Cohu (COHU) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Trading Symbol	'COHU
Entity Registrant Name	'COHU INC
Entity Central Index Key	'0000021535
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	24,942,083

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$46,248	$102,808	[1]
Short-term investments	6,609	7,421	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	58,167	36,986	[1]
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials and purchased parts	30,981	37,140	[1]
Work in process	17,864	14,958	[1]
Finished goods	11,516	10,234	[1]
Total inventories	60,361	62,332	[1]
Deferred income taxes	5,908	4,746	[1]
Other current assets	6,565	6,790	[1]
Total current assets	183,858	221,083	[1]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Land and land improvements	12,210	12,106	[1]
Buildings and building improvements	31,813	31,209	[1]
Machinery and equipment	43,311	40,108	[1]
Property plant and equipment, gross	87,334	83,423	[1]
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-51,419	-47,959	[1]
Net property, plant and equipment	35,915	35,464	[1]
Goodwill	70,895	58,756	[1]
Intangible assets, net	46,682	18,977	[1]
Other assets	3,770	593	[1]
Total consolidated assets	341,120	334,873	[1]
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	18,760	13,217	[1]
Accrued compensation and benefits	15,993	10,271	[1]
Accrued warranty	5,106	4,692	[1]
Deferred profit	5,482	2,139	[1]
Income taxes payable	1,515	1,109	[1]
Other accrued liabilities	8,301	4,952	[1]
Total current liabilities	55,157	36,380	[1]
Other accrued liabilities	17,495	5,847	[1]
Deferred income taxes	12,283	11,747	[1]
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	[1]
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, none issued	'	'	[1]
Common stock, $1 par value; 60,000 shares authorized, 24,942 shares issued and outstanding in 2013 and 24,632 shares in 2012	24,942	24,632	[1]
Paid-in capital	88,099	83,547	[1]
Retained earnings	139,500	170,937	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,644	1,783	[1]
Total stockholders' equity	256,185	280,899	[1]
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$341,120	$334,873	[1]
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1	[1]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000	[1]
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	[1]
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000	60,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	24,942	24,632	[1]
Common stock, shares outstanding	24,942	24,632	[1]
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$59,962	$57,748	$182,630	$170,448
Cost and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	45,441	39,622	131,052	119,119
Research and development	11,636	9,136	36,814	26,194
Selling, general and administrative	14,845	11,597	44,098	33,514
Total cost and expenses	71,922	60,355	211,964	178,827
Loss from operations	-11,960	-2,607	-29,334	-8,379
Interest and other, net	16	739	42	920
Loss before income taxes	-11,944	-1,868	-29,292	-7,459
Income tax benefit	-1,124	-119	-2,324	-377
Net loss	($10,820)	($1,749)	($26,968)	($7,082)
Loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.43)	($0.07)	($1.09)	($0.29)
Diluted	($0.43)	($0.07)	($1.09)	($0.29)
Weighted average shares used in computing loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	24,929	24,479	24,801	24,421
Diluted	24,929	24,479	24,801	24,421
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.06	$0.06	$0.18	$0.18

