Atmel (ATML) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ATMEL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	872448
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		417,378,300
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Fiscal Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenue	$318,288	$337,361
Cost of revenue	170,991	197,371
Research and development	59,129	69,752
Selling, general and administrative	62,073	64,079
Acquisition-related charges	4,403	1,628
Restructuring charges (credits)	1,147	-224
Total operating expenses	297,743	332,606
Consolidated income from operations	20,545	4,755
Interest and other income, net	3,700	77
Income before income taxes	24,245	4,832
Provision for income taxes	7,699	2,666
Net income	16,546	2,166
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of taxes	-51	0
Net income attributable to Atmel	$16,495	$2,166
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.01
Weighted-average shares used in basic net income per share calculations (in shares)	417,038	425,390
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.01
Weighted-average shares used in diluted net income per share calculations (in shares)	418,462	427,276
Cash dividends declared and paid per share (in dollars per share)	$0.04	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$16,546	$2,166
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	16,495	2,166
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-11,730	323
Actuarial losses related to defined benefit pension plans	-325	-19
Reclassification adjustment from sale of investment	0	328
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-12,055	632
Total comprehensive income	$4,491	$2,798

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$200,847	$206,937
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,924 and $5,945, respectively	196,653	222,021
Inventories	274,192	278,242
Prepaids and other current assets	81,553	89,101
Total current assets	753,245	796,301
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,334,858 and $1,333,103, respectively	154,809	158,281
Goodwill	188,554	191,088
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $61,857 and $58,471, respectively	46,900	50,286
Other assets	164,839	166,348
Total assets	1,308,347	1,362,304
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	83,538	97,467
Accrued and other liabilities	119,915	139,696
Deferred income on shipments to distributors	47,913	49,059
Current portion of long-term debt	6,821	7,413
Total current liabilities	258,187	293,635
Other long-term liabilities	186,364	198,670
Total liabilities	444,551	492,305
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock; par value $0.001; Authorized: 5,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock; par value $0.001; Authorized: 1,600,000 shares; Shares issued and outstanding: 417,378 at March 31, 2015 and 416,178 at December 31, 2014, respectively	417	416
Additional paid-in capital	762,757	756,760
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-20,237	-8,182
Retained earnings	117,795	117,992
Total Atmel stockholders’ equity	860,732	866,986
Noncontrolling interest	3,064	3,013
Total stockholders' equity	863,796	869,999
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,308,347	$1,362,304

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$1,334,858	$1,333,103
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	61,857	58,471
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$5,924	$5,945
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, Authorized shares	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, Shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, Shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, Authorized shares	1,600,000	1,600,000
Common stock, Shares issued	417,378	416,178
Common stock, Shares outstanding	417,378	416,178

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit	$10,008	$0
Net income	16,546	2,166
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	14,290	13,405
Deferred income taxes	2,034	-2,242
Write-off of equipment deposit	0	1,730
Realized gain on sales of marketable securities	0	-385
Accretion of interest on long-term debt	427	321
Share-based compensation expense	13,687	15,617
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	-526	-572
Non-cash acquisition-related and other charges, net	-7,384	323
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable	25,403	11,858
Inventories	4,657	27,814
Current and other assets	1,384	16,720
Trade accounts payable	-11,614	-1,171
Accrued and other liabilities	-17,412	-32,465
Income taxes payable	-211	-3,054
Deferred income on shipments to distributors	-1,146	-3,828
Net cash provided by operating activities	40,135	46,237
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of fixed assets	-10,427	-17,025
Sales of marketable securities	0	3,071
Acquisitions of intangible assets	-481	-784
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,908	-14,738
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchases of common stock	-9,095	-54,946
Payments of Dividends	-16,692	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	5,996	6,711
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock units	-5,198	-4,889
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	526	572
Net cash used in financing activities	-34,471	-52,552
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-846	-351
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-6,090	-21,404
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	206,937	276,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	$200,847	$255,477

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to state fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Atmel Corporation (the “Company” or “Atmel”) and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015 and the results of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All intercompany balances have been eliminated. Because all of the annual disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") are not included, as permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The December 31, 2014 year-end balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period, or for the entire year.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in these financial statements include provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, sales reserves and allowances, share-based compensation expense, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, estimates for useful lives associated with long-lived assets, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, restructuring charges, liabilities for uncertain tax positions and deferred tax asset valuation allowances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Market is based on estimated net realizable value. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including estimating average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods. The Company establishes provisions for lower of cost or market and excess and obsolescence write-downs, which are charged to cost of revenue. The Company makes a determination regarding excess and obsolete inventory on a quarterly basis. This determination requires an estimate of the future demand for the Company’s products and involves an analysis of historical and forecasted sales levels by product, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions, product lifecycles, as well as other factors. Excess and obsolete inventory write-downs are recorded when the inventory on hand exceeds management’s estimate of future demand for each product and are charged to cost of revenue.
	The Company’s inventories include parts that have a potential for rapid technological obsolescence and are sold in a highly competitive industry. The Company writes down inventory that is considered excess or obsolete. When the Company recognizes a loss on such inventory, it establishes a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances will not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. If inventory with a lower-cost basis is subsequently sold, it will result in higher gross margin for the products making up that inventory.
	Inventories are comprised of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	9,668	$	12,633
	Work-in-progress	185,915		192,206
	Finished goods	78,609		73,403
		$	274,192	$	278,242
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (the "FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, 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 ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. On April 1, 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one-year deferral to the effective date, but to permit entities to adopt one year earlier if they choose (i.e., the original effective date). The proposal will be subject to the FASB’s due process requirement, which includes a period for public comments. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	Newport Media, Inc.
	On July 31, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interest in privately-held Newport Media, Inc. (“NMI”), a provider of low power Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions that are expected to enhance the Company’s portfolio of wireless products.
	The purchase consideration, net of cash acquired, consisted of $139.6 million payable in cash at the closing of the acquisition, subject to working capital adjustments and deductions for specified closing expenses. In addition, the acquisition agreement provides for an aggregate cash earn-out payment of up to $30.0 million payable if specified revenue targets are achieved over the two years following the acquisition date. The Company recorded a liability of $0.4 million as of July 31, 2014, representing the estimated fair value of the earn-out based on the probability of achievement as of the acquisition date.
	The total purchase price, before working capital adjustments and deduction for specified closing expenses, of the acquisition equaled:
		31-Jul-14
		(in thousands)
	Cash, including cash acquired of $3.0 million	$	142,639
	Fair value of earn-out	420
	Total purchase price	$	143,059
	The purchase price was allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities of NMI based on their estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The Company engaged an independent third party to assist with the determination of the fair value of certain identifiable intangible assets and the earn-out. In determining the fair value of the purchased intangible assets and earn-out, management made various estimates and assumptions from significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The fair value of purchased identifiable intangible assets was determined using discounted cash flow models from projections prepared by management. The fair value of the earn-out was derived using an option pricing model that includes significant unobservable inputs.
	The purchase price was allocated as of the date of the acquisition as follows:
		July 31,
		2014
		(in thousands)
	Current assets	$	12,287
	Fixed assets	983
	Intangible assets acquired:
	Distributor and end-customer relationships	3,910
	Backlog	1,670
	Non-compete agreements	1,000
	Trade name	300
	Developed technology	10,910
	In-process technology	13,690
	Goodwill	86,123
	Deferred tax assets	17,863
	Other long-term assets	945
	Current liabilities	(5,216		)
	Other liabilities assumed	(1,406		)
		$	143,059
	The Company prepared an initial determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date using preliminary information.  The Company recognized measurement period adjustments made during the fourth quarter of 2014 to the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of further refinements in the Company’s estimates.  These adjustments were retrospectively applied to the July 31, 2014 acquisition date balance sheet.  The effect of these adjustments on the preliminary purchase price allocation was a decrease in goodwill and income tax payable of $1.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and an increase in deferred tax assets of $1.6 million.
	The excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired,liabilities assumed and the identifiable intangible assets acquired resulted in recognition of goodwill of approximately $86.1 million, including workforce, of which $55.2 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The recognition of goodwill primarily related to the expected synergies between the product offerings of NMI and the Company. All goodwill recorded was assigned to the Company's Microcontroller segment.
	The following table sets forth the components of the identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives:
	Intangible assets acquired:		Method of Valuation		Discount Rate Used	Estimated Useful Lives
	Distributor and end-customer relationships		Income approach		19% - 24%	0.5 - 3 years
	Backlog		Income approach		19%	0.5 years
	Non-compete agreements		Income approach		24%	1 - 2 years
	Trade name		Income approach		24%	1 year
	Developed technology		Income approach		22% - 23%	1 - 5 years
	In-process technology		Income approach		25%	5 years (1)
	(1) In-process technology is not amortized until the associated project has been completed. Alternatively, if the associated project is determined not to be viable, it will be expensed.
	The Company expensed $2.5 million of advisory, legal, and consulting fees and other costs directly related to the acquisition, which were recorded as acquisition-related charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company incurred $5.3 million of one-time bonus expense, subject to claw-back and other employment-related terms, for certain employees, which will be recorded ratably through the date on which the bonus is no longer recoverable by the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded $1.6 million of one-time bonus expense as acquisition-related charges and $1.7 million of amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS
	Investments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of auction-rate securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold its investment in a corporate equity security, which resulted in a realized gain of $0.4 million recorded under interest and other income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, auctions for the Company's sole auction-rate security continued to fail and as a result this security continues to be illiquid. The Company concluded that the remaining 1.0 million (adjusted cost) of auction-rate security is unlikely to be liquidated within the next twelve months and classified this security as a long-term investment, which is included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. This auction-rate security had a contractual maturity greater than 10 years and totaled $1.0 million (at adjusted cost) as of March 31, 2015.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_ASSETS_AND_LIABI

