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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014	Feb. 18, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	COHU
Entity Registrant Name	COHU INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000021535
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,702,989
Entity Public Float			$ 147,000,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 70,885	$ 51,668
Short-term investments	1,155	1,200
Accounts receivable, net	73,646	58,164
Inventories:
Raw materials and purchased parts	26,734	27,668
Work in process	21,738	16,941
Finished goods	7,073	10,800
Total inventories	55,545	55,409
Deferred income taxes	4,406	5,516
Other current assets	9,180	8,619
Current assets of discontinued video camera segment		6,272
Total current assets	214,817	186,848
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and land improvements	11,762	12,285
Buildings and building improvements	31,123	31,731
Machinery and equipment	42,352	42,105
Property plant and equipment, gross	85,237	86,121
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(53,383)	(50,325)
Net property, plant and equipment	31,854	35,796
Goodwill	63,132	71,313
Intangible assets, net	33,087	45,315
Other assets	5,928	5,720
Noncurrent assets of discontinued video camera segment		431
Total consolidated assets	348,818	345,423
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	25,964	25,292
Accrued compensation and benefits	19,643	14,271
Accrued warranty	6,184	5,155
Deferred profit	7,445	6,066
Income taxes payable	3,133	805
Other accrued liabilities	7,184	7,675
Current liabilities of discontinued video camera segment		1,747
Total current liabilities	69,553	61,011
Accrued retirement benefits	13,815	10,841
Noncurrent income tax liabilities	7,321	7,463
Deferred income taxes	11,061	12,948
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, none issued
Common stock, $1 par value; 60,000 shares authorized, 25,692 shares issued and outstanding in 2014 and 25,080 shares in 2013	25,692	25,080
Paid-in capital	97,938	89,883
Retained earnings	134,152	131,546
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,714)	6,651
Total stockholders' equity	247,068	253,160
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 348,818	$ 345,423

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,692,000	25,080,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,692,000	25,080,000

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 333,323	$ 231,574	$ 206,312
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	221,088	168,186	144,590
Research and development	40,601	46,452	33,564
Selling, general and administrative	57,536	54,053	42,121
Impairment of goodwill and other assets (Note 3)	5,000
Total cost and expenses	324,225	268,691	220,275
Income (loss) from operations	9,098	(37,117)	(13,963)
Interest and other from continuing operations, net	30	54	967
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	9,128	(37,063)	(12,996)
Income tax provision (benefit)	3,293	(2,803)	(874)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	5,835	(34,260)	(12,122)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,873	842	(121)
Net income (loss)	$ 8,708	$ (33,418)	$ (12,243)
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.23	$ (1.37)	$ (0.50)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0.11	0.03	0.00
Net income (loss)	0.34	(1.34)	(0.50)
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	0.22	(1.37)	(0.50)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0.11	0.03	0.00
Net income (loss)	$ 0.33	$ (1.34)	$ (0.50)
Weighted average shares used in computing income (loss) per share:
Basic	25,393	24,859	24,459
Diluted	26,006	24,859	24,459

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 8,708	$ (33,418)	$ (12,243)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,107)	3,270	1,689
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, net of tax	(3,258)	1,604	122
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments		(6)	(16)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(17,365)	4,868	1,795
Comprehensive loss	$ (8,657)	$ (28,550)	$ (10,448)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock $1 Par Value [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 291,031	$ 24,330	$ 77,658	$ 189,055	$ (12)
Net income (loss)	(12,243)			(12,243)
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	1,689				1,689
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, net of tax	122				122
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax	(16)				(16)
Cash dividends - $0.24 per share	(5,875)			(5,875)
Exercise of stock options	609	73	536
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	1,252	152	1,100
Shares issued for restricted stock units vested		108	(108)
Repurchase and retirement of stock	(291)	(31)	(260)
Share-based compensation expense	4,621		4,621
Ending balance at Dec. 29, 2012	280,899	24,632	83,547	170,937	1,783
Net income (loss)	(33,418)			(33,418)
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	3,270				3,270
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, net of tax	1,604				1,604
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax	(6)				(6)
Cash dividends - $0.24 per share	(5,973)			(5,973)
Exercise of stock options	886	117	769
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	1,251	163	1,088
Shares issued for restricted stock units vested		249	(249)
Repurchase and retirement of stock	(821)	(81)	(740)
Share-based compensation expense	5,468		5,468
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2013	253,160	25,080	89,883	131,546	6,651
Net income (loss)	8,708			8,708
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment	(14,107)				(14,107)
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, net of tax	(3,258)				(3,258)
Cash dividends - $0.24 per share	(6,102)			(6,102)
Exercise of stock options	2,001	237	1,764
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan	1,140	139	1,001
Shares issued for restricted stock units vested		353	(353)
Repurchase and retirement of stock	(1,250)	(117)	(1,133)
Share-based compensation expense	6,776		6,776
Ending balance at Dec. 27, 2014	$ 247,068	$ 25,692	$ 97,938	$ 134,152	$ (10,714)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend, per share	$ 0.24	$ 0.24	$ 0.24

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2012 USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 8,708	$ (33,418)	$ (12,243)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on disposal of video camera segment	(4,434)
Impairment of goodwill and other assets (Note 3)	5,000
Operating cash flows of discontinued operations	(694)	2,316	1,686
Depreciation and amortization	13,528	13,328	9,215
Share-based compensation expense	6,585	5,346	4,499
Gain on sale of facility			(677)
Deferred income taxes	(487)	(2,132)	581
Accrued retiree benefits	659	130	(91)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding effects from acquisitions, divestitures and impairments:
Accounts receivable	(15,484)	(2,357)	3,215
Accrued compensation, warranty and other liabilities	6,121	(1,583)	(6,476)
Inventories	(1,850)	11,884	19,697
Deferred profit	1,379	3,833	(682)
Other current and non-current assets	(1,083)	(569)	945
Income taxes payable, including excess stock option exercise benefits	1,410	156	(1,662)
Accounts payable	320	6,483	(4,838)
Net cash provided by operating activities	19,678	3,417	13,169
Cash flows from investing activities, excluding effects from acquisitions, divestitures and impairments:
Cash received from sale of video camera segment, net	10,258
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	1,045	6,221	84,780
Purchases of short-term investments	(1,000)		(40,461)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(1,660)	(3,874)	(3,240)
Payment for purchase of Ismeca, net of cash received		(53,463)
Payment for purchase of Duma Video, Inc.			(900)
Cash received from facility sale			1,080
Other assets		(176)	(66)
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations	(6)	(34)	(27)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	8,637	(51,326)	41,166
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(6,067)	(4,468)	(7,333)
Issuance of stock, net	1,891	1,316	1,570
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,176)	(3,152)	(5,763)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4,922)	(79)	974
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,217	(51,140)	49,546
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	51,668	102,808	53,262
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	70,885	51,668	102,808
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid (refunded) during the year for income taxes	971	(900)	711
Inventory capitalized as capital assets	1,301	657	$ 567
Dividends declared but not yet paid	$ 1,539	$ 1,504

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – Cohu, Inc. (“Cohu”, “we”, “our” and “us”), through our wholly owned subsidiaries, is a provider of semiconductor test equipment and microwave communications systems. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cohu and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Our fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. Our fiscal years ended on December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 each consisted of 52 weeks.

Risks and Uncertainties – We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Understanding these risks and uncertainties is integral to the review of our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued Operations – On June 6, 2014 we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our video camera segment, Cohu Electronics, and its operating results are being presented as discontinued operations and all prior period amounts have been reclassified accordingly. See Note 2, “Disposal of Video Camera Segment” for additional information. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts herein relate to continuing operations.

Income (Loss) Per Share – Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. For purposes of computing diluted income per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of our common stock for the period are excluded. For the year ended December 27, 2014 approximately 1,771,000 shares of our common stock were excluded from the computation.

The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share:


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Weighted average common shares outstanding		25,393		24,859		24,459
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units		613		—		—

		26,006		24,859		24,459

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – Highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months are classified as short-term investments. All of our short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). We manage our cash equivalents and short-term investments as a single portfolio of highly marketable securities. We have the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate any of our investments in order to meet the liquidity needs of our current operations during the next 12 months. Accordingly, investments with contractual maturities greater than one year from December 27, 2014 have been classified as current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.

Concentration of Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer.

Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.3 million at December 27, 2014 and $0.5 million at December 28, 2013. Our customers include semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors and other customers located throughout many areas of the world. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and represents our best estimate of potential loss exposure at December 27, 2014, we will continue to monitor customer liquidity and other economic conditions, which may result in changes to our estimates regarding collectability.

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a current average or first-in, first-out basis, or market. Cost includes labor, material and overhead costs. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous estimates and judgments including projecting average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods and costs to complete and dispose of inventory. As a result of these analyses, we record a charge to cost of sales in advance of the period when the inventory is sold when market values are below our costs. Charges to cost of sales for excess and obsolete inventories aggregated $3.9 million, $7.8 million, and $8.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment is calculated principally on the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of thirty to forty years for buildings, five to fifteen years for building improvements and three to ten years for machinery, equipment and software.

Goodwill, Purchased Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets – We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimated the fair values of our reporting units primarily using the income approach valuation methodology that includes the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration the market approach and certain market multiples as a validation of the values derived using the discounted cash flow methodology. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on customer forecasts, industry trade organization data and general economic conditions.

We conduct our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1st of each year. As of October 1, 2014, we concluded there was no impairment as the estimated fair values of our semiconductor equipment and microwave communications reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 35% and 17%, respectively. Subsequent to our annual goodwill impairment test, in the fourth quarter of 2014, we determined an interim analysis was required and as of December 27, 2014 concluded that the fair market value of our microwave communications reporting unit goodwill was lower than its carrying value. As a result, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $5.0 million, comprised of $3.1 million of goodwill, and $1.9 million other assets in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additional information is included in Note 3, “Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring”.

Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the assets carrying amount and estimated fair value.

Product Warranty – Product warranty costs are accrued in the period sales are recognized. Our products are generally sold with standard warranty periods, which differ by product, ranging from 12- to 36-months. Parts and labor are typically covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. Our warranty expense accruals are based on historical and estimated costs by product and configuration. From time-to-time we offer customers extended warranties beyond the standard warranty period. In those situations the revenue relating to the extended warranty is deferred at its estimated fair value and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Costs associated with our extended warranty contracts are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes – We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized and recorded, net of federal and state tax benefits, in income tax expense.

Contingencies and Litigation – We assess the probability of adverse judgments in connection with current and threatened litigation. We would accrue the cost of an adverse judgment if, in our estimation, the adverse outcome is probable and we can reasonably estimate the ultimate cost.

Revenue Recognition – Our net sales are derived from the sale of products and services and are adjusted for estimated returns and allowances, which historically have been insignificant. We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, title and risk of loss have passed, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Title and risk of loss generally pass to our customers upon shipment. In circumstances where either title or risk of loss pass upon destination or acceptance, we defer revenue recognition until such events occur.

Revenue for established products that have previously satisfied a customer’s acceptance requirements and provide for full payment tied to shipment is generally recognized upon shipment and passage of title. In certain instances, customer payment terms may provide that a minority portion (e.g. 20%) of the equipment purchase price be paid only upon customer acceptance. In those situations, the majority portion (e.g. 80%) of revenue where payment is tied to shipment and the entire product cost of sale are recognized upon shipment and passage of title and the minority portion of the purchase price related to customer acceptance is deferred and recognized upon receipt of customer acceptance. In cases where a prior history of customer acceptance cannot be demonstrated or from sales where customer payment dates are not determinable and in the case of new products, revenue is deferred until customer acceptance has been received. Our post-shipment obligations typically include installation and standard warranties. The estimated fair value of installation related revenue is recognized in the period the installation is performed. Service revenue is recognized ratably over the period of the related contract. Spares and kit revenue is generally recognized upon shipment.

Certain of our equipment sales are accounted for as multiple-element arrangements. A multiple-element arrangement is a transaction which may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services, or rights to use assets, and performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. For arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred using the relative selling price method utilizing estimated sales prices until delivery of the deferred elements. We limit the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified return or adjustment.

On shipments where sales are not recognized, gross profit is generally recorded as deferred profit in our consolidated balance sheet representing the difference between the receivable recorded and the inventory shipped. In certain instances where customer payments are received prior to product shipment, the customer’s payments are recorded as customer advances in our consolidated balance sheet. At December 27, 2014, we had total deferred revenue of approximately $11.3 million and deferred profit of $7.4 million. At December 28, 2013, we had total deferred revenue of approximately $7.4 million and deferred profit of $6.1 million.

Advertising Costs – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were not material for all periods presented.

Share-based Compensation – We measure and recognize all share-based compensation under the fair value method. Our estimate of share-based compensation expense requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), future forfeitures and related tax effects. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made are reasonable and appropriate, changes in assumptions could materially impact our reported financial results.