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($10,820)	($1,749)	($26,968)	($7,082)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,635	2,132	1,763	-280
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits	18	33	108	109
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments	-3	13	-10	12
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,650	2,178	1,861	-159
Comprehensive income (loss)	($6,170)	$429	($25,107)	($7,241)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net loss	($26,968)		($7,082)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Gain on sale of facility	'		-677
Depreciation and amortization	10,077		7,088
Share-based compensation expense	3,962		3,254
Deferred income taxes	-1,090		-262
Other accrued liabilities	431		158
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding effects from acquisitions:	'		'
Accounts receivable	88		-1,656
Inventories	11,702		13,468
Other current assets	1,589		1,455
Accounts payable	-605		-245
Deferred profit	3,249		-1,019
Income taxes payable, including excess stock option exercise benefit	406		-33
Accrued compensation, warranty and other liabilities	-963		-3,662
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,878		10,787
Cash flows from investing activities, excluding effects from acquisitions:	'		'
Payment for purchase of Ismeca, net of cash received	-53,463		'
Purchases of short-term investments	'		-40,461
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	812		57,720
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-2,513		-2,416
Cash received from facility sale	'		1,080
Cash paid for Duma Video, Inc.	'		-900
Other assets	-151		-44
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-55,315		14,979
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Cash dividends	-2,972		-4,388
Issuance of stock, net of repurchases	900		1,048
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,072		-3,340
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,051		-58
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-56,560		22,368
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	102,808	[1]	53,262
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	46,248		75,630
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'		'
Cash (refunded) paid for income taxes	-1,135		833
Inventory capitalized as property, plant and equipment	572		567
Dividends declared but not yet paid	$1,496		$1,468
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	Our fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 29, 2012 has been derived from our audited financial statements at that date. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 28, 2013 (also referred to as “the third quarter of fiscal 2013” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2013”) and September 29, 2012 (also referred to as “the third quarter of fiscal 2012” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2012”) are unaudited. However, in management’s opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring items) necessary to provide a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The nine-month periods ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 were each comprised of 13 and 39 weeks, respectively.
	Our interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected for the full year. For a better understanding of Cohu, Inc. and our financial statements, we recommend reading these interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2012, which are included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the following notes to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, Cohu, Inc. is referred to as “Cohu”, “we”, “our” and “us”.
	Risks and Uncertainties
	We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q. Understanding these risks and uncertainties is integral to the review of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer.
	Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.8 million and $0.3 million at September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. Our customers include semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors and other customers located throughout many areas of the world. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and represents our best estimate at September 28, 2013, we will continue to monitor customer liquidity and other economic conditions, which may result in changes to our estimates regarding collectability.
	Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets
	We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimated the fair values of our reporting units primarily using the income approach valuation methodology that includes the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration the market approach and certain market multiples as a validation of the values derived using the discounted cash flow methodology. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on customer forecasts, industry trade organization data and general economic conditions.
	We conduct our annual impairment test as of October 1st of each year. Other events and changes in circumstances may also require goodwill to be tested for impairment between annual measurement dates. While a decline in stock price and market capitalization is not specifically cited as a goodwill impairment indicator, a company’s stock price and market capitalization should be considered in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less that its carrying value. Additionally, a significant decline in a company’s stock price may suggest that an adverse change in the business climate may have caused the fair value of one or more reporting units to fall below their carrying value. The financial and credit market volatility directly impacts our fair value measurement through our stock price that we use to determine our market capitalization. During times of volatility, significant judgment must be applied to determine whether credit or stock price changes are a short-term swing or a longer-term trend. As of September 28, 2013 we do not believe there have been any events or circumstances that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment review, however, a sustained decline in Cohu’s market capitalization below its book value could lead us to determine, in a future period, that an interim goodwill impairment review is required and may result in an impairment charge which would have a negative impact on our results of operations.
	Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the assets carrying amount and estimated fair value.
	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-based compensation expense related to stock options is recorded based on the fair value of the award on its grant date which we estimate using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards is calculated based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on our common stock prior to vesting of the restricted stock unit.
	Reported share-based compensation is classified, in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cost of sales		$	50	$	49	$	250	$	279
	Research and development			355		291		1,236		951
	Selling, general and administrative			781		619		2,476		2,024
	Total share-based compensation		$	1,186	$	959	$	3,962	$	3,254
	Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. For purposes of computing diluted income per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of our common stock for the period are excluded. The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Weighted average common shares			24,929		24,479		24,801		24,421
	Effect of dilutive stock options			—		—		—		—
				24,929		24,479		24,801		24,421
	Revenue Recognition
	Our revenue recognition policy is disclosed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012. As more fully described in that policy, revenue from products that have not previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements is recognized upon customer acceptance. The gross profit on sales that are not recognized is generally recorded as deferred profit and reflected as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheet.
	At September 28, 2013, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $7.2 million and deferred profit of $5.5 million. At December 29, 2012, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $3.6 million and deferred profit of $2.1 million.
	Comprehensive Income
	Our accumulated other comprehensive income balance totaled approximately $3.6 million and $1.8 million at September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, and was attributed to all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity and consists of, on an after-tax basis where applicable, foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. dollars where the functional currency is the Euro or the Swiss Franc, unrealized gains and losses on investments and adjustments related to postretirement benefits. Reclassification adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income during the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 2012 were not significant.
	Retiree Medical Benefits
	We provide post-retirement health benefits to certain executives and directors under a noncontributory plan. The net periodic benefit cost incurred during the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 2012 was not significant.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to simplify the testing for a drop in value of intangible assets such as trademarks, patents, and distribution rights. The amended standard reduces the cost of accounting for indefinite-lived intangible assets, especially in cases where the likelihood of impairment is low. The changes permit businesses and other organizations to first use subjective criteria to determine if an intangible asset has lost value. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years starting after September 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that will require a public entity to present in its annual and interim financial statements information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in a single note or on the face of the financial statements. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment to previous income tax guidance clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented 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 if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact our adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This new guidance requires that the parent release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods starting after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted. We do not believe our adoption of the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 will have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Strategic_Technology_Transacti

