PMC Sierra (PMCS) 10-Q 5 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'pmcs	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PMC SIERRA INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000767920	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-27	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	198,037,197

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net revenues	$135,462		$128,411		$388,752		$381,156
Cost of revenues (excluding amortization of purchased intangible assets below)	40,306		36,840		114,694		111,864
Gross profit	95,156		91,571		274,058		269,292
Other costs and expenses:	'		'		'		'
Research and development	48,441		50,733		147,977		157,038
Selling, general and administrative	29,265		26,383		87,596		85,002
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	9,948		13,138		32,225		34,698
Income (loss) from operations	7,502		1,317		6,260		-7,446
Other income (expense):	'		'		'		'
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	899		-1,898		642		1,680
Interest income, net	198		230		321		824
Gain on investment securities and other investments	12		1,762		87		1,776
Amortization of debt issue costs	-51		-30		-153		-30
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	8,560		1,381		7,157		-3,196
Provision for income taxes	-3,087		-4,613		-9,405		-13,379
Net income (loss)	$5,473		($3,232)		($2,248)		($16,575)
Net income (loss) per common share - basic	$0.03		($0.02)		($0.01)		($0.08)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted	$0.03		($0.02)		($0.01)		($0.08)
Shares used in per share calculation - basic	197,613		205,377		196,305		204,638
Shares used in per share calculation - diluted	200,744	[1]	205,377	[1]	196,305	[1]	204,638	[1]
[1]	PMC-Sierra Ltd. special shares are included in the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$5,473	($3,232)	($2,248)	($16,575)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $227, ($214), $41 and $48	-745	637	-217	-311
Change in fair value of investment securities, net of tax of $47, ($71), $13 and $153	-134	202	-37	-246
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-879	839	-254	-557
Comprehensive income (loss)	$4,594	($2,393)	($2,502)	($17,132)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives, deferred tax expense (benefit)	$227	($214)	$41	$48
Change in fair value of investment securities, deferred tax expense (benefit)”.	$47	($71)	$13	$153

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$89,940	$100,038
Short-term investments	35,419	10,894
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $845 (2013 - $1,036)	57,013	56,112
Inventories, net	34,588	31,074
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,304	19,855
Income taxes receivable	3,673	2,640
Prepaid tax expenses	2,749	5,695
Deferred tax assets	3,328	43,131
Total current assets	243,014	269,439
Investment securities	103,101	103,391
Investments and other assets	8,190	10,750
Prepaid tax expenses	93	93
Property and equipment, net	38,730	39,149
Goodwill	283,239	278,849
Intangible assets, net	155,881	146,974
Deferred tax assets	1,557	1,306
Assets, Total	833,805	849,951
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	19,092	23,173
Accrued liabilities	72,360	64,257
Credit facility	'	30,000
Income taxes payable	2,983	632
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit	21,394	54,127
Deferred income taxes	9	71
Deferred income	5,501	7,481
Total current liabilities	121,339	179,741
Long-term obligations	35,982	11,108
Deferred income taxes	49,183	43,143
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit	18,621	27,947
PMC special shares convertible into 1,016 (2013 - 1,019) shares of common stock	1,180	1,188
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $.001: 900,000 shares authorized; 197,749 shares issued and outstanding (2013 - 194,415)	198	195
Additional paid in capital	1,577,375	1,550,190
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-780	-526
Accumulated deficit	-969,293	-963,035
Total stockholders' equity	607,500	586,824
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	$833,805	$849,951

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$845	$1,036
PMC special shares convertible into common stock, shares	1,016,000	1,019,000
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	197,749,000	194,415,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	197,749,000	194,415,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($2,248)	($16,575)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	48,739	51,731
Stock-based compensation	16,334	19,461
Unrealized foreign exchange gain, net	-2,372	-6,106
Net amortization of premiums and accrued interest of investments	628	1,353
Asset impairments	770	'
Gain on investment securities and other	-86	-1,767
Excess tax benefits from stock option transactions	'	-2,274
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-934	1,923
Inventories, net	-3,514	-7,110
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,225	927
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-6,699	-8,614
Deferred taxes and income taxes payable	8,608	11,120
Deferred income	-1,980	-915
Net cash provided by operating activities	61,471	43,154
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash paid in connection with business acquisition, net of cash acquired	-10,000	-96,098
Investment in long term deposits	'	-1,127
Purchases of property and equipment	-11,175	-11,297
Purchase of intangible assets	-1,167	-2,048
Redemption of short-term investments	4,920	8,466
Sales of investment securities and other investments	37,936	146,340
Purchases of investment securities and other investments	-67,727	-172,114
Net cash used in investing activities	-47,213	-127,878
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from credit facility	30,000	'
Repayment of credit facility	-60,000	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	17,924	23,476
Repurchases of common stock	-11,496	-22,544
Payment of debt issuance costs	'	-928
Excess tax benefits from stock option transactions	'	2,274
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-23,572	2,278
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-784	-505
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-10,098	-82,951
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	100,038	169,970
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	89,940	87,019
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	276	'
Cash payments for income taxes, net	$747	$1,432

