Microsemi (MSCC) 10-Q 28 Apr 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Apr. 22, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	MSCC
Entity Registrant Name	MICROSEMI CORP
Entity Central Index Key	310568
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-18
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		95,176,496

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$236,321	$162,182
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $24,496 at March 29, 2015 and $22,193 at September 28, 2014	181,383	191,168
Inventories	204,435	205,005
Deferred income taxes, net	27,303	27,303
Other current assets	32,483	32,924
Total current assets	681,925	618,582
Property and equipment, net	151,691	148,712
Goodwill	886,865	885,610
Intangible assets, net	305,619	351,893
Deferred income taxes, net	19,483	23,494
Other assets	33,861	32,805
TOTAL ASSETS	2,079,444	2,061,096
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	69,987	75,521
Accrued liabilities	82,668	85,702
Total current liabilities	152,655	161,223
Credit facility	698,026	698,026
Deferred income taxes	39,254	39,339
Other long-term liabilities	47,046	46,878
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.20 par value; 250,000 authorized, 95,094 issued and outstanding at March 29, 2015 and 95,633 issued and outstanding at September 28, 2014	19,019	19,126
Capital in excess of par value of common stock	783,575	799,210
Retained earnings	343,139	298,565
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,270	-1,271
Total stockholders' equity	1,142,463	1,115,630
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$2,079,444	$2,061,096

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$24,496	$22,193
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$0.20	$0.20
Common stock, authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, issued	95,094,000	95,633,000
Common stock, outstanding	95,094,000	95,633,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$296,188	$287,016	$599,762	$542,647
Cost of sales	126,921	138,377	262,422	255,700
Gross profit	169,267	148,639	337,340	286,947
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	60,976	62,965	121,093	120,372
Research and development costs	46,443	49,283	93,958	93,408
Amortization of intangible assets	22,713	24,309	46,273	46,272
Restructuring and severance charges	3,771	4,767	10,913	12,420
Total operating expenses	133,903	141,324	272,237	272,472
Operating income	35,364	7,315	65,103	14,475
Other expenses:
Interest (expense), net	-5,928	-7,615	-12,081	-15,197
Other income (expense), net	-374	-1,191	-843	-1,505
Total other (expense)	-6,302	-8,806	-12,924	-16,702
Income (loss) before income taxes	29,062	-1,491	52,179	-2,227
Provision for income taxes	4,179	5,268	7,605	3,154
Net income (loss)	24,883	-6,759	44,574	-5,381
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (USD per share)	$0.26	($0.07)	$0.47	($0.06)
Diluted (USD per share)	$0.26	($0.07)	$0.47	($0.06)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	93,984	92,805	93,954	92,455
Diluted	95,345	92,805	95,184	92,455
Net income (loss)	24,883	-6,759	44,574	-5,381
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Translation adjustment	-2,408	122	-1,855	446
Unrealized actuarial (loss) on pension benefits	-68	-44	-144	-88
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-2,476	78	-1,999	358
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$22,407	($6,681)	$42,575	($5,023)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$44,574	($5,381)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	63,872	62,432
Change in allowance for doubtful accounts	-3	143
Amortization of deferred financing costs	408	335
Write-off of deferred financing costs	0	526
Loss on disposition or impairment of assets	2,142	519
Deferred income taxes	3,927	699
Charge for stock based compensation	22,348	21,441
Change in assets and liabilities (net of acquisition):
Accounts receivable	9,788	-468
Inventories	59	7,949
Other current assets	-273	2,642
Other assets	-3,122	-544
Accounts payable	-4,190	3,707
Accrued liabilities	-3,375	-3,858
Other long-term liabilities	245	2,601
Net cash provided by operating activities	136,400	92,743
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-24,405	-20,850
Proceeds from the sale of short term investments	304	39,393
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-137	-287,352
Net cash used in investing activities	-24,238	-268,809
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from credit facility	0	289,462
Repayments of credit facility	0	-80,000
Payments of credit facility issuance costs	0	-1,521
Extinguishment of debt	0	-89,462
Repurchase of common stock	-50,000	0
Stock settled tax withholdings	-17,119	-352
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	29,096	6,700
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-38,023	124,827
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	74,139	-51,239
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	162,182	256,433
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$236,321	$205,194

