Per share amounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011	Jul. 01, 2011	Apr. 01, 2011	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Per share amounts [Abstract]
Net loss from continuing operations	$ (12,029)	$ (8,924)	$ (6,494)	$ (4,303)	$ (37,460)	[1]	$ (988)	$ (4,461)	$ (4,989)	$ (31,750)	$ (47,898)	$ (27,737)
Net loss from discontinued operations	(345)	0	0	0	(370)	[1]	(270)	0	612	(345)	(28)	(9,679)
Less: Net (loss) earnings attributable to non-controlling interest	150	35	(97)	(197)	(62)	[1]	(118)	44	48	(109)	(88)	987
Net loss attributable to Pulse Electronics Corporation	$ (12,524)	$ (8,959)	$ (6,397)	$ (4,106)	$ (37,768)	[1]	$ (1,140)	$ (4,505)	$ (4,425)	$ (31,986)	$ (47,838)	$ (38,403)
Basic loss per share:
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)										46,673,000	41,182,000	40,990,000
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)										$ (0.68)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.7)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)										$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ (0.24)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.15)	$ (0.1)	$ (0.92)	[1]	$ (0.03)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.69)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.94)
Diluted loss per share:
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)										46,673,000	41,182,000	40,990,000
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)										$ (0.68)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.7)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)										$ (0.01)	$ 0	$ (0.24)
Per share amount (in dollars per share)										$ (0.69)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.94)
Stock options outstanding (in shares)	1,273,000				1,252,000					1,273,000	1,252,000	157,000
Unvested restricted shares outstanding (in shares)	1,035,000				580,000					1,035,000	580,000	420,000

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2011, we recorded an income tax valuation allowance of $32.5 million. Refer to Note 8, Income taxes, for additional information.