Foreign Currency Translation – Assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries that use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, except for nonmonetary assets, such as inventories and property, plant and equipment, which are translated using historical exchange rates. Revenues and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period, except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are translated using historical exchange rates. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recognized as incurred. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries have designated the local currency as their functional currency and, as a result, their assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. During 2014 strengthening of the U.S. dollar, against primarily the Swiss Franc and Euro resulted in approximately $2.0 million of gains being recognized in our consolidated statement of operations. Gains and losses were not significant in any of the other periods presented. Cumulative translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements are included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Our accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled approximately $10.7 million at December 27, 2014 and at December 28, 2013 our other comprehensive income totaled approximately $6.7 million and was attributed to, net of income taxes where applicable; foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. dollars, unrealized losses and gains on investments and adjustments to accumulated postretirement benefit obligations. The U.S. dollar strengthened relative to many foreign currencies as of December 27, 2014 compared to December 28, 2013. Consequently, accumulated comprehensive income decreased by $14.1 million as a result of the foreign currency translation as of December 27, 2014. Additional information related to accumulated other comprehensive income, on an after-tax basis is included in Note 12.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment to previous income tax guidance clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This new guidance requires that the parent release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods starting after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity, which amends the existing definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose additional information about disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The guidance redefines a discontinued operation as a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed of by sale or other than by sale or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The guidance is effective prospectively for disposals or components classified as held for sale in periods on or after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. Cohu elected to implement this new guidance in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The amended guidance outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. We are still evaluating the impact this new guidance might have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on going concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics)

2.	Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics)

On June 6, 2014, we completed the sale of substantially all the assets of our video camera segment. Our decision to sell resulted from management’s determination that this industry segment was no longer a strategic fit within our organization. The sales price was $9.5 million in cash and included up to $0.5 million in contingent consideration and a working capital adjustment. In connection with the sale we incurred $0.8 million of divestiture-related costs that would not have been incurred otherwise. These costs, which are netted against the gain on disposal presented below consist of legal advisory services, success based compensation arrangements and certain other items that are incremental to normal operating charges and were expensed as incurred.

Balance sheet information of our discontinued video camera segment is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
Assets:
Accounts receivable, net	$	—	$	2,597
Inventories		—		3,568
Other current assets		—		107

Total current assets		—		6,272
Property, plant and equipment, net		—		431

Total assets	$	—	$	6,703

Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	730
Other accrued current liabilities		—		1,017

Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,747

Operating results of our discontinued video camera segment is summarized as follows:


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Net sales	$	5,460	$	15,726	$	14,850

Operating income (loss) before income taxes	$	(242)	$	1,317	$	(121	)
Gain on disposal of video camera segment		4,434		—		—
Income tax provision (benefit)		1,319		475		—

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	2,873	$	842	$	(121	)

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 we revised the fair value contingent consideration to be earned pursuant to the definitive agreement by $0.3 million as a result of the achievement of certain milestones. This adjustment in the fair value of the contingent consideration has been included in the gain on disposal of video camera segment presented above.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1436-107760

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1474-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1510-107760

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1020-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230

+ Details

Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring

3.	Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Assets

We are required to assess goodwill impairment using the methodology prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification No. 350, Intangible–Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which requires that we evaluate goodwill for impairment annually. We conduct our annual impairment test as of October 1st of each year and as of October 1, 2014 we previously determined there was no impairment as the estimated fair values of our semiconductor equipment and microwave communications reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 35% and 17%, respectively. In addition to the annual goodwill impairment test, an interim test for impairment is required to be completed when an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value.

ASC 350 requires a two-step impairment test to identify and measure any goodwill impairment loss. The first step is used to identify potential impairment and compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying (book) value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired and the second step of the test is not necessary. The second step of the impairment test is used to measure the amount of the impairment loss and compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Subsequent to the preparation of our annual impairment test, as a result of changes to the estimated market value of our microwave communications equipment reporting unit that occurred during the fourth quarter, we determined it was necessary to evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of this segment as of December 27, 2014. For this analysis we utilized the market approach as the primary valuation method. The market approach is one of the three methodologies (along with the income approach and asset approach) that are used to estimate enterprise and equity value. The market approach employs analysis using comparable transactions in determining the value of the entity. Both public and private companies, if publicly available information exists, are considered in the market approach. Two information points commonly available – company valuation and transaction value – are used for their respective methodologies. The three main methods utilized under the market approach are: The Guideline Public Company Method, The Guideline Transactions Method and The Backsolve Method.

Utilizing the results of the market approach analysis, we determined that the carrying value of our microwave communications equipment reporting unit exceeded its current fair market value and, as a result, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $5.0 million as of December 27, 2014. The asset impairments we recorded were comprised of $3.1 million of goodwill and $1.9 million of other assets.

Geographic Consolidation

In 2014 BMS substantially completed a geographic consolidation restructuring plan to relocate the manufacturing, engineering and administrative function of its German operation to its headquarters facility in Poway, California. In 2014 BMS recorded charges to operations totaling $0.5 million for severance and one-time termination benefits. These charges are included in cost of sales $0.1 million, research and development $0.2 million and selling, general and administrative expense $0.2 million. We anticipate that the remaining amounts accrued at December 27, 2014 will be settled in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

The following table reconciles amounts accrued and paid under the consolidation plan (in thousands):


	Severance and Other Payroll
Balance, December 28, 2013	$	—
Costs accrued		524
Amounts paid or charged		(249	)
Impact of currency exchange		(44	)

Balance, December 27, 2014	$	231

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

4.	Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

Acquisition of Ismeca

On December 31, 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding share capital of Ismeca Semiconductor Holding SA (“Ismeca”). Ismeca, headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and with major operations in Malacca, Malaysia and Suzhou, China, designs, manufactures and sells turret-based test handling and back-end finishing equipment for integrated circuits, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and discrete components. The acquisition of Ismeca was a strategic transaction to expand our semiconductor total available market, extend our market leadership, expand our customer base, and broaden our product and technology offerings.

The purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $90.8 million, and was funded primarily by cash reserves ($57.1 million) and certain liabilities assumed ($33.7 million). Total consideration was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated respective fair values as of the completion of the acquisition. Amounts allocated to intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives as noted below. The acquisition was nontaxable and certain of the assets acquired, including goodwill and intangibles, will generally not be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill associated with the acquisition was primarily attributable to the opportunities from the addition of Ismeca’s products and was assigned to our semiconductor equipment segment.

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment during the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):


	Semiconductor Equipment			Microwave Communications			Total Goodwill
Balance, December 29, 2012	$	55,520		$	3,236		$	58,756
Additions net of adjustments		10,930			—			10,930
Impact of currency exchange		1,533			94			1,627

Balance, December 28, 2013		67,983			3,330			71,313
Impact of currency exchange		(4,851	)		(275	)		(5,126	)
Impairment of goodwill - (See Note 3)		—			(3,055	)		(3,055	)

Balance, December 27, 2014	$	63,132		$	—		$	63,132

Purchased intangible assets, subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):


	December 27, 2014					December 28, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Remaining Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Rasco technology	$	29,845	$	22,616	2.0 years	$	33,689	$	21,319
Ismeca technology		27,014		6,879	6.0 years		29,915		3,809
Duma technology		864		864	0.0 years		864		408

	$	57,723	$	30,359		$	64,468	$	25,536

In connection with the impairment of our microwave communications equipment reporting unit we wrote off the remaining $0.2 million net book value of Duma technology as of December 27, 2014, this impairment is included in the accumulated amortization in the table above. The amounts included in the table above at December 27, 2014, exclude approximately $2.1 million and $3.6 million, related to the trade names of Rasco and Ismeca, respectively, and at December 28, 2013 exclude approximately $2.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

These trade names have an indefinite life and are not being amortized. Changes in the carrying values of purchased intangible assets are a result of the impact of fluctuation in currency exchange rates.

Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets was approximately $8.1 million in both 2014 and 2013 and $4.1 million in 2012. As of December 27, 2014, we expect amortization expense in future periods to be as follows: 2015 - $7.2 million; 2016 - $6.8 million; 2017 - $3.3 million; 2018 - $3.3 million 2019 - $3.3 million; and thereafter $3.4 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

5.	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

Our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments consisted primarily of cash and other investment grade securities. We do not hold investment securities for trading purposes. All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Investment securities are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates and credit risk and we monitor credit risk and attempt to mitigate exposure by making high-quality investments and through investment diversification.

Gains and losses on investments are calculated using the specific-identification method and are recognized during the period in which the investment is sold or when an investment experiences an other-than-temporary decline in value. Factors that could indicate an impairment exists include, but are not limited to: earnings performance, changes in credit rating or adverse changes in the regulatory or economic environment of the asset. Gross realized gains and losses on sales of short-term investments are included in interest income. Realized gains and losses for the periods presented were not significant.

Investments that we have classified as short-term, by security type, are as follows (in thousands):


	At December 27, 2014
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	155	$	—	$	—	$	155
Bank certificates of deposit		1,000		—		—		1,000

	$	1,155	$	—	$	—	$	1,155


	At December 28, 2013
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	1,200	$	—	$	—	$	1,200

Effective maturities of short-term investments at December 27, 2014, were as follows:


(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	1,155	$	1,155

Our municipal securities include variable rate demand notes which can be put (sold at par) typically on a daily basis with settlement periods ranging from the same day to one week and have varying contractual maturities through 2034. These securities can be used for short-term liquidity needs and are held for limited periods of time. At December 27, 2014 these securities had amortized cost and fair value of $0.2 million and are included in “Due in one year or less” in the table above.

Accounting standards pertaining to fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of our investments, and they are included in Level 1. When quoted market prices are unobservable, we use quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information.

The following table summarizes, by major security type, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):


	Fair value measurements at December 27, 2014 using:
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated fair value
Cash	$	66,467	$	—	$	—	$	66,467
Municipal securities		—		155		—		155
Money market funds		—		4,418		—		4,418
Bank certificates of deposit		—		1,000		—		1,000

	$	66,467	$	5,573	$	—	$	72,040


	Fair value measurements at December 28, 2013 using:
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated fair value

Cash	$	44,165	$	—	$	—	$	44,165
Municipal securities		—		1,200		—		1,200
Money market funds		—		7,503		—		7,503

	$	44,165	$	8,703	$	—	$	52,868

- Definition

The entire disclosure for cash and cash equivalent footnotes, which may include the types of deposits and money market instruments, applicable carrying amounts, restricted amounts and compensating balance arrangements. Cash and equivalents include: (1) currency on hand (2) demand deposits with banks or financial institutions (3) other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits (4) short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments maturing within three months from the date of acquisition qualify.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

6.	Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Retirement Plans – We have a voluntary defined contribution retirement 401(k) plan whereby we match employee contributions. In 2012 and 2013 we provided a matching contribution at 1.5% and made contributions to the plan of approximately $0.4 million in both periods. In 2014 we increased our matching contribution to 3% and made contributions to the plan of approximately $0.8 million.

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans – We maintain defined benefit plans for employees located outside the U.S. for which the majority of the obligations and net periodic benefit cost were determined to be immaterial at both December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013. As a result of the acquisition of Ismeca effective December 31, 2012, we took over the Ismeca Europe Semiconductor BVG Pension Plan in Switzerland (“the Swiss Plan”) and the following discussion relates to the Swiss Plan for the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013.

Net periodic benefit cost of the Swiss Plan was as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Service cost	$	749		$	841
Interest cost		491			398
Expected return on assets		(343	)		(267	)

Net periodic costs	$	897		$	972

The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, the funded status and the liability we have recorded in our consolidated balance sheet related to the Swiss Plan:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(23,850	)	$	(23,541	)
Service cost		(749	)		(841	)
Interest cost		(491	)		(398	)
Actuarial gain (loss)		(3,649	)		1,538
Participant contributions		(728	)		(751	)
Benefits paid		998			704
Foreign currency exchange adjustment		2,442			(561	)

Benefit obligation at end of year		(26,027	)		(23,850	)
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		16,083			15,236
Return on assets, net of actuarial loss		652			(338	)
Employer contributions		728			751
Participant contributions		728			751
Benefits paid		(998	)		(704	)
Foreign currency exchange adjustment		(1,590	)		387

Fair value of plan assets at end of year		15,603			16,083

Net liability at December 27, 2014	$	(10,424	)	$	(7,767	)

At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Swiss Plan was underfunded and the related net liability is included in noncurrent accrued retirement benefits. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 27, 2014 related to the Swiss Plan consisted of an unrecognized net actuarial loss totaling $2.4 million compared to a net gain totaling $1.0 million at December 28, 2013.

Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation under the Swiss Plan are as follows:


	2014			2013
Discount rate		1.3	%		2.3	%
Compensation increase		1.8	%		2.0	%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost of the Swiss Plan are as follows:


	2014			2013
Discount rate		2.3	%		1.8	%
Rate of return on Assets		2.3	%		1.8	%
Compensation increase		2.0	%		2.0	%

During 2015 employer and employee respective contributions to the Swiss Plan are expected to total $0.7 million. Estimated benefit payments are expected to be as follows: 2015 - $0.7 million; 2016 - $0.7 million; 2017 - $0.7 million; 2018 - $0.7 million; 2019 - $0.8 million; and $5.5 million thereafter through 2024.

