OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	$ 1,413,334	$ 1,386,447	$ 1,432,110
Micro Controllers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	994,069	958,471	959,742
Segment income from operations	116,417	67,847	103,280
Nonvolatile Memories [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	166,768	153,363	208,434
Segment income from operations	35,868	24,383	32,475
Automotive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	153,221	159,774	147,222
Segment income from operations	23,096	13,685	(2,897)
Multi-market and other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue from external customers	99,276	114,839	116,712
Segment income from operations	$ 3,260	$ 17,441	$ 24,755