PRESENTATION_OF_FINANCIAL_INFO

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION	Presentation of Financial Information
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Microsemi Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of our management, include all adjustments (all of which are normal or recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the periods indicated. The results of operations for the most recently reported quarter and six months ended March 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X, and therefore do not include all information and note disclosures necessary for a fair statement of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto must be read in their entirety in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2014.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that may materially affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Information with respect to our accounting policies that we believe could have the most significant effect on our reported results and require subjective or complex judgments is contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2014. In referencing a year, we are referring to the fiscal year ended on the Sunday closest to September 30.
	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 were calculated as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,			March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014			2015		2014
	Basic
	Net income (loss)	$	24,883	$	(6,759	)	$	44,574	$	(5,381	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,984		92,805			93,954		92,455
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.26	$	(0.07	)	$	0.47	$	(0.06	)
	Diluted
	Net income (loss)	$	24,883	$	(6,759	)	$	44,574	$	(5,381	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic	93,984		92,805			93,954		92,455
	Dilutive effect of stock awards	1,361		—			1,230		—
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis	95,345		92,805			95,184		92,455
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.26	$	(0.07	)	$	0.47	$	(0.06	)
	For the quarters and six months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, we excluded stock awards totaling 0.2 million and 3.1 million for the quarters, and 0.8 million and 3.0 million for the six months ended, respectively, in the computation of diluted earnings per share as these stock awards would have been anti-dilutive.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 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. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 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. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08 which changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds additional disclosures. The guidance in this ASU updates the definition of discontinued operations to include the disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for all disposals of components of an entity that occur with annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which provides guidance on how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and on accounting for costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. The ASU also requires expanded disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, with early application not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one-year deferral of this ASU. We are currently assessing the adoption and impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12 which provides guidance on how to account for shared-based payment awards where the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 which provides guidance on management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01 which eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles the concept of extraordinary items. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, it is segregated from the results of ordinary operations and is shown as a separate item in the income statement, net of tax. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently assessing the adoption and impact of this ASU, however, we do not anticipate that adoption of this ASU will impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 whose object is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05 which adds guidance to Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, which will help entities evaluate when a cloud computing arrangement includes the sale or license of software. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	Inventories
	Inventories are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		March 29,		September 28,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	49,785	$	55,280
	Work in process	102,586		94,044
	Finished goods	52,064		55,681
		$	204,435	$	205,005

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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):
			March 29,				September 28,
			2015				2014
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Completed technology		$	178,470			$	201,333
	Customer relationships		126,893				149,328
	Backlog, trade name and other		256				1,232
			$	305,619			$	351,893
	Non-amortizable intangible assets
	Goodwill		$	886,865			$	885,610
	Amortization of intangible assets included in operating expenses for each of the six months to March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		March 29, 2015				March 30, 2014
	Completed technology	$	22,864			$	22,227
	Customer relationships	22,433				22,337
	Backlog, trade name and other	976				1,708
		$	46,273			$	46,272
	Estimated amortization expense in each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Less than 1 Year				1-2 Years				2-3 Years		3-4 Years		4-5 Years		Thereafter
	$	86,491			$	83,941			$	62,405	$	27,235	$	13,668	$	31,879

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	Income Taxes
	For the quarter and six months ended March 29, 2015, we recorded an income tax provision of $4.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively. For the quarter and six months ended March 30, 2014, we recorded an income tax provision of $5.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The difference in our effective tax rate from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily reflects the impact of the mix of domestic and international pre-tax income, valuation allowance and credits. Our tax provision for the six months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 was the combined calculated tax expenses/benefits for various jurisdictions.
	We file U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2007 through 2013 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal tax authorities, most state tax authorities and in significant foreign jurisdictions. Each quarter, we reassess our uncertain tax positions for additional unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties, and deletions due to statute expirations. Based on federal, state and foreign statute expirations in various jurisdictions, we anticipate a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of $4.4 million within the next twelve months.
	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. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") is currently examining our income tax returns for fiscal years 2007 through 2012 and has raised questions primarily related to transfer pricing. Management believes that our 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 our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, we would be required to adjust our provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. While we believe our reported results are accurate, any significant adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position if not resolved within expectations.