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	NOTE 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of business.  PMC-Sierra, Inc. (the “Company” or “PMC”) is a fabless semiconductor and software solution innovator transforming networks that connect, move and store Big Data. The Company designs, develops, markets and supports semiconductor, embedded software, and board level solutions by integrating its mixed-signal, software and systems expertise through a network of offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Building on a track record of technology leadership, the Company is driving innovation across storage, optical and mobile networks.  PMC’s highly integrated solutions increase performance and enable next generation services to accelerate the network transformation.
	Basis of presentation. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules or regulations.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments which are normal and recurring in nature and are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods.  Fiscal 2014 will consist of 52 weeks and will end on Saturday, December 27, 2014.  Fiscal 2013 consisted of 52 weeks and ended on Saturday, December 28, 2013.  The third quarter of each of 2014 and 2013 consisted of 13 weeks.  The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and presented in thousands unless otherwise stated.
	Subsequent to filing the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q in fiscal year 2013, the unaudited comparative condensed consolidated financial information for the first, second and third quarters of 2013 was restated as disclosed in Item 9B in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. The unaudited comparative financial information for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 presented herein reflects such restatements, which were to correct certain errors related to accounting for income taxes and capitalization of inventory-related overhead costs.
	Estimates. The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Estimates are used for, but not limited to, stock-based compensation, purchase accounting assumptions including those used to calculate the fair value of intangible assets and goodwill, the valuation of investments, accounting for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, depreciation and amortization, asset impairments, revenue recognition, sales returns, warranty costs, income taxes including uncertain tax positions, accounting for employee benefit plans, and contingencies.  Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accountings Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.”  The new guidance requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward.  Accordingly, we adopted these presentation requirements on a prospective basis at the beginning of our first quarter of 2014.  Upon adoption, $44 million of deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary were netted against the related liability for unrecognized tax benefits on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The netting of deferred tax assets and liabilities with unrecognized tax benefits had no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The standard allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption method. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition.  As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award.  This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the service has been rendered.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period.  Early application is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15, which requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the 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.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted. Accordingly, we early adopted this standard and it did not have any impact in our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations	'
	NOTE 2. Business Combinations
	Acquisition of RAID Software License
	On September 4, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), PMC completed a transaction agreement with Hewlett-Packard Company (“HP”) to license core HP Smart Array (“RAID”) software, firmware and management technology (the “Transaction”). With this technology, as well as with certain key employees who worked for HP as lead RAID software development engineers and who were transferred to PMC, PMC can provide more system value to new and existing enterprise, Hyperscale data center and channel customers.
	Acquisition Consideration
	The total acquisition consideration for the Transaction is $52 million cash, payable in installments as follows:
			(in millions)
	Effective Date	$	10
	10-Jan-15		18
	10-Jan-16		12
	10-Jan-17		12
	Payment of the above installments is not subject to any contingencies. Because the installment payments span more than one year, the Company determined the purchase-date fair value of the acquisition consideration by discounting the future payments utilizing an interest rate of 3.0%, which is considered to be representative of the interest rate of a typical market participant. The difference between the total cash installment payments of $52 million and the fair value of $50.5 million as of the Effective Date will be charged to interest expense in 2014-2017. Transaction-related costs of approximately $0.6 million were expensed as incurred in the second and third quarters of 2014 and are included in selling, general and administrative expense.
	Preliminary Allocation of Acquisition Consideration
	The Transaction qualifies as a business combination and was accounted for using the acquisition method. The preliminary allocation of the acquisition consideration to the estimated fair value of assets acquired by major class as of the date of the Transaction is disclosed in the table below. There were no liabilities assumed in the Transaction.
			(in thousands)
	Other current assets	$	337
	Equipment		873
	Goodwill		4,390
	Intangible assets		44,900
	Total assets	$	50,500
	Total acquisition consideration (discounted)	$	50,500
	Acquired Intangible Assets
	The identified intangible assets acquired were recognized at their fair values and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
			Estimated fair value	Weighted average useful life
			(in thousands)
	License of existing technologies	$	39,800	7 years
	Customer relationship		3,800	10 years
	RAID license payments		1,300	8 years
	Total intangible assets		44,900
	The license of existing technologies asset includes patents, business processes, tools, and proprietary business methods related to RAID software. In addition to the current products, the licensed technologies can be leveraged to assist and improve existing services and create future generation products. The valuation assumptions included information on revenues from existing products and future expected revenue and technology migration trends for each technology. Management applied an 18% discount rate to value the license of existing technology assets, which took into consideration market rates of return on debt and equity capital and the risk associated with achieving forecasted revenues related to these assets.
	The customer relationship asset relates primarily to the underlying customer relationship with HP. The preliminary estimated fair value of the customer relationship represents the sum of the present value of the expected cash flows attributable to this customer relationship. The cash flows were determined from the revenue and profit forecasts that are expected to be generated from the customer relationship and were valued by applying a discount rate of 15%.
	The RAID license payments piece of intangible assets relates to annual RAID software fees receivable from HP to incorporate the Company’s RAID software into HP products not incorporating Company hardware and were valued by applying a discount rate of 15%.
	Goodwill
	The Company’s primary reasons for the Transaction were to expand its relationship with HP and to provide additional opportunities for increased revenue through future sales to customers other than HP. As referenced above, included in the Transaction was an assembled workforce of five key employees which provides the Company with intellectual resources for the development of the next generation of the Company’s RAID software (Smart RAIDTM), as well as operational synergies. These factors were the basis for the recognition of goodwill. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years. The acquired goodwill was allocated to our Enterprise Storage Products market segment.
	Pro forma disclosures
	The Transaction would not have a significant impact on PMC’s net revenues or net earnings (loss) for the periods where pro forma disclosures would be required. Revenues and related expenses for the third quarter of 2014 from the Effective date were immaterial.
