Investments in Affiliated Companies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment Pro Rata Share Of Debt Obligations Of Joint Venture	$ 12,450		$ 12,450
Investments in affiliated companies	59,095		59,095		59,455
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	2,179	1,633	4,800	4,566
Marubun/Arrow [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Investments in affiliated companies	44,421		44,421		41,971
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	1,686	1,262	3,678	3,739
Altech Industries [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Investments in affiliated companies	14,674		14,674		17,484
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	$ 493	$ 371	$ 1,122	$ 827

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details