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets	'
	2	Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets
	Ismeca
	On December 31, 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding share capital of Ismeca Semiconductor Holding SA (“Ismeca”). Ismeca, headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and with major operations in Malacca, Malaysia and Suzhou, China, designs, manufactures and sells turret-based test handling and back-end finishing equipment for integrated circuits, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and discrete components.
	The acquisition has been accounted for in conformity with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations. The purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $88.8 million, and was funded primarily by cash reserves ($57.1 million) and certain liabilities assumed ($31.7 million). Total consideration has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated respective fair values as of the completion of the acquisition. Amounts allocated to intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives as noted in the table below.
	Management’s preliminary allocation of purchase price as noted in the Original Values column below was based on an initial internal estimate of fair values. During the third fiscal quarter of 2013, with the assistance of a third party and using information as of the acquisition date, we updated the valuation of acquired intangible assets which resulted in adjustments to our initial allocation. We also received certain income tax information which resulted in adjustments to increase other assets and liabilities assumed but had no impact on net tangible assets acquired. The changes described above are noted in the Revised Values column below (in thousands):
			Original			Revised
			Values			Values
	Current assets		$	36,510		$	36,510
	Fixed assets			1,314			1,314
	Other assets			2,427			6,607
	Intangible assets			25,365			33,138
	Goodwill			19,273			11,245
	Total assets acquired			84,889			88,814
	Liabilities assumed			(27,746	)		(31,671	)
	Net assets acquired		$	57,143		$	57,143
	The preliminary and updated allocation of the intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
			Original			Revised			Average
			Value			Value			Useful Life
	Complete technology		$	16,827		$	21,399		8 years
	Customer relationships			3,631			7,475		8 years
	Covenants not-to-compete			—			325		3 years
	Trade name			4,907			3,939		Indefinite
			$	25,365		$	33,138
	The updated value assigned to Ismeca’s complete technology was determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows associated with the existing developed and core technologies to their present value. Developed and core technology, which comprise products that have reached technological feasibility, includes the products in Ismeca’s product line. The revenue estimates used to value the complete technology were based on estimates of relevant market sizes and growth factors, expected trends in technology and the nature and expected timing of new product introductions by Ismeca and its competitors. The rates utilized to discount the net cash flows of complete technology to their present value are based on the risks associated with the respective cash flows taking into consideration the weighted average cost of capital of Cohu’s semiconductor equipment segment.
	The updated value assigned to Ismeca’s customer relationships was determined by discounting the estimated cash flows associated with the existing customers as of the acquisition date taking into consideration expected attrition of the existing customer base. The estimated cash flows were based on revenues for those existing customers net of operating expenses and net contributory asset charges associated with servicing those customers. The estimated revenues were based on revenue growth rates for the back-end semiconductor equipment industry. Operating expenses were estimated based on the supporting infrastructure expected to sustain the assumed revenue growth rates. Net contributory asset charges were based on the estimated fair value of those assets that contribute to the generation of the estimated cash flows.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, management updated its valuation of certain purchased intangible assets, however, certain tax issues are pending. Upon completion of the tax items, Cohu anticipates that the ultimate purchase price allocation may differ from the assessment outlined above. Any additional changes to the estimates of the fair value of the assets and liabilities will be allocated primarily to goodwill.
	Duma
	In August 2012, our microwave communication equipment segment acquired the intellectual property and certain other assets of Duma Video, Inc. (“Duma”), a distributor of low latency compression video encoding and decoding devices. The purchase price of these assets was approximately $1.0 million and the amount allocated to intangible assets is being amortized on a straight-line basis over three years. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, in addition to the up-front cash payment, we may be required to make future payments to the seller totaling a maximum of approximately $0.5 million, contingent upon the completion of certain milestone events.
	Goodwill
	Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment during the year ended December 29, 2012 and the nine-month period ended September 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			Semiconductor			Microwave			Total Goodwill
			Equipment			Communications
	Balance, December 31, 2011		$	54,872		$	3,188		$	58,060
	Impact of currency exchange			648			48			696
	Balance, December 29, 2012			55,520			3,236			58,756
	Additions net of adjustments			11,245			—			11,245
	Impact of currency exchange			840			54			894
	Balance, September 28, 2013		$	67,605		$	3,290		$	70,895
	Purchased Intangible Assets
	Purchased intangible assets, subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):
			September 28, 2013						December 29, 2012
			Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
			Amount			Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Rasco technology		$	33,140		$	19,936		$	32,399	$	16,452
	Ismeca technology			29,450			2,812			—		—
	Duma technology			864			336			864		120
			$	63,454		$	23,084		$	33,263	$	16,572
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $2.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and $6.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, management updated its valuation of certain intangible assets acquired from Ismeca and we recorded additional amortization expense of approximately $0.6 million based on the revised amounts. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $1.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and $3.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. The amounts included in the table above for the period ended September 28, 2013 exclude approximately $2.3 million and $4.0 million, related to the trade names of Rasco and Ismeca, respectively, and for the period ended December 29, 2012 exclude approximately $2.3 million related to the Rasco trade name which have indefinite lives and are not being amortized. Changes in the carrying values of purchased intangible assets include the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Financial_Instruments_Measured

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	'
	3	Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
	Our financial instruments measured at fair value consisted primarily of cash, government and government agency securities, state and municipal securities, money market funds, forward exchange contracts and structured option transactions. We do not hold investment securities for trading purposes. All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Investment securities are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates and credit risk and we monitor credit risk and attempt to mitigate exposure by making high-quality investments and through investment diversification.
	Gains and losses on investments are calculated using the specific-identification method and are recognized during the period in which the investment is sold or when an investment experiences an other-than-temporary decline in value. Factors that could indicate an impairment exists include, but are not limited to: earnings performance, changes in credit rating or adverse changes in the regulatory or economic environment of the asset. Gross realized gains and losses on sales of short-term investments are included in interest income. Realized gains and losses for the periods presented were not significant.
	Investments that we have classified as short-term, by security type, are as follows (in thousands):
			September 28, 2013
			Amortized		Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
					Gains		Losses		Value
	Municipal securities		$	1,200	$	—	$	—	$	1,200
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities			5,405		4		—		5,409
			$	6,605	$	4	$	—	$	6,609
			December 29, 2012
			Amortized		Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
					Gains		Losses		Value
	Municipal securities		$	1,470	$	—	$	—	$	1,470
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities			5,937		14		—		5,951
			$	7,407	$	14	$	—	$	7,421
	Effective maturities of short-term investments at September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, were as follows (in thousands):
			September 28, 2013				December 29, 2012
			Amortized		Estimated		Amortized		Estimated
			Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	6,605	$	6,609	$	7,407	$	7,421
	Our municipal securities include variable rate demand notes which can be put (sold at par) typically on a daily basis with settlement periods ranging from the same day to one week and have varying contractual maturities through 2037. These securities can be used for short-term liquidity needs and are held for limited periods of time. At September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 these securities had amortized cost and fair value of $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and are included in “Due in one year or less” in the table above.
	Accounting standards pertaining to fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of our investments, and they are included in Level 1. When quoted market prices are unobservable, we use quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information, and they are included in Level 2.
	The following table summarizes, by major security type, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
			Fair value measurements at September 28, 2013 using:
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated
									fair value
	Cash		$	44,167	$	—	$	—	$	44,167
	Municipal securities			—		1,200		—		1,200
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities			—		5,409		—		5,409
	Money market funds			—		2,081		—		2,081
			$	44,167	$	8,690	$	—	$	52,857
			Fair value measurements at December 29, 2012 using:
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated
									fair value
	Cash		$	101,054	$	—	$	—	$	101,054
	Municipal securities			—		1,470		—		1,470
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities			—		5,951		—		5,951
	Money market funds			—		1,754		—		1,754
			$	101,054	$	9,175	$	—	$	110,229
	In connection with our purchase of Ismeca on December 31, 2012, we acquired forward exchange contracts and currency option contracts which are used to hedge forecasted foreign currency balances and to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations of the Swiss Franc. The maturity of the option contracts range from one week to eight months. We do not use these instruments for trading or speculative purposes and have determined these contracts fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. During the nine-month period ended September 28, 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or into or out of Level 3 related to these instruments.
	We have recorded these derivative instruments on the balance sheet at their fair value with all realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in the statement of operations. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013 a net gain of approximately $44,000 and for the first nine months of fiscal 2013 a net loss of approximately $0.3 million was recognized.