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price)”. The accounting standard establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements. This accounting standard, among other things, requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The tables below present the balances of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		March 31, 2015
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,272	$	1,272	$	—	$	—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	2,197		2,197		—		—
	Fixed income	1,092		1,092		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,819		3,819		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	7,108		7,108		—		—
	Total other assets	8,174		7,108		—		1,066
	Total	$	9,446	$	8,380	$	—	$	1,066
		December 31, 2014
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,267	$	1,267	$	—	$	—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	2,039		2,039		—		—
	Fixed income	984		984		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,576		3,576		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	6,599		6,599		—		—
	Total other assets	7,665		6,599		—		1,066
	Total	$	8,932	$	7,866	$	—	$	1,066
	The Company’s investments, with the exception of its auction-rate security, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, or broker or dealer quotations. The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities and money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Auction-rate securities are classified within Level 3 because significant assumptions for such securities are not observable in the market. The total amount of assets measured using Level 3 valuation methodologies represented less than 1% of the Company's total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	There were no changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and year ended December 31, 2014. There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 hierarchies for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.

BORROWING_ARRANGEMENTS

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
	On December 6, 2013, the Company entered into a five-year $300.0 million, senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”), the terms of which are set forth in a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, a group of lenders led by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, and Union Bank N.A., BNP Paribas and SunTrust Bank, as co-syndication agents. The Company may increase the aggregate availability under the Facility through a customary “accordion” feature in an amount not to exceed $250.0 million. The Company recorded debt issuance costs of $2.1 million associated with the Facility which are being amortized over the expected life of the Facility.
	Borrowings under the Facility are available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, stock repurchases, acquisitions and other purposes. Amounts outstanding under the Facility are due on the earlier of December 6, 2018 or 180 days prior to the maturity date of any Permitted Convertible Notes (as defined in the Credit Agreement) if, in the latter case, the Company does not otherwise have available sufficient unrestricted cash and other investments to redeem the Permitted Convertible Notes.
	The Company may prepay loans under the Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, upon payment of accrued interest and break funding payments, if applicable. The Company may terminate or reduce the Facility at any time without penalty. The obligations under the Facility are guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company, are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of the Company and the guarantors, and include affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Affirmative covenants include, among other things, the delivery of financial statements and other information. Negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions, indebtedness, liens, investments and transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants require the Company to maintain compliance with a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default that include, among other things, non-payment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross default to material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, material judgment defaults, ERISA defaults and a change of control default. The occurrence of an event of default could result in an acceleration of obligations under the Credit Agreement.
	On July 29, 2014, the Company borrowed $90.0 million under the Facility to assist with the acquisition of NMI. Interest on the borrowed amounts equals the applicable periodic LIBOR rate, plus 1.25% per annum, and was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	As of March 31, 2015, after principal repayments, the Company had $65.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the Facility and was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement. The Facility matures on December 6, 2018.
	Other Debt Obligations
	The Company had a short-term debt obligation amounting to $6.7 million and $7.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, relating to an amount previously advanced from a foreign government which is repayable in 2015. The balance is increased on a quarterly basis as a result of interest accretion. As the loan is denominated in Euro, the balance is re-measured into U.S dollars at current rates during each reporting period. The repayment amount is expected to be approximately $7.5 million in 2015.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Share-Based Compensation
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation, net of the amount capitalized in inventory, included in operating results:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2015				2014
		(in thousands)
	Cost of revenue	$	1,115			$	1,316
	Research and development	3,578				4,729
	Selling, general and administrative	8,994				9,572
	Total share-based compensation expense, before income taxes	13,687				15,617
	Tax benefit	(2,867		)		(2,924		)
	Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	10,820			$	12,693
	Restricted Stock Units, Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Stock Options
	In May 2005, Atmel’s stockholders initially approved Atmel’s 2005 Stock Plan (as amended, the “2005 Stock Plan”). As of March 31, 2015, 158.0 million shares had been cumulatively authorized for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan, and 13.8 million shares remained available for issuance without giving effect to any adjustment that may be required by the terms of the 2005 Stock Plan in respect of shares underlying restricted stock or restricted stock units. Under the 2005 Stock Plan, Atmel may issue common stock directly, grant options to purchase common stock or grant restricted stock units payable in common stock to employees, consultants and directors of Atmel. Restricted stock units generally vest on a quarterly basis over a service period of up to four years from the grant date, although restricted stock unit grants to newly-hired employees generally have a one-year cliff vest equal to one-quarter of the total grant. Options, which generally vest over four years, are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and generally expire ten years from that date.
	Activity under Atmel’s 2005 Stock Plan is set forth below:
					Outstanding Options					Weighted-
								Exercise		Average
		Available			Number of			Price		Exercise Price
		for Grant			Options			per Share		per Share
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2014	13,611			3,059			$2.13-$10.01		$	4.57
	Restricted stock units issued	(479	)		—			—		—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(273	)		—			—		—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	363			—			—		—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	210			—			—		—
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	253			—			—		—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	144			—			—		—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	2			(2	)		$	3.26	$	3.26
	Options exercised				(198	)		$2.66-$6.28		$	3.51
	Balances, March 31, 2015	13,831			2,859
	Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015				2,859
	Restricted stock units are granted from the pool of options available for grant. Every share underlying restricted stock, restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), or stock purchase rights issued on or after May 9, 2013 is counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant as 1.57 shares, as reflected in the table above in the line items for "Plan adjustments", except that restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), or stock purchase rights issued prior to May 9, 2013 but on or after May 18, 2011, is counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant as 1.61 shares, and restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), or stock purchase rights issued prior to May 18, 2011 and on or after May 14, 2008, is counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant as 1.78 shares. If shares issued pursuant to any restricted stock, restricted stock unit, and stock purchase right agreements are cancelled, forfeited or repurchased by the Company, the number of shares returned to the 2005 Stock Plan will be multiplied by the same ratios above under which such shares were issued and will again become available for issuance.
	As of March 31, 2015, there were 13.8 million shares available for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan, or 8.8 million shares after giving effect to the applicable ratios under the 2005 Stock Plan for issuances of restricted stock units, as described above.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Activity related to restricted stock units is set forth below:
		Number of			Weighted-Average Grant Date
		Units			Fair Value
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2014	18,163			$	8.4
	Restricted stock units issued	479			8.45
	Restricted stock units vested	(1,898	)		8.43
	Restricted stock units cancelled	(363	)		7.71
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(253	)		7.35
	Balances, March 31, 2015	16,128			$	8.43
	As of March 31, 2015, total unearned share-based compensation related to unvested restricted stock units previously granted (including performance-based restricted stock units) was approximately $92.1 million, including estimated forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.54 years.
	Until restricted stock units are vested, they do not have the voting rights of common stock and the shares underlying such restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding. Upon vesting of restricted stock units, shares withheld by the Company to pay taxes are retired.
	Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
	On December 11, 2014, the Company adopted the Atmel 2015 Long-Term Performance-Based Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which provides for the grant of performance-based restricted stock units to Company participants. The Company issued 2.6 million shares under the 2015 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company records performance-based restricted stock units issued under the 2015 Plan based on achievement of the “target” performance metrics, which will result in a participant being credited with 100% of the performance-based shares awarded to that participant under the 2015 Plan. Achievement at the “maximum” performance metrics will result in a participant being credited with 200% of the performance-based shares awarded to that participant under the 2015 Plan.
	Performance metrics for the 2015 Plan are based on the Company’s publicly-reported non-GAAP earnings per share growth rate from 2014 to 2015 (calculated for the fiscal years ended 2014 and 2015, respectively) to the adjusted earnings per share growth rates of companies included within the well-established Philadelphia Semiconductor Sector IndexSM (SOX Index) during the same period. The SOX Index is a modified market capitalization-weighted index composed of companies primarily involved in the design, distribution, manufacture, and sale of semiconductors. For purposes of the 2015 Plan, “adjusted earnings per share” for the applicable measurement period for any company included within the SOX Index means that company’s non-GAAP earnings per share, as publicly reported by that company (which, in the case of the Company, will be its non-GAAP earnings per share), adjusted to exclude for the measurement period (to the extent such adjustments are publicly disclosed) each of the following: share-based compensation expense; restructuring and impairment charges (credits); loss (gain) on sale; acquisition and divestiture related expenses; intellectual property related settlement charges; non-cash tax expenses; other non-recurring tax items; to make equivalent comparisons between the Company’s non-GAAP earnings per share and the adjusted earnings per share for other companies included within the SOX Index. The Company recorded total share-based compensation expense related to the 2015 Plan of $1.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	For participants who are included within the 2015 Plan at any time after January 1, 2015, awards will be pro-rated to reflect the actual time a participant has been an employee of, or a service provider to, the Company.
