Microsemi (MSCC) 10-K 14 Nov 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	29-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'MSCC	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MICROSEMI CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000310568	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-29	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	93,967,589	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2,100,000,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$256,433	$204,335
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,203 at September 29, 2013 and $1,623 at September 30, 2012	162,103	153,190
Inventories	161,986	159,055
Deferred income taxes, net	15,904	20,361
Other current assets	26,204	24,400
Total current assets	622,630	561,341
Property and equipment, net	125,158	116,146
Goodwill	790,236	790,236
Intangible assets, net	315,175	399,991
Deferred income taxes, net	30,203	33,066
Other assets	29,253	33,850
TOTAL ASSETS	1,912,655	1,934,630
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	69,623	75,351
Accrued liabilities	63,002	80,224
Current maturity of long-term liabilities	607	903
Total current liabilities	133,232	156,478
Credit facility	676,000	775,975
Deferred income taxes	26,996	25,135
Other long-term liabilities	44,369	49,056
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; authorized 1,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.20 par value; 250,000 authorized, 93,840 issued and outstanding at September 29, 2013 and 90,282 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012	18,768	18,056
Capital in excess of par value of common stock	737,896	678,905
Retained earnings	275,442	231,768
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-48	-743
Total stockholders' equity	1,032,058	927,986
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$1,912,655	$1,934,630

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,203	$1,623
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.20	$0.20
Common stock, authorized	250,000	250,000
Common stock, issued	93,840	90,282
Common stock, outstanding	93,840	90,282

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$975,944	$1,012,495	$835,854
Cost of sales	418,756	459,872	394,683
Gross profit	557,188	552,623	441,171
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	202,468	212,338	187,529
Research and development costs	170,573	168,516	114,155
Amortization of intangible assets	84,819	104,756	62,425
Restructuring and severance charges	9,901	8,666	22,081
Total operating expenses	467,761	494,276	386,190
Operating income	89,427	58,347	54,981
Other income (expenses):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-30,442	-39,861	-16,654
Interest income	204	308	383
Other, net	-3,126	-33,519	-16,661
Total other expense	-33,364	-73,072	-32,932
Income (loss) before income taxes	56,063	-14,725	22,049
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	12,389	14,950	-33,681
Net income (loss)	43,674	-29,675	55,730
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Basic	$0.49	($0.35)	$0.66
Diluted	$0.48	($0.35)	$0.65
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic	89,508	85,837	83,916
Diluted	91,328	85,837	85,747
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Translation adjustment	913	-373	332
Unrealized actuarial loss on pension benefits	-218	-1,156	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	695	-1,529	332
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$44,369	($31,204)	$56,062

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par value of Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In Thousands
Balance at Oct. 03, 2010	$766,443	$16,648	$543,628	$205,713	$454
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 03, 2010	'	83,240	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	2,089	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	27,208	418	26,790	'	'
Tax withholding on restricted stock units	-1,538	'	-1,538	'	'
Grants and cancellations of restricted share awards (in shares)	'	1,477	'	'	'
Grants and cancellations of restricted share awards	0	295	-295	'	'
Issuance of stock awards related to acquisition	15,293	'	15,293	'	'
Stock-based compensation	28,639	'	28,639	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	332	'	'	'	332
Net income	55,730	'	'	55,730	'
Balance at Oct. 02, 2011	892,107	17,361	612,517	261,443	786
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 02, 2011	'	86,806	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	1,902	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	31,211	380	30,831	'	'
Tax withholding on restricted stock units	-808	'	-808	'	'
Grants and cancellations of restricted share awards (in shares)	'	1,574	'	'	'
Grants and cancellations of restricted share awards	'	315	-315	'	'
Stock-based compensation	36,680	'	36,680	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	-1,529	'	'	'	-1,529
Net income	-29,675	'	'	-29,675	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	927,986	18,056	678,905	231,768	-743
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	'	90,282	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	1,944	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	25,297	389	24,908	'	'
Tax withholding on restricted stock units	-836	'	-836	'	'
Grants and cancellations of restricted share awards (in shares)	'	1,614	'	'	'
Grants and cancellations of restricted share awards	0	323	-323	'	'
Stock-based compensation	35,242	'	35,242	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	695	'	'	'	695
Net income	43,674	'	'	43,674	'
Balance at Sep. 29, 2013	$1,032,058	$18,768	$737,896	$275,442	($48)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2013	'	93,840	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$43,674	($29,675)	$55,730
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	113,650	136,050	91,482
Provision for doubtful accounts	-420	-526	171
Amortization of deferred financing costs	914	2,215	0
Write-off of deferred financing cost	2,615	32,275	14,218
Settlement of foreign currency forward	0	-3,701	0
Loss on disposition or impairment of assets	0	1,935	0
Deferred income taxes	-9,660	-17,186	-19,442
Valuation allowance on deferred income taxes	18,841	27,729	-22,887
Stock based compensation expense	35,242	36,680	28,465
Change in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-8,493	-23,776	9,692
Inventories	-2,931	12,916	14,968
Other current assets	-2,223	27,355	3,697
Other assets	2,361	11,799	6,201
Accounts payable	-6,357	16,017	2,354
Accrued liabilities	-17,223	-37,355	-16,603
Other long-term liabilities	-4,983	-21,529	-21,485
Net cash provided by operating activities	165,007	171,223	146,561
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-37,327	-49,079	-25,826
Proceeds from the divestiture or sale of assets	0	325	2,157
Proceeds from the sale of investment	0	4,352	0
Settlement of foreign currency forward	0	3,701	0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	-585,218	-436,849
Net cash used in investing activities	-37,327	-625,919	-460,518
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayments of credit facility	-99,975	-85,625	-52,814
Credit facility issuance costs	-623	-41,790	-17,218
Proceeds from credit facility	277,539	959,708	425,000
Extinguishment of debt	-277,539	-470,296	0
Exercise proceeds from stock awards	25,016	30,403	25,670
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-75,582	392,400	380,638
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	52,098	-62,296	66,681
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	204,335	266,631	199,950
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	256,433	204,335	266,631
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	30,886	42,178	12,625
Income taxes	$2,777	$4,407	$6,553

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of Business
	We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions differentiated by power, security, reliability and performance. Our semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals. We offer one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of semiconductor technology. Our products include high-performance, high-reliability radio frequency (RF) and power components, analog and RF integrated circuits (ICs), standard and customizable system-on-chip solutions (SoCs/cSoCs), and mixed-signal and radiation-tolerant field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). We also offer subsystems and modules that include application-specific power modules and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) midspans.
	Our products include discrete and integrated component, module, and subsystem solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance, reliability and power consumption, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal end markets that we serve include Communications, Defense & Security, Aerospace and Industrial.
	Fiscal Year
	We report results of operations on the basis of fifty-two and fifty-three week periods. The fiscal year ended on September 29, 2013, September 30, 2012, and October 2, 2011 consisted of fifty-two weeks. In referencing a year, we are referring to the fiscal year ended on the Sunday generally closest to September 30.
	Principles of Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Information
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Microsemi and our subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The accounts receivable amount shown in the balance sheet are trade accounts receivable balances at the respective dates, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based in part on our historical write-off experience and specific review of account balances due. Past due balances are reviewed individually for collectability. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by type of receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we determine that it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. To date, our allowance for doubtful accounts has generally been within management’s estimates.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, or market. Costs include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We evaluate the carrying value of our inventories taking into account such factors as historical and anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand and the price we expect to obtain for our products in their respective markets. We also evaluate the composition of our inventories to identify any slow-moving or obsolete products. Additionally, inventory write-downs are made based upon such judgments for any inventories that are identified as having a net realizable value less than their cost, which is further reduced by related selling expenses. The net realizable value of our inventories for ongoing operations has generally been within management’s estimates. We have recorded inventory write-downs for discontinued product lines that did not meet gross margin targets, products that are being migrated to newer generations, products that service the large capital spending end markets for which demand has declined, products related to facility closures and losses related to flooding of a facility in Thailand.
	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825 permits entities to elect the fair value option for certain financial assets and financial liabilities. For financial assets or financial liabilities for which an entity elects the fair value option, ASC 825 requires that the entity record the financial asset or financial liability at fair value rather than at historical cost with changes in fair value recorded in the income statement. ASC 825-25 requires that upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected shall be recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred. As further discussed in Note 8, we elected the fair value option in accounting for the term loan balance outstanding as of October 2, 2011. Following the extinguishment of the term loan in conjunction with our acquisition of Zarlink, we did not elect the fair value option and are reporting new term loan balances subsequent to October 2, 2011, at par value.
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values and includes the following classifications:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The following financial assets and liabilities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the type of inputs shown (amounts in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total		Level 1 Inputs			Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
	September 30, 2012
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	204,335	$	204,335		$	—	$	—
	Pension plan assets	5,382		—			—		5,382
	Interest rate swap liabilities	$	1,950	$	—		$	1,950	$	—
	September 29, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	256,433	$	256,433		$	—	—
	Pension plan assets	$	5,558	$	—		$	—	$	5,558
	Interest rate swap liabilities	$	643	$	—		$	643	$	—
	There were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities between the classifications during 2013 or 2012.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at lower of cost or realizable values. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.
	Long-Lived Assets
	We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from their use. We are required to make judgments and assumptions in identifying those events or changes in circumstances that may trigger impairment. Some of the factors we consider include:
	•	Significant decrease in the market value of an asset.
	•	Significant changes in the extent or manner for which the asset is being used or in its physical condition including manufacturing plant closures.
	•	A significant change, delay or departure in our business strategy related to the asset.
	•	Significant negative changes in the business climate, industry or economic conditions.
	•	Current period operating losses or negative cash flow combined with a history of similar losses or a forecast that indicates continuing losses associated with the use of an asset.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the assets within the asset group over their fair value is recorded. The appropriate asset group is determined based on the lowest level of largely independent cash inflows and outflows for the related assets. Depending on the nature of the primary assets in the asset group, fair value is estimated using one of several approaches including replacement cost, appraised values, market quotes or estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risk involved.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	We account for goodwill on an impairment-only approach and amortize intangible assets with definite useful lives over the benefit period, which approximates straight-line expense over the respective useful lives. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset such as goodwill is impaired as the basis for determining whether a quantitative impairment test is required. We assess definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Whenever we determine that there has been an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives, we will record an impairment charge against earnings. We operate as one reporting unit and an impairment charge would equal the excess of the carrying value of goodwill in our one reporting unit over its then fair value. The identification of intangible assets and determination of the fair value and useful lives are subjective in nature and often involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The judgments made in determining the estimated useful lives assigned to each class of assets can significantly affect net income. We completed our most recent qualitative analysis during the fourth quarter of 2013 and noted no significant factors existed during the fiscal year to indicate that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
	Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances
	We primarily recognize revenue from customers, including distributors, when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer provided that: 1) evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred; 3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. For substantially all sales, revenue is recognized at the time the product is shipped.
	We enter into distribution agreements that permit rights to limited stock rotations, returns, price protection, and volume purchase and other discounts. We provide an estimated allowance for these rights and record a corresponding reductions in revenue. Our estimated allowance is based on several factors including past history and notification from customers of pending activity. Actual activity under such rights have been within management’s expectations.
	We also derive a portion of our revenue from fixed-price contracts. Revenue for these contracts is recorded under a percentage of completion method, which is based on the ratio of total costs incurred to date to estimated total costs at completion. Gross profit expected to be realized on fixed-price contracts is based on periodic estimates of total revenues and costs for each contract. Losses on contracts are accrued when estimated total costs exceed total revenues. Occasionally, we will enter into contracts on a cost plus fee basis. We recognize revenue based on reimbursements for actual expenses plus the contractually agreed upon fee with the customer.
	Research and Development
	We expense the cost of research and development as incurred. Research and development expenses principally comprise payroll and related costs, supplies, and the cost of prototypes.
	Restructuring Charges
	We recognize a liability for restructuring costs when the liability is incurred. The restructuring accruals are based upon management estimates at the time they are recorded and can change depending upon changes in facts and circumstances subsequent to the date the original liability is recorded. The main components of our restructuring charges are workforce reductions and elimination of excess facilities. Workforce-related charges are accrued when it is determined that a liability exists, which is generally when individuals have been notified of their expected termination dates and expected severance payments or when formal severance plans exist, when the severance payments are probable and reasonably estimable. The elimination of excess facilities results in charges for lease termination fees, future contractual commitments to pay lease charges net of estimated sublease income, facility remediation costs and moving costs to remove property and equipment from the facilities. We recognize charges for elimination of excess facilities when we have vacated the premises or ceased use of the facility.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Compensation expense for stock options and stock appreciation rights was calculated based on the grant or assumption date using the Black-Scholes pricing model. All stock appreciation rights we have granted or assumed are stock-settled. Stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Assumed stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices determined in accordance with the acquisition agreement. Expected life was estimated based on historical exercise data that was stratified between members of the Board of Directors, executive employees and all other recipients. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility using equally weighted daily price observations over a period approximately equal to the expected life of each option. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury securities with an equivalent remaining term. No dividends are expected to be paid.
	Compensation expense for restricted stock awards was calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if a participant does not meet length of service requirements.
	Performance stock units granted in 2012 will vest based on the Company's growth in net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) for 2012 and 2013 in comparison with the growth in net sales and adjusted earnings per share over the same period for a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee. For these performance stock units, 50% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 50% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period.
	Performance stock units granted in 2013 will vest based on the Company achieving net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) levels for 2013, 2014 and 2015. For these performance stock units, 25% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 75% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period.
	Compensation expense for our performance stock units is based upon our estimate of performance relative to a peer group for the 2012 grant and our expected performance over the performance period for the 2013 grant. The maximum percentage for a particular metric is 200% of the “target” number of units subject to the award related to that metric. For performance stock units granted in 2013, the maximum percentage is further adjusted by the Company's total shareholder return relative to a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee, up to a maximum of 125%. We continually update our estimates with respect to our performance stock units and compared to the estimates used prior to 2013, our updated estimates had the impact of reducing stock-based compensation expense by $4.0 million for 2013.
	Accounting For Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We evaluate the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based upon the amount of existing temporary differences, the period in which they are expected to be recovered and expected levels of taxable income. A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets is established when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize uncertain tax positions when they meet a more-likely-than-not threshold. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.
We file U.S. federal, state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. Fiscal years 2007 to 2013 generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities. In significant foreign jurisdictions, the 2009 to 2013 tax years generally remain subject to examination by tax authorities. We establish liabilities for possible assessments by tax authorities resulting from known tax exposures including, but not limited to, international tax issues and certain tax credits. We are currently undergoing an Internal Revenue Service examination as well as certain state examinations. There have been no significant proposed adjustments to date. We do not believe the results of any audits would have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We will continue to monitor the status of these audits.
Segment Information
We use the management approach for segment disclosure, which designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. We manage our business on the basis of one reportable segment, as a manufacturer of semiconductors in different geographic areas, including the United States, Europe and Asia.
Foreign Currency
All of our significant subsidiaries outside the United States use the United States Dollar (“USD”) as their functional currency. We have one subsidiary in China that uses the Chinese RMB as its functional currency. For subsidiaries that use USD as the functional currency, assets and liabilities are remeasured to USD at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date except for non-monetary assets and capital accounts which are measured at historical rates; revenues, expenses, gains and losses are remeasured at rates of exchange that approximate the rates in effect at the transaction date. For subsidiaries that use the local currency as the functional currency, all assets and liabilities are remeasured to USD using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Resulting translation gains or losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. We also conduct a relatively small portion of our business in a number of foreign currencies, principally the European Union Euro, Canadian Dollar, British Pound, Israeli Shekel and Chinese RMB.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share have been computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share have been computed, when the result is dilutive, using the treasury stock method for stock awards outstanding during the respective periods. Earnings per share for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were calculated as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
	Fiscal Years
	2013		2012			2011
BASIC
Net income (loss)	$	43,674	$	(29,675	)	$	55,730
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	89,508		85,837			83,916
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.49	$	(0.35	)	$	0.66
DILUTED
Net income (loss)	$	43,674	$	(29,675	)	$	55,730
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic	89,508		85,837			83,916
Dilutive effect of stock awards	1,820		—			1,831
Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis	91,328		85,837			85,747
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.48	$	(0.35	)	$	0.65
For 2013, 2012 and 2011, 1.8 million, 5.1 million and 7.3 million awards, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS as these stock awards would have been anti-dilutive.
Concentration of Credit Risk and International Sales
Concentrations of credit risk exist because we rely on a significant portion of customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government. Approximately 31% of total net sales in 2013 were in the Defense & Security end market, with a very significant amount of these sales to customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government or to subcontractors whose material sales are to the U.S. Government. We, as a subcontractor, sell our products to higher-tier subcontractors or to prime contractors based upon purchase orders that usually do not contain all of the conditions included in the prime contract with the U.S. Government. However, these sales are usually subject to termination and/or price renegotiations by virtue of their reference to a U.S. Government prime contract. Therefore, we believe that all of our product sales that ultimately are sold to the U.S. Government may be subject to termination, at the convenience of the U.S. Government or to price renegotiations under the Renegotiation Act. In addition, the shutdown of non-essential U.S. Government services in October 2013 and any future government shutdowns may significantly increase the risk of contract terminations or renegotiations. At least one of our contracts has been terminated in the past due to the termination of the underlying government contract. There can be no assurance that we will not have contract termination or price renegotiation in the future, and any such termination or renegotiation could have a material adverse impact upon our revenues and results of operations.
In addition, net sales from international markets represent a significant portion of total net sales. Our net sales to international customers represented approximately 47% for 2013, 50% for 2012 and 46% for 2011. These sales were principally to customers in Europe and Asia. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses and such losses have been within management’s expectations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, that updates the presentation of comprehensive income such that an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU No. 2011-05 is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 (the second quarter of our fiscal year 2012). These updates only affect the presentation of comprehensive income and did not materially impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02 related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. We are currently assessing the impact of ASU 2013-02 but do not expect this ASU to materially impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, the objective of which is to provide additional disclosures on the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with an entity's recognized assets and recognized liabilities within the scope of the update. The update primarily impacts financial instruments and derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU No. 2011-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. We are currently evaluating the disclosures required under this ASU.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, the objective of which is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by simplifying how an entity test those assets or impairment and to improve consistency in impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories. The update permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not than an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as the basis for determining whether a quantitative impairment test is required. ASU No. 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted and our adoption of the provisions in this ASU did not result in a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, the objective of which is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance in the update requires that these arrangements be recorded as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 which requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU but adoption will only have the potential of affecting the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and will no impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ACQUISITIONS_Notes

