Quarterly financial data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 80,110	$ 88,205	$ 93,567	$ 81,652	$ 87,772	$ 94,840	$ 88,258	$ 84,806	$ 343,534	$ 355,676
Gross profit	18,472	21,176	19,737	17,526	19,090	21,646	20,750	20,181	76,911	81,667
Net loss	(9,587)	(6,401)	(7,839)	(9,031)	(7,084)	(7,588)	(5,221)	(7,130)	(32,858)	(27,023)
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest	(33)	47	(30)	14	72	44	9	(14)	(2)	111
Net loss attributable to Pulse Electronics Corporation	$ (9,554)	$ (6,448)	$ (7,809)	$ (9,045)	$ (7,156)	$ (7,632)	$ (5,230)	$ (7,116)	$ (32,856)	$ (27,134)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.54)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.45)	$ (0.72)	$ (0.89)	$ (0.95)	$ (0.65)	$ (0.89)	$ (2.02)	$ (3.39)