	On December 17, 2013, the Company adopted the Atmel 2014 Long-Term Performance-Based Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which ended on December 31, 2014. The Company recorded total share-based compensation expense related to the 2014 Plan of $1.0 million and $1.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Under the 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2010 ESPP”), qualified employees are entitled to purchase shares of Atmel’s common stock at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the common stock at the date of commencement of the six-month offering period or 85% of the fair market value on the last day of the offering period. Purchases are limited to 10% of an employee’s eligible compensation subject to a maximum annual employee contribution limit of $25,000 of the market value of the shares (determined at the commencement of the six month offering period) per calendar year. There were 0.8 million shares purchased under the 2010 ESPP for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 at an average price per share of $6.97 and $6.43, respectively. Of the 25.0 million shares authorized for issuance under the 2010 ESPP, 18.2 million shares were available for issuance at March 31, 2015.
	The fair value of each purchase under the 2010 ESPP is estimated on the date of the beginning of the offering period using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were utilized to determine the fair value of the 2010 ESPP shares:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Risk-free interest rate	0.07	%		0.07	%
	Expected life (years)	0.5			0.5
	Expected volatility	36	%		32	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.91	%		—	%
	The weighted-average fair value per share under the 2010 ESPP for purchase periods beginning in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $1.68 and $1.64, respectively. Cash proceeds from the issuance of shares under the Company’s 2010 ESPP were $5.3 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Common Stock Repurchase Program
Atmel’s Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate of $1.0 billion of funding for the Company’s common stock repurchase program since 2011. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date, and the number of shares repurchased and the timing of repurchases are based on the level of the Company’s cash balances, general business and market conditions, regulatory requirements, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities. As of March 31, 2015, $200.0 million remained available for the repurchase of common stock under this program.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, Atmel repurchased 1.1 million and 6.9 million shares, respectively, of its common stock in the open market at an average repurchase price of $8.24 and $7.97 per share, respectively, excluding commission, and subsequently retired those shares. Common stock and additional paid-in capital were reduced by $9.1 million and $54.9 million, excluding commission, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as a result of the stock repurchases.
Dividends
On March 26, 2015, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share, the aggregate cost of which was $16.7 million.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Comprehensive income is defined as a change in equity of a company during a period, from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The primary difference between net income and comprehensive income for the Company arises from foreign currency translation adjustments, actuarial loss related to defined benefit pension plans and net unrealized loss on investments. The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Defined benefit pension plans			Change in unrealized loss on investments			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1,053		$	(8,462	)	$	(773	)	$	(8,182	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(11,730		)	(325		)	—			(12,055		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(10,677	)	$	(8,787	)	$	(773	)	$	(20,237	)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments
	Indemnification
	As is customary in the Company’s industry, the Company’s standard contracts provide remedies to its customers, such as defense, settlement, or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of the Company’s products. From time to time, the Company will indemnify customers against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various trigger events related to the sale and the use of the Company’s products and services, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addition, as permitted under state laws in the United States, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors and certain employees, and the Company’s bylaws permit the indemnification of the Company’s agents. The estimated fair value of the liability is not material.
	Purchase Commitments
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company, or its affiliates, had certain non-cancellable commitments which were not included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These include outstanding capital purchase commitments of approximately $11.0 million and wafer purchase commitments of approximately $38.9 million.
	Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is party to various legal proceedings. Management currently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and statements of cash flows. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur in any of the legal proceedings described below or other legal proceedings that were not deemed material as of March 31, 2015, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has accrued for losses related to litigation that it considers probable and for which the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the event that a probable loss cannot be reasonably estimated, it has not accrued for such losses. Management makes a determination as to when a potential loss is reasonably possible based on relevant accounting literature and then includes appropriate disclosure of the contingency. As the Company continues to monitor litigation matters, whether deemed material as of March 31, 2015 or not, its determination could change, and the Company may decide, at some future date, to establish an appropriate reserve.
	Southern District of New York Action by LFoundry Rousset (“LFR”) and LFR Employees. On March 4, 2014, LFR and Jean-Yves Guerrini, on behalf of himself and a putative class of LFR employees, filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, our French subsidiary, Atmel Rousset S.A.S. (“Atmel Rousset”) and LFoundry GmbH (“LF”), LFR’s German parent. The case purports to relate to Atmel Rousset’s June 2010 sale of its wafer manufacturing facility in Rousset, France to LF (the “Sale”), and LFR’s subsequent insolvency more than three years later. The complaint seeks significant damages in connection with claims for violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), RICO conspiracy, fraud, tortious interference with contract and trespass to chattels. On November 25, 2014, the Company moved to dismiss the complaint. Complaints filed in Paris against the Company, Atmel Rousset and another Company affiliate, arising from the Sale, were previously dismissed. The Company and Atmel Rousset consider the claims in this matter entirely devoid of merit and specious, and will continue to defend vigorously against them, assert counterclaims, and seek other relief, as appropriate.
	Individual Labor Actions by former LFR Employees. Over 500 former employees of LFR have filed individual labor actions against Atmel Rousset in the labor court in Aix-en-Provence, France. As of March 31, 2015, the claimants had not yet provided the legal arguments underpinning their claims, although management believes each will argue that Atmel Rousset, together with LFR, was their co-employer. Atmel Rousset believes each of these actions is entirely devoid of merit and based substantially on the same specious arguments that the Paris Commercial Court summarily rejected in 2014 in related proceedings. Atmel Rousset therefore intends to defend vigorously each of these claims.
	Other Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is notified of claims that its products may infringe patents, or other intellectual property, issued to or owned by other parties. The Company periodically receives demands for indemnification from its customers with respect to intellectual property matters. The Company also periodically receives claims relating to the quality of its products, including claims for additional labor costs, costs for replacing defective parts, reimbursement to customers for damages incurred in correcting defective products, costs for product recalls or other damages. Receipt of these claims and requests occurs in the ordinary course of the Company's business, and the Company responds based on the specific circumstances of each event. The Company undertakes an accrual for losses relating to those types of claims when it considers those losses “probable” and when a reasonable estimate of loss can be determined.
	Product Warranties
	The Company accrues for warranty costs based on historical trends of product failure rates and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty services. The Company’s products are generally covered by a warranty typically ranging from 30 days to three years. Product warranty liability is included in accrued and other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Guarantees
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide standby letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to certain parties as required for certain transactions initiated by either the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company has not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements. Based on historical experience and information currently available, the Company believes it will not be required to make any payments under these guarantee arrangements.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The Company estimates its annual effective tax rate at the end of each quarter. In making these estimates, the Company considers, among other things, annual pre-tax income, the geographic mix of pre-tax income and the application and interpretations of tax laws, treaties and judicial developments, as well as possible outcomes of tax audits.
	The following table presents the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rates:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands, except for percentages)
	Income before income taxes	$	24,245		$	4,832
	Provision for income taxes	$	(7,699	)	$	(2,666	)
	Effective tax rate	31.76		%	55.17		%
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company’s effective tax rate was lower than the U.S statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, primarily due to income recognized in lower tax rate foreign jurisdictions. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, primarily due to discrete interest charges related to foreign audit and withholding tax reserves, and the ratio of these items to worldwide operating income.
	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $86.2 million and $88.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.
	The timing for the resolution and closure of tax audits is highly unpredictable. Given the uncertainty, it is reasonably possible that certain tax audits may be concluded within the next 12 months that could materially impact the balance of our gross unrecognized tax benefits. An estimate of the range of increase or decrease that could occur in the next twelve months cannot be made. However, the estimated impact to tax expense and net income from the resolution and closure of tax exams is not expected to be significant within the next 12 months.