ACQUISITIONS (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	ACQUISITIONS
	During 2011, we acquired Actel Corporation (“Actel”), a leading supplier of low-power FPGAs, mixed-signal FPGAs, and system-critical FPGAs. We sometimes refer to this division herein as Microsemi - SoC. We also acquired AML Communications, Inc., a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of microelectronic assemblies for the defense industry, Asic Advantage, Inc. (“Asic Advantage”), a fabless semiconductor company that designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of high-performance, high-voltage and radiation-hardened mixed-signal integrated circuit solutions for the aerospace, automotive, communications, industrial and medical markets and substantially all the assets of Brijot Imaging Systems, Inc. (“Brijot”) and its passive millimeter wave imaging solutions technology. Payments for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired was $436.8 million.
	During 2012, we acquired Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc. (“Zarlink”) for its world-leading, mixed-signal chip technologies for a broad range of communication and medical applications. We also acquired the timing, synchronization and synthesis business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. and integrated the operations of this business with Zarlink. Payments for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired was $585.2 million.
	Generally, the allocation of purchase prices results in an allocation to goodwill. Depending on the structure of a particular acquisition, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets may not be deductible for tax purposes. We determined that goodwill related to to our acquisitions were not deductible with the exception of goodwill related to the acquisitions of the assets of the Timing, Synchronization and Synthesis Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. and assets of Brijot Imaging Systems, Inc.
	Supplemental pro forma data (unaudited)
	The following supplemental pro forma data summarizes the results of operations for 2012 and 2011, as if all acquisitions during these years were completed as of the first day of the fiscal year immediately preceding the acquisition. The supplemental pro forma information presented is for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that would have been realized if the transactions had been completed on the dates indicated, nor is it indicative of future operating results or financial position. Net sales and earnings for the acquisitions on a standalone basis since their acquisition dates are impracticable to determine, as on the acquisition date, we implemented a plan developed prior to the completion of the acquisition and began to immediately integrate these acquisitions into existing operations, engineering groups, sales distribution networks and management structure. The pro forma adjustments are based upon currently available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances.
	The supplemental pro forma data reports actual operating results, adjusted to include the pro forma effect of, among others, the impact in cost of goods sold from manufacturing profit in acquired inventory, amortization expense of identified intangible assets, timing of the impact of restructuring expenses, timing of credit facility issuance costs, foregone interest income, incremental interest expense and the related tax effect of these items. Supplemental pro forma earnings for 2012 were adjusted to exclude $9.2 million in cost of goods sold from manufacturing profit in acquired inventory, $7.3 million in acquisition costs and $34.0 million in credit facility refinancing costs associated with the Zarlink financing. Supplemental pro forma earnings for 2011 were adjusted to include the above noted items from 2012 and exclude $5.5 million in cost of goods sold from manufacturing profit in acquired inventory, $6.3 million in acquisition costs, $14.2 million in credit facility issuance costs and $5.0 million in non-cash benefits from valuation allowance releases. Supplemental pro forma earnings for 2010 were adjusted to include the above noted items excluded from 2011. Supplemental pro forma data does not adjust the timing of the refinancing completed in the quarter ended April 1, 2012. Supplemental pro forma data for the fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited):
		2012		2011
	Net sales	$	1,019,329	$	1,095,481
	Net income	$	10,002	$	65,804
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.12	$	0.78
	Diluted	$	0.11	$	0.77

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,		September 30,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	36,436	$	39,094
	Work in progress	86,762		90,920
	Finished goods	38,788		29,041
		$	161,986	$	159,055

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		Asset Life	September 29,			September 30,
			2013			2012
	Buildings	20-40 years	$	37,773		$	39,310
	Machinery and equipment	3-10 years	328,652			284,925
	Furniture and fixtures	5-10 years	10,918			9,908
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of asset life or life of lease	38,698			30,516
			416,041			364,659
	Accumulated depreciation		(303,529		)	(257,563		)
	Land		1,725			1,725
	Construction in progress		10,921			7,325
			$	125,158		$	116,146
	Depreciation expense was $28.8 million, $31.3 million and $29.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	Goodwill and intangible assets, net consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		29-Sep-13					30-Sep-12					Life
		Gross		Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated			(in years)
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
		Value					Value
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Completed technology	$	309,470	$	(157,472	)	$	309,470	$	(118,463	)	2 to 15
	Customer relationships	270,030		(107,474		)	270,030		(64,885		)	4 to 15
	Backlog	—		—			15,960		(15,333		)	1 to 2
	Other	13,341		(12,720		)	13,341		(10,129		)	5
		$	592,841	$	(277,666	)	$	608,801	$	(208,810	)
	Non-amortizing intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	790,236				$	790,236
	A reconciliation of our goodwill for the years ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		29-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Beginning balance	$	790,236	$	491,079
	Additions from acquisitions	—		300,266
	Post-acquisition adjustments	—		(1,109		)
	Ending balance	$	790,236	$	790,236
	Amortization expense for intangible assets in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $84.8 million, $104.8 million and $62.4 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense in each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Fiscal Year
		2014		2015			2016		2017			2018		Thereafter
	Amortization expense	$	79,399	$	73,162		$	69,565	$	66,400		$	23,775	$	2,874

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES

ACCRUED LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
ACCRUED LIABILITIES	'
	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,		September 30,
		2013		2012
	Payroll, bonus and employee benefits	$	24,649	$	43,219
	Outside services	10,258		11,826
	Restructuring and severance	6,537		8,277
	Deferred revenue	5,077		1,566
	Warranties	2,809		2,472
	Commissions	2,799		2,900
	Income taxes	2,291		1,036
	Interest	1,276		1,720
	Licenses	786		1,688
	Other	6,520		5,520
		$	63,002	$	80,224

