v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 24, 2011
Jun. 25, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name COHU INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000021535  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 24, 2011  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Public Float   $ 195,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 24,161,210