PENSION_PLANS

PENSION PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
PENSION PLANS	PENSION PLANS
	The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its French and German employees. Plan benefits are provided in accordance with local statutory requirements. Benefits are based on years of service and employee compensation levels. The plans are unfunded. Pension liabilities and charges are based upon various assumptions, updated annually, including discount rates, future salary increases, employee turnover, and mortality rates.
	The Company’s French pension plan provides for termination benefits paid to covered French employees only at retirement, and consists of approximately one to five months of salary. The Company’s German pension plan provides for defined benefit payouts for covered German employees following retirement.
	The aggregate net pension expense relating to these two plans are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Service costs	$	318	$	389
	Interest costs	334		385
	Amortization of actuarial loss	152		19
	Net pension period cost	$	804	$	793
	The Company’s net pension period cost for 2015 is expected to be approximately $3.4 million. Cash funding for benefits paid was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company expects total contributions to these plans to be approximately $0.5 million in 2015.

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS	OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS
	The Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor integrated circuit products. The Company’s operating segments represent management’s view of the Company’s businesses and how it allocates Company resources and measures performance of its major components. Each segment consists of product families with similar requirements for design, development and marketing. Each segment requires different design, development and marketing resources to produce and sell products.
	A summary of each reportable segment follows:
	•	Microcontroller. This segment includes Atmel's general purpose microcontroller and microprocessor families, AVR® 8-bit and 32-bit products, Atmel®| SMARTTM ARM® based products, Atmel's 8051 8-bit products, designated commercial wireless products, including low power radio and SOC products that meet Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee and Wi-Fi specifications, Atmel's maXTouch capacitive touch product families and optimized products for smart energy, touch button, and mobile sensor hub and LED lighting applications.
	•	Nonvolatile Memory. This segment includes electrically erasable programmable read-only ("EEPROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”) devices, secure cryptographic products and other advanced security solutions.
	•	Automotive. This segment includes devices for automotive electronics, including products using radio frequency technology.
	•	Multi-Market and Other. This segment includes application specific and standard products for aerospace applications and legacy products. On April 16, 2015, the Company completed the sale of its XSense touch sensor manufacturing assets and separately licensed to UniPixel, Inc. its XSense intellectual property assets, which the Company is retaining. See Note 14 for further information.
	The Company continually evaluates operating segment performance based on revenue and income or loss from operations excluding share-based compensation and other non-recurring items. Because the Company’s operating segments reflect the manner in which management reviews its business, they necessarily involve subjective judgments that management believes are reasonable in light of the circumstances under which they are made. These judgments may change over time or may be modified to reflect new facts or circumstances. Operating segments may also be changed or modified to reflect products, technologies or applications that are newly created, or that change over time, or other business conditions that evolve, each of which may result in reassessing specific segments and the elements included within each of those segments.
	Operating segments are defined by the products they design and sell. They do not sell to each other. The Company’s net revenue and segment (loss) income from operations for each reportable segment is as follows:
	Information about Reportable Segments
		Micro-			Nonvolatile			Automotive		Multi-Market and Other			Total
		Controller			Memory
		(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Net revenue from external customers	$	218,786		$	43,748		$	35,745	$	20,009		$	318,288
	Segment income from operations	$	23,756		$	11,670		$	3,297	$	1,963		$	40,686
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net revenue from external customers	$	235,141		$	35,651		$	40,971	$	25,598		$	337,361
	Segment income (loss) from operations	$	18,826		$	5,047		$	6,754	$	(557	)	$	30,070
	The Company's primary products are semiconductor integrated circuits, which constitute a group of similar products. Therefore, it is impracticable to differentiate the revenue from external customers for each product sold. The Company does not allocate assets by segment, as management does not use asset information to measure or evaluate a segment’s performance.
	Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Total segment income from operations	$	40,686		$	30,070
	Unallocated amounts:
	Share-based compensation expense	(13,687		)	(15,617		)
	Loss from manufacturing facility damage and shutdown	—			(7,056		)
	Acquisition-related charges	(4,403		)	(1,628		)
	French building (underutilization) and other credits	288			(1,296		)
	Restructuring (charges) credits	(1,147		)	224
	(Loss) gain related to foundry arrangements	(1,192		)	58
	Consolidated income from operations	$	20,545		$	4,755
	Geographic sources of revenue were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	China, including Hong Kong	$	93,408		$	93,201
	United States	57,998			52,910
	Germany	41,810			59,261
	South Korea	26,175			33,032
	Japan	15,013			5,540
	Taiwan	10,166			10,718
	Singapore	9,961			11,590
	France	3,142			3,080
	Rest of Europe	31,549			38,353
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	23,125			24,022
	Rest of the World	5,941			5,654
	Total net revenue	$	318,288		$	337,361
	Net revenue is attributed to regions based on ship-to locations.
	The Company had one distributor that accounted for 14% of net revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2015. No end customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company had two distributors that accounted for 16% and 13%, respectively, of net revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	One distributor accounted for 13% of accounts receivable at March 31, 2015 and no end customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at March 31, 2015. Two distributors accounted for 17% and 14%, respectively, of accounts receivable at March 31, 2014 and no end customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at March 31, 2014.
	Physical locations of tangible long-lived assets were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	88,965		$	92,466
	Philippines	56,866			56,094
	Germany	17,119			17,920
	France	12,591			13,714
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	20,338			20,237
	Rest of Europe	5,324			5,854
Total	$	201,203		$	206,285