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Pretax income (loss) was generated from the following sources for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(38,709	)	$	(88,964	)	$	(40,359	)
	Foreign	94,772			74,239			62,408
	Total	$	56,063		$	(14,725	)	$	22,049
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following components for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	812		$	(16	)	$	314
	State	806			228			10
	Foreign	3,115			3,458			8,324
	Deferred:
	Federal	2,306			5,061			(25,962		)
	State	1,385			2,255			(1,609		)
	Foreign	3,965			3,964			(14,758		)
		$	12,389		$	14,950		$	(33,681	)
	We recorded a provision for income taxes of $12.4 million on pretax income of $56.1 million in 2013 compared to a provision for income taxes of $15.0 million on pre-tax loss of $14.7 million in 2012. During 2013 and 2012, we generated tax expense of $12.4 million and $15.0 million, respectively, primarily due to the tax provision on profitable entities in foreign jurisdictions and U.S. tax provision relating to deferred tax liabilities that will not provide future sources of income to realize deferred tax assets. We had cumulative operating losses for the three years ended in 2013 for our U.S. operations and several foreign operations and accordingly, have provided a full valuation allowance on certain of our U.S. and foreign net deferred tax assets as we have determined that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will not be realized in the future.
	During 2013 we increased the valuation allowance by $13.9 million, which primarily related to deductions for intangible (non-goodwill) amortization. During 2012 we increased the valuation allowance by $194.7 million, which primarily related to the acquisition of Microsemi - CMPG during the quarter ended January 1, 2012, and the recording of the deferred tax assets related to the acquisition. During 2011 we released the remaining valuation allowance related to our Israel operation, based on evaluation of key positive and negative evidence including the history of substantial losses in past years but cumulative income for the past three year period, and the indefinite carryforward period for the Israeli net operating loss carryforwards which are the principal component of our deferred tax assets in Israel.
	We have federal and state net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $256.4 million and $297.8 million, respectively, that begin expiring in 2021 and 2014, respectively. Of the total NOL carryforward, $19.9 million related to the excess tax benefit from employee stock compensation and stockholders' equity will increase by $19.9 million if and when such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized. We have foreign NOLs of approximately $250.3 million that carry forward indefinitely. We have federal and state research and experimentation credits of approximately $28.2 million and $44.4 million, respectively. We have foreign research and experimentation credits of approximately $81.8 million and incentive deductions of approximately $72.7 million. We have federal foreign tax credits of approximately $2.8 million. We have federal and state enterprise zone credits, state investment tax credits, and alternative minimum tax credits totaling $2.4 million that carry forward indefinitely. The utilization of NOLs and credits acquired through an acquisition may be subject to limitations due to change in control.
	No provision has been made for future income taxes on undistributed earnings of U.S. and foreign operations (except for insignificant jurisdictions) since they have been indefinitely reinvested in these operations. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to these undistributed earnings is not practicable, as such liability is dependent upon a number of factors, including foreign tax credit position that would exist at the time any remittance would occur. At the end of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, these undistributed earnings aggregated approximately $357.4 million and $294.7 million, respectively.
	The following is a reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory rate to our actual tax expense for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax computed at federal statutory rate	$	19,622		$	(5,153	)	$	7,717
	State taxes, net of federal impact	(1,468		)	(3,244		)	(7,023		)
	Foreign income taxed at different rates	(21,705		)	(18,207		)	(9,830		)
	Tax credits and incentives	(5,418		)	(1,096		)	(4,234		)
	Stock award compensation	197			295			347
	Unrecognized tax benefits	(392		)	1,981			1,541
	Executive compensation	—			—			444
	U.S. tax on foreign income	1,374			18,150			—
	Income tax return to provision	(875		)	(3,153		)	55
	Non-deductible permanent items	167			1,682			2,748
	Pre-acquisition loss carryforwards	1,182			(4,043		)	(2,298		)
	Withholding taxes	700			—			—
	Other differences, net	164			9			(261		)
	Valuation allowance	18,841			27,729			(22,887		)
		$	12,389		$	14,950		$	(33,681	)
	The tax effected deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,			30-Sep-12
		2013
	Accounts receivable, net	$	945		$	925
	Inventories	9,264			12,109
	Accrued employee benefit expenses	4,230			5,230
	Net operating losses	140,555			127,603
	Tax credits and incentives	140,069			137,628
	Accrued other expenses	6,287			7,776
	Deferred equity compensation	14,845			14,111
	Property and equipment, net	3,242			3,152
	Other assets	9,797			17,155
	Total deferred tax assets	329,234			325,689
	Intangible assets	(100,050		)	(101,250		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(100,050		)	(101,250		)
	Less valuation allowance	(210,073		)	(196,147		)
		$	19,111		$	28,292
	Certain amounts in effective tax rate reconciliation and the deferred tax assets (liabilities) disclosures for 2012 have been reclassified. There was no effect on the total income tax expense or net deferred tax assets.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,			September 30,			October 2,
		2013			2012			2011
	Beginning gross unrecognized tax benefits	$	58,016		$	32,370		$	21,719
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,238			12,786			2,665
	Additions based on current year acquisitions	—			10,615			8,164
	Additions based on tax positions of prior years	12,845			2,605			382
Reductions based on tax positions of prior years	(2,805		)	(169		)	—
Reductions for lapses and settlements	(1,723		)	(191		)	(560		)
Ending gross unrecognized tax benefit	$	69,571		$	58,016		$	32,370
We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. During the years ended September 29, 2013, September 30, 2012, and October 2, 2011, we recognized approximately $0.0 million, $2.0 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, in interest and penalties. The cumulative interest and penalties at September 29, 2013, September 30, 2012, and October 2, 2011 were $5.9 million, $6.0 million, and $4.2 million, respectively.
Unrecognized tax benefits of $58.9 million (including interest) at September 29, 2013 would impact the effective tax rate if recognized after the valuation allowance has been released. We anticipate a decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4.2 million within the next twelve months based on federal, state, and foreign expirations in various jurisdictions.
We file U.S. federal, state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. Fiscal years 2007 to 2013 generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities. In significant foreign jurisdictions, the 2009 to 2013 tax years generally remain subject to examination by tax authorities. We establish liabilities for possible assessments by tax authorities resulting from known tax exposures including, but not limited to, international tax issues and certain tax credits. We are currently undergoing an Internal Revenue Service examination as well as certain state examinations. There have been no significant proposed adjustments to date. As of September 29, 2013, the IRS has raised questions primarily related to transfer pricing. Management believes that the Company's position is appropriate and that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the Company's tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, the Company would be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. While the Company believes its reported results are accurate, any significant adjustments could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position if not resolved within expectations.

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_AND_RELATED_I

CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS	'
	CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS
	Credit Agreement
	We are a party to a senior secured credit facility with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. (“MSSF”) consisting of a term loan facility and a $50.0 million revolving credit facility. As of September 29, 2013, we had $676.0 million in term loan borrowings and no borrowings under the revolving credit facility. We can also request the establishment of one or more swingline loans and/or revolving credit facilities with commitments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200.0 million.
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to our Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 2010 with MSSF and the lenders referred to therein (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”). The amendment extended the term loan maturity date, provided new pricing terms, including reducing the interest rate on our term loan to 3.75%, and modified certain financial covenant provisions such that they are not scheduled to be reported unless we have revolving or swingline loan balances outstanding at the end of a fiscal quarter. We accounted for the fourth amendment as a debt modification with respect to amounts that remained in the syndicate and a debt extinguishment with respect to the $277.5 million that exited the syndicate and recorded debt extinguishment expense of $3.0 million. The amendment did not impact the net principal balance outstanding.
	Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow under a Base Rate which approximates the prime rate or Eurodollar Rate which approximates LIBOR. In the case of term loans, the Eurodollar Rate will not be lower than 1.00%. The applicable interest rate margin per annum for each type of loan at September 29, 2013 is as follows:
		Base Rate	Eurodollar Rate
	Revolving and swingline loans	3.50%	4.50%
	Term loans	1.75%	2.75%
	As of September 29, 2013, term loan borrowings were under the Eurodollar Rate and subject to an interest rate of 3.75%. The fair value of our term loan balance was $674.3 million and we classify this valuation as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
	The amended term loan facility matures in February 2020 and principal amortizes at $7.3 million per year. During the fiscal year ended September 29, 2013, we completed optional principal prepayments of $100.0 million. While there are currently no scheduled principal repayments until the maturity date, the Credit Agreement stipulates an annual payment of a percentage of Excess Cash Flow (“ECF”). The ECF percentage is between 0% and 50% depending on our consolidated leverage ratio as of the end of a fiscal year.
	We currently pay an undrawn commitment fee of 3.75% on the unused portion of the revolving facility. If any letters of credit are issued, then we expect to pay a fronting fee equal to 0.25% per annum of the aggregate face amount of each letter of credit and a participation fee on all outstanding letters of credit at a per annum rate equal to the margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar Rate-based loans on the face amount of such letter of credit.
	The Credit Agreement includes financial covenants requiring a maximum leverage ratio and minimum fixed charge coverage ratio that are applicable only when revolving loans or swingline loans are outstanding at the end of a fiscal quarter and also contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. We were in compliance with our covenants as of September 29, 2013.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements
	In connection with the original Credit Agreement in November 2010, we entered into interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of minimizing the variability of cash flows in the interest rate payments of our variable rate borrowings. The cash flows received under the interest rate swap agreements are expected to offset the change in cash flows associated with LIBOR rate borrowings between the effective and maturity dates of the swaps. Our two swap agreements have notional amounts, fixed rates and expiration dates as follows: $121.0 million at 1.83% expiring January 2014 and $24.0 million at 2.21% expiring January 2015. We classify our interest rate swap balances as Level 2 fair value measurements. We determined the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements based on mid-market valuations reported to us by the counterparty to the swap agreements. Related to these interest rate swap agreements, we recorded a current liability of $0.3 million and a long-term liability of $0.4 million as of September 29, 2013 and a long-term liability of $1.9 million as of September 30, 2012. We reflect the change in fair value of the swaps through other income (expense), net and recorded income of $1.3 million in 2013 and income of $0.9 million in 2012.
	Fair Value Option
	We elected the fair value option in accounting for the term loan balance outstanding as of October 2, 2011 and determined the fair value to be $361.0 million compared to a par value of $372.2 million. We did not elect the fair value option subsequent to entering into Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement and recorded an extinguishment expense of $11.2 million in other income (expense), net during 2012.
	Foreign Currency Forward
	In connection with the acquisition of Zarlink, we entered into a foreign currency forward agreement in the fourth quarter of 2011 to minimize our foreign currency risk associated with the transaction that we funded in Canadian Dollars (“CAD”). We agreed to purchase CAD 623.0 million for $608.2 million that settled in October 2011. We classified interest rate forward balances as Level 1 fair value measurements where there are quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. We determined the fair value of our foreign currency forward agreement based on a corresponding quote from the counterparty to the forward transaction. As the foreign currency forward contract did not qualify for hedge accounting, we reflected the change in fair value of the swap through other income (expense), net. At October 2, 2011, we recorded a current liability and corresponding expense of $11.7 million for the change in fair value. During the quarter ended January 1, 2012, we recorded income of $15.4 million related to the settlement of this forward. As our only foreign currency forward agreement settled in the quarter ended January 1, 2012, we did not record a fair value adjustment subsequent to the quarter ended January 1, 2012.