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_AND_RELATED_I

CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS	Credit Agreement and Related Instruments
	Credit Agreement
	We were a party to a senior secured credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") with Royal Bank of Canada ("RBC") which consists of a term loan facility and a $50.0 million revolving credit facility. As of March 29, 2015, we had $698.0 million in term loan borrowings and no revolving borrowings.
	Under our Credit Agreement, we may borrow under a "Base Rate" which approximates the prime rate plus an applicable margin or "Eurodollar Rate" which approximates LIBOR plus an applicable margin. Eurodollar Rate loans are also subject to a Eurodollar Floor. At March 29, 2015, the principal amounts outstanding were Eurodollar Rate loans and interest rate information as of March 29, 2015 were as follows (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
		Principal Outstanding		Base Rate		Base Rate Margin		Eurodollar Rate Margin		Eurodollar Floor		Applicable Rate
	Revolving and swingline loans	$	—	3.25	%	3.25	%	4.25	%	—	%	—	%
	Term loan	$	646,375	3.25	%	1.5	%	2.5	%	0.75	%	3.25	%
	Incremental term loan	$	51,651	3.25	%	1.75	%	2.75	%	0.75	%	3.5	%
	The fair value of our term loans was approximately par value at March 29, 2015 and $693.0 million at September 28, 2014. We classify this valuation as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
	Our term loan facility matures in February 2020 and as of March 29, 2015, there are no scheduled principal repayments until the maturity date. The Credit Agreement stipulates an annual principal payment of a percentage of Excess Cash Flow ("ECF"). The first ECF application date will be measured as of the end of fiscal year 2015 and the ECF percentage will be 50% if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the last day of the fiscal year is equal to or greater than 3.00 to 1.00 and 0% otherwise.
	As of March 29, 2015, our undrawn commitment fee was 0.375% 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 revolving facility expires on November 2, 2015.
	Our 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 March 29, 2015.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements
	In connection with our Credit Agreement in 2011, 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 outstanding swap agreement had a notional amount of $24.0 million, a fixed rate of 2.21% and expired in January 2015. We classified our interest rate swap balance as a Level 2 fair value measurement. 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 agreement.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_ASSETS

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accounting Standards Codification 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 indicated below and are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	September 28, 2014
	Investment in marketable securities	$	4,139	$	4,139	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swap liabilities	$	77	$	—	$	77	$	—
	29-Mar-15
	Investment in marketable securities	$	3,415	$	3,415	$	—	$	—