Excluded from the table above are auction-rate securities of $1.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Also excluded from the table above as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are goodwill of $188.6 million and $191.1 million, respectively, intangible assets, net, of $46.9 million and $50.3 million, respectively, and deferred income tax assets of $117.4 million and $117.3 million, respectively.

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event:
		Q2'10		Q2'12		Q1'13			Q3'13		Q3'14			Q4'14			Q1'15			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	$	281	$	19	$	3,988		$	9	$	920		$	14,508		$	—		$	19,725
	(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—		—		(49		)	—		488			6			702			1,147
	Non-cash - Other	—		—		—			—		(175		)	(6		)	—			(181		)
	Payments – Employee termination costs	—		—		(524		)	—		(540		)	(14		)	(196		)	(1,274		)
	Foreign exchange gain	—		—		(31		)	—		(59		)	(1		)	(7		)	(98		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	$	281	$	19	$	3,384		$	9	$	634		$	14,493		$	499		$	19,319
	The Company records restructuring liabilities related to workforce reductions when the accounting recognition criteria are met and consistent with management's approval and commitment to the restructuring plans in each particular quarter. The restructuring plans identify the number of employees to be terminated, job classifications and functions, location and the date the plan is expected to be completed.
	2015 Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2015 were related to workforce reductions, primarily in the U.S., in connection with the Company's decision to exit the XSense business and workforce reductions and other costs in connection with the Company's decision to shut down an assembly operations plant in the Philippines. These actions were intended to align operating expenses with macroeconomic conditions and revenue outlooks, and to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. The restructuring liability was recorded in the first quarter of 2015, consistent with management's approval of the restructuring plan and the communication to affected employees within that quarter. The restructuring charges recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $1.1 million.
	The Company anticipates all employees affected by the XSense and Philippines restructurings will cease active service before the end of the fourth quarter of 2015.
	2014 Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges were recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2014. The charges primarily related to workforce reductions in France. These actions were intended to align operating expenses with macroeconomic conditions and revenue outlooks, and to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. In connection with formulating this restructuring plan, during the third and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company confidentially negotiated and developed a “social plan” in coordination and consultation with the local Works Council. This social plan, which is subject to French law, set forth general parameters, terms and benefits for both voluntary and involuntary employee dismissals.
	2013 Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges were recorded in the first and third quarters of 2013. The charge in the first quarter of 2013 was primarily related to workforce reductions at our subsidiaries in Rousset, France ("Rousset"), Nantes, France (“Nantes”), and Heilbronn, Germany ("Heilbronn"). The charge in the third quarter of 2013 related primarily to workforce reductions in the U.S. and Norway.

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTA

NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net income attributable to Atmel	$	16,495		$	2,166
	Weighted-average shares - basic	417,038			425,390
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	1,424			1,886
	Weighted-average shares - diluted	418,462			427,276
	Net income per share:
	Basic
	Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - basic	$	0.04		$	0.01
	Diluted
	Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - diluted	$	0.04		$	0.01
	The following table summarizes securities that were not included in the “Weighted-average shares - diluted” used for calculation of diluted net income per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Employee stock options and restricted stock units outstanding	4,578		4,788

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On April 16, 2015, the Company completed the sale of XSense touch sensor assets to UniPixel, Inc. In connection with the transaction, the Company transferred its XSense related manufacturing assets to UniPixel, which is also assuming related costs, and separately licensed to UniPixel its XSense patent portfolio and other intellectual property, which the Company is retaining.  The intellectual property licenses have an initial five year term, renewable by UniPixel for an additional ten years.  The Company will receive minimum royalties during the initial five year term equal to $16.3 million, of which $9.3 million was prepaid in cash at the close of the transaction. The Company also agreed to lease facilities and provide transitional support to UniPixel for a limited period of time.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Market is based on estimated net realizable value. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including estimating average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods. The Company establishes provisions for lower of cost or market and excess and obsolescence write-downs, which are charged to cost of revenue. The Company makes a determination regarding excess and obsolete inventory on a quarterly basis. This determination requires an estimate of the future demand for the Company’s products and involves an analysis of historical and forecasted sales levels by product, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions, product lifecycles, as well as other factors. Excess and obsolete inventory write-downs are recorded when the inventory on hand exceeds management’s estimate of future demand for each product and are charged to cost of revenue.
	The Company’s inventories include parts that have a potential for rapid technological obsolescence and are sold in a highly competitive industry. The Company writes down inventory that is considered excess or obsolete. When the Company recognizes a loss on such inventory, it establishes a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances will not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. If inventory with a lower-cost basis is subsequently sold, it will result in higher gross margin for the products making up that inventory.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (the "FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, 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 ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. On April 1, 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one-year deferral to the effective date, but to permit entities to adopt one year earlier if they choose (i.e., the original effective date). The proposal will be subject to the FASB’s due process requirement, which includes a period for public comments. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories are comprised of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	9,668	$	12,633
	Work-in-progress	185,915		192,206
	Finished goods	78,609		73,403
		$	274,192	$	278,242

