Sold				December 28,
		2012			Included in Other												2013
					Comprehensive Income
	ARS—available-for-sale	$	2,873		$	—		$	(92	)	(1)		$	(2,781	)	(2)	$	—
	(1)	Amount represents the fair market value of the securities called. Realized gains on these calls were not significant in 2013.
	(2)	Amount represents the fair market value of the securities sold at 95% par value. Realized gains for 2013 were $0.2 million.
Investments at Fair Value	Investments were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014
		Adjusted			Gross			Gross				Fair Value
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Money market funds	$	21,478		$	—		$	—			$	21,478
	Certificates of deposit	8,060			—			—				8,060
	Commercial paper	46,073			—			(1		)		46,072
	Corporate bonds	235,713			2			(430		)		235,285
	U.S. treasuries	14,825			1			(16		)		14,810
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	326,149		$	3		$	(447	)		$	325,705
		December 28, 2013
		Adjusted			Gross			Gross				Fair Value
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Money market funds	$	51,749		$	—		$	—			$	51,749
	Certificates of deposit	3,840			—			—				3,840
	Commercial paper	85,870			2			(12		)		85,860
	Corporate bonds	150,711			27			(143		)		150,595
	U.S. treasuries	4,802			2			—				4,804
	Total available-for-sale investments	$	296,972		$	31		$	(155	)		$	296,848
A Roll-Forward of Amortized Cost, Cumulative OTTI Recognized in Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	A roll-forward of amortized cost, cumulative OTTI recognized in earnings and Accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized			Cumulative				Unrealized				OTTI Loss in				Accumulated
		Cost			OTTI in				Gain				Accumulated				Other
					Earnings								Other				Comprehensive
													Comprehensive				Income (Loss)
													Loss
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	2,707		$	(394	)		$	784			$	(618	)		$	166
	Call on investments	(87		)	13				(25		)		20				(5		)
	Investments sold	(2,620		)	381				(759		)		598				(161		)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	The fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets was as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 27, 2014							As of December 28, 2013
		Gross		Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets		Other			Gross		Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets		Other
		Notional(1)				Accrued			Notional(1)				Accrued
						Liabilities							Liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
	Related to euro denominated receivables	$	34,445	$	—	$	(53	)	$	16,867	$	27	$	—
	Related to British pound denominated receivables	$	2,678	$	—	$	(9	)	$	13,271	$	—	$	(26	)
	Related to restricted cash	$	1,236	$	—	$	(2	)	$	1,391	$	2	$	—
	Total			$	—	$	(64	)			$	29	$	(26	)
	(1)	Represents the face amounts of forward contracts that were outstanding as of the period noted.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Details of Selected Balance Sheet Items	The following table provides details of selected balance sheet items (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Inventory:
	Raw materials	$	15,169		$	14,311
	Work in process	50,046			49,172
	Finished goods(1)	81,285			60,202
	Total(2)	$	146,500		$	123,685
	Property, plant and equipment, net:
	Computer hardware	$	8,785		$	9,692
	Computer software(3)	17,684			16,988
	Laboratory and manufacturing equipment	162,004			146,834
	Furniture and fixtures	1,340			1,347
	Leasehold improvements	37,825			35,913
	Construction in progress	14,726			8,950
	Subtotal	$	242,364		$	219,724
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(4)	(160,798		)	(140,056		)
	Total	$	81,566		$	79,668
	Accrued expenses:
	Loss contingency related to non-cancelable purchase commitments	$	5,390		$	5,120
	Professional and other consulting fees	1,831			1,411
	Taxes payable	3,993			2,372
	Royalties	2,648			1,540
	Accrued rebate and customer prepay liability	941			3,807
	Accrued interest on convertible senior notes	219			219
	Other accrued expenses	11,419			7,962
	Total	$	26,441		$	22,431
	(1)	Included in finished goods inventory at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $10.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of inventory at customer locations for which product acceptance had not occurred.
	(2)	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s inventory value had been reduced by $10.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for excess and obsolescence, and $7.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for LCM adjustments.
	(3)	Included in computer software at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $7.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, related to an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system that the Company implemented during 2012. The unamortized ERP costs at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $5.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively.
	(4)	Depreciation expense was $25.9 million, $24.5 million and $23.5 million (which includes depreciation of capitalized ERP costs of $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Comprehensive_Loss_Tables

Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Unrealized Gain (Loss)				Foreign Currency Translation				Accumulated			Total
		on Auction Rate			on Other								Tax Effect
		Securities			Available-for-Sale
					Securities
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	307		$	(142	)		$	(1,607	)		$	(753	)	$	(2,195	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			158				(43		)		(7		)	108
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(141		)	—				—				—			(141		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(141		)	158				(43		)		(7		)	(33		)
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	166		$	16			$	(1,650	)		$	(760	)	$	(2,228	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(140		)		(952		)		—			(1,092		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(166		)	—				—				—			(166		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(166		)	(140		)		(952		)		—			(1,258		)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	—		$	(124	)		$	(2,602	)		$	(760	)	$	(3,486	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(320		)		(812		)		—			(1,132		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—				—				—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	—			(320		)		(812		)		—			(1,132		)
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	—		$	(444	)		$	(3,414	)		$	(760	)	$	(4,618	)
Components of Reclassifications of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the periods presented (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other											Affected Line Item in
			Comprehensive Loss											the Statement Where
														Net Loss is Presented
			Years Ended
			27-Dec-14			28-Dec-13				29-Dec-12
	Unrealized gain on auction rate securities		$	—		$	(166	)		$	(141	)		Other gain (loss), net
			—			—				—				Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	—		$	(166	)		$	(141	)		Total, net of income tax

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L1

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of net income (loss) per common share—basic and diluted (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Years Ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	13,659		$	(32,119	)	$	(85,330	)
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	123,672			117,425			110,739
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee equity plans	4,778			—			—
	Assumed conversion of convertible senior notes from conversion spread	115			—			—
	Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding	128,565			117,425			110,739
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.11		$	(0.27	)	$	(0.77	)
	Diluted	$	0.11		$	(0.27	)	$	(0.77	)
Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Computation of Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	The effects of these potentially outstanding shares were not included in the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method or the performance condition of the award has not been met (in thousands):
		As of
		December 27,		December 28,			December 29,
		2014		2013			2012
	Stock options outstanding	362		6,367			9,008
	Restricted stock units	331		6,583			6,703
	Performance stock units	124		721			1,368
	Employee stock purchase plan shares	741		661			1,100
	Warrants to purchase common stock	—		—			93
	Total	1,558		14,332			18,272