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock Based Compensation
	In February 2014, our stockholders approved an amendment to the Microsemi Corporation 2008 Performance Incentive Plan (the "2008 Plan"). The amendment a) increased the share limit by an additional 4.8 million shares so that the amended aggregate share limit for the 2008 Plan is 33.3 million shares; and b) extended the Company's authority to grant awards under the 2008 Plan intended to qualify as "performance-based awards" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code through the first annual meeting of stockholders that occurs in 2019. The 2008 Plan's termination date of December 5, 2021 remained unchanged, as did the number of shares counted against the share limit for every one share issued in connection with a full-value award, which remained 2.41.
	Except as described in this paragraph, shares that are subject to or underlie awards which expire or for any reason, are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under the 2008 Plan will again be available for subsequent awards under the 2008 Plan. Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company as full or partial payment in connection with any award granted under the 2008 Plan that is a full-value award, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company or one of its subsidiaries to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any full-value award granted under the 2008 Plan will be available for subsequent awards under the 2008 Plan. Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company to pay the exercise price of a stock option or stock appreciation right granted under the 2008 Plan, as well as any shares exchanged or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any such award, will not be available for subsequent awards under the 2008 Plan.
	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 Microsemi as treasury stock. The maximum term of a stock option grant or a stock appreciation right granted under the 2008 Plan is 6 years. For the quarter and six months ended March 29, 2015, stock-based compensation expense was $11.8 million and $22.5 million, respectively. For the quarter and six months ended March 30, 2014, stock-based compensation expense was $11.5 million and $21.6 million, respectively.
	The quantity of restricted shares and performance stock units at target levels granted and their weighted-average fair value are as follows (quantities in thousands):
	Six Months Ended	Quantity	Weighted-Average Fair Value per Award
	March 30, 2014
	Restricted shares	1,433	$	24.64
	Performance stock units	332	$	26.27
	Stock options assumed from acquisition	578	$	7.01
	March 29, 2015
	Restricted shares	1,238	$	29.04
	Performance stock units	403	$	27.54
	Restricted Shares
	Compensation expense for restricted shares was calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant and the restricted shares 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 in accordance with our director compensation policy.
	Performance Stock Units
	Compensation expense for performance stock units was calculated based upon expected achievement of the performance metrics specified in the grant and the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, or when a grant contains a market condition, the grant date fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation. Vesting of performance units issued in 2013, 2014 and 2015 contain a market condition and the Monte Carlo simulation incorporates estimates of the potential outcomes of the market condition on the fair value date of each award.
	Performance stock units granted in 2013 are eligible to vest based on our achievement of 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. The maximum percentage is further adjusted by our total shareholder return relative to a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee, up to a maximum of 125%.
	Performance units granted in 2014 and 2015 are eligible to vest based on our rate of growth for net sales and earnings per share (subject to certain adjustments) relative to the growth rates for that metric over the relevant performance period for a peer group of companies. The performance period for the 2014 grants include our fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the performance period for the 2015 grants include our fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017. A portion of the performance units may vest based on performance after each fiscal year of the performance period.
	For the 2014 grants, 40% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 60% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period. The maximum percentage for a particular metric is 200% of the "target" number of units subject to the award related to that metric. For the 2015 grant, 70% of each performance-based award opportunity will be subject to the net sales metric for the performance period and 30% will be subject to the earnings per share metric for the performance period. The maximum percentage for a particular metric is 225% of the "target" number of units subject to the award related to that metric. The maximum percentage is further adjusted by our total shareholder return relative to a peer group selected by the Compensation Committee. For the 2014 grant, the maximum adjustment is 125% and for the 2015 grant, the maximum adjustment is 150%.
	Stock Options
	We assumed unvested stock options related to our acquisition of Microsemi – FTD in 2014 with a weighted-average exercise price of $20.08 per stock option. We derived a weighted-average fair value per stock option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
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. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, customers with a ship-to location in Hong Kong totaled 11% for the quarter and six months ended March 29, 2015 and there were no countries exceeding 10% for the quarter and six months ended March 30, 2014.