As is customary with Swiss pension plans, the assets of the plan are invested in a collective fund with multiple employers. We have no investment authority over the assets of the plan that are held and invested by a Swiss insurance company. Investment holdings are made with respect to Swiss laws and target allocations for plan assets are 76% debt securities, 11% real estate investments, 9% alternative investments, 3% cash and 1% equity securities. All assets of the plan fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 5 for a description of the levels of inputs used to determine fair value measurement.

Retiree Medical Benefits – We provide post-retirement health benefits to certain executives and directors under a noncontributory plan. The net periodic benefit income was $0.1 million in 2014 compared to a net periodic benefit cost of $0.1 million and $0.3 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. We fund benefits as costs are incurred and as a result there are no plan assets.

The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was 3.8% in 2014, 4.6% in 2013 and 3.7% in 2012. Annual rates of increase of the cost of health benefits were assumed to be 8.0% in 2015. These rates were then assumed to decrease 0.5% per year to 5.0% in 2021 and remain level thereafter. A one percent increase (decrease) in health care cost trend rates would increase (decrease) the 2014 net periodic benefit cost by approximately $14,000 ($11,000) and the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 27, 2014, by approximately $363,000 ($297,000).

The following table sets forth the post-retirement benefit obligation, funded status and the liability we have recorded in our consolidated balance sheets:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Accumulated benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	2,021		$	2,366
Service cost		13			15
Interest cost		91			86
Actuarial (gain) loss		370			(386	)
Benefits paid		(67	)		(60	)

Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year		2,428			2,021
Plan assets at end of year		—			—

Funded status	$	(2,428	)	$	(2,021	)

Deferred Compensation – The Cohu, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan allows certain of our officers to defer a portion of their current compensation. We have purchased life insurance policies on the participants with Cohu as the named beneficiary. Participant contributions, distributions and investment earnings and losses are accumulated in a separate account for each participant. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the payroll liability to participants, included in accrued compensation and benefits in the consolidated balance sheet, was approximately $2.6 million and $2.4 million and the cash surrender value of the related life insurance policies included in other current assets was approximately $2.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan – The Cohu, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“the Plan”) provides for the issuance of a maximum of 1,900,000 shares of our common stock. Under the Plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of common stock through payroll deductions. The price paid for the common stock is equal to 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on specified dates. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, 138,831, 163,120 and 151,812 shares, respectively, were issued under the Plan. At December 27, 2014, there were 183,591 shares reserved for issuance under the Plan.

Stock Options – Under our equity incentive plans, stock options may be granted to employees, consultants and outside directors to purchase a fixed number of shares of our common stock at prices not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options generally vest and become exercisable after one year or in four annual increments beginning one year after the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. At December 27, 2014, 992,666 shares were available for future equity grants under the Cohu, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. We have historically issued new shares of Cohu common stock upon share option exercise.

Stock option activity under our share-based compensation plans was as follows:


	2014					2013					2012
(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares			Wt. Avg. Ex. Price		Shares			Wt. Avg. Ex. Price		Shares			Wt. Avg. Ex. Price
Outstanding, beginning of year		3,086		$	11.93		3,113		$	12.62		3,112		$	13.01
Granted		10		$	12.58		470		$	9.83		437		$	10.50
Exercised		(237	)	$	8.43		(117	)	$	7.55		(73	)	$	8.26
Cancelled		(424	)	$	15.37		(380	)	$	16.37		(363	)	$	14.29

Outstanding, end of year		2,435		$	11.67		3,086		$	11.93		3,113		$	12.62

Options exercisable at year end		1,901		$	12.08		2,195		$	12.46		2,209		$	13.52

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $0.7 million, $0.4 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. At December 27, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and expected to vest were each approximately $4.4 million and the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable was approximately $3.4 million.

Information about stock options outstanding at December 27, 2014 is as follows (options in thousands):


	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)		Wt. Avg. Ex. Price		Number Exercisable		Wt. Avg. Ex. Price
$7.32 - $10.98		1,402		6.2	$	8.86		898	$	8.22
$10.99 - $16.49		814		4.2	$	14.95		784	$	14.98
$16.50 - $24.74		214		0.7	$	17.31		214	$	17.31
$24.75 - $37.13		5		0.6	$	25.70		5	$	25.70

		2,435		5.0	$	11.67		1,901	$	12.08

Restricted Stock Units – Under our equity incentive plans, restricted stock units may be granted to employees, consultants and outside directors. Restricted stock units vest over either a one-year or a four-year period from the date of grant. Prior to vesting, restricted stock units do not have dividend equivalent rights, do not have voting rights and the shares underlying the restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding. Shares of our common stock will be issued on the date the restricted stock units vest.

Restricted stock unit activity under our share-based compensation plans was as follows:


	2014					2013					2012
(in thousands, except per share data)	Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value
Outstanding, beginning of year		887		$	9.46		615		$	10.54		299		$	12.98
Granted		497		$	10.07		531		$	8.80		462		$	9.57
Released		(315	)	$	10.16		(223	)	$	10.86		(108	)	$	13.27
Cancelled		(43	)	$	9.41		(36	)	$	9.86		(38	)	$	13.92

Outstanding, end of year		1,026		$	9.54		887		$	9.46		615		$	10.54

Equity-Based Performance Stock Units – In March 2012, we began granting equity-based performance units covering shares of our common stock to certain employees. The number of shares of stock ultimately issued will depend upon the extent to which certain financial performance goals set by our Board of Directors are met during the one-year award measurement period. Based upon the level of achievement of performance goals the number of shares we ultimately issue can range from 0% up to 150% of the number of shares under each grant which vest over 3 years from the date of initial grant. On March 25, 2014, we awarded equity-based performance stock units to senior executives with vesting that is contingent on the level of achievement of certain performance goals, market return and continued service (“market-based PSUs”). The market-based PSUs issued in 2014 are subject to a one-year performance period after which the number of market-based PSUs earned will be determined and will then be subject to certain adjustments resulting from performance of Cohu’s Relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) to a selected peer group over a two year measurement period following the date of grant with the total adjustment ranging from 75% to 125% of the target amount based on the percentage by which our TSR exceeds or falls below the selected peer group. Market-based PSUs earned will vest at the rate of 50% on the second and third anniversary of their grant. We estimated the fair value of market-based PSUs using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the measurement period. We record a provision for equity-based performance units outstanding based on our current assessment of achievement of the performance goals. New shares of our common stock will be issued on the date the equity-based performance units vest.

Performance based stock unit activity under our share-based compensation plans was as follows:


	2014					2013					2012
(in thousands, except per share data)	Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value
Outstanding, beginning of year		238		$	9.32		122		$	9.89		—		$	—
Granted		208		$	11.34		158		$	9.03		129		$	9.89
Released		(38	)	$	9.52		(26	)	$	9.89		—		$	—
Cancelled		(74	)	$	9.59		(16	)	$	9.89		(7	)	$	9.89

Outstanding, end of year		334		$	10.49		238		$	9.32		122		$	9.89

Share-based Compensation – We estimate the fair value of each share-based award on the grant date using the Black-Scholes and the Monte Carlo simulation valuation models. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions and changes in the assumptions used can materially affect the grant date fair value of an award. These assumptions for the Black-Scholes model include the risk-free rate of interest, expected dividend yield, expected volatility, and the expected life of the award. The risk-free rate of interest is based on the U.S. Treasury rates appropriate for the expected term of the award as of the grant date. Expected dividends are based, primarily, on historical factors related to our common stock. Expected volatility is based on historic, weekly stock price observations of our common stock during the period immediately preceding the share-based award grant that is equal in length to the award’s expected term. We believe that historical volatility is the best estimate of future volatility. Expected life of the award is based on historical option exercise data. The Monte Carlo simulation model incorporates assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, Cohu and the selected peer group price volatility, the correlation between Cohu and the selected index, and dividend yields.

Share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards is calculated based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on our common stock prior to vesting of the restricted stock unit. Estimated forfeitures are required to be included as a part of the grant date expense estimate. We used historical data to estimate expected employee behaviors related to option exercises and forfeitures.

The following weighted average assumptions were used to value share-based awards granted:


Employee Stock Purchase Plan	2014			2013			2012
Dividend yield		2.4	%		2.6	%		2.4	%
Expected volatility		35.3	%		38.4	%		43.6	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.1	%		0.1	%		0.1	%
Expected term of options		0.5 years			0.5 years			0.5 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$	2.52		$	2.32		$	2.78


Employee Stock Options	2014			2013			2012
Dividend yield		2.0	%		2.6	%		2.1	%
Expected volatility		42.5	%		44.9	%		46.3	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%		1.1	%		1.2	%
Expected term of options		5.9 years			6.4 years			6.3 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$	4.39		$	3.37		$	3.87
Restricted Stock Units		2014			2013			2012

Dividend yield		2.2	%		2.5	%		2.3	%
Performance Stock Units		2014			2013			2012

Dividend yield		2.2	%		2.5	%		2.3	%

Reported share-based compensation is classified in the consolidated financial statements as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
Cost of sales	$	491		$	390	$	417
Research and development		1,901			1,677		1,347
Selling, general and administrative		4,193			3,279		2,735

Total share-based compensation		6,585			5,346		4,499
Income tax benefit		(204	)		—		—

Total share-based compensation, net of tax	$	6,381		$	5,346	$	4,499

At December 27, 2014, excluding a reduction for forfeitures, we had approximately $1.5 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.0 years.

At December 27, 2014, excluding a reduction for forfeitures, we had approximately $9.6 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

7.	Income Taxes

Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for continuing operations are as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Current:
U.S. Federal	$	(307	)	$	(1,538	)	$	(1,898	)
U.S. State		40			42			(388	)
Foreign		4,047			825			831

Total current		3,780			(671	)		(1,455	)
Deferred:
U.S. Federal		(1,207	)		286			1,890
U.S. State		(17	)		26			186
Foreign		737			(2,444	)		(1,495	)

Total deferred		(487	)		(2,132	)		581

	$	3,293		$	(2,803	)	$	(874	)

Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
U.S.	$	(3,898	)	$	(29,219	)	$	(10,066	)
Foreign		13,026			(7,844	)		(2,930	)

Total	$	9,128		$	(37,063	)	$	(12,996	)

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory, receivable and warranty reserves	$	9,585		$	13,290
Net operating loss carryforwards		8,266			9,070
Tax credit carryforwards		11,905			11,258
Accrued employee benefits		5,232			3,709
Deferred profit		1,091			839
Stock-based compensation		4,352			3,972
Acquisition basis differences		2,133			2,105
Depreciation and fixed asset related		1,001			831
Other		608			121

Gross deferred tax assets		44,173			45,195
Less valuation allowance		(37,023	)		(36,064	)

Total deferred tax assets		7,150			9,131
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and fixed asset related		2,823			2,909
Acquisition basis differences		10,600			13,193
Other		643			461

Total deferred tax liabilities		14,066			16,563

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(6,916	)	$	(7,432	)

Companies are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” realization standard. The four sources of taxable income that must be considered in determining whether DTAs will be realized are, (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e. offset of gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities); (2) taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law; (3) tax planning strategies and (4) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.

In assessing whether a valuation allowance is required, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. We have evaluated our DTAs each reporting period, including an assessment of our cumulative income or loss over the prior three-year period and future periods, to determine if a valuation allowance was required. A significant negative factor in our assessment was Cohu’s three-year cumulative U.S. loss history at the end of various fiscal periods including 2014.

As a result of our cumulative, three-year U.S. GAAP pretax loss from continuing operations of approximately $43.2 million at the end of 2014, and our U.S. loss in 2014, we were unable to conclude at December 27, 2014 that it was “more likely than not” that our U.S. DTAs would be realized. We will evaluate the realizability of our DTAs at the end of each quarterly reporting period in 2015 and should circumstances change it is possible the remaining valuation allowance, or a portion thereof, will be reversed in a future period.

Our valuation allowance on our DTAs at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 was approximately $37.0 million and $36.1 million, respectively. The remaining gross DTAs for which a valuation allowance was not recorded are realizable primarily through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. As the realization of DTAs is determined by tax jurisdiction, the significant deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of the 2008 acquisition of Rasco, a German corporation, and the fiscal 2013 acquisition of Ismeca, a Swiss Corporation, were not a source of taxable income in assessing the realization of our DTAs in the U.S.

