Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ 1,255	$ (91,804)	$ (2,473)	$ (102,427)
Basic loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(66), $77, $68, and $(3)	(14,329)	(2,357)	(16,885)	(2,725)
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	1,255	(91,804)	(2,473)	(102,427)
Diluted loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(66), $77, $68 and $(3)	(14,329)	(2,357)	(16,885)	(2,725)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	41,064	40,441	40,924	40,363
Shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements	408	532	406	530
Basic weighted- average number of common shares outstanding	41,472	40,973	41,330	40,893
Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards	240	0	0	0
Shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements	18	0	0	0
Dilutive weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	41,730	40,973	41,330	40,893
Basic loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ (2.24)	$ (0.06)	$ (2.5)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ (0.35)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.41)	$ (0.07)
Basic loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ (0.32)	$ (2.3)	$ (0.47)	$ (2.57)
Diluted loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ (2.24)	$ (0.06)	$ (2.5)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ (0.34)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.41)	$ (0.07)
Diluted loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ (0.31)	$ (2.3)	$ (0.47)	$ (2.57)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	(66)	77	68	(3)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect Of Discontinued Operations, Diluted	$ (66)	$ 77	$ 68	$ (3)