OTHER_LONGTERM_LIABILITIES

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	'
	OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits	$	16,546		$	18,427
	Deferred rent	15,510			13,586
	Accrued pension and retirement	7,164			6,429
	Capital leases	2,873			2,889
	Interest rate swaps	368			1,919
	Environmental	372			406
	Other	1,536			5,400
	Total	$	44,369		$	49,056
	We lease a building in Santa Ana, California, under a long-term capital lease obligation. The building under capital lease obligations are reflected in property and equipment, net, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	The contractual obligations under our capital lease at September 29, 2013 were (amounts in thousands):
	2014			2015			2016		2017		2018		Thereafter
	$	292		$	293		$	293	$	293	$	293	$	1,408

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock Based Compensation
	In January 2012, our stockholders approved an amendment to the Microsemi Corporation 2008 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The amendment 1) increased the share limit by an additional 14.5 million share-units so that the amended aggregate share-unit limit for the 2008 Plan is 28.5 million share-units; 2) extended the plan term to December 5, 2021; 3) increased the number of shares counted against the share-unit limit for every one share issued in connection with a full-value award to 2.41; 4) terminated the evergreen provision in the original plan; and 5) extended the Performance-Based Award feature through the first annual meeting of stockholders that occurs in calendar year 2017. Awards authorized by the 2008 Plan include options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock bonuses, stock units, performance share awards, and other cash- or share-based awards. The shares issued under the 2008 Plan may be newly issued or shares held by the Company as treasury stock. The maximum term of a stock option grant or a stock appreciation right granted under the 2008 Plan is 6 years.
	Stock-based compensation expense was $35.2 million in 2013, $36.7 million in 2012 and $28.5 million in 2011. At September 29, 2013, unamortized compensation expense related to unvested stock awards was $40.9 million. The weighted average period over which compensation expense related to these grants will be recognized is 1.3 years.
	Remaining share-units available for grant, assuming issuance of performance units at target, at September 29, 2013, September 30, 2012 and October 2, 2011 under the 2008 Plan were 12.2 million, 16.0 million and 6.4 million, respectively.
	Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
	Compensation expense for stock options and stock appreciation rights was calculated based on the grant or assumption date using the Black-Scholes pricing model. All stock appreciation rights we have granted or assumed are stock-settled. Stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Assumed stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices determined in accordance with the acquisition agreement. Expected life was estimated based on historical exercise data that was stratified between members of the Board of Directors, executive employees and all other recipients. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility using equally weighted daily price observations over a period approximately equal to the expected life of each option. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury securities with an equivalent remaining term. No dividends are expected to be paid.
	Activity and price information related to stock options and stock appreciation rights are as follows (quantity and intrinsic value in thousands):
		Quantity			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value			Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
	Outstanding at October 3, 2010	9,226			$	20.65			$	13,156		3.4
	Granted	12			$	23.69
	Assumed from acquisition	3,120			$	13.56
	Exercised	(2,155	)		$	13.9			$	18,558
	Forfeited	(729	)		$	20.88
	Outstanding at October 2, 2011	9,474			$	19.84			12,684			3.1
	Exercised	(1,933	)		$	16.82			$	7,619
	Forfeited	(567	)		$	24.99
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	6,974			$	20.26			$	21,557		2.5
	Exercised	(1,944	)		$	14.16			$	16,956
	Forfeited	(348	)		$	24.33
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013	4,682			$	22.49			$	14,702		1.7
	Exercisable at September 29, 2013	4,626			$	22.6			14,143			1.6
	Exercisable and expected to vest after September 29, 2013	4,682			$	22.49			$	14,702		1.7
	In connection with the acquisitions of Actel and Asic Advantage in 2011, we assumed stock options and stock appreciation rights and converted them to Microsemi awards in accordance with the respective merger agreement.
	Quantity and weighted-average exercise prices related to stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding as of September 29, 2013 and stratified by exercise price are as follows (quantity in thousands):
			Exercisable							Outstanding
	Exercise Price		Quantity			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Quantity		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Less than $10.00		24			$	7.5			30		$	7.55
	$10.00 to $20.00		1,281			$	13.57			1,328		$	13.6
	Greater than $20.00		3,321			$	26.19			3,324		$	26.18
			4,626			$	22.6			4,682		$	22.49
	Weighted-average fair value and weighted-average assumptions used in the calculation of compensation expense are as follows. There were no stock options or stock appreciation rights granted in 2012 or 2013.
	Fiscal Year Ended		Fair Value				Risk Free Rate			Expected Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)		Expected Volatility
	2-Oct-11		$	7.42			0.2	%		—	%	1.1		41.6	%
	Restricted Stock Awards
	Compensation expense for restricted stock awards was calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if a participant does not meet length of service requirements. Restricted stock awards granted to employees typically vest over a three year period and awards granted to non-employee directors vest on grant date in accordance with our director compensation policy.
	Activity and price information related to restricted stock awards are as follows (quantity in thousands):
		Quantity			Weighted-Average Grant Price
	Outstanding at October 3, 2010	1,916			$	17.14
	Granted	1,624			$	20.88
	Vested	(1,265	)		$	17.98
	Assumed from acquisition	252			$	19.9
	Forfeited	(177	)		$	18.82
	Outstanding at October 2, 2011	2,350			$	19.44
	Granted	1,656			$	19.41
	Vested	(1,281	)		$	19.27
	Forfeited	(70	)		$	19.34
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	2,655			$	19.51
	Granted	1,887			$	20.39
	Vested	(1,363	)		$	19.1
	Forfeited	(115	)		$	20.16
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013	3,064			$	20.21
	In connection with the acquisition of Actel in 2011, we assumed restricted stock awards and converted them to Microsemi awards in accordance with the merger agreement.
	Performance Units
	Performance stock units granted in 2012 will vest based on the Company's growth in net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) for 2012 and 2013 in comparison with the growth in net sales and adjusted earnings per share over the same period for a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee. For these performance stock units, 50% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 50% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period.
	Performance stock units granted in 2013 will vest based on the Company achieving net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) levels for 2013, 2014 and 2015. For these performance stock units, 25% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 75% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period.
	Compensation expense is based upon either our estimate of performance relative to a peer group for the 2012 grant and our expected performance over the performance period for the 2013 grant. The maximum percentage for a particular metric is 200% of the “target” number of units subject to the award related to that metric. For performance stock units granted in 2013, the maximum percentage is further adjusted by the Company's total shareholder return relative to a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee, up to a maximum of 125%.
	Activity and price information related to performance units are as follows (quantity report at target and in thousands):
		Quantity			Weighted-Average Grant Price
	Outstanding at October 2, 2011	—			$	—
	Granted	350			$	17.77
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	350			$	17.77
	Granted	350			$	21.62
Vested	(105	)		$	17.77
Outstanding at September 29, 2013	595			$	20.03

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	We sponsor 401(k) savings plans whereby participating employees may elect to contribute up to 50% of their eligible wages up to the statutory contribution limit. Employees 50 years of age and older may contribute a further 75% of their eligible wages up to the statutory contribution limit. We suspended the employer match to this plan during 2009. In 2012, we reinstated the employer match and also made a non-elective employer contribution. During 2013, employer contributions were $3.9 million.
	In certain entities outside the United States, we provide defined-benefit and defined contribution plans, many in accordance with local regulations. We typically deposit employer contributions with third party trustees, insurance trust funds, or government-managed accounts.
	We assumed a pension plan in Germany related to our acquisition of Microsemi - CMPG in 2012 that covers employees with over ten years of active service and provides benefits based on length of service and final pensionable earnings. There are no segregated pension fund assets under this plan.  The pension liability is insured and we have pledged the insurance contracts to the pensioners. Accordingly, the contracts are now considered to be a plan asset. As the plan assets are insurance contracts, the Company does not control the investment strategy and thus cannot influence the return on investments. The insurance payments are guaranteed by the insurer and should the insurer default on its obligation, the security fund for insurance companies in Germany would assume the contracts. As of September 29, 2013, the fair value of plan assets was $5.6 million and benefit obligations were $7.5 million. During 2012, we recorded an unrealized actuarial loss on pension benefits of $1.2 million in other comprehensive income due to a reduction in the discount rate assumption used to determine benefit obligations from 4.0% to 3.2% and a reduction in the expected rate of return on plan assets from 4.8% to 4.0%. There are no employer contributions expected in the next twelve months.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Operating Leases
	We occupy premises and lease equipment under operating lease agreements expiring through 2029. The aggregate undiscounted future minimum rental payments under these leases are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter
	$	19,884	$	16,950	$	15,210	$	13,718	$	11,631	$	30,753
	Lease expense charged to income was $20.2 million in 2013, $21.4 million in 2012 and $13.6 million in 2011.
	Contingencies
	In Broomfield, Colorado, the owner of a property located adjacent to a manufacturing facility owned by one of our subsidiaries, Microsemi Corp. – Colorado had notified the subsidiary and other parties of a claim that contaminants migrated to his property, thereby diminishing its value. In August 1995, the subsidiary, together with Coors Porcelain Company, FMC Corporation and Siemens Microelectronics, Inc. (former owners of the manufacturing facility), agreed to settle the claim and to indemnify the owner of the adjacent property for remediation costs. Although tricholorethylene and other contaminants previously used by former owners at the facility are present in soil and groundwater on the subsidiary’s property, we vigorously contest any assertion that our subsidiary caused the contamination. In November 1998, we signed an agreement with the three former owners of this facility whereby they have 1) reimbursed us for $0.5 million of past costs, 2) assumed responsibility for 90% of all future clean-up costs, and 3) promised to indemnify and protect us against any and all third-party claims relating to the contamination of the facility. An Integrated Corrective Action Plan was submitted to the State of Colorado. Sampling and management plans were prepared for the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. State and local agencies in Colorado are reviewing current data and considering study and cleanup options. The most recent forecast estimated that the total project cost, up to the year 2020, would be approximately $5.3 million; accordingly, we recorded a one-time charge of $0.5 million for this project in 2003. There has not been any significant development since September 28, 2003.
	We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related to workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance. Accrued workers’ compensation liability was $1.5 million and $1.4 million at September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. Our self-insurance accruals are based on estimates and, while we believe that the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate claims may be in excess of the amounts provided.
	On December 8, 2010, Intellectual Ventures I LLC and Intellectual Ventures II LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Altera Corporation, Microsemi, and Lattice Semiconductor Corporation. On February 15, 2011, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint adding Xilinx, Inc. as a defendant. The complaint alleges, inter alia, that programmable logic devices manufactured and sold by our subsidiary Microsemi - SoC infringe United States Patent Numbers 5,687,325, 6,260,087 and 6,272,646 assigned to Intellectual Ventures II LLC, and seeks damages and other relief at law or in equity as the court deems appropriate. In January 2013, the parties settled this matter as it pertains to Microsemi and the action against us was dismissed by the court. The resolution of this matter did not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	We are involved in pending litigation, administrative and similar matters arising out of the normal conduct of our business, including litigation relating to acquisitions, employment matters, commercial transactions, contracts, environmental matters and matters related to compliance with governmental regulations. The ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters is subject to many uncertainties and is therefore not predictable with assurance. In the opinion of management, the final outcome of these matters, if they are adverse, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance with respect to such result, and monetary liability, financial impact or other sanctions imposed on us from these matters could differ materially from those projected.

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_AND_SEVE

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND SEVERANCE CHARGES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND SEVERANCE CHARGES	'
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND SEVERANCE CHARGES
	In 2009, we approved consolidation plans that resulted in the closure of our manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, Arizona (“Scottsdale”), which ceased production during the quarter ended April 3, 2011. The Scottsdale facility occupied a 135,000 square foot leased facility. Employee severance is expected to be paid through 2013. Facility termination costs relate primarily to remaining obligations under facility and equipment leases and are expected to be paid through 2016. The following table reflects the restructuring activities for the Scottsdale facility and the accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates below (amounts in thousands):
		Employee			Facility			Total
		Severance			Termination
					Costs
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	117		$	5,848		$	5,965
	Reversal of prior provision	(117		)	—			(117		)
	Cash expenditures	—			(1,341		)	(1,341		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	—		$	4,507		$	4,507
	At September 30, 2012, we had recorded severance accruals of $2.3 million from reductions in force at our various facilities other than Scottsdale. We recorded additional provisions, primarily related to activities at Microsemi - CMPG, for severance and retention payments totaling $10.0 million in 2013. Provisions for severance covered approximately 200 individuals in manufacturing, engineering and sales. Employee severance is expected to be paid within the next twelve months. Contract termination costs relate primarily to remaining obligations under facility leases and are expected to be paid through 2020. Other associated costs related primarily to relocation costs that we incurred for the consolidation of several facilities in Northern California. The following table reflects the related restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates below (amounts in thousands):
		Employee			Contract Termination Costs			Other Associated Costs			Total
		Severance
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	2,122		$	190		$	—		$	2,312
	Provisions	9,380			539			96			10,015
	Cash expenditures	(9,479		)	(344		)	(96		)	(9,919		)
	Other non-cash settlement	(197		)	(6		)	—			(203		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	1,826		$	379		$	—		$	2,205