The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes for continuing operations is as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Tax provision (credit) at U.S. 35% statutory rate	$	3,194		$	(12,972	)	$	(4,548	)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		119			(1,112	)		(645	)
Settlements, adjustments and releases from statute expirations		(103	)		(846	)		366
Change in effective tax rate for deferred balances		—			—			346
Federal tax credits		(244	)		(1,340	)		—
Stock-based compensation on which no tax benefit provided		160			168			177
Change in valuation allowance		1,072			11,283			2,572
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(2,055	)		1,526			(227	)
Non-deductible goodwill impairment charge and transaction costs		1,069			—			700
Other, net		81			490			385

	$	3,293		$	(2,803	)	$	(874	)

State income taxes, net of federal benefit, have been reduced by research tax credits totaling approximately $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

At December 27, 2014, we had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15.8 million, $21.8 million and $11.8 million, respectively, that expire in various tax years beginning in 2015 through 2034 or have no expiration date. We also have federal and state tax credit carryforwards at December 27, 2014 of approximately $6.3 million and $13.2 million, respectively, some of which expire in various tax years beginning in 2015 through 2034 or have no expiration date. The federal and state loss and credit carryforwards are subject to annual limitations under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state tax law. Approximately $5.1 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards acquired in the Ismeca acquisition are expected to expire unutilized as a result of the annual limitations imposed by Section 382. As a result we have has reduced our deferred tax assets and valuation allowance related to these net operating loss carryforwards.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which reinstated the United States federal research and development tax credit retroactively from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013, was not enacted into law until the first quarter of 2013. Therefore, the tax benefit from the credits for 2012 and 2013 are reflected in our 2013 income tax provision.

U.S. income taxes have not been provided on approximately $32.0 million of accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, as we currently intend to indefinitely reinvest these earnings in operations outside the U.S. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that might be payable if some or all of such earnings were to be remitted. We have certain tax holidays or incentives with respect to our operations in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. These holidays or incentives require compliance with certain conditions and expire at various dates through 2023. The impact of these holidays on net income was not significant in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

A reconciliation of our gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest and penalties, is as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	10,483		$	6,080		$	5,381
Gross additions for tax positions of current year		761			933			776
Gross additions for tax positions of prior years		365			3,700			195
Reductions due to lapse of the statute of limitations		(587	)		—			(272	)
Foreign exchange rate impact		(181	)		(230	)		—

Balance at end of year	$	10,841		$	10,483		$	6,080

The 2013 gross additions for tax positions of prior years are primarily composed of additions from the Ismeca acquisition.

If the unrecognized tax benefits at December 27, 2014 are ultimately recognized, approximately $6.2 million ($6.2 million at December 28, 2013) would result in a reduction in our income tax expense and effective tax rate.

We are unable to estimate the range of any reasonably possible increase or decrease in our gross

unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months. However, we do not expect any such outcome will result in a material change to our financial condition or results of operations.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Cohu had approximately $1.4 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 27, 2014 and $1.5 million at December 28, 2013. Interest expense, net of accrued interest reversed, was not significant in 2014 and in 2013 and 2012 was approximately $(0.1) million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Our U.S. federal and state income tax returns for years after 2010 and 2009, respectively, remain open to examination, subject to the statute of limitations. Net operating loss and credit carryforwards arising prior to these years are also open to examination if and when utilized. The statute of limitations for the assessment and collection of income taxes related to our foreign tax returns varies by country. In the foreign countries where we have significant operations these time periods generally range from four to ten years after the year for which the tax return is due or the tax is assessed.

Segment and Related Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment and Related Information

8.	Segment and Related Information

Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies. As discussed in Note 2, in June 2014, we sold substantially all the assets of Cohu Electronics, which comprised our video camera segment and have presented financial information for this segment as discontinued operations. Subsequent to this transaction Cohu’s remaining reportable segments are semiconductor and microwave communications equipment.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We allocate resources and evaluate the performance of segments based on profit or loss from operations, excluding interest, corporate expenses and unusual gains or losses. Intersegment sales were not significant for any period.

Financial information by industry segment is presented below:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net sales by segment:
Semiconductor equipment	$	316,629		$	214,511		$	179,449
Microwave communications		16,694			17,063			26,863

Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	$	333,323		$	231,574		$	206,312

Segment profit (loss):
Semiconductor equipment	$	26,658		$	(24,998	)	$	(5,331	)
Microwave communications (1)		(10,030	)		(6,142	)		(847	)

Profit (loss) for reportable segments		16,628			(31,140	)		(6,178	)
Other unallocated amounts:
Corporate expenses		(7,530	)		(5,977	)		(7,785	)
Interest and other from continuing operations, net		30			54			967

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	9,128		$	(37,063	)	$	(12,996	)

(1)	The loss of our microwave communications equipment segment for the year ended December 27, 2014 includes a $5.0 million impairment charge for goodwill and other assets see Note 3 for additional information.


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Depreciation and amortization by segment deducted in arriving at profit (loss):
Semiconductor equipment	$	4,805	$	4,723	$	4,506
Microwave communications		633		523		652

		5,438		5,246		5,158
Intangible amortization		8,090		8,082		4,057

Total depreciation and amortization for reportable segments	$	13,528	$	13,328	$	9,215

Capital expenditures by segment:
Semiconductor equipment	$	1,457	$	3,607	$	2,759
Microwave communications		203		267		481

Total consolidated capital expenditures	$	1,660	$	3,874	$	3,240


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Total assets by segment:
Semiconductor equipment	$	320,102	$	297,175	$	281,173
Microwave communications		12,935		22,156		22,635

Total assets for reportable segments		333,037		319,331		303,808
Corporate, principally cash and investments and deferred taxes		15,781		19,389		23,203
Discontinued operations		—		6,703		7,862

Total consolidated assets	$	348,818	$	345,423	$	334,873

The customer from the semiconductor equipment segment comprising 10% or greater of our consolidated net sales is summarized as follows:


	2014			2013			2012
Intel		15	%		17	%		42	%

Net sales to customers, attributed to countries based on product shipment destination, were as follows:


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	78,243	$	45,773	$	45,749
Malaysia		73,861		51,652		40,326
China		51,410		37,621		31,970
Philippines		28,670		26,563		22,507
Costa Rica		9,714		5,127		22,934
Rest of the World		91,425		64,838		42,826

Total	$	333,323	$	231,574	$	206,312

Geographic location of our property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets was as follows:


(in thousands)	2014		2013
Property, plant and equipment:
United States	$	18,986	$	21,464
Germany		7,484		8,973
Philippines		2,721		3,278
Rest of the World		2,663		2,081

Total, net	$	31,854	$	35,796


(in thousands)	2014		2013
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Germany	$	38,527	$	51,032
Switzerland		25,921		32,513
United States		17,241		17,698
Malaysia		6,988		7,738
Singapore		6,558		6,558
Rest of the World		984		1,089

Total, net	$	96,219	$	116,628

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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+ Details

Stockholder Rights Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Text Block [Abstract]

Stockholder Rights Plan

9.	Stockholder Rights Plan

In November, 1996, we adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (“Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right (“Right”) for each share of common stock, payable to holders of record on December 3, 1996. Under the Rights Plan, each stockholder received one Right for each share of common stock owned. Each Right entitled the holder to buy one one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of Cohu’s Series A Preferred Stock for $90. As a result of the two-for-one stock split in September, 1999, each share of common stock was associated with one-half of a Right entitling the holder to purchase one two-hundredth (1/200) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for $45. In November, 2006, we amended and restated our existing Rights Plan to extend its term to November 9, 2016 and make certain other changes. Pursuant to the amendment, to reflect the increase in the price of our common stock since the adoption of the Rights Plan, the exercise price of each Right was increased to $190. Consequently, each one-half of a Right entitles the holder to purchase one two-hundredth (1/200) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for $95. The Rights are not presently exercisable and will only become exercisable following the occurrence of certain specified events. If these specified events occur, each Right will be adjusted to entitle its holder to receive, upon exercise, common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right, or each Right will be adjusted to entitle its holder to receive common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right, depending on the circumstances. The Rights expire on November 9, 2016, and we may redeem them for $0.001 per Right. The Rights do not have voting or dividend rights and, until they become exercisable, have no dilutive effect on our earnings per share.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

10.

Commitments and Contingencies

We lease certain of our facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Rental expense was $1.9 million in 2014, $1.7 million in 2013 and $1.1 million 2012. Future minimum lease payments at December 27, 2014 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
Non-cancelable operating leases	$	1,270	$	1,111	$	958	$	676	$	385	$	1,155	$	5,555

From time-to-time we are involved in various legal proceedings, examinations by various tax authorities and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of our businesses. The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain. While there can be no assurance, we do not believe at the present time that the resolution of the matters described above will have a material adverse effect on our assets, financial position or results of operations.

Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Guarantees

11.

Guarantees

Changes in accrued warranty during the three-year period ended December 27, 2014 were as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Beginning balance	$	5,155		$	4,602		$	6,704
Warranty accruals		6,513			5,403			4,162
Warranty payments		(5,484	)		(6,683	)		(6,264	)
Warranty liability assumed		—			1,833			—

Ending balance	$	6,184		$	5,155		$	4,602

During the ordinary course of business, we provide standby letters of credit instruments to certain parties as required. At December 27, 2014, the maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was approximately $0.4 million. We have not recorded any liability in connection with these arrangements beyond that required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. We do not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these arrangements.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss), on an after-tax basis, were as follows:


(in thousands)	Before Tax amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
Year Ended December 29, 2012
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	1,689		$	—		$	1,689
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits		362			(240	)		122
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments		(16	)		—			(16	)

Other comprehensive income	$	2,035		$	(240	)	$	1,795

Year Ended December 28, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,270		$	—		$	3,270
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits		1,889			(285	)		1,604
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments		(14	)		8			(6	)

Other comprehensive income	$	5,145		$	(277	)	$	4,868

Year Ended December 27, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(14,107	)	$	—		$	(14,107	)
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits		(3,809	)		551			(3,258	)

Other comprehensive income	$	(17,916	)	$	551		$	(17,365	)

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, at the end of each period are as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Accumulated net currency translation adjustments	$	(8,327	)	$	5,780
Accumulated net adjustments related to postretirement benefits		(2,387	)		871

Total accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(10,714	)	$	6,651

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Related Party Transactions

13.

Related Party Transactions

William E. Bendush, a member of the Cohu Board of Directors since December 8, 2011, is a member of the Board of Directors of Microsemi Corporation (“MSC”), a customer of our semiconductor equipment segment. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, total sales to MSC were approximately $1.1 million, $1.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

14.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


Quarter		First (a)			Second (a)			Third (a)			Fourth (a)			Year
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales:	2014	$	64,864		$	77,850		$	94,441		$	96,168		$	333,323
	2013	$	52,227		$	62,235		$	55,977		$	61,135		$	231,574

Gross profit:	2014	$	22,200		$	25,484		$	33,176		$	31,375		$	112,235
	2013	$	13,942		$	19,515		$	12,684		$	17,247		$	63,388

Income (loss) from continuing operations	2014	$	(3,354	)	$	931		$	6,921		$	1,337		$	5,835
	2013	$	(12,235	)	$	(4,334	)	$	(11,113	)	$	(6,578	)	$	(34,260	)

Net income (loss)	2014	$	(3,348	)	$	4,163		$	7,519		$	374		$	8,708
	2013	$	(12,103	)	$	(4,045	)	$	(10,820	)	$	(6,450	)	$	(33,418	)
Income (loss) per share (b):
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.04		$	0.28		$	0.05		$	0.23
	2013	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(1.37	)

Net income (loss)	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.16		$	0.30		$	0.01		$	0.34
	2013	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(1.34	)
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.04		$	0.27		$	0.05		$	0.22
	2013	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(1.37	)

Net income (loss)	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.16		$	0.29		$	0.01		$	0.33
	2013	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(1.34	)

(a)	All quarters presented above were comprised of 13 weeks.

(b)	The sum of the four quarters may not agree to the year total due to rounding within a quarter and the inclusion or exclusion of common stock equivalents.

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

COHU, INC.

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)


Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Not Charged to Expense			Additions (Reductions) Charged (Credited) to Expense			Deductions/ Write-offs		Balance at End of Year
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 29, 2012	$	463	$	1	⁽¹⁾	$	(82	)	$	94	$	288
Year ended December 28, 2013	$	288	$	354	⁽²⁾	$	134		$	233	$	543
Year ended December 27, 2014	$	543	$	(5	)⁽¹⁾	$	(228	)	$	27	$	283

Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories:
Year ended December 29, 2012	$	24,552	$	610	⁽¹⁾	$	8,621		$	6,628	$	27,155
Year ended December 28, 2013	$	27,155	$	7,422	⁽³⁾	$	7,760		$	4,542	$	37,795
Year ended December 27, 2014	$	37,795	$	(821	)⁽¹⁾	$	3,876		$	11,005	$	29,845

In June 2014, we sold our video camera segment, Cohu Electronics and all amounts presented above have been restated to exclude the impact of this segment as it is being presented as discontinued operations.

(1)	Changes in reserve balances resulting from foreign currency impact.

(2)	Includes $0.4 million resulting from Ismeca Acquisition on December 31, 2012 and foreign currency impact.

