Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Earnings Per Share
Basic (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ (49,259)	$ 7,081	$ (49,050)	$ 19,627
Diluted (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ (49,259)	$ 7,081	$ (49,050)	$ 19,627
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	40,134	39,571	40,038	39,411
Shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements	471	478	455	449
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	40,605	40,049	40,493	39,860
Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards		445		499
Shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements		5		7
Dilutive weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	40,605	40,499	40,493	40,366
Basic (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ (1.21)	$ 0.18	$ (1.21)	$ 0.49
Diluted (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ (1.21)	$ 0.17	$ (1.21)	$ 0.49