Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012	Jun. 24, 2012	Mar. 25, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ 7,132	$ (13,432)	$ (7,481)	$ (5,809)	$ (95,349)	$ (11,388)	$ (20,913)	$ (106,737)	$ (13,781)	$ (112,546)	$ (18,927)	$ (146,979)	$ (83,561)
Amortization of pension plan actuarial income, net of tax expense of $449, $65, and $63	269	273	282	68	71	71	555	142	824	210	1,120	218	137
Change in realized and unrealized (losses) gains on derivative hedges, net of tax expense (benefit) of $139, ($71), and $31	132	4	(157)	(799)	590	(592)	(153)	(2)	(21)	(801)	(21)	(1,521)	1,165
Recognized gain (loss) on pension, net of tax benefit of $547, ($5,098), and ($1,029)											1,403	(12,797)	(2,571)
Prior service cost arising during period, net of tax expense of $0, $0, and $0											(158)	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,302)	996	2,599	(5,614)	10,062	(3,757)	3,595	6,305	293	691	(578)	187	4,622
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,703	(719)	(2,474)	4,883	(9,401)	3,236	(3,193)	(6,165)	510	(1,282)	1,766	(13,913)	3,353
Comprehensive loss	10,835	(14,151)	(9,955)	(926)	(104,750)	(8,152)	(24,106)	(112,902)	(13,271)	(113,828)	(17,161)	(160,892)	(80,208)
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	0	53	(225)	(65)	(24)	(257)	(172)	(281)	(172)	(346)	(172)	(528)	(55)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc.	$ 10,835	$ (14,204)	$ (9,730)	$ (861)	$ (104,726)	$ (7,895)	$ (23,934)	$ (112,621)	$ (13,099)	$ (113,482)	$ (16,989)	$ (160,364)	$ (80,153)