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We manage our business on the basis of one reportable segment, as a manufacturer of semiconductors in different geographic areas, including the United States, Europe and Asia. We derive revenue from sales of our high-performance analog/mixed-signal integrated circuits and power and high-reliability individual component semiconductors. These products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance, reliability and battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets that we serve include Communications, Defense & Security, Aerospace and Industrial. We evaluate sales by end-market based on our understanding of end market uses of our products.
	Net sales based on a customer's ship-to location and by estimated end market are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales:
	United States	$	514,632	$	501,257	$	452,802
	Europe	142,343		165,942		186,505
	Asia	292,589		320,430		181,440
	Other	26,380		24,866		15,107
	Total	$	975,944	$	1,012,495	$	835,854
	Aerospace	$	187,006	$	212,293	$	212,127
	Communications	278,126		311,952		148,792
	Defense & Security	306,311		286,430		299,503
	Industrial	204,501		201,820		175,432
	Total	$	975,944	$	1,012,495	$	835,854
	As a percentage of consolidated net sales, customers with a ship-to location in Hong Kong totaled 11% in 2012 and there were no countries exceeding 10% in 2011 and 2013. We began reporting net sales by geographic area based on a customer's ship-to location in 2013 and prior year amounts reported conform to current year presentation.
	Property and equipment, net by geographic area are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	United States	$	100,736	$	93,496	$	69,647
	Europe	12,558		13,253		12,632
	Asia	10,209		7,912		7,643
	Other	1,655		1,485		—
	Total	$	125,158	$	116,146	$	89,922

UNAUDITED_SELECTED_QUARTERLY_F

UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA	'
	UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
	Selected quarterly financial data are as follows (amounts in thousands, except earnings per share):
		Quarters ended in fiscal year 2013
		September 29,		June 30,		March 31,			December 30,
		2013		2013		2013			2012
	Net sales	$	250,383	$	242,630	$	235,333		$	247,598
	Gross profit	$	142,838	$	138,312	$	133,465		$	142,573
	Net income (loss)	$	14,086	$	18,279	$	(2,905	)	$	14,214
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.16	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.16
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.15	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.16
		Quarters ended in fiscal year 2012
		September 30,		July 1,		April 1,			January 1,
		2012		2012		2012			2012
	Net sales	$	263,074	$	259,195	$	249,306		$	240,920
	Gross profit	$	150,426	$	144,593	$	131,868		$	125,736
	Net income (loss)	$	11,593	$	8,126	$	(4,792	)	$	(44,602	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.13	$	0.09	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.52	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.13	$	0.09	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.52	)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On October 21, 2013, we entered into the Merger Agreement , pursuant to which, and on the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, PETT Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsemi, commenced a cash tender offer on October 28, 2013 to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Symmetricom’s common stock at a purchase price of $7.18 per share. We estimate that the total amount of funds required to purchase all of Symmetricom's shares pursuant to the Offer and consummate the Merger is approximately $324 million. Microsemi expects to obtain the necessary funds from credit facilities for which Microsemi has received a commitment letter as described below, alternative financing or existing cash balances. The Tender Offer is scheduled to expire on November 25, 2013.
	Also on October 21, 2013, we entered into a commitment letter with MSSF pursuant to which MSSF has committed to provide a $150 million incremental term loan facility (the “Incremental Term Facility”) which was syndicated on November 1, 2013. The Incremental Term Facility is available to (i) finance the Tender Offer, (ii) repay any existing indebtedness of Symmetricom following the consummation of the merger, and (iii) pay fees and expenses related to the merger.  Interest under the Incremental Term Facility is, at Microsemi’s option, Base Rate or LIBOR, plus a margin of 1.50% for Base Rate-based loans and 2.75% for LIBOR-based loans with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The covenants under the Incremental Term Facility are consistent with those in our existing Credit Agreement.

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(amounts in thousands)
	Column A	Column B		Column C			Column D			Column E			Column F
	Classification	Balance at		Charged			Charged			Deductions-			Balance
		beginning		to costs and			to other			recoveries and			at end of
		of period		expenses			accounts			write-offs			period
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	October 2, 2011	$	1,978	$	690		$	—		$	(519	)	$	2,149
	30-Sep-12	$	2,149	$	(497	)	$	—		$	(29	)	$	1,623
	29-Sep-13	$	1,623	$	(43	)	$	—		$	(377	)	$	1,203
	Tax valuation allowance
	October 2, 2011	$	37,604	$	(22,887	)	$	2,086		$	—		$	16,803
	30-Sep-12	$	16,803	$	27,729		$	151,615		$	—		$	196,147
	29-Sep-13	$	196,147	$	18,841		$	(4,915	)	$	—		$	210,073

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Year	'
	Fiscal Year
	We report results of operations on the basis of fifty-two and fifty-three week periods. The fiscal year ended on September 29, 2013, September 30, 2012, and October 2, 2011 consisted of fifty-two weeks. In referencing a year, we are referring to the fiscal year ended on the Sunday generally closest to September 30.
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Information	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Information
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Microsemi and our subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The accounts receivable amount shown in the balance sheet are trade accounts receivable balances at the respective dates, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based in part on our historical write-off experience and specific review of account balances due. Past due balances are reviewed individually for collectability. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by type of receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we determine that it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. To date, our allowance for doubtful accounts has generally been within management’s estimates.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, or market. Costs include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We evaluate the carrying value of our inventories taking into account such factors as historical and anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand and the price we expect to obtain for our products in their respective markets. We also evaluate the composition of our inventories to identify any slow-moving or obsolete products. Additionally, inventory write-downs are made based upon such judgments for any inventories that are identified as having a net realizable value less than their cost, which is further reduced by related selling expenses. The net realizable value of our inventories for ongoing operations has generally been within management’s estimates. We have recorded inventory write-downs for discontinued product lines that did not meet gross margin targets, products that are being migrated to newer generations, products that service the large capital spending end markets for which demand has declined, products related to facility closures and losses related to flooding of a facility in Thailand.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	'
	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825 permits entities to elect the fair value option for certain financial assets and financial liabilities. For financial assets or financial liabilities for which an entity elects the fair value option, ASC 825 requires that the entity record the financial asset or financial liability at fair value rather than at historical cost with changes in fair value recorded in the income statement. ASC 825-25 requires that upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected shall be recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred. As further discussed in Note 8, we elected the fair value option in accounting for the term loan balance outstanding as of October 2, 2011. Following the extinguishment of the term loan in conjunction with our acquisition of Zarlink, we did not elect the fair value option and are reporting new term loan balances subsequent to October 2, 2011, at par value.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at lower of cost or realizable values. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.
Long-Lived Assets	'
	Long-Lived Assets
	We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from their use. We are required to make judgments and assumptions in identifying those events or changes in circumstances that may trigger impairment. Some of the factors we consider include:
	•	Significant decrease in the market value of an asset.
	•	Significant changes in the extent or manner for which the asset is being used or in its physical condition including manufacturing plant closures.
	•	A significant change, delay or departure in our business strategy related to the asset.
	•	Significant negative changes in the business climate, industry or economic conditions.
	•	Current period operating losses or negative cash flow combined with a history of similar losses or a forecast that indicates continuing losses associated with the use of an asset.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the assets within the asset group over their fair value is recorded. The appropriate asset group is determined based on the lowest level of largely independent cash inflows and outflows for the related assets. Depending on the nature of the primary assets in the asset group, fair value is estimated using one of several approaches including replacement cost, appraised values, market quotes or estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risk involved.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	We account for goodwill on an impairment-only approach and amortize intangible assets with definite useful lives over the benefit period, which approximates straight-line expense over the respective useful lives. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset such as goodwill is impaired as the basis for determining whether a quantitative impairment test is required. We assess definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Whenever we determine that there has been an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives, we will record an impairment charge against earnings. We operate as one reporting unit and an impairment charge would equal the excess of the carrying value of goodwill in our one reporting unit over its then fair value. The identification of intangible assets and determination of the fair value and useful lives are subjective in nature and often involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The judgments made in determining the estimated useful lives assigned to each class of assets can significantly affect net income.
Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances	'
	Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances
	We primarily recognize revenue from customers, including distributors, when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer provided that: 1) evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred; 3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. For substantially all sales, revenue is recognized at the time the product is shipped.
	We enter into distribution agreements that permit rights to limited stock rotations, returns, price protection, and volume purchase and other discounts. We provide an estimated allowance for these rights and record a corresponding reductions in revenue. Our estimated allowance is based on several factors including past history and notification from customers of pending activity. Actual activity under such rights have been within management’s expectations.
	We also derive a portion of our revenue from fixed-price contracts. Revenue for these contracts is recorded under a percentage of completion method, which is based on the ratio of total costs incurred to date to estimated total costs at completion. Gross profit expected to be realized on fixed-price contracts is based on periodic estimates of total revenues and costs for each contract. Losses on contracts are accrued when estimated total costs exceed total revenues. Occasionally, we will enter into contracts on a cost plus fee basis. We recognize revenue based on reimbursements for actual expenses plus the contractually agreed upon fee with the customer.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development
	We expense the cost of research and development as incurred. Research and development expenses principally comprise payroll and related costs, supplies, and the cost of prototypes.
Restructuring Charges	'
	Restructuring Charges
	We recognize a liability for restructuring costs when the liability is incurred. The restructuring accruals are based upon management estimates at the time they are recorded and can change depending upon changes in facts and circumstances subsequent to the date the original liability is recorded. The main components of our restructuring charges are workforce reductions and elimination of excess facilities. Workforce-related charges are accrued when it is determined that a liability exists, which is generally when individuals have been notified of their expected termination dates and expected severance payments or when formal severance plans exist, when the severance payments are probable and reasonably estimable. The elimination of excess facilities results in charges for lease termination fees, future contractual commitments to pay lease charges net of estimated sublease income, facility remediation costs and moving costs to remove property and equipment from the facilities. We recognize charges for elimination of excess facilities when we have vacated the premises or ceased use of the facility.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Compensation expense for stock options and stock appreciation rights was calculated based on the grant or assumption date using the Black-Scholes pricing model. All stock appreciation rights we have granted or assumed are stock-settled. Stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Assumed stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices determined in accordance with the acquisition agreement. Expected life was estimated based on historical exercise data that was stratified between members of the Board of Directors, executive employees and all other recipients. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility using equally weighted daily price observations over a period approximately equal to the expected life of each option. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury securities with an equivalent remaining term. No dividends are expected to be paid.
	Compensation expense for restricted stock awards was calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if a participant does not meet length of service requirements.
	Performance stock units granted in 2012 will vest based on the Company's growth in net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) for 2012 and 2013 in comparison with the growth in net sales and adjusted earnings per share over the same period for a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee. For these performance stock units, 50% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 50% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period.
	Performance stock units granted in 2013 will vest based on the Company achieving net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) levels for 2013, 2014 and 2015. For these performance stock units, 25% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 75% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period.
	Compensation expense for our performance stock units is based upon our estimate of performance relative to a peer group for the 2012 grant and our expected performance over the performance period for the 2013 grant. The maximum percentage for a particular metric is 200% of the “target” number of units subject to the award related to that metric. For performance stock units granted in 2013, the maximum percentage is further adjusted by the Company's total shareholder return relative to a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee, up to a maximum of 125%. We continually update our estimates with respect to our performance stock units and compared to the estimates used prior to 2013, our updated estimates had the impact of reducing stock-based compensation expense by $4.0 million for 2013.
Accounting For Income Taxes	'
	Accounting For Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We evaluate the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based upon the amount of existing temporary differences, the period in which they are expected to be recovered and expected levels of taxable income. A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets is established when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize uncertain tax positions when they meet a more-likely-than-not threshold. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We use the management approach for segment disclosure, which designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. We manage our business on the basis of one reportable segment, as a manufacturer of semiconductors in different geographic areas, including the United States, Europe and Asia.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency
	All of our significant subsidiaries outside the United States use the United States Dollar (“USD”) as their functional currency. We have one subsidiary in China that uses the Chinese RMB as its functional currency. For subsidiaries that use USD as the functional currency, assets and liabilities are remeasured to USD at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date except for non-monetary assets and capital accounts which are measured at historical rates; revenues, expenses, gains and losses are remeasured at rates of exchange that approximate the rates in effect at the transaction date. For subsidiaries that use the local currency as the functional currency, all assets and liabilities are remeasured to USD using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Resulting translation gains or losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. We also conduct a relatively small portion of our business in a number of foreign currencies, principally the European Union Euro, Canadian Dollar, British Pound, Israeli Shekel and Chinese RMB.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share have been computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share have been computed, when the result is dilutive, using the treasury stock method for stock awards outstanding during the respective periods.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Foreign Sales	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk and International Sales
	Concentrations of credit risk exist because we rely on a significant portion of customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government. Approximately 31% of total net sales in 2013 were in the Defense & Security end market, with a very significant amount of these sales to customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government or to subcontractors whose material sales are to the U.S. Government. We, as a subcontractor, sell our products to higher-tier subcontractors or to prime contractors based upon purchase orders that usually do not contain all of the conditions included in the prime contract with the U.S. Government. However, these sales are usually subject to termination and/or price renegotiations by virtue of their reference to a U.S. Government prime contract. Therefore, we believe that all of our product sales that ultimately are sold to the U.S. Government may be subject to termination, at the convenience of the U.S. Government or to price renegotiations under the Renegotiation Act. In addition, the shutdown of non-essential U.S. Government services in October 2013 and any future government shutdowns may significantly increase the risk of contract terminations or renegotiations. At least one of our contracts has been terminated in the past due to the termination of the underlying government contract. There can be no assurance that we will not have contract termination or price renegotiation in the future, and any such termination or renegotiation could have a material adverse impact upon our revenues and results of operations.
	In addition, net sales from international markets represent a significant portion of total net sales. Our net sales to international customers represented approximately 47% for 2013, 50% for 2012 and 46% for 2011. These sales were principally to customers in Europe and Asia. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses and such losses have been within management’s expectations.

