Summary Of Significant Accounting Polices (Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Dec. 25, 2011
Net loss	$ (5,385)	$ (48,614)	$ (110,841)	$ (47,465)	$ (66,626)
Amortization of pension plan actuarial losses, net of tax	68	253	210	9	137
Change in realized and unrealized (losses) gains on derivative hedges, net of tax	(799)	1,814	(801)	52	1,165
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,305	(12,423)	(771)	9,594	3,542
Comprehensive income (loss)	189	(58,970)	(112,203)	(37,810)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(65)	48	(346)	50
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc.	254	(59,018)	(111,857)	(37,860)
As Previously Reported [Member]
Net loss		(49,211)		(49,000)
Amortization of pension plan actuarial losses, net of tax		253		9
Change in realized and unrealized (losses) gains on derivative hedges, net of tax		1,814		52
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(12,464)		9,621
Comprehensive income (loss)		(59,608)		(39,318)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		48		50
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc.		(59,656)		(39,368)
As Revised In This Quarterly Report On Form 10-Q [Member]
Net loss		(48,614)		(47,465)
Amortization of pension plan actuarial losses, net of tax		253		9
Change in realized and unrealized (losses) gains on derivative hedges, net of tax		1,814		52
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(12,423)		9,594
Comprehensive income (loss)		(58,970)		(37,810)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests		48		50
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc.		$ (59,018)		$ (37,860)