Identifiable Intangible Assets and their Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012 Year
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc.
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 210,100
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc. | Completed Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	47,800
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	6
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc. | Customer Relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	144,600
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	6
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc. | Backlog
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	15,700
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	1
Zarlink Semiconductor, Inc. | Trade Names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	2,000
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	2
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	12,960
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Completed Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	6,000
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	5
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Customer Relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	6,700
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	5
Timing Business of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Backlog
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 260
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)	1