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per share for 2013, 2012 and 2011 were calculated as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Fiscal Years
		2013		2012			2011
	BASIC
	Net income (loss)	$	43,674	$	(29,675	)	$	55,730
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	89,508		85,837			83,916
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.49	$	(0.35	)	$	0.66
	DILUTED
	Net income (loss)	$	43,674	$	(29,675	)	$	55,730
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic	89,508		85,837			83,916
	Dilutive effect of stock awards	1,820		—			1,831
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis	91,328		85,837			85,747
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.48	$	(0.35	)	$	0.65

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	Supplemental pro forma data for the fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited):
		2012		2011
	Net sales	$	1,019,329	$	1,095,481
	Net income	$	10,002	$	65,804
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.12	$	0.78
	Diluted	$	0.11	$	0.77

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,		September 30,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	36,436	$	39,094
	Work in progress	86,762		90,920
	Finished goods	38,788		29,041
		$	161,986	$	159,055

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Components of Property Plant and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		Asset Life	September 29,			September 30,
			2013			2012
	Buildings	20-40 years	$	37,773		$	39,310
	Machinery and equipment	3-10 years	328,652			284,925
	Furniture and fixtures	5-10 years	10,918			9,908
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of asset life or life of lease	38,698			30,516
			416,041			364,659
	Accumulated depreciation		(303,529		)	(257,563		)
	Land		1,725			1,725
	Construction in progress		10,921			7,325
			$	125,158		$	116,146

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and intangible assets, net consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		29-Sep-13					30-Sep-12					Life
		Gross		Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated			(in years)
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
		Value					Value
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Completed technology	$	309,470	$	(157,472	)	$	309,470	$	(118,463	)	2 to 15
	Customer relationships	270,030		(107,474		)	270,030		(64,885		)	4 to 15
	Backlog	—		—			15,960		(15,333		)	1 to 2
	Other	13,341		(12,720		)	13,341		(10,129		)	5
		$	592,841	$	(277,666	)	$	608,801	$	(208,810	)
	Non-amortizing intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	790,236				$	790,236
Reconciliation of Goodwill	'
	A reconciliation of our goodwill for the years ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		29-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Beginning balance	$	790,236	$	491,079
	Additions from acquisitions	—		300,266
	Post-acquisition adjustments	—		(1,109		)
	Ending balance	$	790,236	$	790,236
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense in each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Fiscal Year
		2014		2015			2016		2017			2018		Thereafter
	Amortization expense	$	79,399	$	73,162		$	69,565	$	66,400		$	23,775	$	2,874

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Tables

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Components of Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,		September 30,
		2013		2012
	Payroll, bonus and employee benefits	$	24,649	$	43,219
	Outside services	10,258		11,826
	Restructuring and severance	6,537		8,277
	Deferred revenue	5,077		1,566
	Warranties	2,809		2,472
	Commissions	2,799		2,900
	Income taxes	2,291		1,036
	Interest	1,276		1,720
	Licenses	786		1,688
	Other	6,520		5,520
		$	63,002	$	80,224

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pretax Income (Loss)	'
	Pretax income (loss) was generated from the following sources for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(38,709	)	$	(88,964	)	$	(40,359	)
	Foreign	94,772			74,239			62,408
	Total	$	56,063		$	(14,725	)	$	22,049
Provision (Benefit) of Income Taxes	'
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following components for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	812		$	(16	)	$	314
	State	806			228			10
	Foreign	3,115			3,458			8,324
	Deferred:
	Federal	2,306			5,061			(25,962		)
	State	1,385			2,255			(1,609		)
	Foreign	3,965			3,964			(14,758		)
		$	12,389		$	14,950		$	(33,681	)
Reconciliation of income Tax Computed at the Federal Statutary Rate	'
	The following is a reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory rate to our actual tax expense for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax computed at federal statutory rate	$	19,622		$	(5,153	)	$	7,717
	State taxes, net of federal impact	(1,468		)	(3,244		)	(7,023		)
	Foreign income taxed at different rates	(21,705		)	(18,207		)	(9,830		)
	Tax credits and incentives	(5,418		)	(1,096		)	(4,234		)
	Stock award compensation	197			295			347
	Unrecognized tax benefits	(392		)	1,981			1,541
	Executive compensation	—			—			444
	U.S. tax on foreign income	1,374			18,150			—
	Income tax return to provision	(875		)	(3,153		)	55
	Non-deductible permanent items	167			1,682			2,748
	Pre-acquisition loss carryforwards	1,182			(4,043		)	(2,298		)
	Withholding taxes	700			—			—
	Other differences, net	164			9			(261		)
	Valuation allowance	18,841			27,729			(22,887		)
		$	12,389		$	14,950		$	(33,681	)
Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	'
	The tax effected deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following components (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,			30-Sep-12
		2013
	Accounts receivable, net	$	945		$	925
	Inventories	9,264			12,109
	Accrued employee benefit expenses	4,230			5,230
	Net operating losses	140,555			127,603
	Tax credits and incentives	140,069			137,628
	Accrued other expenses	6,287			7,776
	Deferred equity compensation	14,845			14,111
	Property and equipment, net	3,242			3,152
	Other assets	9,797			17,155
	Total deferred tax assets	329,234			325,689
	Intangible assets	(100,050		)	(101,250		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(100,050		)	(101,250		)
	Less valuation allowance	(210,073		)	(196,147		)
		$	19,111		$	28,292
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,			September 30,			October 2,
		2013			2012			2011
	Beginning gross unrecognized tax benefits	$	58,016		$	32,370		$	21,719
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,238			12,786			2,665
	Additions based on current year acquisitions	—			10,615			8,164
	Additions based on tax positions of prior years	12,845			2,605			382
	Reductions based on tax positions of prior years	(2,805		)	(169		)	—
	Reductions for lapses and settlements	(1,723		)	(191		)	(560		)
	Ending gross unrecognized tax benefit	$	69,571		$	58,016		$	32,370

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_AND_RELATED_I1

CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Interest Rate Margin on Debt	'
	The applicable interest rate margin per annum for each type of loan at September 29, 2013 is as follows:
		Base Rate	Eurodollar Rate
	Revolving and swingline loans	3.50%	4.50%
	Term loans	1.75%	2.75%

OTHER_LONGTERM_LIABILITIES_Tab

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Liabilities Table	'
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of (amounts in thousands):
		September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits	$	16,546		$	18,427
	Deferred rent	15,510			13,586
	Accrued pension and retirement	7,164			6,429
	Capital leases	2,873			2,889
	Interest rate swaps	368			1,919
	Environmental	372			406
	Other	1,536			5,400
	Total	$	44,369		$	49,056
Contractual Obligations Under Capital Obligation and Credit Facility	'
	The contractual obligations under our capital lease at September 29, 2013 were (amounts in thousands):
	2014			2015			2016		2017		2018		Thereafter
	$	292		$	293		$	293	$	293	$	293	$	1,408

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Activity and Price Information Related to Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights	'
	Activity and price information related to stock options and stock appreciation rights are as follows (quantity and intrinsic value in thousands):
		Quantity			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value			Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
	Outstanding at October 3, 2010	9,226			$	20.65			$	13,156		3.4
	Granted	12			$	23.69
	Assumed from acquisition	3,120			$	13.56
	Exercised	(2,155	)		$	13.9			$	18,558
	Forfeited	(729	)		$	20.88
	Outstanding at October 2, 2011	9,474			$	19.84			12,684			3.1
	Exercised	(1,933	)		$	16.82			$	7,619
	Forfeited	(567	)		$	24.99
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	6,974			$	20.26			$	21,557		2.5
	Exercised	(1,944	)		$	14.16			$	16,956
	Forfeited	(348	)		$	24.33
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013	4,682			$	22.49			$	14,702		1.7
	Exercisable at September 29, 2013	4,626			$	22.6			14,143			1.6
	Exercisable and expected to vest after September 29, 2013	4,682			$	22.49			$	14,702		1.7
Schedule Of Additional Information About Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding	'
	Quantity and weighted-average exercise prices related to stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding as of September 29, 2013 and stratified by exercise price are as follows (quantity in thousands):
			Exercisable							Outstanding
	Exercise Price		Quantity			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Quantity		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Less than $10.00		24			$	7.5			30		$	7.55
	$10.00 to $20.00		1,281			$	13.57			1,328		$	13.6
	Greater than $20.00		3,321			$	26.19			3,324		$	26.18
			4,626			$	22.6			4,682		$	22.49
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	Weighted-average fair value and weighted-average assumptions used in the calculation of compensation expense are as follows. There were no stock options or stock appreciation rights granted in 2012 or 2013.
	Fiscal Year Ended		Fair Value				Risk Free Rate			Expected Dividend Yield		Expected Life (Years)		Expected Volatility
	2-Oct-11		$	7.42			0.2	%		—	%	1.1		41.6	%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	Activity and price information related to restricted stock awards are as follows (quantity in thousands):
		Quantity			Weighted-Average Grant Price
	Outstanding at October 3, 2010	1,916			$	17.14
	Granted	1,624			$	20.88
	Vested	(1,265	)		$	17.98
	Assumed from acquisition	252			$	19.9
	Forfeited	(177	)		$	18.82
	Outstanding at October 2, 2011	2,350			$	19.44
	Granted	1,656			$	19.41
	Vested	(1,281	)		$	19.27
	Forfeited	(70	)		$	19.34
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	2,655			$	19.51
	Granted	1,887			$	20.39
	Vested	(1,363	)		$	19.1
	Forfeited	(115	)		$	20.16
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013	3,064			$	20.21
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity	'
	Activity and price information related to performance units are as follows (quantity report at target and in thousands):
		Quantity			Weighted-Average Grant Price
	Outstanding at October 2, 2011	—			$	—
	Granted	350			$	17.77
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012	350			$	17.77
	Granted	350			$	21.62
	Vested	(105	)		$	17.77
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013	595			$	20.03

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Aggregate Undiscounted Future Minimum Rental Payments	'
	The aggregate undiscounted future minimum rental payments under these leases are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter
	$	19,884	$	16,950	$	15,210	$	13,718	$	11,631	$	30,753

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_AND_SEVE1

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND SEVERANCE CHARGES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Scottsdale Facility	'
Reflects the restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities	'
	The following table reflects the restructuring activities for the Scottsdale facility and the accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates below (amounts in thousands):
		Employee			Facility			Total
		Severance			Termination
					Costs
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	117		$	5,848		$	5,965
	Reversal of prior provision	(117		)	—			(117		)
	Cash expenditures	—			(1,341		)	(1,341		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	—		$	4,507		$	4,507
Other Facilities	'
Reflects the restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities	'
	Other associated costs related primarily to relocation costs that we incurred for the consolidation of several facilities in Northern California. The following table reflects the related restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates below (amounts in thousands):
		Employee			Contract Termination Costs			Other Associated Costs			Total
		Severance
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	2,122		$	190		$	—		$	2,312
	Provisions	9,380			539			96			10,015
	Cash expenditures	(9,479		)	(344		)	(96		)	(9,919		)
	Other non-cash settlement	(197		)	(6		)	—			(203		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	1,826		$	379		$	—		$	2,205