STOCK_REPURCHASE_PROGRAM

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	Stock Repurchase Program
	On September 9, 2014, Microsemi Corporation's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the company's common stock before September 30, 2016. Repurchases under our stock repurchase program may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The Company has used and plans to continue to use existing cash from available working capital to fund the repurchases. During the six months ended March 29, 2015, the Company repurchased 1.9 million shares for $50.0 million at an average price of $26.11 under the program. Repurchased shares were retired and returned to authorized shares.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES	Restructuring and Severance Charges
	The following table reflects the related restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities at the dates below (amounts in thousands):
		Employee Severance			Contract Termination Costs			Other Associated Costs			Total
	Balance at September 28, 2014	$	4,079		$	8,197		$	—		$	12,276
	Provisions	6,242			1,903			2,977			11,122
	Reversal of prior provision	(81		)	(128		)	—			(209		)
	Cash expenditures	(5,589		)	(2,845		)	(1,321		)	(9,755		)
	Other non-cash settlement	(4		)	(257		)	(1,656		)	(1,917		)
	Balance at March 29, 2015	$	4,647		$	6,870		$	—		$	11,517
	We recorded net provisions for employee severance of $6.2 million for 2015 YTD, which covered approximately 120 individuals in engineering, manufacturing, administration and sales. Employee severance is expected to be paid within the next twelve months. We recorded net provisions for contract termination costs of $1.8 million for 2015 YTD, primarily for the fair value at the cease-use date of operating lease liabilities for space we have exited. Facilities consisted of manufacturing sites, as well as sales, engineering and administrative space. We recorded provisions for other associated costs for restructuring of $3.0 million for 2015 YTD, which consisted of facility and equipment impairments and facility relocation costs. During Q1 2014, we recorded restructuring charges of $7.7 million primarily related to severance and facility shutdown costs and actions following our acquisition of Microsemi – FTD during the quarter.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Commitments and Contingencies
	We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related to workers’ compensation and employer’s liability insurance. Accrued workers’ compensation liability was $2.0 million and $1.9 million at March 29, 2015 and September 28, 2014, 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.
	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, intellectual property 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.
	On February 23, 2015, the Ironworkers Local No. 25 Pension Fund filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court against the Company’s current and former directors, including James J. Peterson, Dennis R. Leibel, Thomas R. Anderson, William E. Bendush, Paul F. Folino, William L. Healey, Matthew E. Massengill and James V. Mazzo, and the Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”). The lawsuit challenges a provision in the Company’s credit agreement, as amended prior to that date, that allegedly triggered an event of default if a majority of the board of directors was replaced through various means over a specified period of time. The plaintiff alleges that the directors breached their fiduciary duties by permitting the Company to agree to the challenged change of control term on the theory that the term could have had the effect of entrenching incumbent board members. The lawsuit also alleges that RBC aided and abetted the purported breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors. The lawsuit seeks an order invalidating the challenged change of control term and an award of attorneys’ fees and costs to the plaintiff's lawyers. On March 31, 2015, before any substantive proceedings in the lawsuit, the Company amended the credit agreement to remove the challenged change of control term, and disclosed the amendment in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2015. On April 21, 2015, the plaintiff advised the Court in writing that the challenged change of control term had been deleted in the Company’s March 31 amendment.  The only issue in the lawsuit that remains to be resolved is the potential award of the plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees and costs.  We do not believe the final resolution of this matter will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
	On March 17, 2015, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with LLIU100 Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsemi ("Purchaser"), and Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Vitesse"), pursuant to which Purchaser commenced a cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Vitesse at a purchase price of $5.28 per share, net to the tendering stockholder in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes. The offer expired at 12:00 midnight at the end of April 27, 2015. Following the consummation of the offer, on April 28, 2015, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Purchaser merged with and into Vitesse, with Vitesse surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsemi and changing its name to Microsemi Communications, Inc. We obtained the required funds for the Offer and the Merger and related expenses from incremental credit facilities under the Amended Credit Agreement (as described below) and existing cash balances. The aggregate consideration paid to stockholders of Vitesse by Microsemi in the Offer and Merger was approximately $368.0 million, without giving effect to related transaction fees and expenses. We expect to present a preliminary allocation of the fair value of acquired asset and liabilities in our next quarterly filing on Form 10-Q.
	On March 31, 2015, we entered into Amendment No. 6 to our existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 13, 2011, (such Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as further amended and supplemented prior to March 31, 2015, the "Existing Credit Agreement; and as amended by Amendment No. 6, the “Amended Credit Agreement"), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. Pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, certain lenders provided senior secured first lien credit facilities, consisting of a term loan facility and a revolving credit facility. Amendment No. 6 provided for, among other things, (1) certain amendments to the provisions relating to incremental credit facilities to (i) permit up to $325.0 million of incremental term loan facilities to be in the form of term A loans, and (ii) permit the incremental revolving commitment capacity to be increased by the amount of all prior voluntary terminations of revolving commitments, (2) an amendment to the definition of “change of control” in the Existing Credit Agreement to remove the “continuing director” prong (clause (b)) from such defined term, and (3) certain amendments related to the proposed acquisition of Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation. In connection with Amendment No. 6, Bank of America, N.A., replaced Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent and as collateral agent under the Amended Credit Agreement.
	On April 15, 2015, we syndicated an incremental term A loan of $325.0 million and incremental revolving commitments of $225.0 million, each maturing in August 2019. Beginning with the quarter ending September 27, 2015, and each quarter thereafter, we are required to make quarterly principal payments of $8.1 million on term loan A borrowings. The incremental term A loans and incremental revolving commitments initially bear interest at an interest rate margin of 2.00% for Eurodollar Rate loans and 1.00% for Base Rate loans, and the incremental revolving commitments are subject to an undrawn commitment fee of 0.35%. The interest rate margins and commitment fee are subject to step-downs based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
	On April 28, 2015, we borrowed $325.0 million under incremental term loan facilities and $100.0 million under incremental revolving commitments to fund the Vitesse acquisition and for general corporate purposes. The initial interest rate under these incremental loans is 2.14%.

