NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMEL COMMON STOCKHOLDERS (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Atmel	$ 32,195us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (22,055)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 30,445us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 35,208us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ (22,055)us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 30,445us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income per share
Weighted-average shares - basic	419,103	427,460	433,017
Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	1,807	0	4,565
Weighted-average shares - diluted	420,910	427,460	437,582
Basic
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - basic	$ 0.08us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ (0.05)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ 0.07us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Diluted
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Atmel common stockholders - diluted	$ 0.08us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ (0.05)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ 0.07us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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