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Table

Convertible Senior Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Convertible Senior Notes	The carrying amounts of the liability components of the Notes were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Principal	$	150,000		$	150,000
	Unamortized discount (1)	(30,257		)	(37,322		)
	Carrying amount	119,743			112,678
	(1)	Unamortized discount includes debt conversion discount and issuance costs, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the Notes, which is approximately 4 years.
	The carrying amounts of the liability components of the Notes were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Principal	$	150,000		$	150,000
	Unamortized discount (1)	(30,257		)	(37,322		)
	Carrying amount	119,743			112,678
	(1)	Unamortized discount includes debt conversion discount and issuance costs, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the Notes, which is approximately 4 years.
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the carrying amount of the equity components of the Notes was as follows (in thousands):
	Debt discount related to value of conversion option	45,000
	Debt issuance cost	(1,659	)
	Total	43,341
Interest Expense Recognized Related to Notes	The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Notes (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		27-Dec-14			28-Dec-13
	Contractual interest expense	$	2,626		$	1,539
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	665			358
	Amortization of debt discount	7,730			4,164
	Total interest expense	$	11,021		$	6,061

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Future Annual Minimum Operating Lease Payments	Future annual minimum operating lease payments at December 27, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating lease payments	$	7,063	$	6,419	$	5,575	$	5,106	$	5,344	$	8,546	$	38,053
Future Purchase Commitments	Future purchase commitments at December 27, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Purchase obligations	$	126,211	$	2,050	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	128,261

Guarantees_Tables

Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Activity Related to Product Warranty	Activity related to product warranty was as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	22,908		$	16,482
	Charges to operations	22,697			21,193
	Utilization	(10,860		)	(9,404		)
	Change in estimate(1)	(7,705		)	(5,363		)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	27,040		$	22,908
	(1)	The Company records hardware warranty liabilities based on the latest quality and cost information available as of that date. The changes in estimate shown here are due to changes in overall actual failure rates and the resulting impact of these changes on the Company’s estimate of expected future returns, as well as changes in the estimated cost and the mix of new versus used units related to replacement of failed units.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance	Shares Reserved for Future Issuances
	Common stock reserved for future issuance was as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,
		2014
	Outstanding stock options and awards	11,217
	Reserved for future option and award grants	17,256
	Reserved for future ESPP	7,262
	Total common stock reserved for stock options and awards	35,735
Summary of Company's Equity Award Activity - Options	The following tables summarize the Company’s equity award activity and related information (in thousands, except per share data):
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate
		Options			Exercise Price				Intrinsic
					Per Share				Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	9,873			$	7.03			$	7,924
	Options granted	127			$	7.18
	Options exercised	(582	)		$	4.39			$	1,484
	Options canceled	(410	)		$	8.5
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012	9,008			$	7.13			$	5,726
	Options granted	—			$	—
	Options exercised	(2,217	)		$	6.59			$	7,583
	Options canceled	(424	)		$	8.04
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	6,367			$	7.26			$	17,452
	Options granted	25			$	9.02
	Options exercised	(2,001	)		$	6.99			$	8,182
	Options canceled	(93	)		$	12.38
	Outstanding at December 27, 2014	4,298			$	7.29			$	32,833
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	4,296							$	32,814
	Exercisable at December 27, 2014	4,219			$	7.28			$	32,261
Summary of Company's Equity Award Activity - RSUs
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate
		Restricted			Grant Date				Intrinsic
		Stock Units			Fair Value				Value
					Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	5,957			$	8.77			$	37,407
	RSUs granted	3,620			$	7.51
	RSUs released	(2,495	)		$	9.07			$	17,742
	RSUs canceled	(379	)		$	8.27
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012	6,703			$	8.01			$	38,873
	RSUs granted	3,602			$	7.63
	RSUs released	(3,070	)		$	8.26			$	25,028
	RSUs canceled	(652	)		$	7.63
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	6,583			$	7.72			$	64,443
	RSUs granted	2,705			$	8.8
	RSUs released	(2,797	)		$	7.84			$	24,858
	RSUs canceled	(449	)		$	7.85
	Outstanding at December 27, 2014	6,042			$	8.14			$	90,085
	Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	5,850							$	87,221
Summary of Company's Equity Award Activity - PSUs	The ranges of estimated values of the PSUs granted, as well as assumptions used in calculating these values were based on estimates as follows:
			Year Ended
			27-Dec-14
	Infinera Volatility		49% - 50%
	IGN Index Volatility		25%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.66% - 0.71%
	Correlation with IGN Index		0.6
	Estimated fair value		$6.59 - $7.60
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate
		Performance			Grant Date				Intrinsic
		Stock Units			Fair Value Per Share				Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011	2,595			$	10.51			$	16,304
	PSUs granted	515			$	7.85
	PSUs released	(883	)		$	9.4			$	5,448
	PSUs canceled	(859	)		$	10.04
	Outstanding at December 29, 2012	1,368			$	10.53			$	7,933
	PSUs granted	552			$	6.63
	PSUs released	(684	)		$	10.53			$	4,284
	PSUs canceled	(515	)		$	11.31
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	721			$	7.04			$	7,054
	PSUs granted	508			$	8.34
	PSUs released	(255	)		$	6.36			$	2,097
	PSUs canceled	(98	)		$	7.18
	Outstanding at December 27, 2014	876			$	7.49			$	13,067
	Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	663							$	9,884
Summary of stock-based compensation cost for instruments granted but not yet amortized	The following table presents total stock-based compensation cost for instruments granted but not yet amortized, net of estimated forfeitures, of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 27, 2014. These costs are expected to be amortized on a straight-line basis over the following weighted-average periods (in thousands, except for weighted-average period):
		Unrecognized				Weighted-
		Compensation				Average Period
		Expense, Net				(in years)
	Stock options	$	239			1.5
	RSUs	$	28,287			2.3
	PSUs	$	2,055			1.5
Summary of Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 27, 2014.
			Options Outstanding									Vested and Exercisable
												Options
	Exercise Price		Number of			Weighted-		Weighted-				Number of	Weighted-
			Shares			Average		Average				Shares	Average
						Remaining		Exercise					Exercise
						Contractual Life		Price					Price
			(In thousands)			(In years)						(In thousands)
	$0.76 - $ 4.04		754			1.51		$	2.06			754	$	2.06
	$6.30 - $ 7.25		536			5.29		$	6.87			504	$	6.88
	$7.45 - $ 7.61		706			3.72		$	7.54			704	$	7.54
	$7.68 - $ 8.19		1,069			3.91		$	8.12			1,049	$	8.13
	$8.39 - $ 8.58		627			6.01		$	8.57			627	$	8.57
	$8.85 - $ 22.36		606			3.91		$	11.05			581	$	11.14
			4,298			3.94		$	7.29			4,219	$	7.28
Ranges of Estimated Values of Stock Options and Performance-Based Stock Options Granted	The estimated values of stock options, as well as assumptions used in calculating these values were based on estimates as follows (expense amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended
	Employee and Director Stock Options	December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013		2012
	Volatility	52%		N/A		65% - 68%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.30%		N/A		0.7% - 1.0%
	Expected life	4.3 years		N/A		4.0 - 5.3 years
	Estimated fair value	3.85		N/A		$3.75 - $3.76
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$702		$2,792		$8,436
	N/A Not applicable because the Company did not grant any options to employees for the period presented.
Estimated Fair Value of ESPP Shares	The fair value of the ESPP shares was estimated at the date of grant using the following assumptions:
		Years Ended
		December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013		2012
	Volatility	46% - 51%		46% - 49%		54% - 57%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.02% - 0.11%		0.10% - 0.14%		0.16% - 0.17%
	Expected life	0.3 - 0.5 years		0.5 years		0.5 years
	Estimated fair value	$2.05 - $2.57		$1.87 - $3.00		$1.73 - $2.63
Summary of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity	The Company’s ESPP activity for the following periods was as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
		2014				2013				2012
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	3,760			$	3,022			$	3,586
	Employee contributions	$	10,728			$	8,559			$	9,030
	Shares purchased	1,438				1,656				1,653
Estimated Fair Value of PSU Granted	The ranges of estimated values of the PSUs granted, as well as assumptions used in calculating these values were based on estimates as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 28,
		2013
	Infinera Volatility	55%
	NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index Volatility	23%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.42%
	Correlation with NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index	0.56
	Estimated fair value	$6.27 - $7.06
Summary of Effects of Stock-Based Compensation on Company's Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations	The following tables summarize the effects of stock-based compensation on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
		2014				2013				2012
	Stock-based compensation effects in inventory	$	3,088			$	3,189			$	4,891
	Stock-based compensation effects in deferred inventory cost	$	13			$	15			$	42
	Stock-based compensation effects in fixed assets	$	119			$	145			$	146
	Stock-based compensation effects in net income (loss) before income taxes
	Cost of revenue	$	1,921			$	1,871			$	2,710
	Research and development	8,927				10,900				13,306
	Sales and marketing	7,477				7,624				10,450
	General and administrative	6,383				5,956				9,529
		24,708				26,351				35,995
	Cost of revenue—amortization from balance sheet (1)	3,686				5,625				5,824
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	28,394			$	31,976			$	41,819
	(1)	Represents stock-based compensation expense deferred to inventory and deferred inventory costs in prior periods and recognized in the current period.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Geographic Breakdown of Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes	The following is a geographic breakdown of the provision for income taxes (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—			$	—			$	(133	)
	State	446				(135		)		22
	Foreign	2,423				1,719				2,169
	Total current	$	2,869			$	1,584			$	2,058
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	—			$	—			$	—
	State	—				—				—
	Foreign	(116		)		70				132
	Total deferred	$	(116	)		$	70			$	132
	Total provision	$	2,753			$	1,654			$	2,190
Provisions for Income Taxes Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rates	The provisions for income taxes differ from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected tax at federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8	%		0.3	%		—	%
	Research credits	(11.4	)%		4.9	%		—	%
	Stock-based compensation	14.7	%		(12.2	)%		(3.9	)%
	Change in valuation allowance	(25.3	)%		(34.2	)%		(33.5	)%
	Other	2	%		0.8	%		(0.2	)%
	Effective tax rate	16.8	%		(5.4	)%		(2.6	)%
Deferred Income Taxes Differences between Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended
		December 27,				December 28,
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	107,601			$	123,908
	Research credits	37,435				33,647
	Nondeductible accruals	31,151				26,365
	Inventory valuation	19,625				13,540
	Property, plant and equipment	1,387				1,453
	Intangible assets	2,119				3,446
	Stock-based compensation	12,830				15,454
	Total deferred tax assets	$	212,148			$	217,813
	Valuation allowance	(199,698		)		(202,747		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	12,450			$	15,066
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation	(203		)		(161		)
	Convertible senior notes	(12,167		)		(14,941		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(12,370	)		$	(15,102	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	80			$	(36	)
Aggregate Changes in Balance of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,				December 28,				December 29,
		2014				2013				2012
	Beginning balance	$	15,148			$	13,902			$	13,066
	Tax position related to current year
	Additions	1,990				1,676				1,437
	Tax positions related to prior years
	Additions	140				32				75
	Reductions	(76		)		(132		)		(580		)
	Lapses of statute of limitations	(224		)		(330		)		(96		)
	Ending balance	$	16,978			$	15,148			$	13,902

