Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Effects of the revision on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales									$ 162,177	$ 143,478	$ 131,278
Gross profit	18,046	16,442	8,834	7,829	22,480	18,830	10,983	13,039	51,151	65,332	44,527
Operating income									18,557	32,503	18,478
(Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for foreign income taxes									(5,305)	8,159	(7,777)
(Loss) income from continuing operations									(7,055)	4,988	(10,276)
Net (loss) income	3,376	2,894	(6,237)	(7,088)	5,326	3,373	(1,919)	(1,792)	(7,055)	4,988	(11,149)
Net (loss) income attributable to Colt Defense LLC members									(7,055)	4,988	(11,065)
Previously reported
Effects of the revision on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales										143,270	131,383
Gross profit										65,540	44,422
Operating income										32,711	18,373
(Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for foreign income taxes										8,367	(7,882)
(Loss) income from continuing operations										5,196	(10,381)
Net (loss) income										5,196	(11,254)
Net (loss) income attributable to Colt Defense LLC members										5,196	(11,170)
Adjustments
Effects of the revision on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales										208	(105)
Gross profit										(208)	105
Operating income										(208)	105
(Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for foreign income taxes										(208)	105
(Loss) income from continuing operations										(208)	105
Net (loss) income										(208)	105
Net (loss) income attributable to Colt Defense LLC members										$ (208)	$ 105