Employee_Stock_Benefit_Plans

Employee Stock Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Employee Stock Benefit Plans	'
	4	Employee Stock Benefit Plans
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Cohu, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“the Plan”) provides for the issuance of shares of our common stock. Under the Plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of Cohu common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of Cohu common stock at the beginning or end of each 6-month purchase period, subject to certain limits. A total of 81,230 shares were issued under the Plan during the nine-month period ended September 28, 2013 and there were 404,312 shares available for future issuance.
	Stock Options
	Under our equity incentive plans, stock options may be granted to employees, consultants and directors to purchase a fixed number of shares of our common stock. The exercise prices of options granted are at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the dates of grant. Options generally vest and become exercisable after one year or in four annual increments beginning one year after the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. At September 28, 2013, there were 1,010,720 shares available for future equity grants under the 2005 Equity Plan. We have historically issued new shares of our common stock upon share option exercise.
	Subsequent to December 29, 2012, we awarded stock options covering 470,346 shares of our common stock to employees and at September 28, 2013, we had 3,283,105 stock options outstanding. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $12.26 per share, an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $3.5 million and the weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 5.2 years.
	At September 28, 2013, we had 2,308,726 stock options outstanding that were exercisable. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $12.86 per share, an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.8 million and the weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 3.9 years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	We issue restricted stock units to certain employees, consultants and directors. Restricted stock units vest over either a one-year or a four-year period from the date of grant. Prior to vesting, restricted stock units do not have dividend equivalent rights, do not have voting rights and the shares underlying the restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding. Shares of our common stock will be issued on the date the restricted stock units vest.
	Subsequent to December 29, 2012, we awarded restricted stock units covering 523,813 shares of our common stock to employees and at September 28, 2013, we had 960,035 restricted stock units outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $10.5 million and the weighted average remaining vesting period was approximately 2.7 years.
	Equity-Based Performance Stock Units
	We issue equity-based performance stock units to certain employees to reward achievement of financial performance goals set by the Board of Directors. Equity-based performance stock units vest over a three-year period from the date of grant. Prior to vesting, equity-based performance stock units do not have dividend equivalent rights, do not have voting rights and the shares underlying the restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding. The number of shares of stock ultimately issued to participants will depend upon the extent to which goals are met. The award measurement period is one fiscal year. Based upon the level of goal achievement, the number of shares we will issue can range from 0% up to 150% of the granted units. These outstanding units will vest over three years from the date of initial grant and upon final Board of Directors approval, shares of our common stock will be considered issued as of that date.
	In March 2013, we awarded equity-based performance units covering 158,365 shares of our common stock to certain employees.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	5	Income Taxes
	Ordinarily, interim tax provisions are calculated using the estimated effective tax rate (“ETR”) expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. However, when a reliable estimate of the annual ETR cannot be made, the actual ETR for the year-to-date period may be the best estimate of the annual ETR. For the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 we used the actual year-to-date ETR in computing our tax benefit as a reliable estimate of the annual ETR cannot be made as relatively small changes in our projected income or loss produce a significant variance in our ETR. The actual year-to-date ETR for the three months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, was 9.4% and 6.4%, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 was 7.9% and 5.1%, respectively. The tax benefit in 2013 and 2012 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the inability to benefit our domestic losses, foreign income taxed at lower rates, changes in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, state taxes and changes and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 we increased our liability for unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $3.0 million in conjunction with the Ismeca purchase price allocation.

