NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income attributable to Newport Corporation	$ 437	$ 7,636	$ 5,845	$ 23,382
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	39,121	38,264	38,935	38,072
Dilutive potential common shares, using treasury stock method	536	381	491	753
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	39,657	38,645	39,426	38,825
Net income per share attributable to Newport Corporation:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.20	$ 0.15	$ 0.61
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.20	$ 0.15	$ 0.60