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Revenue and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region	The following tables set forth revenue and long-lived assets by geographic region (in thousands):
	Revenue
		Years Ended
		December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013		2012
	Americas:
	United States	$	476,172	$	345,734	$	296,849
	Other Americas	34,379		10,377		11,811
		$	510,551	$	356,111	$	308,660
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	132,271		150,912		116,663
	Asia Pacific	25,257		37,099		13,114
	Total revenue	$	668,079	$	544,122	$	438,437
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	Property, plant and equipment, net
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	United States	$	79,025	$	76,850
	Other Americas	196		319
	Asia Pacific	1,477		1,451
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	868		1,048
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	81,566	$	79,668

Financial_Information_by_Quart1

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations Data for Each of Eight Quarters
		For the Three Months Ended (Unaudited)
					2014									2013
		Dec. 27			Sep. 27			Jun. 28			Mar. 29			Dec. 28			Sep. 28			Jun. 29			Mar. 30
								(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenue:
	Product	$	158,492		$	147,178		$	142,364		$	124,242		$	115,102		$	121,332		$	120,647		$	108,343
	Services	27,814			26,381			23,035			18,573			23,990			20,688			17,738			16,282
	Total revenue	186,306			173,559			165,399			142,815			139,092			142,020			138,385			124,625
	Cost of revenue:
	Cost of product	89,809			86,703			85,906			78,438			73,385			66,685			80,198			75,447
	Cost of services	12,154			11,554			9,240			5,971			9,795			6,964			6,533			6,476
	Total cost of revenue	101,963			98,257			95,146			84,409			83,180			73,649			86,731			81,923
	Gross profit	84,343			75,302			70,253			58,406			55,912			68,371			51,654			42,702
	Operating expenses	71,477			67,822			62,201			59,462			62,993			61,926			60,262			57,644
	Income (loss) from operations	12,866			7,480			8,052			(1,056		)	(7,081		)	6,445			(8,608		)	(14,942		)
	Other income (expense), net	(2,773		)	(2,432		)	(2,655		)	(3,070		)	(2,683		)	(2,790		)	(800		)	(6		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	10,093			5,048			5,397			(4,126		)	(9,764		)	3,655			(9,408		)	(14,948		)
	Provision for income taxes	1,683			205			617			248			414			308			601			331
	Net income (loss)	$	8,410		$	4,843		$	4,780		$	(4,374	)	$	(10,178	)	$	3,347		$	(10,009	)	$	(15,279	)
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.07		$	0.04		$	0.04		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	0.03		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.13	)
	Diluted	$	0.06		$	0.04		$	0.04		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	0.03		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.13	)