	Other Agreement
	Upon the closing of the Transaction, the Company also entered into an agreement with HP related to services and non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) which provides the framework for the development of future generations of RAID software for HP for a period of approximately two years from the Effective Date. During this period, HP will make cost reimbursement payments to the Company totaling $25 million, which are receivable in installments through April 2016. The services and NRE agreement is considered to be a market rate contract for services to be provided in the future, thus not having an impact on the acquisition consideration allocation, and will be accounted for prospectively as such services are delivered and related payments are received.
	Acquisition of Integrated Device Technology, Inc’s Enterprise Flash Controller Business
	On July 12, 2013, PMC completed the acquisition of Integrated Device Technology, Inc.’s (“IDT”), Enterprise Flash Controller and PCI Express Switch businesses, including the world’s first NVM Express (NVMe) flash controller for total purchase consideration of approximately $96 million which was accounted for using the acquisition method.  With the addition of these controllers to our storage network products, PMC positioned itself for leadership in the rapidly growing market for enterprise flash controllers.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	NOTE 3.  Derivative Instruments
	The Company generates revenues in U.S. dollars but incurs a portion of its operating expenses in foreign currencies, primarily the Canadian dollar and Israeli Shekel.  To minimize the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the Company’s operating expenses, the Company purchases forward currency contracts.
	As at September 27, 2014, the Company had 84 forward currency contracts (December 28, 2013 - 27) outstanding, all with maturities of less than 12 months, which qualified and were designated as cash flow hedges.  As of September 27, 2014, the U.S. dollar notional amount of these contracts was $35.5 million (December 28, 2013 - $27.7 million) and the contracts had an aggregate fair value loss of $0.2 million (September 28, 2013 – fair value loss of $0.3 million), which was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss net of taxes of nil for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	NOTE 4.  Fair Value Measurements
	ASC Topic 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs that may be used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy is prioritized into three levels (with Level 3 being the lowest) defined as follows:
	Level 1: Inputs are based on quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
	Level 2: Inputs include similar quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3: Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally not observable in the marketplace. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
	The Company’s valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of money market funds and other financial instruments were derived from quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of all other financial instruments, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, were valued based on quoted market prices or model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
	In the third quarter of 2014, the Company reviewed and evaluated the observable market pricing data and volume of trading activity used in determining Level 1 and Level 2 assets and classified $15.5 million of investments as Level 2 that were reported as Level 1 at December 28, 2013.  We also classified $0.3 million of investments as Level 1 that were reported as Level 2 at December 28, 2013.  The Company’s derivative instruments are classified as Level 2 as of September 27, 2014, as they are not actively traded and are valued using pricing models that use observable market inputs.  There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities at September 27, 2014.
	Assets/Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	Financial assets measured on a recurring basis as at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, are summarized below:
		Fair value,
		27-Sep-14
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	12,166	$	—
	Corporate bonds and notes		74,853		22,120
	United States (“US”) treasury and government agency notes		37,888		887
	Foreign government and agency notes		—		2,540
	US state and municipal securities		—		231
	Total assets	$	124,907	$	25,778
		Fair value,
		28-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	14,629	$	—
	Corporate bonds and notes		79,653		3,166
	US treasury and government agency notes		28,985		—
	Foreign government and agency notes		2,048		—
	US state and municipal securities		433		—
	Total assets	$	125,748	$	3,166
	These assets are included in Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Long-term investment securities.  See Note 7. Investment Securities.
	Financial liabilities measured on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Fair value,
		27-Sep-14
	(in thousands)	Level 2
	Current liabilities:
	Forward currency contracts	$	870
		Fair value,
		28-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Level 2
	Current liabilities:
	Forward currency contracts	$	612
	These are included in Accrued liabilities.
	There were no assets or liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 27, 2014.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	NOTE 5.  Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has two stock-based compensation programs, which are described below.  Neither of the Company’s stock-based awards under these plans are classified as liabilities.  The Company did not capitalize any stock-based compensation cost, and recorded compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,			September 28,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Cost of revenues	$	226	$	190	$	681		$	643
	Research and development		1,990		2,541		6,540			8,241
	Selling, general and administrative		3,012		3,143		9,113			10,577
	Total	$	5,228	$	5,874	$	16,334		$	19,461
	The Company received cash of $7.3 million and $17.9 million related to the issuance of stock-based awards during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively.  The Company received cash of $6.8 million and $23.5 million related to the issuance of stock-based awards during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively.
	Equity Award Plans
	The Company issues its common stock under the provisions of the 2008 Equity Plan (the “2008 Plan”). Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date. The options generally expire within 10 years and vest over four years.
	The 2008 Plan was approved by stockholders at the 2008 Annual Meeting.  The 2008 Plan became effective on January 1, 2009 (the “Effective Date”).  It is a successor to the 1994 Incentive Stock Plan (the “1994 Plan”) and the 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”).  Up to 30,000,000 shares of our common stock have been initially reserved for issuance under the 2008 Plan.  At the 2012 Annual Meeting, stockholders approved an increase in shares reserved for issuance under the 2008 plan by 9,500,000 shares, which shares were registered on May 14, 2012 on Form S-8, bringing the total number of authorized and registered shares available under the 2008 Plan to 39,500,000.  To the extent that a share that is subject to an award that counts as 1.6 shares against the 2008 Plan’s share reserve is added back into the 2008 Plan upon expiration or termination of the award or repurchase or forfeiture of the shares, the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2008 Plan will be credited with 1.6 shares.  The implementation of the 2008 Plan did not affect any options or restricted stock units outstanding under the 1994 Plan or the 2001 Plan on the Effective Date.  To the extent that any of those options or restricted stock units subsequently terminate unexercised or prior to issuance of shares thereunder, the number of shares of common stock subject to those terminated awards will be added to the share reserve available for issuance under the 2008 Plan, up to an additional 15,000,000 shares. No additional shares may be issued under the 1994 Plan or the 2001 Plan.
	Activity under the option plans during the nine months ended September 27, 2014 was as follows:
			Number of options	Weighted average exercise price per share			Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)			Aggregate intrinsic value
	Outstanding, December 28, 2013		23,555,472	$	8.01				$	6,834,586
	Granted and Assumed		644,237	$	6.87
	Exercised		-1,270,510	$	5.56
	Forfeited		-195,410	$	7.33
	Expired		-2,470,231	$	14.18