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Tables

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The total purchase price, before working capital adjustments and deduction for specified closing expenses, of the acquisition equaled:
		31-Jul-14
		(in thousands)
	Cash, including cash acquired of $3.0 million	$	142,639
	Fair value of earn-out	420
	Total purchase price	$	143,059
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of the identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives:
	Intangible assets acquired:		Method of Valuation		Discount Rate Used	Estimated Useful Lives
	Distributor and end-customer relationships		Income approach		19% - 24%	0.5 - 3 years
	Backlog		Income approach		19%	0.5 years
	Non-compete agreements		Income approach		24%	1 - 2 years
	Trade name		Income approach		24%	1 year
	Developed technology		Income approach		22% - 23%	1 - 5 years
	In-process technology		Income approach		25%	5 years (1)
	(1) In-process technology is not amortized until the associated project has been completed. Alternatively, if the associated project is determined not to be viable, it will be expensed.
	The purchase price was allocated as of the date of the acquisition as follows:
		July 31,
		2014
		(in thousands)
	Current assets	$	12,287
	Fixed assets	983
	Intangible assets acquired:
	Distributor and end-customer relationships	3,910
	Backlog	1,670
	Non-compete agreements	1,000
	Trade name	300
	Developed technology	10,910
	In-process technology	13,690
	Goodwill	86,123
	Deferred tax assets	17,863
	Other long-term assets	945
	Current liabilities	(5,216		)
	Other liabilities assumed	(1,406		)
		$	143,059

FAIR_VALUE_OF_ASSETS_AND_LIABI1

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Investment Schedules	The tables below present the balances of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		March 31, 2015
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,272	$	1,272	$	—	$	—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	2,197		2,197		—		—
	Fixed income	1,092		1,092		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,819		3,819		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	7,108		7,108		—		—
	Total other assets	8,174		7,108		—		1,066
	Total	$	9,446	$	8,380	$	—	$	1,066
		December 31, 2014
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,267	$	1,267	$	—	$	—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	2,039		2,039		—		—
	Fixed income	984		984		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,576		3,576		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	6,599		6,599		—		—
	Total other assets	7,665		6,599		—		1,066
	Total	$	8,932	$	7,866	$	—	$	1,066

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Net of Amount Capitalized
	Share-Based Compensation
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation, net of the amount capitalized in inventory, included in operating results:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2015				2014
		(in thousands)
	Cost of revenue	$	1,115			$	1,316
	Research and development	3,578				4,729
	Selling, general and administrative	8,994				9,572
	Total share-based compensation expense, before income taxes	13,687				15,617
	Tax benefit	(2,867		)		(2,924		)
	Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	10,820			$	12,693
Activity under the entity's 2005 Stock Plan	Activity under Atmel’s 2005 Stock Plan is set forth below:
					Outstanding Options					Weighted-
								Exercise		Average
		Available			Number of			Price		Exercise Price
		for Grant			Options			per Share		per Share
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2014	13,611			3,059			$2.13-$10.01		$	4.57
	Restricted stock units issued	(479	)		—			—		—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(273	)		—			—		—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	363			—			—		—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	210			—			—		—
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	253			—			—		—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	144			—			—		—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	2			(2	)		$	3.26	$	3.26
	Options exercised				(198	)		$2.66-$6.28		$	3.51
	Balances, March 31, 2015	13,831			2,859
	Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015				2,859
Activity related to restricted stock units	Activity related to restricted stock units is set forth below:
		Number of			Weighted-Average Grant Date
		Units			Fair Value
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2014	18,163			$	8.4
	Restricted stock units issued	479			8.45
	Restricted stock units vested	(1,898	)		8.43
	Restricted stock units cancelled	(363	)		7.71
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(253	)		7.35
	Balances, March 31, 2015	16,128			$	8.43
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company's ESPP shares	The following assumptions were utilized to determine the fair value of the 2010 ESPP shares:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Risk-free interest rate	0.07	%		0.07	%
	Expected life (years)	0.5			0.5
	Expected volatility	36	%		32	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.91	%		—	%

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Defined benefit pension plans			Change in unrealized loss on investments			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1,053		$	(8,462	)	$	(773	)	$	(8,182	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(11,730		)	(325		)	—			(12,055		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(10,677	)	$	(8,787	)	$	(773	)	$	(20,237	)

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the (Provision for) Benefit From Income Taxes and the Effective Tax Rates	The following table presents the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rates:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands, except for percentages)
	Income before income taxes	$	24,245		$	4,832
	Provision for income taxes	$	(7,699	)	$	(2,666	)
	Effective tax rate	31.76		%	55.17		%

PENSION_PLANS_Tables

PENSION PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Aggregate net pension expense relating to the two plan types	The aggregate net pension expense relating to these two plans are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Service costs	$	318	$	389
	Interest costs	334		385
	Amortization of actuarial loss	152		19
	Net pension period cost	$	804	$	793

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG1

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Information about Reportable Segments
		Micro-			Nonvolatile			Automotive		Multi-Market and Other			Total
		Controller			Memory
		(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Net revenue from external customers	$	218,786		$	43,748		$	35,745	$	20,009		$	318,288
	Segment income from operations	$	23,756		$	11,670		$	3,297	$	1,963		$	40,686
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net revenue from external customers	$	235,141		$	35,651		$	40,971	$	25,598		$	337,361
	Segment income (loss) from operations	$	18,826		$	5,047		$	6,754	$	(557	)	$	30,070
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	The Company does not allocate assets by segment, as management does not use asset information to measure or evaluate a segment’s performance.
	Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Total segment income from operations	$	40,686		$	30,070
	Unallocated amounts:
	Share-based compensation expense	(13,687		)	(15,617		)
	Loss from manufacturing facility damage and shutdown	—			(7,056		)
	Acquisition-related charges	(4,403		)	(1,628		)
	French building (underutilization) and other credits	288			(1,296		)
	Restructuring (charges) credits	(1,147		)	224
	(Loss) gain related to foundry arrangements	(1,192		)	58
	Consolidated income from operations	$	20,545		$	4,755
Geographic sources of revenue	Geographic sources of revenue were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	China, including Hong Kong	$	93,408		$	93,201
	United States	57,998			52,910
	Germany	41,810			59,261
	South Korea	26,175			33,032
	Japan	15,013			5,540
	Taiwan	10,166			10,718
	Singapore	9,961			11,590
	France	3,142			3,080
	Rest of Europe	31,549			38,353
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	23,125			24,022
	Rest of the World	5,941			5,654
	Total net revenue	$	318,288		$	337,361
Locations of long-lived assets	Physical locations of tangible long-lived assets were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	88,965		$	92,466
	Philippines	56,866			56,094
	Germany	17,119			17,920
	France	12,591			13,714
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	20,338			20,237
	Rest of Europe	5,324			5,854
	Total	$	201,203		$	206,285

