| Cover Page | Jan. 27, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000895419 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CREE, INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NC |
| Entity File Number | 0-21154 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1572719 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4600 Silicon Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Durham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27703 |
| City Area Code | 919 |
| Local Phone Number | 407-5300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.00125 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CREE |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