Industry_Segments

Industry Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Industry Segments	'
	6	Industry Segments
	Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies. Our reportable segments are: semiconductor equipment, microwave communications and video cameras. As discussed in Note 2, on December 31, 2012 we purchased Ismeca, which is included in our semiconductor equipment segment.
	We allocate resources and evaluate the performance of segments based on profit or loss from operations, excluding interest, corporate expenses and unusual gains or losses. Intersegment sales were not significant for any period.
	Financial information by industry segment is as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales by segment:
	Semiconductor equipment		$	52,403		$	47,002		$	160,326		$	139,279
	Microwave communications			3,574			7,051			10,112			19,663
	Video cameras			3,985			3,695			12,192			11,506
	Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments		$	59,962		$	57,748		$	182,630		$	170,448
	Segment profit (loss):
	Semiconductor equipment		$	(9,391	)	$	(1,006	)	$	(18,857	)	$	(2,345	)
	Microwave communications			(1,511	)		53			(6,524	)		(810	)
	Video cameras			458			133			1,116			(49	)
	Loss for reportable segments			(10,444	)		(820	)		(24,265	)		(3,204	)
	Other unallocated amounts:
	Corporate expenses			(1,516	)		(1,787	)		(5,069	)		(5,175	)
	Interest and other, net			16			739			42			920
	Loss before income taxes		$	(11,944	)	$	(1,868	)	$	(29,292	)	$	(7,459	)
	A small number of customers of our semiconductor equipment segment historically have been responsible for a significant portion of our consolidated net sales. Significant customer concentration information is as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 28,		September 29,	September 28,		September 29,
			2013		2012	2013		2012
	Customers individually accounting for more than 10% of consolidated net sales		one		one	one		one
	Percentage of consolidated net sales		17%		39%	18%		41%

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	7	Contingencies
	From time-to-time we are involved in various legal proceedings, examinations by various tax authorities and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of our businesses.
	During the period from February through May 2013, Cohu’s subsidiary Delta Design, Inc. (“Delta”) made several inquiries of Essai, Inc. (“Essai”) asking it to confirm that it had not incorporated any of the technology covered by Delta’s patents in its current product offerings. On May 23, 2013 Essai filed a complaint against Delta in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Court”) seeking a declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of one Delta U. S. patent that issued in 1998. On July 19, 2013 Delta filed a motion with the Court to dismiss Essai’s complaint and Essai filed its opposition to Delta’s motion to dismiss on August 2, 2013. Delta intends to vigorously defend its intellectual property rights.
	The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain. While there can be no assurance, we do not believe at the present time that the resolution of the matters described above will have a material adverse effect on our assets, financial position or results of operations.

Guarantees

Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Guarantees	'
	8	Guarantees
	Our products are generally sold with warranty periods that range from 12 to 36 months following sale or acceptance. Parts and labor are covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. The warranty provision is based on historical and projected experience by product and configuration.
	Changes in accrued warranty were as follows (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	5,811		$	6,134		$	4,692		$	6,801
	Warranty expense accruals			697			1,006			2,865			3,819
	Warranty payments			(1,402	)		(1,540	)		(4,268	)		(5,020	)
	Warranty liability assumed			—			—			1,817			—
	Balance at end of period		$	5,106		$	5,600		$	5,106		$	5,600
	From time-to-time, during the ordinary course of business, we provide standby letters of credit for certain contingent liabilities under contractual arrangements, including customer contracts. As of September 28, 2013, the maximum potential amount of future payments that Cohu could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was approximately $1.0 million. We have not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. We do not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these arrangements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Our fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 29, 2012 has been derived from our audited financial statements at that date. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 28, 2013 (also referred to as “the third quarter of fiscal 2013” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2013”) and September 29, 2012 (also referred to as “the third quarter of fiscal 2012” and “the first nine months of fiscal 2012”) are unaudited. However, in management’s opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring items) necessary to provide a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The nine-month periods ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 were each comprised of 13 and 39 weeks, respectively.
	Our interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected for the full year. For a better understanding of Cohu, Inc. and our financial statements, we recommend reading these interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2012, which are included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the following notes to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, Cohu, Inc. is referred to as “Cohu”, “we”, “our” and “us”.
Risks and Uncertainties	'
	Risks and Uncertainties
	We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q. Understanding these risks and uncertainties is integral to the review of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer.
	Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.8 million and $0.3 million at September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. Our customers include semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors and other customers located throughout many areas of the world. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and represents our best estimate at September 28, 2013, we will continue to monitor customer liquidity and other economic conditions, which may result in changes to our estimates regarding collectability.
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets	'
	Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets
	We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimated the fair values of our reporting units primarily using the income approach valuation methodology that includes the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration the market approach and certain market multiples as a validation of the values derived using the discounted cash flow methodology. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on customer forecasts, industry trade organization data and general economic conditions.
	We conduct our annual impairment test as of October 1st of each year. Other events and changes in circumstances may also require goodwill to be tested for impairment between annual measurement dates. While a decline in stock price and market capitalization is not specifically cited as a goodwill impairment indicator, a company’s stock price and market capitalization should be considered in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less that its carrying value. Additionally, a significant decline in a company’s stock price may suggest that an adverse change in the business climate may have caused the fair value of one or more reporting units to fall below their carrying value. The financial and credit market volatility directly impacts our fair value measurement through our stock price that we use to determine our market capitalization. During times of volatility, significant judgment must be applied to determine whether credit or stock price changes are a short-term swing or a longer-term trend. As of September 28, 2013 we do not believe there have been any events or circumstances that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment review, however, a sustained decline in Cohu’s market capitalization below its book value could lead us to determine, in a future period, that an interim goodwill impairment review is required and may result in an impairment charge which would have a negative impact on our results of operations.
	Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the assets carrying amount and estimated fair value.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-based compensation expense related to stock options is recorded based on the fair value of the award on its grant date which we estimate using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards is calculated based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on our common stock prior to vesting of the restricted stock unit.
	Reported share-based compensation is classified, in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cost of sales	$	50	$	49	$	250	$	279
	Research and development		355		291		1,236		951
	Selling, general and administrative		781		619		2,476		2,024
	Total share-based compensation	$	1,186	$	959	$	3,962	$	3,254
Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. For purposes of computing diluted income per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of our common stock for the period are excluded. The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Weighted average common shares		24,929		24,479		24,801		24,421
	Effect of dilutive stock options		—		—		—		—
			24,929		24,479		24,801		24,421
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Our revenue recognition policy is disclosed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012. As more fully described in that policy, revenue from products that have not previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements is recognized upon customer acceptance. The gross profit on sales that are not recognized is generally recorded as deferred profit and reflected as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheet.
	At September 28, 2013, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $7.2 million and deferred profit of $5.5 million. At December 29, 2012, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $3.6 million and deferred profit of $2.1 million.
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive Income
	Our accumulated other comprehensive income balance totaled approximately $3.6 million and $1.8 million at September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, and was attributed to all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity and consists of, on an after-tax basis where applicable, foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. dollars where the functional currency is the Euro or the Swiss Franc, unrealized gains and losses on investments and adjustments related to postretirement benefits. Reclassification adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income during the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 2012 were not significant.
Retiree Medical Benefits	'
	Retiree Medical Benefits
	We provide post-retirement health benefits to certain executives and directors under a noncontributory plan. The net periodic benefit cost incurred during the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 2012 was not significant.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to simplify the testing for a drop in value of intangible assets such as trademarks, patents, and distribution rights. The amended standard reduces the cost of accounting for indefinite-lived intangible assets, especially in cases where the likelihood of impairment is low. The changes permit businesses and other organizations to first use subjective criteria to determine if an intangible asset has lost value. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years starting after September 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that will require a public entity to present in its annual and interim financial statements information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in a single note or on the face of the financial statements. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment to previous income tax guidance clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented 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 if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact our adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This new guidance requires that the parent release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods starting after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted. We do not believe our adoption of the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 will have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reported Share-Based Compensation in Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements	'
	Reported share-based compensation is classified, in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cost of sales	$	50	$	49	$	250	$	279
	Research and development		355		291		1,236		951
	Selling, general and administrative		781		619		2,476		2,024
	Total share-based compensation	$	1,186	$	959	$	3,962	$	3,254
Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Weighted average common shares		24,929		24,479		24,801		24,421
	Effect of dilutive stock options		—		—		—		—
			24,929		24,479		24,801		24,421