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Tables

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event	The following table summarizes the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event:
		Q2'10		Q2'12		Q1'13			Q3'13		Q3'14			Q4'14			Q1'15			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	$	281	$	19	$	3,988		$	9	$	920		$	14,508		$	—		$	19,725
	(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—		—		(49		)	—		488			6			702			1,147
	Non-cash - Other	—		—		—			—		(175		)	(6		)	—			(181		)
	Payments – Employee termination costs	—		—		(524		)	—		(540		)	(14		)	(196		)	(1,274		)
	Foreign exchange gain	—		—		(31		)	—		(59		)	(1		)	(7		)	(98		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	$	281	$	19	$	3,384		$	9	$	634		$	14,493		$	499		$	19,319

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTA1

NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net income attributable to Atmel	$	16,495		$	2,166
	Weighted-average shares - basic	417,038			425,390
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	1,424			1,886
	Weighted-average shares - diluted	418,462			427,276
	Net income per share:
	Basic
	Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - basic	$	0.04		$	0.01
	Diluted
	Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - diluted	$	0.04		$	0.01
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities	The following table summarizes securities that were not included in the “Weighted-average shares - diluted” used for calculation of diluted net income per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Employee stock options and restricted stock units outstanding	4,578		4,788

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased parts	$9,668	$12,633
Inventory, Work in Process, Gross	185,915	192,206
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross	78,609	73,403
Inventories	$274,192	$278,242

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Narrativ

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
NMI potential earn-out	$30,000,000
Earn-out on acquisition date	400,000
Goodwill		188,554,000		191,088,000
Acquisition-related charges		4,403,000	1,628,000
NMI [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	139,600,000
Goodwill	86,123,000
NMI goodwill - Deductible for Tax	55,200,000
Acquisition-related charges				2,500,000
Goodwill [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments				1,900,000
income taxes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments				300,000
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments				1,600,000
Deferred Bonus [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed				5,300,000
bonus [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed		1,600,000
acquisition related intangible assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed		$1,700,000

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Schedule

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Schedule of Business Acquisitions, By Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Purchase Price - Cash	$142,639
Fair value of earn-out	420
Total purchase price	$143,059

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Schedule1

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$191,088,000	$188,554,000
Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	143,059,000
Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 months
Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
NMI [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	12,287,000
Fixed assets	983,000
Goodwill	86,123,000
Deferred tax assets	17,863,000
Other long-term assets	945,000
Current liabilities	-5,216,000
Other liabilities assumed	-1,406,000
NMI [Domain] | Distributor and End-customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	3,910,000
NMI [Domain] | Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	1,670,000
NMI [Domain] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	1,000,000
NMI [Domain] | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	300,000
NMI [Domain] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	10,910,000
NMI [Domain] | In-process Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	13,690,000
Goodwill [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,900,000
income taxes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		300,000
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		$1,600,000

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Componen

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Components of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	19.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 months
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	24.00%
Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	24.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	25.00%
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	24.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	2 years
Maximum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	23.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	19.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 months
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	22.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years

INVESTMENTS_Narrative_Details

INVESTMENTS Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment [Line Items]
Realized gain on investment	$0	$385,000
Available-for-sale debt security contractual maturity minimum years	10 years
Auction-rate securities
Investment [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	$1,000,000

FAIR_VALUE_OF_ASSETS_AND_LIABI2

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Maximum percentage of assets measured using Level 3 valuation methodologies to total assets		1.00%
Recurring basis
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Money market funds	$1,272	$1,267
Total	9,446	8,932
Recurring basis | Auction-rate securities
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,066	1,066
Recurring basis | Institutional money market funds
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,197	2,039
Recurring basis | Fixed income
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,092	984
Recurring basis | Marketable equity securities
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	3,819	3,576
Recurring basis | Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,108	6,599
Recurring basis | Total other assets [Domain]
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	8,174	7,665
Recurring basis | Level 1
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Money market funds	1,272	1,267
Total	8,380	7,866
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Institutional money market funds
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,197	2,039
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Fixed income
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,092	984
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Marketable equity securities
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	3,819	3,576
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,108	6,599
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Total other assets [Domain]
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,108	6,599
Recurring basis | Level 3
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,066	1,066
Total	1,066	1,066
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Auction-rate securities
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,066	$1,066

BORROWING_ARRANGEMENTS_Details

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Issuance cost for credit facility		$2.10
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	65		90
Interest Expense, Debt	0.4
Short-term Debt	6.7			7.3
Repayments of Debt	7.5
Long-term Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate charged for borrowing			1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility in December 2013		300
Maximum amount to be withdrawn		$250

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Restricted

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Restricted Stock Units, Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares authorized	158,000,000
Share available for grant after ratio adjustment	8,800,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$92.10
Number of shares available for issuances	13,831,000	13,611,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 6 months 14 days
Stock Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant on or after May 9, 2013	1.57
Shares counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant on or after May 18, 2011 (in shares)	1.61
Shares counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant prior to May 18, 2011 (in shares)	1.78

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Performanc

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$13,687,000	$15,617,000
Purchase price of the entity's common stock expressed as percentage of fair market value at the commencement or end of the offering period	85.00%
Share Based Compensation, Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Offering Period	6 months
Performance-based Restricted Stock Unites (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
deferred compensation arrangement with individual performance based shares granted percentage	100.00%
Performance-based Restricted Stock Unites (RSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
deferred compensation arrangement with individual performance based shares granted percentage	200.00%
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value of the rights to purchase shares (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Cash proceeds from the issuance of shares	5,300,000	5,400,000
2015 Long-term Performance-based Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units issued	-2,600,000
2015 Long-term Performance-based Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,300,000
2014 Long-term Performance-based Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,000,000	1,100,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2010 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of employee's eligible compensation as limitation on purchases	10.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount	$25,000
Shares purchased	800,000
Average purchase price per share	$6.97	$6.43
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	25,000,000
Number of shares available for issuances	18,200,000

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Common_Sto

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Common Stock Repurchase Program and Dividends (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Authorized amount under stock repurchase program	$1,000,000,000
Remaining authorized amount available for stock repurchase	200,000,000
Shares of common stock repurchased	1.1	6.9
Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)	$8.24	$7.97
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	9,100,000	54,900,000
Cash dividends declared and paid per share (in dollars per share)	$0.04	$0
Payments of Dividends	$16,692,000	$0

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Components

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Components of the company's stock-based compensation expense, net of amount capitalized in inventory (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$13,687	$15,617
Total share-based compensation expense, before income taxes	13,687	15,617
Tax benefit	-2,867	-2,924
Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	10,820	12,693
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,115	1,316
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	3,578	4,729
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$8,994	$9,572

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Activity_u

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Activity under the entity's 2005 Stock Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share available for grant after ratio adjustment	8,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options exercised, Number of Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	2,859,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Number of Options	3,059,000
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	4.57
Options cancelled/expired/forfeited, Number of Options	-2,000
Options cancelled/expired/forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	3.26
Options exercised, Number of Options	-198,000
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	3.51
Ending Balance, Number of Options	2,859,000
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock units issued	-479,000
Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	-273,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Available for Grant	13,611,000
Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	-210,000
Stock units cancelled in the period (in shares)	363,000
Ending Balance, Available for Grant	13,831,000
Performance-based Restricted Stock Unites (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock units cancelled in the period (in shares)	253,000
Performance-based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Cancelled [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	-144,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	-2,000
Range of Exercise Price $2.13-$10.01 | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance, Exercise Price per Share, Minimum		$2,130
Ending Balance, Exercise Price per Share, Maximum		$10,010
Range of Exercise Price $3.26-$6.28 | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance, Exercise Price per Share, Minimum	2,660
Ending Balance, Exercise Price per Share, Maximum	6,280

