Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ 7,724	$ (4,229)	$ 5,251	$ (106,656)
Basic loss from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $0, $117, $68, and $114	(100)	(1,105)	(16,985)	(3,830)
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	7,724	(4,229)	5,251	(106,656)
Diluted loss from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $0, $117, $68 and $114	(100)	(1,105)	(16,985)	(3,830)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	41,230	40,521	41,026	40,415
Shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements	360	546	393	531
Basic weighted- average number of common shares outstanding	41,590	41,067	41,419	40,946
Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards	519	0	318	0
Shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements	22	0	33	0
Dilutive weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	42,131	41,067	41,770	40,946
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.1)	$ 0.13	$ (2.61)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ (0.03)	$ (0.41)	$ (0.09)
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ 0.18	$ (0.13)	$ (0.28)	$ (2.7)
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.1)	$ 0.13	$ (2.61)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ (0.03)	$ (0.41)	$ (0.09)
Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share	$ 0.18	$ (0.13)	$ (0.28)	$ (2.7)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	0	117	68	114
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect Of Discontinued Operations, Diluted	$ 0	$ 117	$ 68	$ 114