(3)	Includes $6.8 million resulting from Ismeca Acquisition on December 31, 2012, foreign currency impact and reclass from other reserves.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation – Cohu, Inc. (“Cohu”, “we”, “our” and “us”), through our wholly owned subsidiaries, is a provider of semiconductor test equipment and microwave communications systems. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cohu and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Our fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. Our fiscal years ended on December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 each consisted of 52 weeks.
Risks and Uncertainties	Risks and Uncertainties – We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Understanding these risks and uncertainties is integral to the review of our consolidated financial statements.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations – On June 6, 2014 we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our video camera segment, Cohu Electronics, and its operating results are being presented as discontinued operations and all prior period amounts have been reclassified accordingly. See Note 2, “Disposal of Video Camera Segment” for additional information. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts herein relate to continuing operations.
Income (Loss) Per Share	Income (Loss) Per Share – Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. For purposes of computing diluted income per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of our common stock for the period are excluded. For the year ended December 27, 2014 approximately 1,771,000 shares of our common stock were excluded from the computation.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments – Highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months are classified as short-term investments. All of our short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). We manage our cash equivalents and short-term investments as a single portfolio of highly marketable securities. We have the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate any of our investments in order to meet the liquidity needs of our current operations during the next 12 months. Accordingly, investments with contractual maturities greater than one year from December 27, 2014 have been classified as current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer. Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.3 million at December 27, 2014 and $0.5 million at December 28, 2013. Our customers include semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors and other customers located throughout many areas of the world. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and represents our best estimate of potential loss exposure at December 27, 2014, we will continue to monitor customer liquidity and other economic conditions, which may result in changes to our estimates regarding collectability.
Inventories	Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a current average or first-in, first-out basis, or market. Cost includes labor, material and overhead costs. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous estimates and judgments including projecting average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods and costs to complete and dispose of inventory. As a result of these analyses, we record a charge to cost of sales in advance of the period when the inventory is sold when market values are below our costs. Charges to cost of sales for excess and obsolete inventories aggregated $3.9 million, $7.8 million, and $8.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment – Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment is calculated principally on the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of thirty to forty years for buildings, five to fifteen years for building improvements and three to ten years for machinery, equipment and software.
Goodwill, Purchased Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets	Goodwill, Purchased Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets – We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimated the fair values of our reporting units primarily using the income approach valuation methodology that includes the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration the market approach and certain market multiples as a validation of the values derived using the discounted cash flow methodology. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on customer forecasts, industry trade organization data and general economic conditions. We conduct our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1st of each year. As of October 1, 2014, we concluded there was no impairment as the estimated fair values of our semiconductor equipment and microwave communications reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 35% and 17%, respectively. Subsequent to our annual goodwill impairment test, in the fourth quarter of 2014, we determined an interim analysis was required and as of December 27, 2014 concluded that the fair market value of our microwave communications reporting unit goodwill was lower than its carrying value. As a result, we recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of $5.0 million, comprised of $3.1 million of goodwill, and $1.9 million other assets in the fourth quarter of 2014. Additional information is included in Note 3, “Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring”. Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the assets carrying amount and estimated fair value.
Product Warranty	Product Warranty – Product warranty costs are accrued in the period sales are recognized. Our products are generally sold with standard warranty periods, which differ by product, ranging from 12- to 36-months. Parts and labor are typically covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. Our warranty expense accruals are based on historical and estimated costs by product and configuration. From time-to-time we offer customers extended warranties beyond the standard warranty period. In those situations the revenue relating to the extended warranty is deferred at its estimated fair value and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Costs associated with our extended warranty contracts are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes – We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized and recorded, net of federal and state tax benefits, in income tax expense.
Contingencies and Litigation	Contingencies and Litigation – We assess the probability of adverse judgments in connection with current and threatened litigation. We would accrue the cost of an adverse judgment if, in our estimation, the adverse outcome is probable and we can reasonably estimate the ultimate cost.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition – Our net sales are derived from the sale of products and services and are adjusted for estimated returns and allowances, which historically have been insignificant. We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, title and risk of loss have passed, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Title and risk of loss generally pass to our customers upon shipment. In circumstances where either title or risk of loss pass upon destination or acceptance, we defer revenue recognition until such events occur. Revenue for established products that have previously satisfied a customer’s acceptance requirements and provide for full payment tied to shipment is generally recognized upon shipment and passage of title. In certain instances, customer payment terms may provide that a minority portion (e.g. 20%) of the equipment purchase price be paid only upon customer acceptance. In those situations, the majority portion (e.g. 80%) of revenue where payment is tied to shipment and the entire product cost of sale are recognized upon shipment and passage of title and the minority portion of the purchase price related to customer acceptance is deferred and recognized upon receipt of customer acceptance. In cases where a prior history of customer acceptance cannot be demonstrated or from sales where customer payment dates are not determinable and in the case of new products, revenue is deferred until customer acceptance has been received. Our post-shipment obligations typically include installation and standard warranties. The estimated fair value of installation related revenue is recognized in the period the installation is performed. Service revenue is recognized ratably over the period of the related contract. Spares and kit revenue is generally recognized upon shipment. Certain of our equipment sales are accounted for as multiple-element arrangements. A multiple-element arrangement is a transaction which may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services, or rights to use assets, and performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. For arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred using the relative selling price method utilizing estimated sales prices until delivery of the deferred elements. We limit the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified return or adjustment. On shipments where sales are not recognized, gross profit is generally recorded as deferred profit in our consolidated balance sheet representing the difference between the receivable recorded and the inventory shipped. In certain instances where customer payments are received prior to product shipment, the customer’s payments are recorded as customer advances in our consolidated balance sheet. At December 27, 2014, we had total deferred revenue of approximately $11.3 million and deferred profit of $7.4 million. At December 28, 2013, we had total deferred revenue of approximately $7.4 million and deferred profit of $6.1 million.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were not material for all periods presented.
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation – We measure and recognize all share-based compensation under the fair value method. Our estimate of share-based compensation expense requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), future forfeitures and related tax effects. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made are reasonable and appropriate, changes in assumptions could materially impact our reported financial results.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation – Assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries that use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, except for nonmonetary assets, such as inventories and property, plant and equipment, which are translated using historical exchange rates. Revenues and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period, except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are translated using historical exchange rates. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recognized as incurred. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries have designated the local currency as their functional currency and, as a result, their assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. During 2014 strengthening of the U.S. dollar, against primarily the Swiss Franc and Euro resulted in approximately $2.0 million of gains being recognized in our consolidated statement of operations. Gains and losses were not significant in any of the other periods presented. Cumulative translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements are included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Our accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled approximately $10.7 million at December 27, 2014 and at December 28, 2013 our other comprehensive income totaled approximately $6.7 million and was attributed to, net of income taxes where applicable; foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. dollars, unrealized losses and gains on investments and adjustments to accumulated postretirement benefit obligations. The U.S. dollar strengthened relative to many foreign currencies as of December 27, 2014 compared to December 28, 2013. Consequently, accumulated comprehensive income decreased by $14.1 million as a result of the foreign currency translation as of December 27, 2014. Additional information related to accumulated other comprehensive income, on an after-tax basis is included in Note 12.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements *Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements* – In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment to previous income tax guidance clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon derecognition of a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This new guidance requires that the parent release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods starting after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity, which amends the existing definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose additional information about disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The guidance redefines a discontinued operation as a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed of by sale or other than by sale or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The guidance is effective prospectively for disposals or components classified as held for sale in periods on or after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. Cohu elected to implement this new guidance in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. *Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements* – In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The amended guidance outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. We are still evaluating the impact this new guidance might have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on going concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Segment and Related Information	Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies. As discussed in Note 2, in June 2014, we sold substantially all the assets of Cohu Electronics, which comprised our video camera segment and have presented financial information for this segment as discontinued operations. Subsequent to this transaction Cohu’s remaining reportable segments are semiconductor and microwave communications equipment. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We allocate resources and evaluate the performance of segments based on profit or loss from operations, excluding interest, corporate expenses and unusual gains or losses. Intersegment sales were not significant for any period.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share

The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share:


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Weighted average common shares outstanding		25,393		24,859		24,459
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units		613		—		—

		26,006		24,859		24,459

Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Summary of Balance Sheet Information and Operating Results of Discontinued Video Camera Segment

Balance sheet information of our discontinued video camera segment is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
Assets:
Accounts receivable, net	$	—	$	2,597
Inventories		—		3,568
Other current assets		—		107

Total current assets		—		6,272
Property, plant and equipment, net		—		431

Total assets	$	—	$	6,703

Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	730
Other accrued current liabilities		—		1,017

Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,747

Operating results of our discontinued video camera segment is summarized as follows:


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Net sales	$	5,460	$	15,726	$	14,850

Operating income (loss) before income taxes	$	(242)	$	1,317	$	(121	)
Gain on disposal of video camera segment		4,434		—		—
Income tax provision (benefit)		1,319		475		—

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	2,873	$	842	$	(121	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Summary of Reconciliation of Amounts Accrued and Paid Under Consolidation Plan

The following table reconciles amounts accrued and paid under the consolidation plan (in thousands):


	Severance and Other Payroll
Balance, December 28, 2013	$	—
Costs accrued		524
Amounts paid or charged		(249	)
Impact of currency exchange		(44	)

Balance, December 27, 2014	$	231

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment during the years ended December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):


	Semiconductor Equipment			Microwave Communications			Total Goodwill
Balance, December 29, 2012	$	55,520		$	3,236		$	58,756
Additions net of adjustments		10,930			—			10,930
Impact of currency exchange		1,533			94			1,627

Balance, December 28, 2013		67,983			3,330			71,313
Impact of currency exchange		(4,851	)		(275	)		(5,126	)
Impairment of goodwill - (See Note 3)		—			(3,055	)		(3,055	)

Balance, December 27, 2014	$	63,132		$	—		$	63,132

Purchased Intangible Assets, Subject to Amortization

Purchased intangible assets, subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):


	December 27, 2014					December 28, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Remaining Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Rasco technology	$	29,845	$	22,616	2.0 years	$	33,689	$	21,319
Ismeca technology		27,014		6,879	6.0 years		29,915		3,809
Duma technology		864		864	0.0 years		864		408

	$	57,723	$	30,359		$	64,468	$	25,536

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Short-Term Investments by Security Type

Investments that we have classified as short-term, by security type, are as follows (in thousands):


	At December 27, 2014
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	155	$	—	$	—	$	155
Bank certificates of deposit		1,000		—		—		1,000

	$	1,155	$	—	$	—	$	1,155


	At December 28, 2013
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	1,200	$	—	$	—	$	1,200

Effective Maturities of Short-Term Investments

Effective maturities of short-term investments at December 27, 2014, were as follows:


(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	1,155	$	1,155

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes, by major security type, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):


	Fair value measurements at December 27, 2014 using:
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated fair value
Cash	$	66,467	$	—	$	—	$	66,467
Municipal securities		—		155		—		155
Money market funds		—		4,418		—		4,418
Bank certificates of deposit		—		1,000		—		1,000

	$	66,467	$	5,573	$	—	$	72,040


	Fair value measurements at December 28, 2013 using:
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total estimated fair value

Cash	$	44,165	$	—	$	—	$	44,165
Municipal securities		—		1,200		—		1,200
Money market funds		—		7,503		—		7,503

	$	44,165	$	8,703	$	—	$	52,868

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Swiss Plan

Net periodic benefit cost of the Swiss Plan was as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Service cost	$	749		$	841
Interest cost		491			398
Expected return on assets		(343	)		(267	)

Net periodic costs	$	897		$	972

Schedule of Benefit Obligation, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Funded Status and Liability of Swiss Plan


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(23,850	)	$	(23,541	)
Service cost		(749	)		(841	)
Interest cost		(491	)		(398	)
Actuarial gain (loss)		(3,649	)		1,538
Participant contributions		(728	)		(751	)
Benefits paid		998			704
Foreign currency exchange adjustment		2,442			(561	)

Benefit obligation at end of year		(26,027	)		(23,850	)
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		16,083			15,236
Return on assets, net of actuarial loss		652			(338	)
Employer contributions		728			751
Participant contributions		728			751
Benefits paid		(998	)		(704	)
Foreign currency exchange adjustment		(1,590	)		387

Fair value of plan assets at end of year		15,603			16,083

Net liability at December 27, 2014	$	(10,424	)	$	(7,767	)

Schedule of Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation under the Swiss Plan are as follows:


	2014			2013
Discount rate		1.3	%		2.3	%
Compensation increase		1.8	%		2.0	%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost of the Swiss Plan are as follows:


	2014			2013
Discount rate		2.3	%		1.8	%
Rate of return on Assets		2.3	%		1.8	%
Compensation increase		2.0	%		2.0	%

Schedule of Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation to Funded Status and Liability

The following table sets forth the post-retirement benefit obligation, funded status and the liability we have recorded in our consolidated balance sheets:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Accumulated benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	2,021		$	2,366
Service cost		13			15
Interest cost		91			86
Actuarial (gain) loss		370			(386	)
Benefits paid		(67	)		(60	)

Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year		2,428			2,021
Plan assets at end of year		—			—

Funded status	$	(2,428	)	$	(2,021	)

Schedule of Stock Option Activity under Share-Based Compensation Plans

Stock option activity under our share-based compensation plans was as follows:


	2014					2013					2012
(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares			Wt. Avg. Ex. Price		Shares			Wt. Avg. Ex. Price		Shares			Wt. Avg. Ex. Price
Outstanding, beginning of year		3,086		$	11.93		3,113		$	12.62		3,112		$	13.01
Granted		10		$	12.58		470		$	9.83		437		$	10.50
Exercised		(237	)	$	8.43		(117	)	$	7.55		(73	)	$	8.26
Cancelled		(424	)	$	15.37		(380	)	$	16.37		(363	)	$	14.29

