Per share amounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011	Jul. 01, 2011	Apr. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Oct. 01, 2010	Jun. 25, 2010		Mar. 26, 2010		Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 25, 2009
Per share amounts [Abstract]
Stock options outstanding (in shares)	1,252,000					157,000						1,252,000	157,000	82,000
Unvested restricted shares outstanding (in shares)	580,000					420,000						580,000	420,000	330,000
Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations	$ (43,008)	[1]	$ (988)	$ (4,461)	$ (4,989)	$ 2,153	$ 8,136	$ (2,482)	[2]	$ (35,544)	[3]	$ (53,446)	$ (27,737)	$ (72,859)
Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations	(370)	[1]	(270)	0	612	(699)	6,188	2,908	[2]	(18,076)	[3]	(28)	(9,679)	(119,978)
Less: Net (loss) earnings attributable to non-controlling interest	(62)	[1]	(118)	44	48	273	117	290	[2]	307	[3]	(88)	987	375
Net loss attributable to Pulse Electronics Corporation	$ (43,316)	[1]	$ (1,140)	$ (4,505)	$ (4,425)	$ 1,181	$ 14,207	$ 136	[2]	$ (53,927)	[3]	$ (53,386)	$ (38,403)	$ (193,212)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)												41,182,000	40,990,000	40,853,000
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)												$ (1.30)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.79)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)												$ 0.00	$ (0.24)	$ (2.94)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)												$ (1.30)	$ (0.94)	$ (4.73)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)												41,182,000	40,990,000	40,853,000
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)												$ (1.30)	$ (0.70)	$ (1.79)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)												$ 0.00	$ (0.24)	$ (2.94)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ (1.05)	[1]	$ (0.03)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.03	$ 0.30	$ 0.00	[2]	$ (1.32)	[3]	$ (1.30)	$ (0.94)	$ (4.73)

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded an income tax valuation allowance of $58.0 million, of which $38.0 million resulted in an increase in income tax expense. Refer to Note 7, Income taxes, for additional information.

[2] During the second quarter of 2010, we recorded a $3.6 million intangible asset impairment charge. Refer to Note 4, Goodwill and other intangible assets, for a description of the impairment.

[3] During the first quarter of 2010, we recorded impairments of $14.6 million to our goodwill and $11.5 million to our finite-lived intangible assets. Refer to Note 4, Goodwill and other intangible assets, for a description of the impairment.