PRESENTATION_OF_FINANCIAL_INFO1

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
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.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 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. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 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. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08 which changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds additional disclosures. The guidance in this ASU updates the definition of discontinued operations to include the disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for all disposals of components of an entity that occur with annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which provides guidance on how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and on accounting for costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. The ASU also requires expanded disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, with early application not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one-year deferral of this ASU. We are currently assessing the adoption and impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12 which provides guidance on how to account for shared-based payment awards where the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 which provides guidance on management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01 which eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles the concept of extraordinary items. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, it is segregated from the results of ordinary operations and is shown as a separate item in the income statement, net of tax. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently assessing the adoption and impact of this ASU, however, we do not anticipate that adoption of this ASU will impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 whose object is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05 which adds guidance to Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, which will help entities evaluate when a cloud computing arrangement includes the sale or license of software. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

PRESENTATION_OF_FINANCIAL_INFO2

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per share were calculated as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,			March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014			2015		2014
	Basic
	Net income (loss)	$	24,883	$	(6,759	)	$	44,574	$	(5,381	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,984		92,805			93,954		92,455
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.26	$	(0.07	)	$	0.47	$	(0.06	)
	Diluted
	Net income (loss)	$	24,883	$	(6,759	)	$	44,574	$	(5,381	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic	93,984		92,805			93,954		92,455
	Dilutive effect of stock awards	1,361		—			1,230		—
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis	95,345		92,805			95,184		92,455
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.26	$	(0.07	)	$	0.47	$	(0.06	)

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	Inventories are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		March 29,		September 28,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	49,785	$	55,280
	Work in process	102,586		94,044
	Finished goods	52,064		55,681
		$	204,435	$	205,005

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and intangible assets, net consisted of the following components (amounts in thousands):
			March 29,				September 28,
			2015				2014
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Completed technology		$	178,470			$	201,333
	Customer relationships		126,893				149,328
	Backlog, trade name and other		256				1,232
			$	305,619			$	351,893
	Non-amortizable intangible assets
	Goodwill		$	886,865			$	885,610
Amortization of Intangible Assets	Amortization of intangible assets included in operating expenses for each of the six months to March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		March 29, 2015				March 30, 2014
	Completed technology	$	22,864			$	22,227
	Customer relationships	22,433				22,337
	Backlog, trade name and other	976				1,708
		$	46,273			$	46,272
Estimated Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense in each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Less than 1 Year				1-2 Years				2-3 Years		3-4 Years		4-5 Years		Thereafter
	$	86,491			$	83,941			$	62,405	$	27,235	$	13,668	$	31,879

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_AND_RELATED_I1

CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	At March 29, 2015, the principal amounts outstanding were Eurodollar Rate loans and interest rate information as of March 29, 2015 were as follows (amounts in thousands, except percentages):
		Principal Outstanding		Base Rate		Base Rate Margin		Eurodollar Rate Margin		Eurodollar Floor		Applicable Rate
	Revolving and swingline loans	$	—	3.25	%	3.25	%	4.25	%	—	%	—	%
	Term loan	$	646,375	3.25	%	1.5	%	2.5	%	0.75	%	3.25	%
	Incremental term loan	$	51,651	3.25	%	1.75	%	2.75	%	0.75	%	3.5	%

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_ASSETS1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following financial assets and liabilities were measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the type of inputs indicated below and are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	September 28, 2014
	Investment in marketable securities	$	4,139	$	4,139	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swap liabilities	$	77	$	—	$	77	$	—
	29-Mar-15
	Investment in marketable securities	$	3,415	$	3,415	$	—	$	—

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted shares and performance stock units	The quantity of restricted shares and performance stock units at target levels granted and their weighted-average fair value are as follows (quantities in thousands):
	Six Months Ended	Quantity	Weighted-Average Fair Value per Award
	March 30, 2014
	Restricted shares	1,433	$	24.64
	Performance stock units	332	$	26.27
	Stock options assumed from acquisition	578	$	7.01
	March 29, 2015
	Restricted shares	1,238	$	29.04
	Performance stock units	403	$	27.54