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 26, 2009	Feb. 29, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
				customer	customer
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Warranty support service period				1 year
Expected dividend yield				0.00%
Revenue reserves recorded for potential sales returns				$200,000	$100,000	$1,300,000
Software warranty period				90 days
Disposal of auction rate securities par value					3,100,000
Available for sale auction rate securities called at par value					100,000
Available for sale auction rate securities tender value					3,000,000
Available for sale auction rate securities tender value as percent of par value					95.00%
Cost-method investment				14,500,000	9,000,000
Number of major customers representing accounts receivable				1	1
Number of major customers representing total revenue				1	0	0
Euro and British Pound denominated receivables and typically maturities				no more than 35 days
Foreign currency transaction loss				1,400,000	1,400,000	1,600,000
Advertising expenses	$1,500,000	$1,300,000	$1,600,000
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Training and installation and deployment delivered period				90 days
Accounting receivable, payment term				30 days
Product warranty period				1 year
Minimum [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ranges of number of shares issued on vesting of PSUs				0	0		0.5
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Training and installation and deployment delivered period				120 days
Accounting receivable, payment term				120 days
Product warranty period				5 years
Maximum [Member] | Employee stock options [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants								7 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ranges of number of shares issued on vesting of PSUs				1.5	1.5		2
Vesting, Revenue Criteria [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
New-hire grants, options typically vest						50.00%
Vesting, Operating Profit Criteria [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
New-hire grants, options typically vest						50.00%
New Hire Employee [Member] | Employee stock options [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
First vesting term				1 year
Monthly vesting term				3 years
New Hire Employee [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants				4 years
New Hire Employee [Member] | Vesting First Year [Member] | Employee stock options [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
New-hire grants, options typically vest				25.00%
Existing Employees [Member] | Vesting 1 [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants				1 year
Existing Employees [Member] | Vesting 2 [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants				2 years
Existing Employees [Member] | Vesting 3 [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants				3 years
Existing Employees [Member] | Vesting 3 [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants				3 years
Executive Officer [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Term of future options grants						2 years 6 months
Receivable with payment supported by an irrevocable commercial letter of credit (“LOC”) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accounting receivable, payment term				120 days
Receivable with payment supported by an irrevocable commercial letter of credit (“LOC”) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accounting receivable, payment term				1 year
Customer One [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk				13.00%	13.00%
Customer One [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk	19.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Life for Each Asset (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Minimum [Member] | Laboratory and manufacturing equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	1 year 6 months
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer hardware and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	1 year 6 months
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	1 year
Maximum [Member] | Laboratory and manufacturing equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer hardware and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives	10 years

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot2

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Total Assets	$325,705	$296,877
Money market funds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	21,478	51,749
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	8,060	3,840
Commercial paper [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	46,072	85,860
Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	235,285	150,595
U.S. treasuries [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	14,810	4,804
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	29
Liabilities
Total Liabilities	-64	-26
Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	36,288	56,553
Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	21,478	51,749
Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. treasuries [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	14,810	4,804
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign currency exchange forward contracts [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	289,417	240,324
Level 2 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	8,060	3,840
Level 2 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	46,072	85,860
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	235,285	150,595
Level 2 [Member] | U.S. treasuries [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign currency exchange forward contracts [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	29
Liabilities
Total Liabilities	-64	-26
Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | U.S. treasuries [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign currency exchange forward contracts [Member]
Assets
Total Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Total Liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot3

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Reconciliation of All Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Disposal of auction rate securities par value		$3,100,000
Available for sale auction rate securities called at par value		100,000
Available for sale auction rate securities tender value		3,000,000
Available for sale auction rate securities tender value as percent of par value		95.00%
Realized gains on calls	200,000	200,000
Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Auction rate securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Beginning balance		2,873,000
Total Net Gains Included in Other Comprehensive Income		0
Calls		-92,000	[1]
Sold		-2,781,000	[2]
Ending balance		$0
[1]	Amount represents the fair market value of the securities called. Realized gains on these calls were not significant in 2013.
[2]	Amount represents the fair market value of the securities sold at 95% par value. Realized gains for 2013 were $0.2 million.

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot4

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Investments at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Adjusted Amortized Cost	$326,149	$296,972
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	31
Gross Unrealized Losses	-447	-155
Fair Value	325,705	296,848
Money market funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Adjusted Amortized Cost	21,478	51,749
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	21,478	51,749
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Adjusted Amortized Cost	8,060	3,840
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	8,060	3,840
Commercial paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Adjusted Amortized Cost	46,073	85,870
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	-12
Fair Value	46,072	85,860
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Adjusted Amortized Cost	235,713	150,711
Gross Unrealized Gains	2	27
Gross Unrealized Losses	-430	-143
Fair Value	235,285	150,595
U.S. treasuries [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Adjusted Amortized Cost	14,825	4,802
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	-16	0
Fair Value	$14,810	$4,804

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot5

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Disclosure Fair Value Measurements And Other Than Temporary Impairments Additional Information [Abstract]
Maximum contractual maturity term	18 months
Proceeds from sales, maturities and calls of available-for-sale investments	$236.50	$128.50	$129.20
Disposal of auction rate securities par value		3.1
Realized gains on calls	$0.20	$0.20

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Ot6

Fair Value Measurements and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments - Roll Forward of Amortized Cost Cumulative OTTI Recognized in Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements And Other Than Temporary Impairments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost, Beginning Balance		$326,149
Amortized Cost, Ending Balance	296,972	326,149
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Fair Value Measurements And Other Than Temporary Impairments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost, Beginning Balance	2,707
Amortized Cost, Call on investments	-87
Amortized Cost, Investments sold	-2,620
Amortized Cost, Ending Balance	0
Cumulative OTTI in Earnings, Beginning Balance	-394
Cumulative OTTI in Earnings, Call on investments	13
Cumulative OTTI in Earnings, Investments sold	381
Cumulative OTTI in Earnings, Ending Balance	0
Unrealized Gain, Beginning Balance	784
Unrealized gain, Call on investments	-25
Unrealized Gain, Investments sold	-759
Unrealized Gain, Ending Balance	0
OTTI Loss in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning Balance	-618
OTTI Loss in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Call on investments	20
OTTI Loss in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Investments sold	598
OTTI Loss in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Ending Balance	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning Balance	166
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Call on investments	-5
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Investments sold	-161
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending Balance	$0

