Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 25, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 369,284	$ 432,480	$ 398,803
Cost of sales	289,148	323,865	298,035
Gross profit	80,136	108,615	100,768
Selling, general and administrative expenses	81,393	91,653	89,698
Severance, impairment and other associated costs	14,719	32,799	82,867
Costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt	1,916	0	0
Operating loss	(17,892)	(15,837)	(71,797)
Other (expense) income:
Interest income	188	563	613
Interest expense	(6,390)	(5,416)	(3,580)
Other (expense) income, net	(561)	(4,356)	3,784
Total other (expense) income	(6,763)	(9,209)	817
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(24,655)	(25,046)	(70,980)
Income tax expense (benefit)	28,791	2,691	1,879
Net loss from continuing operations	(53,446)	(27,737)	(72,859)
Net loss from discontinued operations	(28)	(9,679)	(119,978)
Net loss	(53,474)	(37,416)	(192,837)
Less: Net (loss) earnings attributable to non-controlling interest	(88)	987	375
Net loss attributable to Pulse Electronics Corporation	(53,386)	(38,403)	(193,212)
Amounts attributable to Pulse Electronics Corporation common shareholders:
Net loss from continuing operations	(53,358)	(28,724)	(73,234)
Net loss from discontinued operations	(28)	(9,679)	(119,978)
Net loss attributable to Pulse Electronics Corporation	$ (53,386)	$ (38,403)	$ (193,212)
Basic loss per share:
Net loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.30)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.79)
Net loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.24)	$ (2.94)
Net loss (in dollars per share)	$ (1.30)	$ (0.94)	$ (4.73)
Diluted loss per share:
Net loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.30)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.79)
Net loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ (0.24)	$ (2.94)
Net loss (in dollars per share)	$ (1.30)	$ (0.94)	$ (4.73)