	Outstanding, September 27, 2014		20,263,558	$	7.48		4.51		$	14,462,690
	Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2014		20,002,407	$	7.50		4.45		$	14,189,984
	Exercisable, September 27, 2014		17,902,164	$	7.61		4.00		$	12,019,020
	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock for the options that were in-the-money at September 27, 2014.  Total forfeitures recorded amounted to $1.8 million and $2.0 million during each of the nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013, respectively.
	The fair value of the Company’s stock option awards granted to employees is estimated using a lattice-binomial valuation model.  This model considers the contractual term of the option, the probability that the option will be exercised prior to the end of its contractual life, and the probability of termination or retirement of the option holder in computing the value of the option.   The model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility and expected life.
	The Company’s estimates of expected volatilities are based on a weighted historical and market-based implied volatility.  The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes.  The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the stock option valuation model and represents the period of time that granted options are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the stock option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.
	The fair values of the Company’s stock option awards were calculated for expense recognition using an estimated forfeiture rate, assuming no expected dividends and using the following weighted average assumptions:
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 27,	September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
			2014	2013		2014		2013
	Expected life (years)		5.75	5.63		5.75		5.86
	Expected volatility		33%	40%		33%		40%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.8%	1.6%		1.8%		1.6%
	The weighted average grant-date fair value per stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 was $2.29. The weighted average grant-date fair value per stock option granted during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 was $2.45 and $2.47, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 was $0.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 was $0.6 million and $2.8 million respectively.
	As of September 27, 2014, there was $4.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options granted under the plans, which is expected to be recognized over an average period of 2.4 years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	On February 1, 2007, the Company amended its stock award plans to allow for the issuance of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to employees and members of the Board of Directors.  The first grant of RSUs occurred on May 25, 2007.  The grants vest over varying terms, up to a maximum of four years from the date of grant.  In July 2012, the Compensation Committee decided to allocate a portion of equity granted to the CEO as performance equity.  The first grant of Performance RSUs to the CEO occurred on August 27, 2012. The performance goal applicable to these Performance RSUs granted in 2012 were based on the degree of achievement of the Company’s 2012 revenue with vesting terms over three years. On August 26, 2013 Performance RSUs were granted to the CEO and Executive Direct reports. The performance metric applicable to the RSUs granted in 2013 are based on the degree of achievement of Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative to Global Industry Classification Standards (“GICS”) Semiconductor Companies (8-Digit) for the Performance Period (July 1,  2013 - June 30, 2015). The total estimated $1.7 million fair value of these 2013 grants will be recognized as compensation expense over the grant’s vesting terms, with fifty percent vesting on August 25, 2015 and fifty percent vesting on August 25, 2016.
	Effective in August 2014, the Compensation Committee adopted a second performance-based equity program as part of the Company’s equity compensation program applicable to the CEO and his direct reports (“Executive(s)”).  The addition of the second program increases the performance-based equity portion of the annual equity award to our Executives to 50% and reduces the portion previously attributed to options from 50% to 25%.  Time-based RSUs make up the remaining 25% of an Executive’s annual grant.   The performance metric for the new performance-based equity program is based on the Non-GAAP operating income target for each year in the Company’s internal 3-year operating plan treated as three distinct, one-year performance periods.  On August 25, 2014, the Company made its annual grant of RSU awards to Executives. The performance metric applicable to the RSUs granted under the first program remain based on the degree of achievement of TSR relative to GICS Semiconductor Companies (8-Digit) for the Performance Period (July 1,  2014 - June 30, 2016). The total estimated $1.9 million fair value of these 2014 awards will be recognized as compensation expense after the Compensation Committee certifies the number of earned RSUs over the award’s vesting terms, with fifty percent vesting on August 25, 2016 and fifty percent vesting on August 25, 2017. The total fair value of the awards based on the second performance-based program tied to Non-GAAP operating income targets for 2014-2016 was estimated at $2.0 million fair value of these 2014 grants and will be recognized as compensation expense after the Compensation Committee certifies the number of earned RSUs over the award’s vesting terms, with thirty-four percent vesting on February 25, 2015, thirty-three percent vesting on February 25, 2016 and thirty-three  percent vesting on February 25, 2017.
	A summary of RSU activity during the nine months ended September 27, 2014 is as follows:
			Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)			Aggregate intrinsic value
	Unvested units at December 28, 2013		6,179,037			$	39,545,837
	Awarded		3,339,559
	Released		-1,843,835
	Forfeited		-665,806
	Unvested units at September 27, 2014		7,008,955		1.88	$	52,952,684
	Expected to vest, September 27, 2014		5,994,812		1.78	$	45,290,807
	The intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 was  $8.5 million and $13.5 million, respectively. As of September 27, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested RSUs was $38.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 2.8 years.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was approved by stockholders at the 2010 Annual Meeting.  The 2011 Plan became effective on February 11, 2011. The 2011 Plan consists of consecutive offering periods, generally of a duration of 6 months, and allows eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the end of each such offering period, generally February and August of any year, at a price per share equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the start date or the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date of the offering period.  Employees purchase such shares through payroll deductions which may not exceed 10% of their total cash compensation.  The 2011 Plan imposes certain limitations upon an employee’s right to acquire Common Stock, including the following: (i) no employee may purchase more than 7,500 shares of Common Stock on any one purchase date and (ii) no employee may be granted rights to purchase more than $25,000 worth of Common Stock for each calendar year that such rights are at any time outstanding.  Up to 12,000,000 shares of our Common Stock have been initially reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
	During the nine months ended September 27, 2014, 1,916,727 shares were issued under the 2011 Plan at a weighted average price of $5.66 per share.  As of September 27, 2014, 4,380,208 shares were available for future issuance under the 2011 Plan compared to 6,296,935 under the 2011 Plan as at December 28, 2013. The valuation inputs utilized to determine the grant date fair value per ESPP award granted were as follows:
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 27,	September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
			2014	2013		2014		2013
	Expected life (years)		0.5	0.5		0.5		0.5
	Expected volatility		38%	34%		35%		35%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.1%	0.1%		0.1%		0.1%
	The weighted average grant date fair value per ESPP award granted during the first nine months of 2014 was $1.74.  The total intrinsic value of ESPP shares issued during the first nine months of 2014 was $2.3 million.
	As of September 27, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested ESPP awards was $1.3  million which is expected to be recognized over the next four months.

