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Commitments and contingencies (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jul. 01, 2011
Jun. 25, 2010
Jul. 01, 2011
Jun. 25, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]        
Legal and professional fees related to takeover offer defense $ 1,486,000 $ 0 $ 1,916,000 $ 0
Pending or Threatened Litigation Halo [Member]
       
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]        
Lawsuit filing date     March 2007  
Domicile of Litigation     Nevada  
Plaintiff allegations     patent infringement  
Value of damages sought by plaintiff     34,300,000  
Legal expenses related to litigating Halo     700,000 1,200,000
Unsolicited Takeover Attempt Bel Fuse, Inc. [Member]
       
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]        
Date of unsolicited takeover offer     March 2011  
Unsolicited takeover offer, per share     6.00  
Number of directors nominated by Bel Fuse to board     2  
Legal and professional fees related to takeover offer defense     $ 1,916,000