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Net Sales, End Market and Long Lived Assets by Geographic Area	'
	Property and equipment, net by geographic area are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	United States	$	100,736	$	93,496	$	69,647
	Europe	12,558		13,253		12,632
	Asia	10,209		7,912		7,643
	Other	1,655		1,485		—
	Total	$	125,158	$	116,146	$	89,922
	Net sales based on a customer's ship-to location and by estimated end market are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales:
	United States	$	514,632	$	501,257	$	452,802
	Europe	142,343		165,942		186,505
	Asia	292,589		320,430		181,440
	Other	26,380		24,866		15,107
	Total	$	975,944	$	1,012,495	$	835,854
	Aerospace	$	187,006	$	212,293	$	212,127
	Communications	278,126		311,952		148,792
	Defense & Security	306,311		286,430		299,503
	Industrial	204,501		201,820		175,432
	Total	$	975,944	$	1,012,495	$	835,854

UNAUDITED_SELECTED_QUARTERLY_F1

UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data	'
	Selected quarterly financial data are as follows (amounts in thousands, except earnings per share):
		Quarters ended in fiscal year 2013
		September 29,		June 30,		March 31,			December 30,
		2013		2013		2013			2012
	Net sales	$	250,383	$	242,630	$	235,333		$	247,598
	Gross profit	$	142,838	$	138,312	$	133,465		$	142,573
	Net income (loss)	$	14,086	$	18,279	$	(2,905	)	$	14,214
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.16	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.16
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.15	$	0.2	$	(0.03	)	$	0.16
		Quarters ended in fiscal year 2012
		September 30,		July 1,		April 1,			January 1,
		2012		2012		2012			2012
	Net sales	$	263,074	$	259,195	$	249,306		$	240,920
	Gross profit	$	150,426	$	144,593	$	131,868		$	125,736
	Net income (loss)	$	11,593	$	8,126	$	(4,792	)	$	(44,602	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.13	$	0.09	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.52	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.13	$	0.09	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.52	)

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU3

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock awards excluded from computation of diluted EPS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.8	5.1	7.3
Net income	$14,086,000	$18,279,000	($2,905,000)	$14,214,000	$11,593,000	$8,126,000	($4,792,000)	($44,602,000)	$43,674,000	($29,675,000)	$55,730,000
International	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of net sales from international market	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	47.00%	50.00%	46.00%
Defense And Security	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of credit risk in major customer	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31.00%	'	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2007	'	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2013	'	'
Foreign Country | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2009	'	'
Foreign Country | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2013	'	'
Performance stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage relative to net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25.00%	50.00%	'
Vesting percentage Relative To earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	75.00%	50.00%	'
Performance based compensation percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	200.00%	'	'
Shares awarded as a percentage of grants, peer group based	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	125.00%	'	'
Performance stock units | Change In Assumption For Share-based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,000,000	'	'

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU4

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Fair Value Measurements Using (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$256,433	$204,335
Interest rate swap liabilities	0	0
Pension plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Interest rate swap liabilities	643	1,950
Pension plan assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Interest rate swap liabilities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	256,433	204,335
Interest rate swap liabilities	643	1,950
Measured on a recurring basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Pension plan assets	5,558	5,382
Measured on a recurring basis | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Pension plan assets	$5,558	$5,382

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU5

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Earning Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
BASIC	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$14,086	$18,279	($2,905)	$14,214	$11,593	$8,126	($4,792)	($44,602)	$43,674	($29,675)	$55,730
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	89,508	85,837	83,916
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.16	$0.20	($0.03)	$0.16	$0.13	$0.09	($0.06)	($0.52)	$0.49	($0.35)	$0.66
DILUTED	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$14,086	$18,279	($2,905)	$14,214	$11,593	$8,126	($4,792)	($44,602)	$43,674	($29,675)	$55,730
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	89,508	85,837	83,916
Dilutive effect of stock awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,820	0	1,831
Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91,328	85,837	85,747
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$0.15	$0.20	($0.03)	$0.16	$0.13	$0.09	($0.06)	($0.52)	$0.48	($0.35)	$0.65

ACQUISITIONS_Detail

ACQUISITIONS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$0	($585,218,000)	($436,849,000)
Acquisition related costs	'	7,300,000	6,300,000
Credit facility issuance costs	623,000	41,790,000	17,218,000
Increase in valuation allowance	-13,900,000	194,700,000	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	'	1,019,329,000	1,095,481,000
Net income	'	10,002,000	65,804,000
Basic	'	$0.12	$0.78
Diluted	'	$0.11	$0.77
Zarlink Semiconductor Inc	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Credit facility issuance costs	'	34,000,000	'
Actel Corporation	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Credit facility issuance costs	'	14,200,000	'
Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost of goods sold	'	9,200,000	5,500,000
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase in valuation allowance	'	'	$5,000,000

INVENTORIES_Detail

INVENTORIES (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$36,436	$39,094
Work in progress	86,762	90,920
Finished goods	38,788	29,041
Total	$161,986	$159,055

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Detail

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$416,041,000	$364,659,000	'
Accumulated depreciation	-303,529,000	-257,563,000	'
Land	1,725,000	1,725,000	'
Construction in progress	10,921,000	7,325,000	'
Property and equipment, net	125,158,000	116,146,000	89,922,000
Property plant and equipment useful life	'ShorterB of asset life or life of lease	'	'
Depreciation expense	28,800,000	31,300,000	29,100,000
Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	37,773,000	39,310,000	'
Machinery and equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	328,652,000	284,925,000	'
Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	10,918,000	9,908,000	'
Leasehold improvements	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$38,698,000	$30,516,000	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'Shorter of asset life or life of lease	'	'
Minimum | Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'20 years	'	'
Minimum | Machinery and equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'3 years	'	'
Minimum | Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'5 years	'	'
Maximum | Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'40 years	'	'
Maximum | Machinery and equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'10 years	'	'
Maximum | Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'10 years	'	'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Completed technology

Completed technology

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Backlog

Backlog

Other

Other

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Completed technology

Customer relationships

Backlog

Completed technology

Customer relationships

Backlog

Other

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Carrying Value

$592,841

$608,801

'

$309,470

$309,470

$270,030

$270,030

$0

$15,960

$13,341

$13,341

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Amortization

-277,666

-208,810

'

-157,472

-118,463

-107,474

-64,885

0

-15,333

-12,720

-10,129

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Life (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'4 years

'1 year

'15 years

'15 years

'2 years

'5 years

Goodwill

$790,236

$790,236

$491,079

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Reconciliation of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	$790,236	$491,079
Additions from acquisitions	0	300,266
Post-acquisition adjustments	0	-1,109
Ending balance	$790,236	$790,236

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	$84,819	$104,756	$62,425

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS5

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$79,399
2015	73,162
2016	69,565
2017	66,400
2018	23,775
Thereafter	$2,874

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Detail

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Payroll, bonus, and employee benefits	$24,649	$43,219
Outside services	10,258	11,826
Restructuring and severance	6,537	8,277
Deferred revenue	5,077	1,566
Warranties	2,809	2,472
Commissions	2,799	2,900
Income taxes	2,291	1,036
Interest	1,276	1,720
Licenses	786	1,688
Other	6,520	5,520
Total	$63,002	$80,224

INCOME_TAXES_Pretax_Income_Los

INCOME TAXES - Pretax Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Disclosure - Pretax Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic	($38,709)	($88,964)	($40,359)
Foreign	94,772	74,239	62,408
Income (loss) before income taxes	$56,063	($14,725)	$22,049

INCOME_TAXES_Provision_for_Inc

INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$812	($16)	$314
State	806	228	10
Foreign	3,115	3,458	8,324
Deferred	'	'	'
Federal	2,306	5,061	-25,962
State	1,385	2,255	-1,609
Foreign	3,965	3,964	-14,758
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$12,389	$14,950	($33,681)

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$12,389,000	$14,950,000	($33,681,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes	56,063,000	-14,725,000	22,049,000
Increase in valuation allowance	-13,900,000	194,700,000	'
Excess tax benefit from employee stock compensation	19,900,000	'	'
Estimated increase in equity from excess tax benefit	19,900,000	'	'
Tax credits that carryforward indefinitely	2,400,000	'	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign operations	357,400,000	294,700,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefit, interest and penalties	0	2,000,000	700,000
Unrecognized tax benefit, cumulative interest and penalties	5,900,000	6,000,000	4,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefit that would impact effective tax rate	58,900,000	'	'
within the next twelve months	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anticipated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	4,200,000	'	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating losses carryforward, subject to expiration	256,400,000	'	'
Net operating losses carryforward expiration date	'Begin expiring in 2021	'	'
Research and experimentation credits	28,200,000	'	'
Federal foreign tax credits	2,800,000	'	'
State and Local Jurisdiction	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating losses carryforward, subject to expiration	297,800,000	'	'
Net operating losses carryforward expiration date	'Begin expiring in 2014	'	'
Research and experimentation credits	44,400,000	'	'
Foreign Country	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating losses carryforward, not subject to expiration	250,300,000	'	'
Research and experimentation credits	81,800,000	'	'
Tax credit related to incentive deductions	$72,700,000	'	'
Minimum | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2007	'	'
Minimum | Foreign Country	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2009	'	'
Maximum | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2013	'	'
Maximum | Foreign Country	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2013	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_Reconciliation_of

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Income Tax Computed at the Federal Statutory Rate to Actual Tax Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax computed at federal statutory rate	$19,622	($5,153)	$7,717
State taxes, net of federal impact	-1,468	-3,244	-7,023
Foreign income taxed at different rates	-21,705	-18,207	-9,830
Tax credits	-5,418	-1,096	-4,234
Stock award compensation	197	295	347
Unrecognized tax benefits	-392	1,981	1,541
Executive compensation	0	0	444
U.S. tax on foreign income	1,374	18,150	0
Income tax return to provision	-875	-3,153	55
Non-deductible permanent items	167	1,682	2,748
Pre-acquisition loss carryforwards	1,182	-4,043	-2,298
Withholding taxes	700	0	0
Other differences, net	164	9	-261
Valuation allowance	18,841	27,729	-22,887
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$12,389	$14,950	($33,681)

INCOME_TAXES_Components_of_Def

INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$945	$925
Inventories	9,264	12,109
Accrued employee benefit expenses	4,230	5,230
Net operating losses	140,555	127,603
Tax credits	140,069	137,628
Accrued other expenses	6,287	7,776
Deferred equity compensation	14,845	14,111
Property and equipment, net	3,242	3,152
Other assets	9,797	17,155
Total deferred tax assets	329,234	325,689
Intangible assets	-100,050	-101,250
Total deferred tax liabilities	-100,050	-101,250
Less valuation allowance	-210,073	-196,147
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Total	$19,111	$28,292

INCOME_TAXES_Reconciliation_of1

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of the Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning gross unrecognized tax benefits	$58,016	$32,370	$21,719
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,238	12,786	2,665
Additions based on current year acquisitions	0	10,615	8,164
Additions based on tax positions of prior years	12,845	2,605	382
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	-2,805	-169	0
Reductions for lapses and settlements	-1,723	-191	-560
Ending gross unrecognized tax benefit	$69,571	$58,016	$32,370

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_AND_RELATED_I2

CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Jan. 01, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Loans

Loans

Term Loan Facility

Minimum

Maximum

Letter of Credit

Revolving Credit Facility

Base Rate

Base Rate

Eurodollar Rate

Eurodollar Rate

Eurodollar Rate

agreement

Group 1

Group 2

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Revolving Credit Facility

Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Term Loan Facility

Minimum

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Term Loan Facility

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowed under term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

372,200,000

'

676,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount allowed to be requested for a loan or revolving credit facility

200,000,000

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective rate on borrowings

3.75%

3.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of debt extinguishment costs

'

-277,539,000

-470,296,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt extinguishment expense

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value outstanding term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

361,000,000

674,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in fair value of principal outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of derivative agreements

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

121,000,000

24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.83%

2.21%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

-1,900,000

-400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Income

'

'

'

'

-900,000

-1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency agreed upon purchase amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

608,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12-Oct-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency contract amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

623,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivatives, current liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

-300,000

'

'

-11,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

1.75%

4.50%

2.75%

'

Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment

7,300,000

7,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Long-term Debt

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess Cash Flow Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

3.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Fee Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.0025

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Gain on Derivative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

OTHER_LONGTERM_LIABILITIES_Det

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$16,546	$18,427
Deferred rent	15,510	13,586
Accrued pension and retirement	7,164	6,429
Capital leases	2,873	2,889
Interest rate swaps	368	1,919
Environmental	372	406
Other	1,536	5,400
Total	$44,369	$49,056