Costmethod_Investment_Addition

Cost-method Investment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Costmethod Investment Additional Information [Abstract]
Cost-method investment	$14,500	$9,000

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Disclosure Derivative Instruments Additional Information [Abstract]
Before-tax effect of foreign currency exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, gain (loss)	$1.60	($2.20)	$1.40

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	$24,636		$17,752
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	0		29
Other Accrued Liabilities	-64		-26
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Related to euro denominated receivables
Derivative [Line Items]
Gross Notional	34,445	[1]	16,867	[1]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	0		27
Other Accrued Liabilities	-53		0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Related to British pound denominated receivables
Derivative [Line Items]
Gross Notional	2,678	[1]	13,271	[1]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	0		0
Other Accrued Liabilities	-9		-26
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Related to restricted cash
Derivative [Line Items]
Gross Notional	1,236	[1]	1,391	[1]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	0		2
Other Accrued Liabilities	($2)		$0
[1]	Represents the face amounts of forward contracts that were outstanding as of the period noted.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details_

Balance Sheet Details - Details of Selected Balance Sheet Items (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory:
Raw materials	$15,169		$14,311
Work in process	50,046		49,172
Finished goods	81,285	[1]	60,202	[1]
Total	146,500	[2]	123,685	[2]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	242,364		219,724
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-160,798	[3]	-140,056	[3]
Total	81,566		79,668
Accrued expenses:
Loss contingency related to non-cancelable purchase commitments	5,390		5,120
Professional and other consulting fees	1,831		1,411
Taxes payable	3,993		2,372
Royalties	2,648		1,540
Accrued rebate and customer prepay liability	941		3,807
Accrued interest on convertible senior notes	219		219
Other accrued expenses	11,419		7,962
Total	26,441		22,431
Enterprise resource planning [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	7,900		7,900
Total	5,200		6,300
Computer hardware [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	8,785		9,692
Computer software [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	17,684	[4]	16,988	[4]
Laboratory and manufacturing equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	162,004		146,834
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	1,340		1,347
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	37,825		35,913
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Property, plant and equipment	$14,726		$8,950
[1]	Included in finished goods inventory at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $10.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of inventory at customer locations for which product acceptance had not occurred.
[2]	As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company’s inventory value had been reduced by $10.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for excess and obsolescence, and $7.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for LCM adjustments.
[3]	Depreciation expense was $25.9 million, $24.5 million and $23.5 million (which includes depreciation of capitalized ERP costs of $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[4]	Included in computer software at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $7.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, related to an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system that the Company implemented during 2012. The unamortized ERP costs at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $5.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details_1

Balance Sheet Details - Details of Selected Balance Sheet Items Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Inventory at customer locations awaiting customer acceptance	$10,200,000	$9,200,000
Property, plant and equipment	242,364,000	219,724,000
Depreciation expense	25,900,000	24,500,000	23,500,000
Enterprise resource planning [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	7,900,000	7,900,000
Amortization of capitalized costs	1,100,000	1,100,000	400,000
Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Inventory value, reduction for excess and obsolescence and LCM	10,100,000	8,700,000
Lower of cost or market [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Inventory value, reduction for excess and obsolescence and LCM	$7,100,000	$5,000,000

Comprehensive_Loss_Components_

Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($3,486)	($2,228)	($2,195)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-1,132	-1,092	108
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	-166	-141
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-1,132	-1,258	-33
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,618	-3,486	-2,228
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Auction Rate Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	166	307
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	-166	-141
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	0	-166	-141
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	166
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Other Available-for-Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-124	16	-142
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-320	-140	158
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-320	-140	158
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-444	-124	16
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,602	-1,650	-1,607
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-812	-952	-43
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-812	-952	-43
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,414	-2,602	-1,650
Accumulated Tax Effect
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-760	-760	-753
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	0	-7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	0	0	-7
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($760)	($760)	($760)

Comprehensive_Loss_Components_1

Comprehensive Loss - Components of Reclassifications of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other gain (loss), net									($1,365)	($1,141)	($1,050)
Provision for income taxes	1,683	205	617	248	414	308	601	331	2,753	1,654	2,190
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Auction Rate Securities
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other gain (loss), net									0	-166	-141
Provision for income taxes									0	0	0
Total, net of income tax									$0	($166)	($141)

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L2

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic and Diluted (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Disclosure Basic And Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share Computation Of Net Loss Per Common Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$8,410	$4,843	$4,780	($4,374)	($10,178)	$3,347	($10,009)	($15,279)	$13,659	($32,119)	($85,330)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding									123,672	117,425	110,739
Employee equity plans (in shares)									4,778	0	0
Assumed conversion of convertible senior notes from conversion spread (in shares)									115	0	0
Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding									128,565	117,425	110,739
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.07	$0.04	$0.04	($0.04)	($0.08)	$0.03	($0.09)	($0.13)	$0.11	($0.27)	($0.77)
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.06	$0.04	$0.04	($0.04)	($0.08)	$0.03	($0.09)	($0.13)	$0.11	($0.27)	($0.77)

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L3

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Computation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	1,558	14,332	18,272
Employee stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	362	6,367	9,008
Restricted stock units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	331	6,583	6,703
Performance stock units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	124	721	1,368
Employee stock purchase plan shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	741	661	1,100
Warrants to purchase common stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities	0	0	93

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Addit

Convertible Senior Notes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 26, 2014	30-May-13
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net	$0	$144,469,000	$0
Debt Instrument Remaining Term	4 years
Total estimated fair value of the notes	198,900,000
Closing price of common stock (in usd per share)	$14.91			$14.91
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due June 1, 2018 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued					150,000,000
Debt instrument interest percentage	1.75%	1.75%			1.75%
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net	144,500,000
Initial conversion price (in usd per share)	$12.58
Initial conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of Notes	0.0794834
Convertible threshold trading days	20 days
Convertible threshold consecutive trading days	30 days
Convertible threshold minimum percentage	130.00%
Convertible, threshold maximum percentage	98.00%
Purchase price as a percentage on principal amount of the notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change	100.00%
Debt instrument discount to be amortized	33,100,000
Debt Issuance Cost	5,500,000
Deferred tax liability					17,000,000
Additional effective rate of interest to be used on amortized carrying value	10.23%	10.23%
Principal amount of Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments	27,800,000
Long-term Debt [Member] | 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due June 1, 2018 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued	$150,000,000	$150,000,000

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Compo

Convertible Senior Notes - Components of Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013		30-May-13
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Discount	$30,257,000	[1]	$37,322,000	[1]
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due June 1, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount					150,000,000
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	119,743,000		112,678,000
Debt Instrument Net Equity Component Carrying Amount	43,341,000		43,341,000
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due June 1, 2018 [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equity component	45,000,000		45,000,000
Debt issuance cost	-1,659,000		-1,659,000
1.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due June 1, 2018 [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$150,000,000		$150,000,000
[1]	Unamortized discount includes debt conversion discount and issuance costs, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the Notes, which is approximately 4 years.