Balance_Sheet_Items

Balance Sheet Items	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Items	'
	NOTE 6.  Balance Sheet Items
		a.		Inventories.
	Inventories (net of reserves of $7.3  million and $6.6 million at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively) were as follows:
		September 27,			December 28,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Work-in-progress	$	17,865		$	15,847
	Finished goods		16,723			15,227
		$	34,588		$	31,074
		b.		Product warranties.
	The Company provides a limited warranty on most of its standard products and accrues for the estimated cost at the time of shipment.  The Company estimates its warranty costs based on historical failure rates and related repair or replacement costs and periodically reassess these estimates as actual warranty activities occur.  The changes in the Company’s accrued warranty obligations from December 28, 2013 to September 27, 2014, and from December 29, 2012 to September 28, 2013 were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 27,			September 28,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of the period	$	2,163		$	5,981
	Accrual for new warranties issued		371			402
	Reduction for payments and product replacements		-533			-868
	Adjustments related to revisions and changes in estimate of warranty accrual		-113			-3,198
	Balance, end of the period	$	1,888		$	2,317
	The Company’s accrual for warranty obligations is included in Accrued liabilities in the interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The change in estimate of warranty accrual in the third quarter of 2013 includes a reduction for amounts over accrued in prior periods and amounts do not have a material impact to 2013 or prior periods.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Investment Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment Securities	'
	NOTE 7.  Investment Securities
	The Company’s available for sale investments, by investment type, consists of the following at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		27-Sep-14
	(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains*		Gross Unrealized Losses*		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	12,166	$	—	$	—	$	12,166
	Total cash equivalents		12,166		—		—		12,166
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and notes		32,275		439		-1		32,713
	US treasury and government agency notes		1,514		62		—		1,576
	Foreign government and agency notes		1,123		7		—		1,130
	US states and municipal securities		—		—		—		—
	Total short-term investments		34,912		508		-1		35,419
	Long-term investment securities:
	Corporate bonds and notes		64,242		95		-76		64,261
	US treasury and government agency notes		37,204		20		-25		37,199
	Foreign government and agency notes		1,409		3		-2		1,410
	US states and municipal securities		230		1		—		231
	Total long-term investment securities		103,085		119		-103		103,101
	Total	$	150,163	$	627	$	-104	$	150,686
	*Gross unrealized gains include accrued interest on investments of $0.5 million which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The remainder of the gross unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
		28-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains*		Gross Unrealized Losses*		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	14,629	$	—	$	—	$	14,629
	Total cash equivalents		14,629		—		—		14,629
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and notes		7,735		416		-2		8,149
	US treasury and government agency notes		2,499		44		—		2,543
	Foreign government and agency notes		—		—		—		—
	US states and municipal securities		200		2		—		202
	Total short-term investments		10,434		462		-2		10,894
	Long-term investment securities:
	Corporate bonds and notes		74,583		121		-34		74,670
	US treasury and government agency notes		26,421		30		-9		26,442
	Foreign government and agency notes		2,049		1		-2		2,048
	US states and municipal securities		230		1		—		231
	Total long-term investment securities		103,283		153		-45		103,391
	Total	$	128,346	$	615	$	-47	$	128,914
	*Gross unrealized gains include accrued interest on investments of $0.5 million which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The remainder of the gross unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the fair value of certain of the Company’s available-for-sale securities was less than their cost basis.  Management reviews various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge related to these unrealized losses, including the current financial and credit market environment, the financial condition, near-term prospects of the issuer of the investment security, the magnitude of the unrealized loss compared to the cost of the investment, length of time the investment has been in a loss position and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of market value.  As of September 27, 2014, the Company determined that all the unrealized losses are temporary in nature and recorded them as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Contractual maturities as of September 27, 2014 of the Company’s investment securities do not exceed three years.  The majority of the contractual maturities are two to three years, and the balance has maturities of one year or less.

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Credit Facility	'
	NOTE 8. Credit Facility
	As of September 27, 2014, the Company had an available revolving line of credit with a bank under which the Company may borrow up to $100 million, of which $nil was drawn (December 28, 2013 - $30 million). The Company may request, from time to time, and subject to customary conditions, including receipt of commitments, that the revolving credit facility be increased by an aggregate amount not to exceed $150 million.  Interest payments are based on LIBOR plus margins, where margins ranges from 1.75% to 2.25% per annum based on the Company’s leverage ratio.  The revolving credit facility is available for general corporate purposes. The credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s personal property. The Company’s obligations under the credit facility are jointly and severally guaranteed by material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 9.  Income Taxes
	The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $3.1 million and $9.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and a provision for income taxes of $4.6 million and $13.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively.
	The Company’s effective tax rate was 36% and 334% for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.  For each of the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the 35% federal statutory rate results primarily from changes in accruals related to unrecognized tax benefits, non-deductible amortization of intangible assets, amortization of prepaid taxes, and book losses that are not benefitted for tax purposes, partially offset by earnings eligible for tax rates lower than the federal statutory rate.
	The Company’s effective tax rate was 131% and (419%) for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.  For each of the first nine months periods of 2014 and 2013, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the 35% federal statutory rate results primarily from changes in accruals related to unrecognized tax benefits, non-deductible amortization of intangible assets, amortization of prepaid taxes, and book losses that are not benefitted for tax purposes, partially offset by foreign earnings eligible for tax rates lower than the federal statutory rate.
	As of September 27, 2014, the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits on a world-wide consolidated basis was $40 million. The ultimate recognition of an amount different from this estimate would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	NOTE 10.  Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep			September 28,		27-Sep		September 28,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	5,473		$	-3,232	$	-2,248	$	-16,575
	Denominator:
	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)		197,613			205,377		196,305		204,638
	Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards		3,131			—		—		—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)		200,744			205,377		196,305		204,638
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	-0.02	$	-0.01	$	-0.08
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	-0.02	$	-0.01	$	-0.08
		-1		PMC-Sierra Ltd. special shares are included in the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.
	In the nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company had approximately 3.3 million of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (2.1  million in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013) that were not included in the diluted net loss per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

Stock_Repurchase_Program

Stock Repurchase Program	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]	'
Stock Repurchase Program	'
	NOTE 11.  Stock Repurchase Program
	On March 13, 2012, the Company announced a $275 million stock repurchase program. For the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the Company repurchased nil and  2.7 million shares, respectively.  Total cash cost was nil and $17.1 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the Company repurchased 1.4 million and  3.6 million shares, respectively.  Total cash cost was approximately $8.9 million and $22.5 million, respectively.  The repurchased shares were retired immediately.  Accordingly, the repurchased shares were recorded as a reduction of common stock, additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit.  As of September 27, 2014, the Company had completed $247.9 million of the announced $275 million stock repurchase program.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description Of Business	'
	Description of business.  PMC-Sierra, Inc. (the “Company” or “PMC”) is a fabless semiconductor and software solution innovator transforming networks that connect, move and store Big Data. The Company designs, develops, markets and supports semiconductor, embedded software, and board level solutions by integrating its mixed-signal, software and systems expertise through a network of offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Building on a track record of technology leadership, the Company is driving innovation across storage, optical and mobile networks.  PMC’s highly integrated solutions increase performance and enable next generation services to accelerate the network transformation.
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Basis of presentation. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules or regulations.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments which are normal and recurring in nature and are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods.  Fiscal 2014 will consist of 52 weeks and will end on Saturday, December 27, 2014.  Fiscal 2013 consisted of 52 weeks and ended on Saturday, December 28, 2013.  The third quarter of each of 2014 and 2013 consisted of 13 weeks.  The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and presented in thousands unless otherwise stated.
	Subsequent to filing the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q in fiscal year 2013, the unaudited comparative condensed consolidated financial information for the first, second and third quarters of 2013 was restated as disclosed in Item 9B in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. The unaudited comparative financial information for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 presented herein reflects such restatements, which were to correct certain errors related to accounting for income taxes and capitalization of inventory-related overhead costs.
Estimates	'
	Estimates. The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Estimates are used for, but not limited to, stock-based compensation, purchase accounting assumptions including those used to calculate the fair value of intangible assets and goodwill, the valuation of investments, accounting for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, depreciation and amortization, asset impairments, revenue recognition, sales returns, warranty costs, income taxes including uncertain tax positions, accounting for employee benefit plans, and contingencies.  Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accountings Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.”  The new guidance requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward.  Accordingly, we adopted these presentation requirements on a prospective basis at the beginning of our first quarter of 2014.  Upon adoption, $44 million of deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary were netted against the related liability for unrecognized tax benefits on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The netting of deferred tax assets and liabilities with unrecognized tax benefits had no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The standard allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption method. We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition.  As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award.  This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the service has been rendered.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period.  Early application is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern, or ASU 2014-15, which requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the 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.  The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted. Accordingly, we early adopted this standard and it did not have any impact in our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition Consideration For The Transaction	'
			(in millions)
	Effective Date	$	10
	10-Jan-15		18
	10-Jan-16		12
	10-Jan-17		12
Schedule of Business Acquisition	'
			(in thousands)
	Other current assets	$	337
	Equipment		873
	Goodwill		4,390
	Intangible assets		44,900
	Total assets	$	50,500
	Total acquisition consideration (discounted)	$	50,500
Schedule Of Amortizable Intangible Assets	'
			Estimated fair value	Weighted average useful life
			(in thousands)
	License of existing technologies	$	39,800	7 years
	Customer relationship		3,800	10 years
	RAID license payments		1,300	8 years
	Total intangible assets		44,900