Outstanding, end of year		2,435		$	11.67		3,086		$	11.93		3,113		$	12.62

Options exercisable at year end		1,901		$	12.08		2,195		$	12.46		2,209		$	13.52

Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable

Information about stock options outstanding at December 27, 2014 is as follows (options in thousands):


	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)		Wt. Avg. Ex. Price		Number Exercisable		Wt. Avg. Ex. Price
$7.32 - $10.98		1,402		6.2	$	8.86		898	$	8.22
$10.99 - $16.49		814		4.2	$	14.95		784	$	14.98
$16.50 - $24.74		214		0.7	$	17.31		214	$	17.31
$24.75 - $37.13		5		0.6	$	25.70		5	$	25.70

		2,435		5.0	$	11.67		1,901	$	12.08

Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity under Share-Based Compensation Plans

Restricted stock unit activity under our share-based compensation plans was as follows:


	2014					2013					2012
(in thousands, except per share data)	Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value
Outstanding, beginning of year		887		$	9.46		615		$	10.54		299		$	12.98
Granted		497		$	10.07		531		$	8.80		462		$	9.57
Released		(315	)	$	10.16		(223	)	$	10.86		(108	)	$	13.27
Cancelled		(43	)	$	9.41		(36	)	$	9.86		(38	)	$	13.92

Outstanding, end of year		1,026		$	9.54		887		$	9.46		615		$	10.54

Schedule of Performance Based Stock Unit Activity under Share-Based Compensation Plans

Performance based stock unit activity under our share-based compensation plans was as follows:


	2014					2013					2012
(in thousands, except per share data)	Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value		Units			Wt. Avg. Fair Value
Outstanding, beginning of year		238		$	9.32		122		$	9.89		—		$	—
Granted		208		$	11.34		158		$	9.03		129		$	9.89
Released		(38	)	$	9.52		(26	)	$	9.89		—		$	—
Cancelled		(74	)	$	9.59		(16	)	$	9.89		(7	)	$	9.89

Outstanding, end of year		334		$	10.49		238		$	9.32		122		$	9.89

Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions to Value Share-Based Awards Granted

The following weighted average assumptions were used to value share-based awards granted:


Employee Stock Purchase Plan	2014			2013			2012
Dividend yield		2.4	%		2.6	%		2.4	%
Expected volatility		35.3	%		38.4	%		43.6	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.1	%		0.1	%		0.1	%
Expected term of options		0.5 years			0.5 years			0.5 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$	2.52		$	2.32		$	2.78


Employee Stock Options	2014			2013			2012
Dividend yield		2.0	%		2.6	%		2.1	%
Expected volatility		42.5	%		44.9	%		46.3	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%		1.1	%		1.2	%
Expected term of options		5.9 years			6.4 years			6.3 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$	4.39		$	3.37		$	3.87
Restricted Stock Units		2014			2013			2012

Dividend yield		2.2	%		2.5	%		2.3	%
Performance Stock Units		2014			2013			2012

Dividend yield		2.2	%		2.5	%		2.3	%

Schedule of Reported Share-Based Compensation in Consolidated Financial Statements

Reported share-based compensation is classified in the consolidated financial statements as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
Cost of sales	$	491		$	390	$	417
Research and development		1,901			1,677		1,347
Selling, general and administrative		4,193			3,279		2,735

Total share-based compensation		6,585			5,346		4,499
Income tax benefit		(204	)		—		—

Total share-based compensation, net of tax	$	6,381		$	5,346	$	4,499

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Significant Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations

Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for continuing operations are as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Current:
U.S. Federal	$	(307	)	$	(1,538	)	$	(1,898	)
U.S. State		40			42			(388	)
Foreign		4,047			825			831

Total current		3,780			(671	)		(1,455	)
Deferred:
U.S. Federal		(1,207	)		286			1,890
U.S. State		(17	)		26			186
Foreign		737			(2,444	)		(1,495	)

Total deferred		(487	)		(2,132	)		581

	$	3,293		$	(2,803	)	$	(874	)

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations

Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
U.S.	$	(3,898	)	$	(29,219	)	$	(10,066	)
Foreign		13,026			(7,844	)		(2,930	)

Total	$	9,128		$	(37,063	)	$	(12,996	)

Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory, receivable and warranty reserves	$	9,585		$	13,290
Net operating loss carryforwards		8,266			9,070
Tax credit carryforwards		11,905			11,258
Accrued employee benefits		5,232			3,709
Deferred profit		1,091			839
Stock-based compensation		4,352			3,972
Acquisition basis differences		2,133			2,105
Depreciation and fixed asset related		1,001			831
Other		608			121

Gross deferred tax assets		44,173			45,195
Less valuation allowance		(37,023	)		(36,064	)

Total deferred tax assets		7,150			9,131
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and fixed asset related		2,823			2,909
Acquisition basis differences		10,600			13,193
Other		643			461

Total deferred tax liabilities		14,066			16,563

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(6,916	)	$	(7,432	)

Reconciliation of Income Tax Computed at U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations

The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes for continuing operations is as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Tax provision (credit) at U.S. 35% statutory rate	$	3,194		$	(12,972	)	$	(4,548	)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		119			(1,112	)		(645	)
Settlements, adjustments and releases from statute expirations		(103	)		(846	)		366
Change in effective tax rate for deferred balances		—			—			346
Federal tax credits		(244	)		(1,340	)		—
Stock-based compensation on which no tax benefit provided		160			168			177
Change in valuation allowance		1,072			11,283			2,572
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(2,055	)		1,526			(227	)
Non-deductible goodwill impairment charge and transaction costs		1,069			—			700
Other, net		81			490			385

	$	3,293		$	(2,803	)	$	(874	)

Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of our gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest and penalties, is as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	10,483		$	6,080		$	5,381
Gross additions for tax positions of current year		761			933			776
Gross additions for tax positions of prior years		365			3,700			195
Reductions due to lapse of the statute of limitations		(587	)		—			(272	)
Foreign exchange rate impact		(181	)		(230	)		—

Balance at end of year	$	10,841		$	10,483		$	6,080

Segment and Related Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Financial Information by Industry Segment

Financial information by industry segment is presented below:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Net sales by segment:
Semiconductor equipment	$	316,629		$	214,511		$	179,449
Microwave communications		16,694			17,063			26,863

Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	$	333,323		$	231,574		$	206,312

Segment profit (loss):
Semiconductor equipment	$	26,658		$	(24,998	)	$	(5,331	)
Microwave communications (1)		(10,030	)		(6,142	)		(847	)

Profit (loss) for reportable segments		16,628			(31,140	)		(6,178	)
Other unallocated amounts:
Corporate expenses		(7,530	)		(5,977	)		(7,785	)
Interest and other from continuing operations, net		30			54			967

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$	9,128		$	(37,063	)	$	(12,996	)

(1)	The loss of our microwave communications equipment segment for the year ended December 27, 2014 includes a $5.0 million impairment charge for goodwill and other assets see Note 3 for additional information.


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Depreciation and amortization by segment deducted in arriving at profit (loss):
Semiconductor equipment	$	4,805	$	4,723	$	4,506
Microwave communications		633		523		652

		5,438		5,246		5,158
Intangible amortization		8,090		8,082		4,057

Total depreciation and amortization for reportable segments	$	13,528	$	13,328	$	9,215

Capital expenditures by segment:
Semiconductor equipment	$	1,457	$	3,607	$	2,759
Microwave communications		203		267		481

Total consolidated capital expenditures	$	1,660	$	3,874	$	3,240


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Total assets by segment:
Semiconductor equipment	$	320,102	$	297,175	$	281,173
Microwave communications		12,935		22,156		22,635

Total assets for reportable segments		333,037		319,331		303,808
Corporate, principally cash and investments and deferred taxes		15,781		19,389		23,203
Discontinued operations		—		6,703		7,862

Total consolidated assets	$	348,818	$	345,423	$	334,873

Customers Comprising 10% of Consolidated Sales

The customer from the semiconductor equipment segment comprising 10% or greater of our consolidated net sales is summarized as follows:


	2014			2013			2012
Intel		15	%		17	%		42	%

Summary of Net Sales to Customers, Attributed to Countries

Net sales to customers, attributed to countries based on product shipment destination, were as follows:


(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
United States	$	78,243	$	45,773	$	45,749
Malaysia		73,861		51,652		40,326
China		51,410		37,621		31,970
Philippines		28,670		26,563		22,507
Costa Rica		9,714		5,127		22,934
Rest of the World		91,425		64,838		42,826

Total	$	333,323	$	231,574	$	206,312

Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Long Lived Assets in Geographical Area

Geographic location of our property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets was as follows:


(in thousands)	2014		2013
Property, plant and equipment:
United States	$	18,986	$	21,464
Germany		7,484		8,973
Philippines		2,721		3,278
Rest of the World		2,663		2,081

Total, net	$	31,854	$	35,796


(in thousands)	2014		2013
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Germany	$	38,527	$	51,032
Switzerland		25,921		32,513
United States		17,241		17,698
Malaysia		6,988		7,738
Singapore		6,558		6,558
Rest of the World		984		1,089

Total, net	$	96,219	$	116,628

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future Minimum Lease Payments

Future minimum lease payments at December 27, 2014 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
Non-cancelable operating leases	$	1,270	$	1,111	$	958	$	676	$	385	$	1,155	$	5,555

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements including: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included.

+ References + Details

Guarantees (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Accrued Warranty

Changes in accrued warranty during the three-year period ended December 27, 2014 were as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Beginning balance	$	5,155		$	4,602		$	6,704
Warranty accruals		6,513			5,403			4,162
Warranty payments		(5,484	)		(6,683	)		(6,264	)
Warranty liability assumed		—			1,833			—

Ending balance	$	6,184		$	5,155		$	4,602

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss), on an after-tax basis, were as follows:


(in thousands)	Before Tax amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net-of-Tax Amount
Year Ended December 29, 2012
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	1,689		$	—		$	1,689
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits		362			(240	)		122
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments		(16	)		—			(16	)

Other comprehensive income	$	2,035		$	(240	)	$	1,795

Year Ended December 28, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,270		$	—		$	3,270
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits		1,889			(285	)		1,604
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments		(14	)		8			(6	)

Other comprehensive income	$	5,145		$	(277	)	$	4,868

Year Ended December 27, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(14,107	)	$	—		$	(14,107	)
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits		(3,809	)		551			(3,258	)

Other comprehensive income	$	(17,916	)	$	551		$	(17,365	)

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, at the end of each period are as follows:


(in thousands)	2014			2013
Accumulated net currency translation adjustments	$	(8,327	)	$	5,780
Accumulated net adjustments related to postretirement benefits		(2,387	)		871

Total accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(10,714	)	$	6,651

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Financial Data

Quarter		First (a)			Second (a)			Third (a)			Fourth (a)			Year
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales:	2014	$	64,864		$	77,850		$	94,441		$	96,168		$	333,323
	2013	$	52,227		$	62,235		$	55,977		$	61,135		$	231,574

Gross profit:	2014	$	22,200		$	25,484		$	33,176		$	31,375		$	112,235
	2013	$	13,942		$	19,515		$	12,684		$	17,247		$	63,388

Income (loss) from continuing operations	2014	$	(3,354	)	$	931		$	6,921		$	1,337		$	5,835
	2013	$	(12,235	)	$	(4,334	)	$	(11,113	)	$	(6,578	)	$	(34,260	)

Net income (loss)	2014	$	(3,348	)	$	4,163		$	7,519		$	374		$	8,708
	2013	$	(12,103	)	$	(4,045	)	$	(10,820	)	$	(6,450	)	$	(33,418	)
Income (loss) per share (b):
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.04		$	0.28		$	0.05		$	0.23
	2013	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(1.37	)

Net income (loss)	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.16		$	0.30		$	0.01		$	0.34
	2013	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(1.34	)
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.04		$	0.27		$	0.05		$	0.22
	2013	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(1.37	)

Net income (loss)	2014	$	(0.13	)	$	0.16		$	0.29		$	0.01		$	0.33
	2013	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(1.34	)

(a)	All quarters presented above were comprised of 13 weeks.