Strategic_Technology_Transacti1

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Allocation of Purchase Price	'
	During the third fiscal quarter of 2013, with the assistance of a third party and using information as of the acquisition date, we updated the valuation of acquired intangible assets which resulted in adjustments to our initial allocation. We also received certain income tax information which resulted in adjustments to increase other assets and liabilities assumed but had no impact on net tangible assets acquired. The changes described above are noted in the Revised Values column below (in thousands):
		Original			Revised
		Values			Values
	Current assets	$	36,510		$	36,510
	Fixed assets		1,314			1,314
	Other assets		2,427			6,607
	Intangible assets		25,365			33,138
	Goodwill		19,273			11,245
	Total assets acquired		84,889			88,814
	Liabilities assumed		(27,746	)		(31,671	)
	Net assets acquired	$	57,143		$	57,143
Allocation of Intangible Assets	'
	The preliminary and updated allocation of the intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
		Original			Revised			Average
		Value			Value			Useful Life
	Complete technology	$	16,827		$	21,399		8 years
	Customer relationships		3,631			7,475		8 years
	Covenants not-to-compete		—			325		3 years
	Trade name		4,907			3,939		Indefinite
		$	25,365		$	33,138
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	'
	Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment during the year ended December 29, 2012 and the nine-month period ended September 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		Semiconductor			Microwave			Total Goodwill
		Equipment			Communications
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	54,872		$	3,188		$	58,060
	Impact of currency exchange		648			48			696
	Balance, December 29, 2012		55,520			3,236			58,756
	Additions net of adjustments		11,245			—			11,245
	Impact of currency exchange		840			54			894
	Balance, September 28, 2013	$	67,605		$	3,290		$	70,895
Purchased Intangible Assets, Subject to Amortization	'
	Purchased intangible assets, subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):
		September 28, 2013						December 29, 2012
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Rasco technology	$	33,140		$	19,936		$	32,399	$	16,452
	Ismeca technology		29,450			2,812			—		—
	Duma technology		864			336			864		120
		$	63,454		$	23,084		$	33,263	$	16,572

Financial_Instruments_Measured1

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Investments by Security Type	'
	Investments that we have classified as short-term, by security type, are as follows (in thousands):
		September 28, 2013
		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
				Gains		Losses		Value
	Municipal securities	$	1,200	$	—	$	—	$	1,200
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities		5,405		4		—		5,409
		$	6,605	$	4	$	—	$	6,609
		December 29, 2012
		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
				Gains		Losses		Value
	Municipal securities	$	1,470	$	—	$	—	$	1,470
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities		5,937		14		—		5,951
		$	7,407	$	14	$	—	$	7,421
Effective Maturities of Short-Term Investments	'
	Effective maturities of short-term investments at September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, were as follows (in thousands):
		September 28, 2013				December 29, 2012
		Amortized		Estimated		Amortized		Estimated
		Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	6,605	$	6,609	$	7,407	$	7,421
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes, by major security type, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
		Fair value measurements at September 28, 2013 using:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated
								fair value
	Cash	$	44,167	$	—	$	—	$	44,167
	Municipal securities		—		1,200		—		1,200
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities		—		5,409		—		5,409
	Money market funds		—		2,081		—		2,081
		$	44,167	$	8,690	$	—	$	52,857
		Fair value measurements at December 29, 2012 using:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated
								fair value
	Cash	$	101,054	$	—	$	—	$	101,054
	Municipal securities		—		1,470		—		1,470
	Government-sponsored enterprise securities		—		5,951		—		5,951
	Money market funds		—		1,754		—		1,754
		$	101,054	$	9,175	$	—	$	110,229