OTHER_LONGTERM_LIABILITIES_Con

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES - Contractual Obligations Under Capital Lease Obligations and Credit Facility (Detail) (Capital Lease Obligations, USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Lease Obligations	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	$292
2015	293
2016	293
2017	293
2018	293
Thereafter	$1,408

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Narrat

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$35,242,000	$36,680,000	$28,639,000
Charge for stock based compensation	35,242,000	36,680,000	28,465,000
Unamortized compensation expense related to unvested options and restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	40,900,000	'	'
Compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock options, recognition periods	'1 year 4 months 0 days	'	'
Common stock for delivery under awards that have been and may be granted	12.2	16	6.4
Stock Option Plan 2008	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Additional shares to the shares limit in common stock	14.5	'	'
Shares limit in common stock	28.5	'	'
Plan expiration date	5-Dec-21	'	'
Full value award of shares issued for every one share	2.41	'	'
Maximum term of a stock option grant or a stock appreciation right grant	'6 years	'	'
Capital in Excess of Par value of Common Stock	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$35,242,000	$36,680,000	$28,639,000
Performance stock units	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Performance based compensation percentage	200.00%	'	'
Shares awarded as a percentage of grants, peer group based	125.00%	'	'
Vesting percentage relative to net sales	25.00%	50.00%	'
Vesting percentage Relative To earnings per share	75.00%	50.00%	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Summar

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Summary of Stock Option Activity and Stock Appreciation Rights (Detail) (Employee Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010
Employee Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights	'	'	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Outstanding Beginning Balance	6,974	9,474	9,226	'
Assumed from acquisition	'	'	3,120	'
Exercised	-1,944	-1,933	-2,155	'
Forfeited	-348	-567	-729	'
Granted	'	'	12	'
Outstanding Ending Balance	4,682	6,974	9,474	9,226
Exercisable stock options	4,626	'	'	'
Exercisable and expected to vest stock options	4,682	'	'	'
Weighted average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'
Outstanding Beginning Balance	$20.26	$19.84	$20.65	'
Assumed from acquisition	'	'	$13.56	'
Exercised	$14.16	$16.82	$13.90	'
Granted	'	'	$23.69	'
Forfeited	$24.33	$24.99	$20.88	'
Outstanding Ending Balance	$22.49	$20.26	$19.84	$20.65
Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$14,702	$21,557	$12,684	$13,156
Exercised, Intrinsic Value	16,956	7,619	18,558	'
Exercisable stock options, Intrinsic Value	14,143	'	'	'
Exercisable and expected to vest stock options, Intrinsic Value	$14,702	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Life	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'1 year 7 months 31 days	'2 years 6 months	'3 years 1 month 6 days	'3 years 4 months 24 days
Exercisable stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.60	'	'	'
Exercisable stock options, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'1 year 6 months 30 days	'	'	'
Exercisable and expected to vest stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.49	'	'	'
Exercisable and expected to vest stock options, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'1 year 7 months 31 days	'	'	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Awards

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Awards Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Weighted-Average Fair Value and Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Calculation of Compensation Expense (Detail) (Employee Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2011
Employee Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Fair value per award	$7.42
Risk free rate	0.20%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected life	'1 year 1 month 6 days
Expected volatility	41.60%

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Right Exercise Price Range (Details) (Employee Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights, USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercisable stock options, Quantity	4,626
Exercisable stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.60
Outstanding stock options, Quantity	4,682
Outstanding stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.49
Less than $10.00	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercisable stock options, Quantity	24
Exercisable stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.50
Outstanding stock options, Quantity	30
Outstanding stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.55
$10.00 to $20.00	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercisable stock options, Quantity	1,281
Exercisable stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.57
Outstanding stock options, Quantity	1,328
Outstanding stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.60
Greater than $20.00	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercisable stock options, Quantity	3,321
Exercisable stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.19
Outstanding stock options, Quantity	3,324
Outstanding stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.18

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Awards Activity and Price (Detail) (Restricted Stock Award, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Restricted Stock Award	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'	'
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	2,655	2,350	1,916
Granted	1,887	1,656	1,624
Assumed from acquisition	'	'	252
Vested	-1,363	-1,281	-1,265
Canceled	-115	-70	-177
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	3,064	2,655	2,350
Weighted- Average Grant Price	'	'	'
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	$19.51	$19.44	$17.14
Granted	$20.39	$19.41	$20.88
Vested	$19.10	$19.27	$17.98
Assumed from acquisition	'	'	$19.90
Forfeited	$20.16	$19.34	$18.82
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	$20.21	$19.51	$19.44

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Perfor

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Performance Shares (Details) (Performance stock units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Performance stock units	'	'
Performance Units	'	'
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	350	0
Granted	350	350
Vested	-105	'
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	595	350
Weighted- Average Grant Price	'	'
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	$17.77	$0
Granted	$21.62	$17.77
Vested	$17.77	'
Outstanding and Nonvested, Balance	$20.03	$17.77

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
	Year
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	50.00%	'	'
Minimum age employee may contribute additional percentage of wages	50	'	'
Maximum additional contribution allowed after age 50, percent	75.00%	'	'
Employer contributions	$3,900,000	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	5,600,000	'	'
Benefit obligations	-7,500,000	'	'
Unrealized actuarial loss on pension benefits	-218,000	-1,156,000	0
Assumptions used calculating benefit obligation, discount rate	'	3.20%	4.00%
Expected return on plan assets	'	0.04	0.048
Estimated future employer contributions in the next twelve months	$0	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Aggregate Undiscounted Future Minimum Rental Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$19,884
2015	16,950
2016	15,210
2017	13,718
2018	11,631
Thereafter	$30,753

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 1998	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Sep. 28, 2003
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Lease expense	'	$20.20	$21.40	$13.60	'
Description of the contingency loss agreement	'In November 1998, we signed an agreement with the three former owners of this facility whereby they have 1) reimbursed us for $0.5 million of past costs, 2) assumed responsibility for 90% of all future clean-up costs, and 3) promised to indemnify and protect us against any and all third-party claims relating to the contamination of the facility	'	'	'	'
Reimbursements for past costs	0.5	'	'	'	'
Future clean-up costs sharing percentage	90.00%	'	'	'	'
Total estimated environment remediation cost up to the year 2020	'	5.3	'	'	'
Charges for environmental remediation costs	'	'	'	'	0.5
Accrued workers' compensation liabilities	'	$1.50	$1.40	'	'
Filing complaint date	'	'DecemberB 8, 2010	'	'	'
Allegations description	'	'The complaint alleges, inter alia, that programmable logic devices manufactured and sold by our subsidiary Microsemi - SoC infringe United States Patent Numbers 5,687,325, 6,260,087 and 6,272,646 assigned to Intellectual Ventures II LLC, and seeks damages and other relief at law or in equity as the court deems appropriate	'	'	'
Defendant action	'	'On August 8, 2011, the defendants filed a motion to stay the litigation pending conclusion of reexamination of the patents-in-suit by the United States Patent & Trademark Office.	'	'	'
Decision by court	'	'The Court has not yet decided the motion to transfer or motion to stay. Discovery has not yet commenced and no trial date has been set.	'	'	'

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 03, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Scottsdale Facility

Scottsdale Facility

Scottsdale Facility

Scottsdale Facility

Scottsdale Facility

Other Facilities

Other Facilities

Other Facilities

Other Facilities

Other Facilities

Other Facilities

sqft

Employee Severance

Employee Severance

Employee Severance

Employee Severance

Contract Termination Costs

Contract Termination Costs

Person

Schedule of Status of Facilities by Location [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Occupied leased facility (square foot)

'

'

'

'

'

135,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recorded severance accruals

'

'

'

$4,507

$5,965

'

$0

$117

$2,205

$2,312

$1,826

$2,122

$379

$190

Restructuring and severance charges

$9,901

$8,666

$22,081

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,000

'

'

'

Number of employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200

'

'

'

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH1

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES - Restructuring Activities for Scottsdale Facility and the Accrued Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Scottsdale Facility	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$5,965	$5,965
Restructuring, Reversal of Prior Provision	-117	'
Cash expenditures	'	-1,341
Ending Balance	'	4,507
Scottsdale Facility | Employee Severance	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	117	117
Restructuring, Reversal of Prior Provision	'	-117
Cash expenditures	'	0
Ending Balance	'	0
Scottsdale Facility | Facility Termination Costs	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	5,848	5,848
Restructuring, Reversal of Prior Provision	0	'
Cash expenditures	'	-1,341
Ending Balance	'	4,507
Other Facilities	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	2,312	2,312
Cash expenditures	'	-9,919
Ending Balance	'	2,205
Other Facilities | Employee Severance	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	2,122	2,122
Cash expenditures	'	-9,479
Ending Balance	'	$1,826

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH2

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES - Restructuring Activities and Accrued Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Other Facilities, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	$2,312
Provisions	-10,015
Cash expenditures	-9,919
Other non-cash settlement	-203
Ending Balance	2,205
Employee Severance	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	2,122
Provisions	-9,380
Cash expenditures	-9,479
Other non-cash settlement	-197
Ending Balance	1,826
Contract Termination Costs	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	190
Provisions	-539
Cash expenditures	-344
Other non-cash settlement	-6
Ending Balance	379
Other Associated Costs	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	0
Provisions	-96
Cash expenditures	-96
Other non-cash settlement	0
Ending Balance	$0

Net_Sales_by_the_Originating_G

Net Sales by the Originating Geographic Area and Estimated End Market (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 29, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 01, 2012

Apr. 01, 2012

Jan. 01, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Apr. 01, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 02, 2011

Aerospace

Aerospace

Aerospace

Communication

Communication

Communication

Defense And Security

Defense And Security

Defense And Security

Industrial

Industrial

Industrial

United States

United States

United States

Europe

Europe

Europe

Asia

Asia

Asia

Asia

Other Geographical [Member]

Other Geographical [Member]

Other Geographical [Member]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration of credit risk in major customer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Sales

$250,383

$242,630

$235,333

$247,598

$263,074

$259,195

$249,306

$240,920

$975,944

$1,012,495

$835,854

$187,006

$212,293

$212,127

$278,126

$311,952

$148,792

$306,311

$286,430

$299,503

$204,501

$201,820

$175,432

$514,632

$501,257

$452,802

$142,343

$165,942

$186,505

'

$292,589

$320,430

$181,440

$26,380

$24,866

$15,107

Long_Lived_Assets_by_Geographi

Long Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	$125,158	$116,146	$89,922
United States	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	100,736	93,496	69,647
Europe	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	12,558	13,253	12,632
Asia	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	10,209	7,912	7,643
Other Geographic Area [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	$1,655	$1,485	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$250,383	$242,630	$235,333	$247,598	$263,074	$259,195	$249,306	$240,920	$975,944	$1,012,495	$835,854
Gross profit	142,838	138,312	133,465	142,573	150,426	144,593	131,868	125,736	557,188	552,623	441,171
Net income (loss)	$14,086	$18,279	($2,905)	$14,214	$11,593	$8,126	($4,792)	($44,602)	$43,674	($29,675)	$55,730
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.16	$0.20	($0.03)	$0.16	$0.13	$0.09	($0.06)	($0.52)	$0.49	($0.35)	$0.66
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$0.15	$0.20	($0.03)	$0.16	$0.13	$0.09	($0.06)	($0.52)	$0.48	($0.35)	$0.65

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Subsequent_Ev

SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Oct. 21, 2013	Oct. 21, 2013	Oct. 21, 2013	Nov. 14, 2013	Oct. 28, 2013
	Term Loan Facility	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
		Incremental Term Loan Facility	Term Loan Facility	Term Loan Facility	Symmetricom	Symmetricom
			Base Rate	LIBOR
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price per share of acquiree	'	'	'	'	'	$7.18
Estimated amount of funds required to complete merger	'	'	'	'	$324,000,000	'
Borrowed under commitment letter	$676,000,000	$150,000,000	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	1.50%	2.75%	'	'
Floor on LIBOR for LIBOR-based loans	'	'	'	0.75%	'	'

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU1

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$1,623	$2,149	$1,978
Charged to costs and expenses	-43	-497	690
Charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions- recoveries and write-offs	-377	-29	-519
Balance at end of period	1,203	1,623	2,149
Tax Valuation Allowance	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	196,147	16,803	37,604
Charged to costs and expenses	18,841	27,729	-22,887
Charged to other accounts	-4,915	151,615	2,086
Deductions- recoveries and write-offs	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$210,073	$196,147	$16,803