(b)	The sum of the four quarters may not agree to the year total due to rounding within a quarter and the inclusion or exclusion of common stock equivalents.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of common stock shares excluded from computation of diluted income per share			1,771,000
Net of allowance for doubtful accounts		$ 300	$ 300	$ 500
Goodwill impairment	$ 0		5,000
Impairment of goodwill			$ 3,055
Product warrant period			12- to 36-months
Largest amount of tax benefit likely of being realize upon settlement			50.00%
Minority portion of purchase price payable upon customer acceptance			20.00%
Majority portion of revenue recognized upon shipment and transfer of title			80.00%
Deferred revenue		11,300	$ 11,300	7,400
Deferred profit		7,445	7,445	6,066
Foreign currency gains			2,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(10,714)	(10,714)	6,651
Decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income		14,100	14,100
Semiconductor Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percent of fair value exceeding carrying value	35.00%
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		5,000	5,000
Percent of fair value exceeding carrying value	17.00%
Impairment of goodwill		3,055	$ 3,055
Impairment of other assets		$ 1,900
Minimum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives			30 years
Minimum [Member] \| Building Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives			5 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery, Equipment and Software [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives			3 years
Maximum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives			40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Building Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives			15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery, Equipment and Software [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment estimated useful lives			10 years
Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventories [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Charges to cost of sales			$ 3,900	$ 7,800	$ 8,600

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding	25,393	24,859	24,459
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	613
Weighted average diluted shares used in computing income (loss) per share	26,006	24,859	24,459

Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics) - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 06, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash received from sale of video camera segment	$ 9,500		$ 10,258
Divestiture-related costs	800
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration		$ 300
Maximum [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Contingent consideration from sale of video camera segment	$ 500

Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics) - Summary of Balance Sheet Information of Discontinued Video Camera Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Assets:
Accounts receivable, net	$ 2,597
Inventories	3,568
Other current assets	107
Total current assets	6,272
Property, plant and equipment, net	431
Total assets	6,703	$ 7,862
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	730
Other accrued current liabilities	1,017
Total liabilities	$ 1,747

Disposal of Video Camera Segment (Cohu Electronics) - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Video Camera Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,460	$ 15,726	$ 14,850
Operating income (loss) before income taxes	(242)	1,317	(121)
Gain on disposal of video camera segment	4,434
Income tax provision (benefit)	1,319	475
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ 2,873	$ 842	$ (121)

Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0		$ 5,000
Impairment of goodwill			3,055
Broadcast Microwave Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and one time termination benefits			500
Broadcast Microwave Services [Member] \| Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and one time termination benefits			100
Broadcast Microwave Services [Member] \| Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and one time termination benefits			200
Broadcast Microwave Services [Member] \| Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and one time termination benefits			200
Semiconductor Equipment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Percent of fair value exceeding carrying value	35.00%
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 5,000	5,000
Percent of fair value exceeding carrying value	17.00%
Impairment of goodwill		3,055	$ 3,055
Impairment of other assets		$ 1,900

Microwave Communications Equipment Segment Impairment and Restructuring - Summary of Reconciliation of Amounts Accrued and Paid Under Consolidation Plan (Detail) - Severance and Other Payroll [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 0
Costs accrued	524
Amounts paid or charged	(249)
Impact of currency exchange	(44)
Ending balance	$ 231

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization		$ 30,359	$ 25,536
Duma Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization		864	408
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member] \| Duma Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization		200
Ismeca [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition	$ 90,800
Purchase price of acquisition, cash reserves	57,100
Purchase price of acquisition, liabilities assumed	$ 33,700
Amounts excluded related to trade names		3,600	4,000
Rasco Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amounts excluded related to trade names		$ 2,100	$ 2,400

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 71,313	$ 58,756
Additions net of adjustments			10,930
Impact of currency exchange		(5,126)	1,627
Impairment of goodwill - (See Note 3)		(3,055)
Goodwill	$ 63,132	63,132	71,313
Semiconductor Equipment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		67,983	55,520
Additions net of adjustments			10,930
Impact of currency exchange		(4,851)	1,533
Goodwill	63,132	63,132	67,983
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill		3,330	3,236
Impact of currency exchange		(275)	94
Impairment of goodwill - (See Note 3)	$ (3,055)	$ (3,055)
Goodwill			$ 3,330

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets - Purchased Intangible Assets, Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 57,723	$ 64,468
Accumulated Amortization	30,359	25,536
Rasco Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	29,845	33,689
Accumulated Amortization	$ 22,616	21,319
Remaining Useful Life	2 years
Ismeca Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 27,014	29,915
Accumulated Amortization	$ 6,879	3,809
Remaining Useful Life	6 years
Duma Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 864	864
Accumulated Amortization	$ 864	$ 408
Remaining Useful Life	0 years

Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets - Additional Information 1 (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets	$ 8,090	$ 8,082	$ 4,057
Amortization of future expenses, 2015	7,200
Amortization of future expenses, 2016	6,800
Amortization of future expenses, 2017	3,300
Amortization of future expenses, 2018	3,300
Amortization of future expenses, 2019	3,300
Amortization of future expenses, Thereafter	$ 3,400

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments - Short-Term Investments by Security Type (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 1,155
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Estimated Fair Value	1,155	$ 1,200
Bank Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Estimated Fair Value	1,000
Municipal Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	155	1,200
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	$ 155	$ 1,200

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments - Effective Maturities of Short-Term Investments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$ 1,155
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	$ 1,155

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Variable rate demand notes maturity year	2034
Securities amortized cost, Due in one year or less	$ 1,155
Securities fair value, Due in one year or less	1,155
Variable Rate Demand Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Securities amortized cost, Due in one year or less	200
Securities fair value, Due in one year or less	$ 200

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	$ 72,040	$ 52,868
Bank Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	1,000
Municipal Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	155	1,200
Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	66,467	44,165
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	4,418	7,503
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	66,467	44,165
Level 1 [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	66,467	44,165
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	5,573	8,703
Level 2 [Member] \| Bank Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	1,000
Level 2 [Member] \| Municipal Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	155	1,200
Level 2 [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total estimated fair value	$ 4,418	$ 7,503

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching contribution, percent	3.00%	1.50%	1.50%
Employer contributions to plan	$ 800,000	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Employer contributions to Swiss Plan during fiscal 2015	700,000
Employee contributions to Swiss Plan during fiscal 2015	700,000
Estimated benefit payments, 2015	700,000
Estimated benefit payments, 2016	700,000
Estimated benefit payments, 2017	700,000
Estimated benefit payments, 2018	700,000
Estimated benefit payments, 2019	800,000
Estimated benefit payments, thereafter through 2024	5,500,000
Plan assets	$ 0
Weighted average discount rate of accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	3.80%	4.60%	3.70%
Assumed annual rates of increase of cost of health benefits	8.00%
Assumed annual rates of decrease for cost of health benefits	0.50%
Defined benefit plan cost of health benefit, trend rate	5.00%
Defined benefit plan cost of health benefit, year that rate reaches ultimate rate	2021
Result of one percent increase in net periodic benefit cost	$ 14,000
Result of one percent decrease in net periodic benefit cost	(11,000)
Result of one percent increase in accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	363,000
Result of one percent decrease in accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	$ (297,000)
Percentage increase (decrease) in health care cost trend rates	1.00%
Payroll liability in accrued compensation and benefits	$ 2,600,000	$ 2,300,000
Cash surrender value of the related life insurance policies	$ 2,400,000	2,100,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for plan assets, Percentage	76
Real Estate Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for plan assets, Percentage	11
Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for plan assets, Percentage	9
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for plan assets, Percentage	3
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocations for plan assets, Percentage	1
Swiss Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the Swiss Plan unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss)	$ (2,400,000)	1,000,000
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 897,000	$ 972,000
Weighted average discount rate of accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	1.30%	2.30%
Post-retirement Health benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 300,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost of Swiss Plan (Detail) - Swiss Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total	$ 897	$ 972
Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	749	841
Interest cost	491	398
Expected return on assets	$ (343)	$ (267)

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Benefit Obligation, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Funded Status and Liability of Swiss Plan (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0
Swiss Plan [Member]
Change in plan assets:
Funded status	(10,424,000)	$ (7,767,000)
Swiss Plan [Member] \| Projected Benefit Obligation [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	(23,850,000)	(23,541,000)
Service cost	(749,000)	(841,000)
Interest cost	(491,000)	(398,000)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(3,649,000)	1,538,000
Participant contributions	(728,000)	(751,000)
Benefits paid	998,000	704,000
Foreign currency exchange adjustment	2,442,000	(561,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	(26,027,000)	(23,850,000)
Change in plan assets:
Participant contributions	(728,000)	(751,000)
Benefits paid	(998,000)	(704,000)
Foreign currency exchange adjustment	2,442,000	(561,000)
Swiss Plan [Member] \| Change in Plan Assets [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Participant contributions	728,000	751,000
Benefits paid	998,000	704,000
Foreign currency exchange adjustment	(1,590,000)	387,000
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	16,083,000	15,236,000
Return on assets, net of actuarial loss	652,000	(338,000)
Employer contributions	728,000	751,000
Participant contributions	728,000	751,000
Benefits paid	(998,000)	(704,000)
Foreign currency exchange adjustment	(1,590,000)	387,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 15,603,000	$ 16,083,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.80%	4.60%	3.70%
Swiss Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	1.30%	2.30%
Compensation increase	1.80%	2.00%
Discount rate	2.30%	1.80%
Rate of return on Assets	2.30%	1.80%
Compensation increase	2.00%	2.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation to Funded Status and Liability (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at end of year	$ 0
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,021,000	$ 2,366,000
Service cost	13,000	15,000
Interest cost	91,000	86,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	370,000	(386,000)
Benefits paid	(67,000)	(60,000)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	2,428,000	2,021,000
Plan assets at end of year	0	0
Funded status	$ (2,428,000)	$ (2,021,000)

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information 1 (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 0.7	$ 0.4	$ 0.2
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	4.4
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$ 3.4
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of fair value of common stock, common stock price	85.00%
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	138,831	163,120	151,812
Shares available for equity grants	183,591
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares for issuance under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	1,900,000
Employee Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for equity grants	992,666
Description of fair value to determine the price of common stock	Under our equity incentive plans, stock options may be granted to employees, consultants and outside directors to purchase a fixed number of shares of our common stock at prices not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant.
Range of period in which vested stock expire	10 years
Employee Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in which restricted stock unit vest	4 years
Employee Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in which restricted stock unit vest	1 year
Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in which restricted stock unit vest	4 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in which restricted stock unit vest	1 year
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period in which restricted stock unit vest	3 years
Award measurement period	1 year
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Senior Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Rate of shares vest	50.00%
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock granted on achievement of performance goals	150.00%
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Senior Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shareholders return adjustment range	125.00%
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock granted on achievement of performance goals	0.00%
Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Senior Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shareholders return adjustment range	75.00%
Unvested Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation cost of unvested stock options	$ 1.5
Unvested stock options expected to be recognized weighted-average period	1 year
Unvested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested stock options expected to be recognized weighted-average period	1 year 7 months 6 days
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation cost of unvested restricted stock units	$ 9.6

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Stock Option Activity under Share-Based Compensation Plans (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of year, Shares	3,086	3,113	3,112
Granted, Shares	10	470	437
Exercised, Shares	(237)	(117)	(73)
Cancelled, Shares	(424)	(380)	(363)
Outstanding, end of year, Shares	2,435	3,086	3,113
Options exercisable at year end, Shares	1,901	2,195	2,209
Outstanding, beginning of year, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 11.93	$ 12.62	$ 13.01
Granted, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	12.58	9.83	10.50
Exercised, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	8.43	7.55	8.26
Cancelled, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	15.37	16.37	14.29
Outstanding, end of year, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	11.67	11.93	12.62
Options exercisable at year end, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 12.08	$ 12.46	$ 13.52

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding	2,435	3,086	3,113	3,112
Options Outstanding Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)	5 years
Options Outstanding, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 11.67	$ 11.93	$ 12.62	$ 13.01
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	1,901	2,195	2,209
Options Exercisable, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 12.08	$ 12.46	$ 13.52
Range of Exercise Prices $ 7.32 - $10.98 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	7.32
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$ 10.98
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding	1,402
Options Outstanding Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)	6 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 8.86
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	898
Options Exercisable, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 8.22
Range of Exercise Prices $10.99 - $16.49 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	10.99
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$ 16.49
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding	814
Options Outstanding Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)	4 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 14.95
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	784
Options Exercisable, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 14.98
Range of Exercise Prices $16.5 - $24.74 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	16.50
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$ 24.74
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding	214
Options Outstanding Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)	8 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 17.31
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	214
Options Exercisable, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 17.31
Range of Exercise Prices $24.75 - $37.13 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	24.75
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$ 37.13
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding	5
Options Outstanding Approximate Wt. Avg. Remaining Life (Years)	7 months 6 days
Options Outstanding, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 25.70
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	5
Options Exercisable, Wt. Avg. Ex. Price	$ 25.70

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity under Share-Based Compensation Plans (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, beginning of year, Units	887	615	299
Granted, Units	497	531	462
Released, Units	(315)	(223)	(108)
Cancelled, Units	(43)	(36)	(38)
Outstanding, end of year, Units	1,026	887	615
Outstanding, beginning of year, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	$ 9.46	$ 10.54	$ 12.98
Granted, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	10.07	8.80	9.57
Released, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	10.16	10.86	13.27
Cancelled, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	9.41	9.86	13.92
Outstanding, end of year, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	$ 9.54	$ 9.46	$ 10.54

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Performance Based Stock Unit Activity Under Share-Based Compensation Plans (Detail) - Equity-Based Performance Stock Units [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, beginning of year, Units	238	122
Granted, Units	208	158	129
Vested, Units	(38)	(26)
Cancelled, Units	(74)	(16)	(7)
Outstanding, end of year, Units	334	238	122
Outstanding, beginning of year, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	$ 9.32	$ 9.89
Granted, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	11.34	9.03	$ 9.89
Vested, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	9.52	9.89
Cancelled, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	9.59	9.89	9.89
Outstanding, end of year, Wt. Avg. Fair Value	$ 10.49	$ 9.32	$ 9.89

