ACQUISITIONS - Identifiable Intangible Assets and their Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 210,100
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc | Completed Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	47,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	6 years
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc | Customer Relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	144,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	6 years
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc | Backlog
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	15,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	1 year
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc | Trade Names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	2,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	2 years
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	12,960
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Completed Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	6,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	5 years
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Customer Relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	6,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	5 years
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Backlog
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 260
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life	1 year