Industry_Segments_Tables

Industry Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Financial Information by Industry Segment	'
	Financial information by industry segment is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales by segment:
	Semiconductor equipment	$	52,403		$	47,002		$	160,326		$	139,279
	Microwave communications		3,574			7,051			10,112			19,663
	Video cameras		3,985			3,695			12,192			11,506
	Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	$	59,962		$	57,748		$	182,630		$	170,448
	Segment profit (loss):
	Semiconductor equipment	$	(9,391	)	$	(1,006	)	$	(18,857	)	$	(2,345	)
	Microwave communications		(1,511	)		53			(6,524	)		(810	)
	Video cameras		458			133			1,116			(49	)
	Loss for reportable segments		(10,444	)		(820	)		(24,265	)		(3,204	)
	Other unallocated amounts:
	Corporate expenses		(1,516	)		(1,787	)		(5,069	)		(5,175	)
	Interest and other, net		16			739			42			920
	Loss before income taxes	$	(11,944	)	$	(1,868	)	$	(29,292	)	$	(7,459	)
Schedule of Customer Concentration to Consolidated Net Sales	'
	Significant customer concentration information is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 28,		September 29,	September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012	2013		2012
	Customers individually accounting for more than 10% of consolidated net sales	one		one	one		one
	Percentage of consolidated net sales	17%		39%	18%		41%

Guarantees_Tables

Guarantees (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accrued Warranty	'
	Changes in accrued warranty were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	5,811		$	6,134		$	4,692		$	6,801
	Warranty expense accruals		697			1,006			2,865			3,819
	Warranty payments		(1,402	)		(1,540	)		(4,268	)		(5,020	)
	Warranty liability assumed		—			—			1,817			—
	Balance at end of period	$	5,106		$	5,600		$	5,106		$	5,600

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$800,000	$300,000
Deferred revenue	7,200,000	3,600,000
Deferred profit	5,482,000	2,139,000	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$3,644,000	$1,783,000	[1]
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Reported Share-Based Compensation in Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	$1,186	$959	$3,962	$3,254
Cost of sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	50	49	250	279
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	355	291	1,236	951
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	$781	$619	$2,476	$2,024

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares	24,929	24,479	24,801	24,421
Effect of dilutive stock options	'	'	'	'
Weighted average diluted shares used in computing income (loss) per share	24,929	24,479	24,801	24,421

Strategic_Technology_Transacti2

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Rasco technology [Member]	Rasco technology [Member]	Duma technology [Member]	Ismeca technology [Member]	Ismeca technology [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price of acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,000,000	'	$88,800,000
Purchase price of acquisition, cash reserves	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	57,100,000
Purchase price of acquisition, liabilities assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,700,000
Amortization of intangible assets on straight-line basis	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Maximum future payments required	'	'	'	'	'	'	500,000	'	'
Amortization expenses related to intangible assets	2,600,000	1,000,000	6,000,000	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Additional amortization expense	600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amounts excluded related to trade name	'	'	'	'	$2,300,000	$2,300,000	'	$4,000,000	'

Strategic_Technology_Transacti3

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets - Allocation of Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					Ismeca technology [Member]	Original Values [Member]	Revised Values [Member]
						Ismeca technology [Member]	Ismeca technology [Member]
Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'		'	'	$36,510	$36,510
Fixed assets	'	'		'	'	1,314	1,314
Other assets	'	'		'	'	2,427	6,607
Intangible assets	'	'		'	'	25,365	33,138
Goodwill	70,895	58,756	[1]	58,060	'	19,273	11,245
Total assets acquired	'	'		'	88,800	84,889	88,814
Liabilities assumed	'	'		'	-31,700	-27,746	-31,671
Net assets acquired	'	'		'	$57,100	$57,143	$57,143
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Strategic_Technology_Transacti4

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets - Allocation of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	$33,138
Complete technology [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	21,399
Estimated Average Remaining Useful Life	'8 years
Customer relationships [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	7,475
Estimated Average Remaining Useful Life	'8 years
Covenants not-to-compete [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	325
Estimated Average Remaining Useful Life	'3 years
Original Values [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	25,365
Original Values [Member] | Complete technology [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	16,827
Original Values [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	3,631
Original Values [Member] | Covenants not-to-compete [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	'
Trade name [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	3,939
Estimated Average Remaining Useful Life	'Indefinite
Trade name [Member] | Original Values [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Fair Value of intangible assets	$4,907

Strategic_Technology_Transacti5

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013		Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	$58,756	[1]	$58,060
Additions net of adjustments	11,245		'
Impact of currency exchange	894		696
Goodwill	70,895		58,756	[1]
Semiconductor Equipment [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	55,520		54,872
Additions net of adjustments	11,245		'
Impact of currency exchange	840		648
Goodwill	67,605		55,520
Microwave Communications [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	3,236		3,188
Additions net of adjustments	'		'
Impact of currency exchange	54		48
Goodwill	$3,290		$3,236
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Strategic_Technology_Transacti6