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions to Value Share-Based Awards Granted (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	2.40%	2.60%	2.40%
Expected volatility	35.30%	38.40%	43.60%
Risk-free interest rate	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%
Expected term of options	6 months	6 months	6 months
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$ 2.52	$ 2.32	$ 2.78
Employee Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	2.00%	2.60%	2.10%
Expected volatility	42.50%	44.90%	46.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	1.10%	1.20%
Expected term of options	5 years 10 months 24 days	6 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$ 4.39	$ 3.37	$ 3.87
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	2.20%	2.50%	2.30%
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	2.20%	2.50%	2.30%

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Reported Share-Based Compensation in Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 6,585	$ 5,346	$ 4,499
Income tax benefit	(204)	0	0
Total share-based compensation, net of tax	6,381	5,346	4,499
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	491	390	417
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	1,901	1,677	1,347
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 4,193	$ 3,279	$ 2,735

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current:
U.S. Federal	$ (307)	$ (1,538)	$ (1,898)
U.S. State	40	42	(388)
Foreign	4,047	825	831
Total current	3,780	(671)	(1,455)
Deferred:
U.S. Federal	(1,207)	286	1,890
U.S. State	(17)	26	186
Foreign	737	(2,444)	(1,495)
Total deferred	(487)	(2,132)	581
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 3,293	$ (2,803)	$ (874)

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$ (3,898)	$ (29,219)	$ (10,066)
Foreign	13,026	(7,844)	(2,930)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	$ 9,128	$ (37,063)	$ (12,996)

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory, receivable and warranty reserves	$ 9,585	$ 13,290
Net operating loss carryforwards	8,266	9,070
Tax credit carryforwards	11,905	11,258
Accrued employee benefits	5,232	3,709
Deferred profit	1,091	839
Stock-based compensation	4,352	3,972
Acquisition basis differences	2,133	2,105
Depreciation and fixed asset related	1,001	831
Other	608	121
Gross deferred tax assets	44,173	45,195
Less valuation allowance	(37,023)	(36,064)
Total deferred tax assets	7,150	9,131
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and fixed asset related	2,823	2,909
Acquisition basis differences	10,600	13,193
Other	643	461
Total deferred tax liabilities	14,066	16,563
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (6,916)	$ (7,432)

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Cumulative U.S. GAAP pretax loss from continuing operations	$ 43,200
Valuation allowance	37,023	$ 36,064
State income taxes reduced by research tax credits	500	700	$ 600
Net operating loss carryforwards, state	21,800
Net operating loss carryforwards, federal	15,800
Net operating loss carryforwards, foreign	11,800
Tax credit carryforwards, federal	6,300
Tax credit carryforwards, state	13,200
Accumulated undistributed earnings not provided of U.S. income taxes	$ 32,000
Tax holidays expiration date	These holidays or incentives require compliance with certain conditions and expire at various dates through 2023.
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized would reduce income tax expense and effective rate	$ 6,200	6,200
Accrued payment of interest and penalties	$ 1,400	1,500
Interest expense recognized		$ (100)	$ 100
Earliest tax year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2015
Latest tax year [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2034
Internal Revenue Service [Member] \| Ismeca [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, federal	$ 5,100
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2015
Time period for assessment and collection of income taxes	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2034
Time period for assessment and collection of income taxes	10 years

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Computed at U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax provision (credit) at U.S. 35% statutory rate	$ 3,194	$ (12,972)	$ (4,548)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	119	(1,112)	(645)
Settlements, adjustments and releases from statute expirations	(103)	(846)	366
Change in effective tax rate for deferred balances			346
Federal tax credits	(244)	(1,340)
Stock-based compensation on which no tax benefit provided	160	168	177
Change in valuation allowance	1,072	11,283	2,572
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(2,055)	1,526	(227)
Non-deductible goodwill impairment charge and transaction costs	1,069		700
Other, net	81	490	385
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 3,293	$ (2,803)	$ (874)

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Computed at U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes for Continuing Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$ 204	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 10,483	$ 6,080	$ 5,381
Gross additions for tax positions of current year	761	933	776
Gross additions for tax positions of prior years	365	3,700	195
Reductions due to lapse of the statute of limitations	(587)		(272)
Foreign exchange rate impact	(181)	(230)
Balance at end of year	$ 10,841	$ 10,483	$ 6,080

Segment and Related Information - Financial Information by Industry Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net sales by segment:
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments	$ 96,168	$ 94,441	$ 77,850	$ 64,864	$ 61,135	$ 55,977	$ 62,235	$ 52,227	$ 333,323	$ 231,574	$ 206,312
Segment profit (loss):
Profit (loss) for reportable segments									16,628	(31,140)	(6,178)
Other unallocated amounts:
Corporate expenses									(7,530)	(5,977)	(7,785)
Interest and other from continuing operations, net									30	54	967
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes									9,128	(37,063)	(12,996)
Depreciation and amortization by segment deducted in arriving at profit (loss):
Total Depreciation expense									5,438	5,246	5,158
Intangible amortization									8,090	8,082	4,057
Total depreciation and amortization for reportable segments									13,528	13,328	9,215
Capital expenditures by segment:
Total consolidated capital expenditures									1,660	3,874	3,240
Total assets by segment:
Total consolidated assets	348,818				345,423				348,818	345,423	334,873
Discontinued operations					6,703					6,703	7,862
Operating Segments [Member]
Total assets by segment:
Total consolidated assets	333,037				319,331				333,037	319,331	303,808
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Total assets by segment:
Corporate, principally cash and investments and deferred taxes	15,781				19,389				15,781	19,389	23,203
Semiconductor Equipment [Member]
Net sales by segment:
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments									316,629	214,511	179,449
Segment profit (loss):
Profit (loss) for reportable segments									26,658	(24,998)	(5,331)
Depreciation and amortization by segment deducted in arriving at profit (loss):
Total Depreciation expense									4,805	4,723	4,506
Capital expenditures by segment:
Total consolidated capital expenditures									1,457	3,607	2,759
Semiconductor Equipment [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Total assets by segment:
Total consolidated assets	320,102				297,175				320,102	297,175	281,173
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member]
Net sales by segment:
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments									16,694	17,063	26,863
Segment profit (loss):
Profit (loss) for reportable segments									(10,030)	(6,142)	(847)
Depreciation and amortization by segment deducted in arriving at profit (loss):
Total Depreciation expense									633	523	652
Capital expenditures by segment:
Total consolidated capital expenditures									203	267	481
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Total assets by segment:
Total consolidated assets	$ 12,935				$ 22,156				$ 12,935	$ 22,156	$ 22,635

Segment and Related Information - Financial Information by Industry Segment (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of asset	$ 0		$ 5,000
Microwave Communications Equipment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of asset		$ 5,000	$ 5,000

Segment and Related Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Semiconductor Equipment [Member] \| Consolidated Net Sales [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales percentage	10.00%

Segment and Related Information - Customers Comprising 10% of Consolidated Sales (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Semiconductor Equipment [Member] \| Consolidated Net Sales [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Intel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales percentage	15.00%	17.00%	42.00%

Segment and Related Information - Summary of Net Sales to Customers, Attributed to Countries (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 96,168	$ 94,441	$ 77,850	$ 64,864	$ 61,135	$ 55,977	$ 62,235	$ 52,227	$ 333,323	$ 231,574	$ 206,312
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									78,243	45,773	45,749
Malaysia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									73,861	51,652	40,326
China [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									51,410	37,621	31,970
Philippines [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									28,670	26,563	22,507
Costa Rica [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									9,714	5,127	22,934
Rest of the World [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 91,425	$ 64,838	$ 42,826

Segment and Related Information - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Long Lived Assets in Geographical Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Property, plant and equipment:
Net property, plant and equipment	$ 31,854	$ 35,796
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	96,219	116,628
United States [Member]
Property, plant and equipment:
Net property, plant and equipment	18,986	21,464
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	17,241	17,698
Germany [Member]
Property, plant and equipment:
Net property, plant and equipment	7,484	8,973
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	38,527	51,032
Philippines [Member]
Property, plant and equipment:
Net property, plant and equipment	2,721	3,278
Rest of the World [Member]
Property, plant and equipment:
Net property, plant and equipment	2,663	2,081
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	984	1,089
Switzerland [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	25,921	32,513
Malaysia [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	6,988	7,738
Singapore [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	$ 6,558	$ 6,558

Stockholder Rights Plan - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2006 $ / Warrant $ / Right	Sep. 30, 1999 $ / Warrant	Nov. 30, 1996 $ / Warrant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date of record			Dec. 03, 1996
Effect of stock split	Each one-half of a Right entitles the holder to purchase one two-hundredth (1/200) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for $95.	As a result of the two-for-one stock split in September, 1999, each share of common stock was associated with one-half of a Right entitling the holder to purchase one two-hundredth (1/200) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for $45	Each Right entitled the holder to buy one one-hundredth (1/100) of a share of Cohu's Series A Preferred Stock for $90
Stockholder Rights Plan, expiration date	Nov. 09, 2016
Stockholder Rights Plan, redemption price per Right \| $ / Right	0.001
Stock split ratio		2
(1/100th) [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock purchase price upon exercise of Rights	190		90
(1/200th) [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock purchase price upon exercise of Rights	95	45

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 1.9	$ 1.7	$ 1.1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) - Non-Cancelable Operating Leases [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases [Line Items]
2015	$ 1,270
2016	1,111
2017	958
2018	676
2019	385
Thereafter	1,155
Total	$ 5,555

Guarantees - Changes in Accrued Warranty (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 5,155	$ 4,602	$ 6,704
Warranty accruals	6,513	5,403	4,162
Warranty payments	(5,484)	(6,683)	(6,264)
Warranty liability assumed		1,833
Ending balance	$ 6,184	$ 5,155	$ 4,602

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Guarantees [Abstract]
Maximum potential amount of future payments under standby letters of credit	$ 400,000
Liability under standby letters of credit	$ 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax	$ (14,107)	$ 3,270	$ 1,689
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, Before Tax	(3,809)	1,889	362
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments, Before Tax		(14)	(16)
Other comprehensive income, Before Tax	(17,916)	5,145	2,035
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	0	0	0
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	551	(285)	(240)
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments, Tax (Expense) or Benefit		8
Other comprehensive income, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	551	(277)	(240)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net-of-Tax	(14,107)	3,270	1,689
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits, Net-of-Tax	(3,258)	1,604	122
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments, Net-of-Tax		(6)	(16)
Other comprehensive income, Net-of-Tax	$ (17,365)	$ 4,868	$ 1,795

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated net currency translation adjustments	$ (8,327)	$ 5,780
Accumulated net adjustments related to postretirement benefits	(2,387)	871
Total accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (10,714)	$ 6,651

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References + Details

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
MSC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	$ 1.1	$ 1.8	$ 1.1

Quarterly Financial Data - Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 96,168	$ 94,441	$ 77,850	$ 64,864	$ 61,135	$ 55,977	$ 62,235	$ 52,227	$ 333,323	$ 231,574	$ 206,312
Gross profit	31,375	33,176	25,484	22,200	17,247	12,684	19,515	13,942	112,235	63,388
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,337	6,921	931	(3,354)	(6,578)	(11,113)	(4,334)	(12,235)	5,835	(34,260)	(12,122)
Net income (loss)	$ 374	$ 7,519	$ 4,163	$ (3,348)	$ (6,450)	$ (10,820)	$ (4,045)	$ (12,103)	$ 8,708	$ (33,418)	$ (12,243)
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.05	$ 0.28	$ 0.04	$ (0.13)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.50)	$ 0.23	$ (1.37)	$ (0.50)
Net income (loss)	0.01	0.30	0.16	(0.13)	(0.26)	(0.43)	(0.16)	(0.49)	0.34	(1.34)	(0.50)
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	0.05	0.27	0.04	(0.13)	(0.27)	(0.44)	(0.17)	(0.50)	0.22	(1.37)	(0.50)
Net income (loss)	$ 0.01	$ 0.29	$ 0.16	$ (0.13)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.43)	$ 0.43	$ (0.49)	$ 0.33	$ (1.34)	$ (0.50)

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 543	$ 288	$ 463
Additions Not Charged to Expense	(5)	354	1
Additions (Reductions) Charged (Credited) to Expense	(228)	134	(82)
Deductions/Write-offs	27	233	94
Balance at End of Year	283	543	288
Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventories [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	37,795	27,155	24,552
Additions Not Charged to Expense	(821)	7,422	610
Additions (Reductions) Charged (Credited) to Expense	3,876	7,760	8,621
Deductions/Write-offs	11,005	4,542	6,628
Balance at End of Year	$ 29,845	$ 37,795	$ 27,155

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013 USD ($)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount included from Ismeca Acquisition and foreign currency impact	$ 0.4
Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventories [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount included from Ismeca Acquisition and foreign currency impact	$ 6.8