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH1

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Reflects the restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities	The following table reflects the related restructuring activities and the accrued liabilities at the dates below (amounts in thousands):
		Employee Severance			Contract Termination Costs			Other Associated Costs			Total
	Balance at September 28, 2014	$	4,079		$	8,197		$	—		$	12,276
	Provisions	6,242			1,903			2,977			11,122
	Reversal of prior provision	(81		)	(128		)	—			(209		)
	Cash expenditures	(5,589		)	(2,845		)	(1,321		)	(9,755		)
	Other non-cash settlement	(4		)	(257		)	(1,656		)	(1,917		)
	Balance at March 29, 2015	$	4,647		$	6,870		$	—		$	11,517

PRESENTATION_OF_FINANCIAL_INFO3

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Earning Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
BASIC
Net income (loss)	$24,883	($6,759)	$44,574	($5,381)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,984	92,805	93,954	92,455
Basic earnings (loss) per share (USD per share)	$0.26	($0.07)	$0.47	($0.06)
DILUTED
Net income (loss)	$24,883	($6,759)	$44,574	($5,381)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,984	92,805	93,954	92,455
Dilutive effect of stock awards	1,361	0	1,230	0
Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis	95,345	92,805	95,184	92,455
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share)	$0.26	($0.07)	$0.47	($0.06)

PRESENTATION_OF_FINANCIAL_INFO4

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Stock awards excluded in computation of diluted EPS	0.2	0.8	3	3.1

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$49,785	$55,280
Work in process	102,586	94,044
Finished goods	52,064	55,681
Inventories, net	$204,435	$205,005

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	$305,619		$305,619		$351,893
Goodwill	886,865		886,865		885,610
Amortization of intangible assets	22,713	24,309	46,273	46,272
Completed technology
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	178,470		178,470		201,333
Amortization of intangible assets			22,864	22,227
Customer relationships
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	126,893		126,893		149,328
Amortization of intangible assets			22,433	22,337
Backlog, Trade Name and Other [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	256		256		1,232
Amortization of intangible assets			$976	$1,708

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense, Less than 1 Year	$86,491
Amortization expense, 1-2 Years	83,941
Amortization expense, 2-3 Years	62,405
Amortization expense, 3-4 Years	27,235
Amortization expense, 4-5 Years	13,668
Amortization expense, Thereafter	$31,879

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$4,179,000	$5,268,000	$7,605,000	$3,154,000
U.S. statutory rate			35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefit that would impact effective tax rate within next twelve months	$4,400,000		$4,400,000
Minimum | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction			2007
Maximum | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction			2013

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_AND_RELATED_I2

CREDIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	19-Feb-20
Interest Rate Swap | Group 2
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notional amount	24,000,000	24,000,000
Fixed rate	2.21%	2.21%
Derivative maturity period	5-Jan-15
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Excess Cash Flow (ECF) percentage	0.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Excess Cash Flow (ECF) percentage	50.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	3
Term loan borrowings
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	698,000,000	698,000,000
Fair value outstanding term loan			693,000,000
Incremental term loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	51,651,000	51,651,000
Base Rate	3.25%	3.25%
Incremental term loan | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate Margins	1.75%
Incremental term loan | Eurodollar
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate Margins	2.75%
Eurodollar Floor		0.75%
Incremental term loan | Current
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable		3.50%
Term loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	646,375,000	646,375,000
Base Rate	3.25%	3.25%
Term loan | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate Margins	1.50%
Term loan | Eurodollar
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate Margins	2.50%
Eurodollar Floor		0.75%
Term loan | Current
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable		3.25%
Revolving and swingline loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0	0
Base Rate	3.25%	3.25%
Revolving and swingline loans | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate Margins	3.25%
Revolving and swingline loans | Eurodollar
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rate Margins	4.25%
Eurodollar Floor		0.00%
Revolving and swingline loans | Current
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable		0.00%
Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, borrowing capacity	50,000,000	50,000,000
Long-term Debt	0	0
Undrawn commitment fee percentage	0.38%
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fronting fee on letters of credit	0.25%	0.25%

