Net Loss Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Loss Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Net Loss Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 6,718	$ 5,473	$ 2,794	$ (2,248)
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	[1]	194,562	197,613	196,848	196,305
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards		2,303	3,131	4,170
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	[1]	196,865	200,744	201,018	196,305
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$ 0.03	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of loss per share					3,300,000

[1] PMC-Sierra Ltd. special shares are included in the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.