Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 25, 2010	Jul. 01, 2011	Jun. 25, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 94,758	$ 116,473	$ 182,797	$ 209,333
Cost of sales	72,385	85,605	142,000	158,873
Gross profit	22,373	30,868	40,797	50,460
Selling, general and administrative expenses	21,255	24,689	42,796	47,387
Severance, impairment and other associated costs	3,867	3,767	10,623	31,094
Cost related to unsolicited takeover attempt	1,486	0	1,916	0
Operating (loss) profit	(4,235)	2,412	(14,538)	(28,021)
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense, net	(1,158)	(1,272)	(2,451)	(2,621)
Other (expense) income, net	167	(1,625)	1,709	(7,529)
Total other (expense) income	(991)	(2,897)	(742)	(10,150)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(5,226)	(485)	(15,280)	(38,171)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(765)	1,997	(5,830)	(145)
Net loss from continuing operations	(4,461)	(2,482)	(9,450)	(38,026)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	0	2,908	612	(15,168)
Net (loss) earnings	(4,461)	426	(8,838)	(53,194)
Less: Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interest	44	290	92	597
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Pulse Electronics Corp.	(4,505)	136	(8,930)	(53,791)
Amounts attributable to Pulse Electronics Corp. common shareholders:
Net loss from continuing operations	(4,505)	(2,772)	(9,542)	(38,623)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	0	2,908	612	(15,168)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Pulse Electronics Corp.	$ (4,505)	$ 136	$ (8,930)	$ (53,791)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net loss from continuing operations (in dollars per shares)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.94)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per shares)	$ 0.00	$ 0.07	$ 0.01	$ (0.37)
Net earnings (loss) (in dollars per shares)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.00	$ (0.22)	$ (1.31)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Net loss from continuing operations (in dollars per shares)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.94)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per shares)	$ 0.00	$ 0.07	$ 0.01	$ (0.37)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Pulse Electronics Corp. (in dollars per shares)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.00	$ (0.22)	$ (1.31)