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Inter

Convertible Senior Notes - Interest Expense Recognized Related to Notes Prior to Capitalization of Interest (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual interest expense	$2,626	$1,539
Amortization of debt issuance costs	665	358
Amortization of debt discount	7,730	4,164
Total interest expense recognized related to notes prior to capitalization of interest	$11,021	$6,061

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Operating lease renewal period	5 years
Asset retirement obligations	$2,700,000	$2,600,000
Rent expense incurred	7,200,000	6,800,000	6,700,000
Purchase Obligation	128,261,000	69,600,000	52,700,000
Uncertain tax positions	$2,200,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Operating lease period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Operating lease period	10 years

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Annual Minimum Operating Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Future Annual Minimum Operating Lease Payments [Abstract]
Operating lease payments, 2015	$7,063
Operating lease payments, 2016	6,419
Operating lease payments, 2017	5,575
Operating lease payments, 2018	5,106
Operating lease payments, 2019	5,344
Thereafter	8,546
Total	$38,053

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Purchase Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Future Purchase Commitments [Abstract]
Purchase obligations, 2015	$126,211
Purchase obligations, 2016	2,050
Purchase obligations, 2017	0
Purchase obligations, 2018	0
Purchase obligations, 2019	0
Purchase obligations, Thereafter	0
Purchase obligations, Total	$128,261	$69,600	$52,700

Guarantees_Activity_Related_to

Guarantees - Activity Related to Product Warranty (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$22,908		$16,482
Charges to operations	22,697		21,193
Product Warranty Accrual, Payments	-10,860		-9,404
Change in estimate	-7,705	[1]	-5,363	[1]
Balance at the end of the period	$27,040		$22,908
[1]	The Company records hardware warranty liabilities based on the latest quality and cost information available as of that date. The changes in estimate shown here are due to changes in overall actual failure rates and the resulting impact of these changes on the Company’s estimate of expected future returns, as well as changes in the estimated cost and the mix of new versus used units related to replacement of failed units.

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit outstanding	5	$3.50
Value added tax license	3	1.4
Customer proposal guarantee	1.3	1.4
Property leases	0.7	$0.70
Minimum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Hardware warranty period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Hardware warranty period	5 years

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 26, 2009	Dec. 26, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock payroll deduction price percentage of lover of fair market value	85.00%
Employee payroll deduction limit	15.00%
Maximum employee stock purchase	$25,000
Closing price of common stock	$14.91						$14.91
Weighted-average remaining contractual term	3 years 10 months 24 days
Fair value of stock options granted	800,000	3,200,000	10,000,000
Number of shares available for grant cost	2,700,000	3,600,000	3,600,000
Multiple of shares issued upon restated stock option and incentive plan		0.5
Number of shares to be purchased on exercise of warrants	0	92,592
Exercise of warrants value		500,000
Employee stock options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of future options grants				7 years	10 years
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amortization of stock based compensation	21,600,000	23,800,000	27,900,000
Number of Performance Stock Units, granted	2,705,000	3,602,000	3,620,000
Number of shares released under PSUs	2,797,000	3,070,000	2,495,000
Performance Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of PSUs to executive officers	100,000
Expense included in amortization of stock-based compensation		2,100,000
Decrease in fair value included in amortization of stock-based compensation		-1,400,000
Performance stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amortization of stock based compensation	$2,200,000	$700,000	$3,300,000
Shares of PSUs to executive officers			500,000
Number of Performance Stock Units, granted	508,000	552,000	515,000
Number of shares released under PSUs	255,000	684,000	883,000
Performance stock units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Ranges of number of shares issued on vesting of PSUs	0	0				0.5
Performance stock units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Ranges of number of shares issued on vesting of PSUs	1.5	1.5				2
Amended Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate reserved common stock for issuance	14,200,000
Options to purchase	800,000
2007 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Reserved Common stock for issuance of options	46,800,000
2007 Plan maximum term	10 years
Authorized issuance of common stock shares	16,600,000
Duration of ESPP	20 years
Granted options to employees to purchase shares of common stock	17,300,000
2007 Plan [Member] | Performance stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Performance Stock Units, granted		600,000
Fiscal Year 2014 Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares released under PSUs	300,000
Award granted in 2009 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares released under PSUs		500,000
Nasdaq Telecom Composite Index [Member] | Two Thousand And Seven Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Ranges of number of shares issued on vesting of PSUs	1.5
IGN Index [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of PSUs to executive officers	400,000

Stockholders_Equity_Common_Sto

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Detail)	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Stockholders Equity Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance [Abstract]
Outstanding stock options and awards	11,217
Reserved for future option and award grants	17,256
Reserved for future ESPP	7,262
Total common stock reserved for stock options and awards	35,735

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Company's Equity Award Activity - Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Disclosure Stockholders Equity Summary Of Companys Equity Award Activity Options [Abstract]
Number of Options, beginning balance	6,367	9,008	9,873
Number of Options, granted	25	0	127
Number of Options, exercised (in shares)	-2,001	-2,217	-582
Number of Options, canceled	-93	-424	-410
Number of Options, ending balance	4,298	6,367	9,008
Number of Options, Vested and expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	4,296
Number of Options, Exercisable at December 27, 2014	4,219
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, beginning balance	$7.26	$7.13	$7.03
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Options granted	$9.02	$0	$7.18
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Options exercised	$6.99	$6.59	$4.39
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Options canceled	$12.38	$8.04	$8.50
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, ending balance	$7.29	$7.26	$7.13
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable at December 27, 2014	$7.28
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, beginning balance	$17,452	$5,726	$7,924
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options exercised	8,182	7,583	1,484
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, ending Balance	32,833	17,452	5,726
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	32,814
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 27, 2014	$32,261

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Company's Equity Award Activity - RSUs (Detail) (Restricted stock units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Restricted/Performance Stock Units, beginning balance	6,583	6,703	5,957
Number of Restricted Stock Units, granted	2,705	3,602	3,620
Number of Restricted Stock Units, released	-2,797	-3,070	-2,495
Number of Restricted Stock Units, canceled	-449	-652	-379
Number of Restricted/Performance Stock Units, ending balance	6,042	6,583	6,703
Number of Restricted Stock Units, Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	5,850
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, beginning balance	$7.72	$8.01	$8.77
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, granted	$8.80	$7.63	$7.51
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, released	$7.84	$8.26	$9.07
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, canceled	$7.85	$7.63	$8.27
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, ending balance	$8.14	$7.72	$8.01
Aggregate Intrinsic Value , beginning balance	$64,443	$38,873	$37,407
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, RSUs released	24,858	25,028	17,742
Aggregate Intrinsic Value , ending balance	90,085	64,443	38,873
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	$87,221

