Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net sales	$ 595,346	$ 545,054	$ 479,787
Cost of sales	334,758	305,325	274,491
Gross profit	260,588	239,729	205,296
Selling, general and administrative expenses	159,347	140,636	112,754
Research and development expense	52,714	45,270	39,278
(Gain) loss on sale of assets and related costs	(166)		542
Impairment charge	130,853
Operating income (loss)	(82,160)	53,823	52,722
Recovery of note receivable and other amounts related to previously discontinued operations, net		619
Foreign currency translation gain from dissolution of subsidiary		7,198
Gain on sale of investments	6,248
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(582)
Interest and other expense, net	(8,559)	(10,550)	(8,481)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(84,471)	50,508	44,241
Income tax provision (benefit)	5,479	(29,154)	3,128
Net income (loss)	(89,950)	79,662	41,113
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(527)	(46)
Net income (loss) attributable to Newport Corporation	(89,423)	79,708	41,113
Net income (loss)	(89,950)	79,662	41,113
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	1,169	(10,222)	(4,871)
Unrecognized net pension gains (losses)	(2,243)	551	(1,007)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities	48	(365)	(465)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(90,976)	69,626	34,770
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(593)	(57)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Newport Corporation	(90,383)	69,683	34,770
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (90,976)	$ 69,626	$ 34,770
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (2.35)	$ 2.13	$ 1.12
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (2.35)	$ 2.06	$ 1.09
Shares used in the computation of net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in shares)	38,133	37,407	36,647
Diluted (in shares)	38,133	38,673	37,726