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets - Purchased Intangible Assets, Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$63,454	$33,263
Accumulated Amortization	23,084	16,572
Rasco technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	33,140	32,399
Accumulated Amortization	19,936	16,452
Ismeca technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	29,450	'
Accumulated Amortization	2,812	'
Duma technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	864	864
Accumulated Amortization	$336	$120

Financial_Instruments_Measured2

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value - Short-Term Investments by Security Type (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$6,605	$7,407
Gross Unrealized Gains	4	14
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	6,609	7,421	[1]
Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,200	1,470
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	1,200	1,470
Government-sponsored enterprise securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,405	5,937
Gross Unrealized Gains	4	14
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	$5,409	$5,951
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements

Financial_Instruments_Measured3

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value - Effective Maturities of Short-Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Due in one year or less	$6,609	$7,421
Amortized Cost [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Due in one year or less	$6,605	$7,407

Financial_Instruments_Measured4

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
			Variable rate demand notes [Member]	Variable rate demand notes [Member]
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Variable rate demand notes maturity year	'2037	'2037	'	'
Securities amortized cost, Due in one year or less	'	'	$1,200,000	$1,200,000
Securities fair value, Due in one year or less	'	'	1,500,000	1,500,000
Derivative instrument gain (loss), current net income	$44,000	($300,000)	'	'

Financial_Instruments_Measured5

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	$52,857	$110,229
Cash [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	44,167	101,054
Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	1,200	1,470
Government-sponsored enterprise securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	5,409	5,951
Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	2,081	1,754
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	44,167	101,054
Level 1 [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	44,167	101,054
Level 1 [Member] | Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Government-sponsored enterprise securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	8,690	9,175
Level 2 [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	1,200	1,470
Level 2 [Member] | Government-sponsored enterprise securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	5,409	5,951
Level 2 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	2,081	1,754
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Government-sponsored enterprise securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total estimated fair value	'	'

Employee_Stock_Benefit_Plans_A

Employee Stock Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of fair value of common stock, common stock price	'	85.00%
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	81,230
Shares available for equity grants	'	404,312
Employee Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares available for equity grants	'	1,010,720
Range of period in which vested stock expire	'	'10 years
Number of common share granted	'	470,346
Stock options outstanding	'	3,283,105
Weighted-average exercise price of stock options	'	12.26
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options	'	3.5
Weighted average remaining contractual term stock options	'	'5 years 2 months 12 days
Stock options outstanding, Exercisable	'	2,308,726
Weighted-average exercise price of stock options, Exercisable	'	12.86
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, Exercisable	'	2.8
Weighted average remaining contractual term stock options, Exercisable	'	'3 years 10 months 24 days
Employee Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum period in which vested stock become exercisable	'	'1 year
Employee Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum period in which vested stock become exercisable	'	'4 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of common share granted	'	523,813
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options	'	10.5
Restricted stock units outstanding	'	960,035
Restricted stock units weighted average remaining vesting period	'	'2 years 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum period in which vested stock become exercisable	'	'1 year
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum period in which vested stock become exercisable	'	'4 years
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum period in which vested stock become exercisable	'	'3 years
Number of common share granted	158,365	'
Award measurement period	'	'1 year
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock granted on achievement of performance goals	'	0.00%
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock granted on achievement of performance goals	'	150.00%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate benefit	9.40%	6.40%	7.90%	5.10%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$3	'	'	'

Industry_Segments_Financial_In

Industry Segments - Financial Information by Industry Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Net sales by segment:	'	'	'	'
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	$59,962	$57,748	$182,630	$170,448
Segment profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Loss for reportable segments	-11,960	-2,607	-29,334	-8,379
Other unallocated amounts:	'	'	'	'
Corporate expenses	-1,516	-1,787	-5,069	-5,175
Interest and other, net	16	739	42	920
Loss before income taxes	-11,944	-1,868	-29,292	-7,459
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Loss for reportable segments	-10,444	-820	-24,265	-3,204
Operating Segments [Member] | Semiconductor Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net sales by segment:	'	'	'	'
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	52,403	47,002	160,326	139,279
Segment profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Loss for reportable segments	-9,391	-1,006	-18,857	-2,345
Operating Segments [Member] | Microwave Communications [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net sales by segment:	'	'	'	'
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	3,574	7,051	10,112	19,663
Segment profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Loss for reportable segments	-1,511	53	-6,524	-810
Operating Segments [Member] | Video Cameras [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net sales by segment:	'	'	'	'
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	3,985	3,695	12,192	11,506
Segment profit (loss):	'	'	'	'
Loss for reportable segments	$458	$133	$1,116	($49)

Industry_Segments_Schedule_of_

Industry Segments - Schedule of Customer Concentration to Consolidated Net Sales (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
	Customer	Customer	Customer	Customer
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Customers individually accounting for more than 10% of consolidated net sales	1	1	1	1
Percentage of consolidated net sales	17.00%	39.00%	18.00%	41.00%

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product warranty period	'12 to 36 months
Maximum potential amount of future payments under standby letters of credit	$1

Guarantees_Changes_in_Accrued_

Guarantees - Changes in Accrued Warranty (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 29, 2012
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Balance at beginning of period	$5,811	$6,134	$4,692	[1]	$6,801
Warranty expense accruals	697	1,006	2,865		3,819
Warranty payments	-1,402	-1,540	-4,268		-5,020
Warranty liability assumed	'	'	1,817		'
Balance at end of period	$5,106	$5,600	$5,106		$5,600
[1]	Derived from December 29, 2012 audited financial statements