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of2

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Company's Equity Award Activity - PSUs (Detail) (Performance stock units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Performance stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Restricted/Performance Stock Units, beginning balance	721	1,368	2,595
Number of Performance Stock Units, granted	508	552	515
Number of Performance Stock Units, released	-255	-684	-883
Number of Performance Stock Units, canceled	-98	-515	-859
Number of Restricted/Performance Stock Units, ending balance	876	721	1,368
Number of Performance Stock Units, Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	663
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, beginning balance	$7.04	$10.53	$10.51
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, granted	$8.34	$6.63	$7.85
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, released	$6.36	$10.53	$9.40
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, canceled	$7.18	$11.31	$10.04
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, ending balance	$7.49	$7.04	$10.53
Aggregate Intrinsic Value , beginning balance	$7,054	$7,933	$16,304
Aggregate Intrinsic Value , PSUs released	2,097	4,284	5,448
Aggregate Intrinsic Value , ending balance	13,067	7,054	7,933
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to vest as of December 27, 2014	$9,884

Stockholders_Equity_Total_Stoc

Stockholders' Equity - Total Stock Based Compensation Cost for Instruments Granted but Not Yet Amortized (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, Unrecognized Compensation Expense, Net	$239
Stock options, Weighted-Average Period	1 year 5 months 19 days
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU/PSU, Unrecognized Compensation Expense, Net	28,287
RSU/PSU, Weighted-Average Period	2 years 3 months 22 days
Performance stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU/PSU, Unrecognized Compensation Expense, Net	$2,055
RSU/PSU, Weighted-Average Period	1 year 5 months 23 days

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of3

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	4,298
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 11 months 9 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$7.29	$7.26	$7.13	$7.03
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	4,219
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.28
$0.76 - $4.04 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Lower Limit (in usd per share)	$0.76
Exercise Price Upper Limit (in usd per share)	$4.04
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	754
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 6 months 4 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$2.06
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	754
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.06
$6.30 - $7.25 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Lower Limit (in usd per share)	$6.30
Exercise Price Upper Limit (in usd per share)	$7.25
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	536
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 3 months 15 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$6.87
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	504
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.88
$7.45 - $7.61 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Lower Limit (in usd per share)	$7.45
Exercise Price Upper Limit (in usd per share)	$7.61
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	706
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 8 months 19 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$7.54
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	704
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.54
$7.68 - $8.19 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Lower Limit (in usd per share)	$7.68
Exercise Price Upper Limit (in usd per share)	$8.19
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	1,069
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 10 months 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$8.12
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	1,049
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.13
$8.39 - $8.61 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Lower Limit (in usd per share)	$8.39
Exercise Price Upper Limit (in usd per share)	$8.58
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	627
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 4 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$8.57
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	627
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.57
$8.85 - $22.36 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Price Lower Limit (in usd per share)	$8.85
Exercise Price Upper Limit (in usd per share)	$22.36
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	606
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 10 months 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$11.05
Vested and Exercisable Options, Number of Shares	581
Vested and Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.14

Stockholders_Equity_Ranges_of_

Stockholders' Equity - Ranges of Estimated Values of Stock Options and Performance-Based Stock Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life		6 months	6 months
Total stock-based compensation expense	$28,394	$31,976	$41,819
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	46.00%	46.00%	54.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.02%	0.10%	0.16%
Expected life	3 months
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)	$2.05	$1.87	$1.73
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	51.00%	49.00%	57.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.11%	0.14%	0.17%
Expected life	6 months
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)	$2.57	$3	$2.63
Employee stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	52.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%
Expected life	4 years 3 months
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)	$3.85
Total stock-based compensation expense	$702	$2,792	$8,436
Employee stock options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility			65.00%
Risk-free interest rate			0.70%
Expected life			4 years
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)			$3.75
Employee stock options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility			68.00%
Risk-free interest rate			1.00%
Expected life			5 years 3 months
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)			$3.76

Stockholders_Equity_Estimated_

Stockholders' Equity - Estimated Fair Value of ESPP Shares (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life		6 months	6 months
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	46.00%	46.00%	54.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.02%	0.10%	0.16%
Expected life	3 months
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)	$2.05	$1.87	$1.73
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	51.00%	49.00%	57.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.11%	0.14%	0.17%
Expected life	6 months
Estimated fair value, (in usd per share)	$2.57	$3	$2.63

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of4

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$28,394	$31,976	$41,819
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	3,760	3,022	3,586
Employee contributions	$10,728	$8,559	$9,030
Shares issued (in shares)	1,438	1,656	1,653

Stockholders_Equity_Assumption

Stockholders' Equity - Assumption of PSU Granted (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Infinera Volatility	46.00%	46.00%	54.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.02%	0.10%	0.16%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Infinera Volatility	51.00%	49.00%	57.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.11%	0.14%	0.17%
Performance stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Infinera Volatility		55.00%
NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index Volatility		23.00%
IGN Index Volatility	25.00%
Risk-free interest rate		0.42%
Correlation with IGN Index	60.00%
Correlation with NASDAQ Telecom Composite Index		56.00%
Estimated fair value (in dollar per share)	8.34	6.63	7.85
Performance stock units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Infinera Volatility	49.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.66%
Estimated fair value (in dollar per share)	6.59	6.27
Performance stock units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Infinera Volatility	50.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.71%
Estimated fair value (in dollar per share)	7.6	7.06

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of5

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Effects of Stock Based Compensation on Company's Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Stock-based compensation effects in inventory [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Effects of stock based compensation	$3,088	$3,189	$4,891
Stock-based compensation effects in deferred inventory cost [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Effects of stock based compensation	13	15	42
Stock-based compensation effects in fixed assets [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Effects of stock based compensation	$119	$145	$146

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of6

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Effects of Stock Based Compensation on Company's Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013		Dec. 29, 2012
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Gross share based compensation before amortization	$24,708		$26,351		$35,995
Cost of revenue—amortization from balance sheet	3,686	[1]	5,625	[1]	5,824	[1]
Total stock-based compensation expense	28,394		31,976		41,819
Cost of revenue [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Gross share based compensation before amortization	1,921		1,871		2,710
Research and development [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Gross share based compensation before amortization	8,927		10,900		13,306
Sales and marketing [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Gross share based compensation before amortization	7,477		7,624		10,450
General and administration [Member]
Effects Of Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Gross share based compensation before amortization	$6,383		$5,956		$9,529
[1]	Represents stock-based compensation expense deferred to inventory and deferred inventory costs in prior periods and recognized in the current period.

