NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 01, 2011	Jul. 01, 2011	Apr. 01, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Net income (loss) attributable to Newport Corporation	$ (112,805)	$ 7,636	$ 9,154	$ 6,592	$ 34,525	$ 10,502	$ 13,922	$ 20,759	$ (89,423)	$ 79,708	$ 41,113
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic									38,133	37,407	36,647
Dilutive potential common shares, using treasury stock method										1,266	1,079
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted									38,133	38,673	37,726
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (2.96)	$ 0.20	$ 0.24	$ 0.17	$ 0.92	$ 0.28	$ 0.37	$ 0.56	$ (2.35)	$ 2.13	$ 1.12
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (2.96)	$ 0.20	$ 0.24	$ 0.17	$ 0.90	$ 0.27	$ 0.36	$ 0.53	$ (2.35)	$ 2.06	$ 1.09