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	'
		Fair value,
		27-Sep-14
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	12,166	$	—
	Corporate bonds and notes		74,853		22,120
	United States (“US”) treasury and government agency notes		37,888		887
	Foreign government and agency notes		—		2,540
	US state and municipal securities		—		231
	Total assets	$	124,907	$	25,778
		Fair value,
		28-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	14,629	$	—
	Corporate bonds and notes		79,653		3,166
	US treasury and government agency notes		28,985		—
	Foreign government and agency notes		2,048		—
	US state and municipal securities		433		—
	Total assets	$	125,748	$	3,166
	These assets are included in Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Long-term investment securities.  See Note 7. Investment Securities.
Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	'
		Fair value,
		27-Sep-14
	(in thousands)	Level 2
	Current liabilities:
	Forward currency contracts	$	870
		Fair value,
		28-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Level 2
	Current liabilities:
	Forward currency contracts	$	612
	These are included in Accrued liabilities.

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,			September 28,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Cost of revenues	$	226	$	190	$	681		$	643
	Research and development		1,990		2,541		6,540			8,241
	Selling, general and administrative		3,012		3,143		9,113			10,577
	Total	$	5,228	$	5,874	$	16,334		$	19,461
Schedule Of Activity Under Option Plans	'
			Number of options	Weighted average exercise price per share			Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)			Aggregate intrinsic value
	Outstanding, December 28, 2013		23,555,472	$	8.01				$	6,834,586
	Granted and Assumed		644,237	$	6.87
	Exercised		-1,270,510	$	5.56
	Forfeited		-195,410	$	7.33
	Expired		-2,470,231	$	14.18
	Outstanding, September 27, 2014		20,263,558	$	7.48		4.51		$	14,462,690
	Vested and expected to vest, September 27, 2014		20,002,407	$	7.50		4.45		$	14,189,984
	Exercisable, September 27, 2014		17,902,164	$	7.61		4.00		$	12,019,020
Schedule Of Fair Value Assumptions	'
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 27,	September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
			2014	2013		2014		2013
	Expected life (years)		5.75	5.63		5.75		5.86
	Expected volatility		33%	40%		33%		40%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.8%	1.6%		1.8%		1.6%
Schedule Of Summary Of RSU Activity	'
			Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)			Aggregate intrinsic value
	Unvested units at December 28, 2013		6,179,037			$	39,545,837
	Awarded		3,339,559
	Released		-1,843,835
	Forfeited		-665,806
	Unvested units at September 27, 2014		7,008,955		1.88	$	52,952,684
	Expected to vest, September 27, 2014		5,994,812		1.78	$	45,290,807
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Fair Value Assumptions	'
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 27,	September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
			2014	2013		2014		2013
	Expected life (years)		0.5	0.5		0.5		0.5
	Expected volatility		38%	34%		35%		35%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.1%	0.1%		0.1%		0.1%

Balance_Sheet_Items_Tables

Balance Sheet Items (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Inventory	'
		September 27,		December 28,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Work-in-progress	$	17,865	$	15,847
	Finished goods		16,723		15,227
		$	34,588	$	31,074
Schedule Of Product Warranties	'
		Nine Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of the period	$	2,163	$	5,981
	Accrual for new warranties issued		371		402
	Reduction for payments and product replacements		-533		-868
	Adjustments related to revisions and changes in estimate of warranty accrual		-113		-3,198
	Balance, end of the period	$	1,888	$	2,317

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Investment Securities [Abstract]	'
Available For Sale Investments	'
		27-Sep-14
	(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains*		Gross Unrealized Losses*		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	12,166	$	—	$	—	$	12,166
	Total cash equivalents		12,166		—		—		12,166
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and notes		32,275		439		-1		32,713
	US treasury and government agency notes		1,514		62		—		1,576
	Foreign government and agency notes		1,123		7		—		1,130
	US states and municipal securities		—		—		—		—
	Total short-term investments		34,912		508		-1		35,419
	Long-term investment securities:
	Corporate bonds and notes		64,242		95		-76		64,261
	US treasury and government agency notes		37,204		20		-25		37,199
	Foreign government and agency notes		1,409		3		-2		1,410
	US states and municipal securities		230		1		—		231
	Total long-term investment securities		103,085		119		-103		103,101
	Total	$	150,163	$	627	$	-104	$	150,686
	*Gross unrealized gains include accrued interest on investments of $0.5 million which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The remainder of the gross unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
		28-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains*		Gross Unrealized Losses*		Fair Value
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	14,629	$	—	$	—	$	14,629
	Total cash equivalents		14,629		—		—		14,629
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and notes		7,735		416		-2		8,149
	US treasury and government agency notes		2,499		44		—		2,543
	Foreign government and agency notes		—		—		—		—
	US states and municipal securities		200		2		—		202
	Total short-term investments		10,434		462		-2		10,894
	Long-term investment securities:
	Corporate bonds and notes		74,583		121		-34		74,670
	US treasury and government agency notes		26,421		30		-9		26,442
	Foreign government and agency notes		2,049		1		-2		2,048
	US states and municipal securities		230		1		—		231
	Total long-term investment securities		103,283		153		-45		103,391
	Total	$	128,346	$	615	$	-47	$	128,914
	*Gross unrealized gains include accrued interest on investments of $0.5 million which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The remainder of the gross unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Net Loss Per Share	'
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep			September 28,		27-Sep		September 28,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	5,473		$	-3,232	$	-2,248	$	-16,575
	Denominator:
	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)		197,613			205,377		196,305		204,638
	Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards		3,131			—		—		—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)		200,744			205,377		196,305		204,638
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	-0.02	$	-0.01	$	-0.08
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.03		$	-0.02	$	-0.01	$	-0.08
		-1		PMC-Sierra Ltd. special shares are included in the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiary	$44