Income_Taxes_Geographic_Breakd

Income Taxes - Geographic Breakdown of Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current:
Federal									$0	$0	($133)
State									446	-135	22
Foreign									2,423	1,719	2,169
Total current									2,869	1,584	2,058
Deferred:
Federal									0	0	0
State									0	0	0
Foreign									-116	70	132
Total deferred									-116	70	132
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$1,683	$205	$617	$248	$414	$308	$601	$331	$2,753	$1,654	$2,190

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income before provision for income taxes from international operations									$5,600,000	$5,800,000	$5,500,000
Provision for income taxes	1,683,000	205,000	617,000	248,000	414,000	308,000	601,000	331,000	2,753,000	1,654,000	2,190,000
Loss before provision of income taxes	10,093,000	5,048,000	5,397,000	-4,126,000	-9,764,000	3,655,000	-9,408,000	-14,948,000	16,412,000	-30,465,000	-83,140,000
Effective tax rate									16.80%	-5.40%	-2.60%
Federal statutory rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Estimated tax benefits									17,800,000
Cumulative ownership change									50.00%
Undistributed earnings	20,300,000								20,300,000
Cumulative unrecognized tax benefit	16,978,000				15,148,000				16,978,000	15,148,000	13,902,000	13,066,000
Unrecognized tax benefits netted against deferred tax assets									15,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,800,000								1,800,000
Accrued interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	400,000				200,000				400,000	200,000	200,000
Accrued interest or penalty included in income tax									200,000	100,000	100,000
Net operating losses carryforward federal [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards	309,100,000								309,100,000
Net operating losses carryforward state [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards	278,700,000								278,700,000
Federal research and development credits [Member]
Research credits	28,000,000								28,000,000
Federal research credits, beginning expiration period									2021
California research and development credits [Member]
Research credits	29,300,000								29,300,000
Scientific Research And Experimental Development (SRED) Credits [Member]
Research credits	2,100,000								2,100,000
Federal [Member]
Unbenefited stock option deductions									42,000,000
California [Member]
Unbenefited stock option deductions									$37,800,000

Income_Taxes_Provisions_for_In

Income Taxes - Provisions for Income Taxes Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rates (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected tax at federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.80%	0.30%	0.00%
Research credits	-11.40%	4.90%	0.00%
Stock-based compensation	14.70%	-12.20%	-3.90%
Change in valuation allowance	-25.30%	-34.20%	-33.50%
Other	2.00%	0.80%	-0.20%
Effective tax rate	16.80%	-5.40%	-2.60%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Income_T

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Taxes Differences Between Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses	$107,601	$123,908
Research credits	37,435	33,647
Nondeductible accruals	31,151	26,365
Inventory valuation	19,625	13,540
Property, plant and equipment	1,387	1,453
Intangible assets	2,119	3,446
Stock-based compensation	12,830	15,454
Total deferred tax assets	212,148	217,813
Valuation allowance	-199,698	-202,747
Net deferred tax assets	12,450	15,066
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	-203	-161
Convertible senior notes	-12,167	-14,941
Total deferred tax liabilities	-12,370	-15,102
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$80	($36)

Income_Taxes_Aggregate_Changes

Income Taxes - Aggregate Changes in Balance of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$15,148	$13,902	$13,066
Tax position related to current year
Additions	1,990	1,676	1,437
Tax positions related to prior years
Additions	140	32	75
Reductions	-76	-132	-580
Lapses of statute of limitations	-224	-330	-96
Ending balance	$16,978	$15,148	$13,902

Segment_Information_Revenue_an

Segment Information - Revenue and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue	$186,306	$173,559	$165,399	$142,815	$139,092	$142,020	$138,385	$124,625	$668,079	$544,122	$438,437
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									476,172	345,734	296,849
Other Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									34,379	10,377	11,811
Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									510,551	356,111	308,660
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									132,271	150,912	116,663
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenue									$25,257	$37,099	$13,114

Segment_Information_Property_P

Segment Information - Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Geographic Information For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$81,566	$79,668
United States [Member]
Geographic Information For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	79,025	76,850
Other Americas [Member]
Geographic Information For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	196	319
Asia Pacific [Member]
Geographic Information For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,477	1,451
EMEA [Member]
Geographic Information For Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$868	$1,048

Financial_Information_by_Quart2

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) - Unaudited Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations Data for Each of Eight Quarters (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenue:
Product	$158,492	$147,178	$142,364	$124,242	$115,102	$121,332	$120,647	$108,343	$572,276	$465,424	$380,035
Services	27,814	26,381	23,035	18,573	23,990	20,688	17,738	16,282	95,803	78,698	58,402
Total revenue	186,306	173,559	165,399	142,815	139,092	142,020	138,385	124,625	668,079	544,122	438,437
Cost of revenue:
Cost of product	89,809	86,703	85,906	78,438	73,385	66,685	80,198	75,447	340,856	295,715	259,437
Cost of services	12,154	11,554	9,240	5,971	9,795	6,964	6,533	6,476	38,919	29,768	21,431
Total cost of revenue	101,963	98,257	95,146	84,409	83,180	73,649	86,731	81,923	379,775	325,483	280,868
Gross profit	84,343	75,302	70,253	58,406	55,912	68,371	51,654	42,702	288,304	218,639	157,569
Operating expenses	71,477	67,822	62,201	59,462	62,993	61,926	60,262	57,644	260,962	242,825	240,570
Income (loss) from operations	12,866	7,480	8,052	-1,056	-7,081	6,445	-8,608	-14,942	27,342	-24,186	-83,001
Other income (expense), net	-2,773	-2,432	-2,655	-3,070	-2,683	-2,790	-800	-6	-10,930	-6,279	-139
Income (loss) before income taxes	10,093	5,048	5,397	-4,126	-9,764	3,655	-9,408	-14,948	16,412	-30,465	-83,140
Provision for income taxes	1,683	205	617	248	414	308	601	331	2,753	1,654	2,190
Net income (loss)	$8,410	$4,843	$4,780	($4,374)	($10,178)	$3,347	($10,009)	($15,279)	$13,659	($32,119)	($85,330)
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.07	$0.04	$0.04	($0.04)	($0.08)	$0.03	($0.09)	($0.13)	$0.11	($0.27)	($0.77)
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.06	$0.04	$0.04	($0.04)	($0.08)	$0.03	($0.09)	($0.13)	$0.11	($0.27)	($0.77)

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$202,747	$213,449	$188,351
Additions	17,276	5,706	25,098
Reductions	-20,325	-16,408	0
Ending balance	199,698	202,747	213,449
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	43	94	0
Additions	18	56	94
Reductions	-23	-107	0
Ending balance	38	43	94
Provision for other receivables [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	0	563
Additions	0	0	0
Reductions	0	0	-563
Ending balance	$0	$0	$0