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Activity_r

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Activity related to restricted stock units (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share available for grant after ratio adjustment	8,800,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Number of Units		18,163,000
Beginning Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		$8.40
Ending Balance, Number of Units	16,128,000	18,163,000
Ending Balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.43	$8.40
Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock units issued, Number of Units	479,000
Restricted stock units issued, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.45
Restricted stock units vested, Number of Units	-1,898,000
Restricted stock units vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.43
Restricted stock units cancelled, Number of Units	-363,000
Restricted stock units cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$7.71
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock units cancelled, Number of Units	-253,000
Restricted stock units cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$7.35

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Assumption

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company's ESPP shares (Details) (Employee Stock [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.07%	0.07%
Expected life (years)	6 months	6 months
Expected volatility	36.00%	32.00%
Expected dividend yield	1.91%	0.00%

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	($8,182)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-12,055
Balance as of March 31, 2015	-20,237
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	1,053
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-11,730
Balance as of March 31, 2015	-10,677
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	-8,462
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-325
Balance as of March 31, 2015	-8,787
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	-773
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	($773)

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product Warranty Period	30 days
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product Warranty Period	3 years
Individual Labor Action [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs	500
Purchase Commitment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital purchase commitment	11
Purchase Commitment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital purchase commitment	38.9

INCOME_TAXES_PROVISION_FOR_INC

INCOME TAXES PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES AND THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
Income before income taxes	$24,245,000	$4,832,000
Provision for income taxes	-7,699,000	-2,666,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	31.76%	55.17%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$86,200,000		$88,100,000

PENSION_PLANS_Details

PENSION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Number of types of retirement plans	2
Aggregate net pension expense relating to the two plan types
Service costs	$318,000	$389,000
Interest costs	334,000	385,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	152,000	19,000
Net pension period cost	804,000	793,000
Expected net pension cost for next fiscal year	3,400,000
Cash funding for benefits paid	100,000
Expected cash funding for benefits to be paid next year	$500,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Period of salary paid to Company's French employees as termination benefits at retirement, range (in months)	1
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Period of salary paid to Company's French employees as termination benefits at retirement, range (in months)	5

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG2

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$318,288	$337,361
Segment income from operations	40,686	30,070
Micro-Controllers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	218,786	235,141
Segment income from operations	23,756	18,826
Nonvolatile Memories
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	43,748	35,651
Segment income from operations	11,670	5,047
RF and Automotive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	35,745	40,971
Segment income from operations	3,297	6,754
Multi-market and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	20,009	25,598
Segment income from operations	$1,963	($557)

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG3

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Segment income from operations	$40,686	$30,070
Unallocated amounts:
Share-based compensation expense	-13,687	-15,617
Loss from manufacturing facility damage and shutdown	0	-7,056
Acquisition-related charges	-4,403	-1,628
French building (underutilization) and other credits	288	-1,296
Restructuring (charges) credits	-1,147	224
(Loss) gain related to foundry arrangements	-1,192	58
Consolidated income from operations	20,545	4,755
Micro-Controllers
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Segment income from operations	23,756	18,826
Nonvolatile Memories
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Segment income from operations	11,670	5,047
RF and Automotive
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Segment income from operations	3,297	6,754
Multi-market and other
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Segment income from operations	$1,963	($557)
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Major Customer with Largest Balance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG4

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Geographic sources of revenue (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$318,288	$337,361
China, including Hong Kong
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	93,408	93,201
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	57,998	52,910
Germany
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	41,810	59,261
South Korea
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	26,175	33,032
Taiwan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	15,013	5,540
Singapore
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	10,166	10,718
Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	9,961	11,590
FRANCE
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	3,142	3,080
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	31,549	38,353
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	23,125	24,022
Rest of the World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$5,941	$5,654

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG5

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Locations of long-lived assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$201,203	$206,285
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	88,965	92,466
Philippines
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	56,866	56,094
Germany
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	17,119	17,920
FRANCE
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	12,591	13,714
Asia-Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	20,338	20,237
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$5,324	$5,854

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG6

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Goodwill	188,554,000		$191,088,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	46,900,000		50,286,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	117,400,000		117,300,000
Major Distributor with Largest Balance [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.00%	16.00%
Major Distributor with Second Largest Balance [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		13.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Number of Major Customers	0	0
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Major Distributor with Largest Balance [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Number of Major Distributor	1	2
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Number of Major Distributor	1	2
Concentration Risk, Number of Major Customers	0	0
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Major Distributor with Largest Balance [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	17.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Major Customer with Largest Balance [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Major Customer with Largest Balance [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member] | Major Distributor with Second Largest Balance [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		14.00%
Auction-rate securities
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	1,100,000		$1,100,000

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Restruct

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	$19,725
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	1,147	-224
Non-cash - Other	-181
Payments – Employee termination costs	-1,274
Foreign exchange gain	-98
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	19,319
Quarter Two 2010 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	281
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	0
Non-cash - Other	0
Payments – Employee termination costs	0
Foreign exchange gain	0
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	281
Quarter Two 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	19
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	0
Non-cash - Other	0
Payments – Employee termination costs	0
Foreign exchange gain	0
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	19
Quarter One 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	3,988
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	-49
Non-cash - Other	0
Payments – Employee termination costs	-524
Foreign exchange gain	-31
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	3,384
Quarter Three 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	9
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	0
Non-cash - Other	0
Payments – Employee termination costs	0
Foreign exchange gain	0
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	9
Quarter Three 2014 [Domain]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	920
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	488
Non-cash - Other	-175
Payments – Employee termination costs	-540
Foreign exchange gain	-59
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	634
Quarter Four 2014 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	14,508
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	6
Non-cash - Other	-6
Payments – Employee termination costs	-14
Foreign exchange gain	-1
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	14,493
Quarter One 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at January 1, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	0
(Credits) charges – Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	702
Non-cash - Other	0
Payments – Employee termination costs	-196
Foreign exchange gain	-7
Balance at March 31, 2015 - Restructuring Accrual	$499

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Narrativ

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges (credits)	$1,147	($224)

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTA2

NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Atmel	$16,495	$2,166
Net income	$16,546	$2,166
Weighted-average shares - basic	417,038	425,390
Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	1,424	1,886
Weighted-average shares - diluted	418,462	427,276
Basic
Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders	$0.04	$0.01
Diluted
Net income per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders	$0.04	$0.01

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_ATTRIBUTA3

NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Schedule of Antidilutive Securities (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4,578	4,788

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 16, 2015	Apr. 16, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Intellectual Property License, Term	5 years
Intellectual Property License, Option to Renew, Renewal Period	10 years
Royalty Agreement, Guaranteed Minimum Royalties	$16.30	$16.30
Proceeds from Royalties Received	$9.30