Business_Combinations_Narrativ

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jul. 12, 2013	Sep. 04, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
		Integrated Device Technology Inc Enterprise Flash Controller Business [Member]	RAID Software [Member]	RAID Software [Member]	License of existing technologies [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]
					RAID Software [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate	'	'	'	15.00%	18.00%	15.00%
Aggregate purchase price	'	$96	$52	'	'	'
Goodwill expected tax deductible period	'15 years	'	'	'	'	'
Cost reimbursement payments	$25	'	'	'	'	'

Business_Combinations_Acquisit

Business Combinations (Acquisition Consideration For The Transaction) (Details) (RAID Software [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 04, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate purchase price	$52	'
Contingent purchase consideration	10	'
Discounted future payment interest rate, percent	3.00%	'
Fair value	50.5	'
Transaction related costs	'	0.6
January 10, 2015 [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent purchase consideration	18	'
January 10, 2016 [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent purchase consideration	12	'
January 10, 2017 [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent purchase consideration	$12	'

Business_Combinations_Schedule

Business Combinations (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 04, 2014
			RAID Software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other current assets	'	'	$337,000
Equipment	'	'	873,000
Goodwill	283,239,000	278,849,000	4,390,000
Intangible assets	'	'	44,900,000
Total assets	'	'	50,500,000
Total acquisition consideration (discounted)	'	'	50,500,000
Liabilities assumed	'	'	$0

Business_Combinations_Schedule1

Business Combinations (Schedule Of Amortizable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Total intangible assets, estimated fair value	$44,900
License of existing technologies [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Total intangible assets, estimated fair value	39,800
Weighted average useful life	'7 years
Customer Relationships [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Total intangible assets, estimated fair value	3,800
Weighted average useful life	'10 years
RAID License Payments [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Total intangible assets, estimated fair value	$1,300
Weighted average useful life	'8 years

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
	contract		contract
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Forward currency contracts outstanding	84	'	27
Forward currency contracts maturity, maximum	'12 months	'	'
Notional amount of contracts	$35.50	'	$27.70
Fair value gain (loss), net of taxes	0.2	-0.3	'
Tax effect on fair value gain	$0	$0	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured and recorded at fair value	$0	'
Liabilities measured and recorded at fair value	0	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments previously listed as Level 2	300,000	'
Assets measured and recorded at fair value	124,907,000	125,748,000
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments previously listed as Level 1	15,500,000	'
Assets measured and recorded at fair value	25,778,000	3,166,000
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured and recorded at fair value	0	'
Liabilities measured and recorded at fair value	$0	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets Measured At Fair Values On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$124,907,000	$125,748,000
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	12,166,000	14,629,000
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Bonds And Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	74,853,000	79,653,000
Level 1 [Member] | United States ("US") Treasury And Government Agency Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	37,888,000	28,985,000
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Government And Agency Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	'	2,048,000
Level 1 [Member] | US State And Municipal Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	'	433,000
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	25,778,000	3,166,000
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds And Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	22,120,000	3,166,000
Level 2 [Member] | United States ("US") Treasury And Government Agency Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	887,000	'
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government And Agency Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	2,540,000	'
Level 2 [Member] | US State And Municipal Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$231,000	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Liabil

Fair Value Measurements (Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Forward currency contracts	$870	$612

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

ShareBasedCompensationPlan

RSU Activity [Member]

RSU Activity [Member]

RSU Activity [Member]

RSU Activity [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

1994 Plan [Member]

2001 Plan [Member]

2008 Plan [Member]

2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

2012 Annual Plan Of Record [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Pre-Vesting [Member]

August 25, 2015 [Member]

August 25, 2016 [Member]

2008 Plan [Member]

2008 Plan [Member]

2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stock-based compensation programs

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of stock-based awards

$7,300,000

$6,800,000

$17,900,000

$23,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Option expiration period (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting period (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

Award vesting percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares reserved for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,380,208

6,296,935

'

39,500,000

30,000,000

12,000,000

'

Additional shares reserved for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

9,500,000

'

'

Shares per award, ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,916,727

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value per stock option

$2.29

$2.45

$2.29

$2.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of stock options

700,000

600,000

2,300,000

2,800,000

8,500,000

13,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation costs

4,600,000

'

4,600,000

'

38,700,000

38,700,000

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation expected to be recognized, average period

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 9 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 4 months 24 days

Fair value of grants

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock price as a percentage of fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-GAAP operating income recognized as share based expense

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

5,228,000

5,874,000

16,334,000

19,461,000

'

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of compensation an employee can use to purchase stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum shares of stock an employee can purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500

'

Maximum amount granted to each employee to purchase common stock under ESPP

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

'

Weighted average price per share under ESPP

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5.66

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant-date fair value per ESPP award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.74

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of ESPP shares issued

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total forfeitures recorded

'

'

$1,800,000

$2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$5,228	$5,874	$16,334	$19,461
Cost of revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	226	190	681	643
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,990	2,541	6,540	8,241
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$3,012	$3,143	$9,113	$10,577

