v3.6.0.2
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Feb. 16, 2017
Jun. 24, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name COHU INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000021535    
Trading Symbol cohu    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   26,847,773  
Entity Public Float     $ 165
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false