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_ASSETS2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in marketable securities	$3,415	$4,139
Interest rate swap liabilities		77
Level 1 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in marketable securities	3,415	4,139
Interest rate swap liabilities		0
Level 2 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in marketable securities	0	0
Interest rate swap liabilities		77
Level 3 Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in marketable securities	0	0
Interest rate swap liabilities		$0

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Additi

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$11.80	$11.50	$22.50	$21.60
Percentage vested based on prior year performance
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Partial vesting for performance stock units, in years			1
Percentage vested based on current year performance
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Partial vesting for performance stock units, in years			1
Restricted shares
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years
Performance stock units
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting percentage relative to net sales			70.00%	40.00%	25.00%
Vesting percentage relative to earnings per share			30.00%	60.00%	75.00%
Performance based compensation percentage, target based			225.00%	200.00%
Performance based compensation, peer group based			150.00%	125.00%		125.00%
Stock options | Symmetricom
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price (USD per stock option)	$20.08		$20.08
Stock Option Plan 2008
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Additional shares to the shares limit in common stock			4.8
Shares limit in common stock			33.3
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

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Schedu

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Restricted Shares and Performance Stock Units (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Restricted shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quantity		1,238	1,433
Weighted average fair value per award (USD per award)		$29.04	$24.64
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quantity		403	332
Weighted average fair value per award (USD per award)		$27.54	$26.27
Symmetricom | Stock options assumed from acquisition
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quantity options assumed from acquisition	578
Weighted average fair value options assumed from acquisition (USD per option)	$7.01

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of segments		1
Geographic concentration risk | Sales revenue, net | Hong Kong
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%	11.00%

STOCK_REPURCHASE_PROGRAM_Detai

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 09, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Amount authorized to be repurchased		$100,000,000
Number of shares repurchased	1.9
Value of shares repurchased	$50,000,000
Average price per share of stock repurchased	$26.11

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH2

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES - Restructuring Activities and Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$12,276
Provisions	11,122
Reversal of prior provision	-209
Cash expenditures	-9,755
Other non-cash settlement	-1,917
Ending Balance	11,517
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,079
Provisions	6,242
Reversal of prior provision	-81
Cash expenditures	-5,589
Other non-cash settlement	-4
Ending Balance	4,647
Contract Termination Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	8,197
Provisions	1,903
Reversal of prior provision	-128
Cash expenditures	-2,845
Other non-cash settlement	-257
Ending Balance	6,870
Other Associated Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Provisions	2,977
Reversal of prior provision	0
Cash expenditures	-1,321
Other non-cash settlement	-1,656
Ending Balance	$0

RESTRUCTURING_AND_SEVERANCE_CH3

RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 29, 2015
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Net provisions for restructuring costs		$6.20
Number of employees		120
Contract Termination Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Net provisions for restructuring costs		1.8
Other Associated Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Net provisions for restructuring costs	$7.70	$3

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued workers' compensation liabilities	$2	$1.90

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015	Apr. 15, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$0.20				$0.20
Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$50,000,000
Long-term Debt	0
Undrawn commitment fee percentage	0.38%
Incremental term loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	51,651,000
Incremental term loan | Eurodollar
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Rate Margins	2.75%
Incremental term loan | Base Rate
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Rate Margins	1.75%
Term loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	646,375,000
Term loan | Eurodollar
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Rate Margins	2.50%
Term loan | Base Rate
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Rate Margins	1.50%
Subsequent Event | Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			225,000,000
Undrawn commitment fee percentage		0.35%
Subsequent Event | Incremental term loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			325,000,000			325,000,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal			8,100,000
Long-term Debt		325,000,000		325,000,000
Subsequent Event | Incremental term loan | Eurodollar | Amended And Restated Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Rate Margins		2.00%
Subsequent Event | Incremental term loan | Base Rate | Amended And Restated Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Rate Margins		1.00%
Subsequent Event | Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		100,000,000		100,000,000
Subsequent Event | Term loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms				0.0214
Subsequent Event | Vitesse
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (USD per share)		$0.01		0.01
Business Acquisition, Share Price		$5.28		5.28
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred				368,000,000