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Activity Under Option Plans) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Outstanding beginning balance, Number of options	23,555,472
Granted and Assumed, Number of options	644,237
Exercised, Number of options	-1,270,510
Forfeited, Number of options	-195,410
Expired, Number of options	-2,470,231
Outstanding ending balance, Number of options	20,263,558
Vested & expected to vest, Number of options	20,002,407
Exercisable ending balance, Number of options	17,902,164
Outstanding beginning balance, Weighted average exercise price per share	$8.01
Granted and Assumed, Weighted average exercise price per share	$6.87
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share	$5.56
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price per share	$7.33
Expired, Weighted average exercise price per shre	$14.18
Outstanding ending balance, Weighted average exercise price per share	$7.48
Vested & expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price per share	$7.50
Exercisable ending balance, Weighted average exercise price per share	$7.61
Outstanding ending balance, Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	'4 years 6 months 4 days
Vested & expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	'4 years 5 months 12 days
Exercisable ending balance, Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	'4 years
Outstanding beginning balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	$6,834,586
Outstanding ending balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	14,462,690
Vested & expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	14,189,984
Exercisable ending balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	$12,019,020

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Fair Values Of Company's Stock Option Awards) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected life (years)	'5 years 9 months	'5 years 7 months 17 days	'5 years 9 months	'5 years 10 months 10 days
Expected volatility	33.00%	40.00%	33.00%	40.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.60%	1.80%	1.60%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected life (years)	'6 months	'6 months	'6 months	'6 months
Expected volatility	38.00%	34.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu3

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Summary Of RSU Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Beginning of period, Unvested Restricted Stock Units	6,179,037
Awarded, Restricted Stock Units	3,339,559
Released, Restricted Stock Units	-1,843,835
Forfeited, Restricted Stock Units	-665,806
End of period, Restricted Stock Units	7,008,955
Restricted Stock Units expected to vest	5,994,812
End of period, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'1 year 10 months 17 days
Restricted Stock Units expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'1 year 9 months 11 days
Beginning of period, Aggregate intrinsic value	$39,545,837
End of period, Aggregate intrinsic value	52,952,684
Restricted Stock Units expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	$45,290,807

Balance_Sheet_Items_Schedule_O

Balance Sheet Items (Schedule Of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]	'	'
Work-in-progress	$17,865,000	$15,847,000
Finished goods	16,723,000	15,227,000
Inventory, net	34,588,000	31,074,000
Inventory reserves	$7,300,000	$6,600,000

Balance_Sheet_Items_Schedule_O1

Balance Sheet Items (Schedule Of Product Warranties) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Balance Sheet Items [Abstract]	'	'
Balance, beginning of the period	$2,163	$5,981
Accrual for new warranties issued	371	402
Reduction for payments and product replacements	-533	-868
Adjustments related to changes in estimate of warranty accrual	-113	-3,198
Balance, end of the period	$1,888	$2,317

Investment_Securities_Narrativ

Investment Securities (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'
Contractual maturities of investment securities	'3 years
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'
Contractual maturities of investment securities	'2 years
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'
Contractual maturities of investment securities	'3 years
Contractual maturities of investment securities, balance	'1 year

Investment_Securities_Availabl

Investment Securities (Available For Sale Investments) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	$150,163,000		$128,346,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	627,000	[1]	615,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-104,000	[1]	-47,000	[1]
Fair Value	150,686,000		128,914,000
Accrued interest on investments	500,000		500,000
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	12,166,000		14,629,000
Fair Value	12,166,000		14,629,000
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	12,166,000		14,629,000
Fair Value	12,166,000		14,629,000
Short-Term Investments [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	34,912,000		10,434,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	508,000	[1]	462,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,000	[1]	-2,000	[1]
Fair Value	35,419,000		10,894,000
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Corporate Bonds And Notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	32,275,000		7,735,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	439,000	[1]	416,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,000	[1]	-2,000	[1]
Fair Value	32,713,000		8,149,000
Short-Term Investments [Member] | US Treasury And Government Agency Notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	1,514,000		2,499,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	62,000	[1]	44,000	[1]
Fair Value	1,576,000		2,543,000
Short-Term Investments [Member] | Foreign Government And Agency Notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	1,123,000		'
Gross Unrealized Gains	7,000	[1]	'
Fair Value	1,130,000		'
Short-Term Investments [Member] | US States And Municipal Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	'		200,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	'		2,000	[1]
Fair Value	'		202,000
Long-Term Investment Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	103,085,000		103,283,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	119,000	[1]	153,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-103,000	[1]	-45,000	[1]
Fair Value	103,101,000		103,391,000
Long-Term Investment Securities [Member] | Corporate Bonds And Notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	64,242,000		74,583,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	95,000	[1]	121,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-76,000	[1]	-34,000	[1]
Fair Value	64,261,000		74,670,000
Long-Term Investment Securities [Member] | US Treasury And Government Agency Notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	37,204,000		26,421,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	20,000	[1]	30,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-25,000	[1]	-9,000	[1]
Fair Value	37,199,000		26,442,000
Long-Term Investment Securities [Member] | Foreign Government And Agency Notes [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	1,409,000		2,049,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,000	[1]	1,000	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,000	[1]	-2,000	[1]
Fair Value	1,410,000		2,048,000
Long-Term Investment Securities [Member] | US States And Municipal Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	230,000		230,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,000	[1]	1,000	[1]
Fair Value	$231,000		$231,000
[1]	Gross unrealized gains include accrued interest on investments of $0.5 million which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The remainder of the gross unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Credit_Facility_Details

Credit Facility (Details) (Revolving Credit Facility [Member], USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility line of credit	$100	'
Line of credit, amount drawn	0	30
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Margin rates	1.75%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility line of credit	$150	'
Margin rates	2.25%	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$3,087,000	$4,613,000	'	'	$9,405,000	$13,379,000
Effective tax rate	36.00%	334.00%	'	'	131.00%	-419.00%
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$40,000,000	'	'	'	$40,000,000	'

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Sche

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Schedule Of Net Loss Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$5,473		($3,232)		($2,248)		($16,575)
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	197,613	[1]	205,377	[1]	196,305	[1]	204,638	[1]
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards	3,131		'		'		'
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	200,744	[1]	205,377	[1]	196,305	[1]	204,638	[1]
Basic net income (loss) per share	$0.03		($0.02)		($0.01)		($0.08)
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$0.03		($0.02)		($0.01)		($0.08)
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	3,300,000		2,100,000		'		2,100,000
[1]	PMC-Sierra Ltd. special shares are included in the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

Stock_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 13, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Share repurchase plan, authorized amount	$275,000,000	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchased of common stock, shares	'	0	2,700	1,400	3,600
Repurchase of common stock, value	'	0	17,100,000	8,900,000	22,500,000
Share repurchase plan, authorized amount available	'	$247,900,000	'	$247,900,000	'