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. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (loss) earnings from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	$ (4,075)	$ 7,232	$ 5,650	$ 3,203
Basic loss from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $68	0	(100)	0	(16,985)
Diluted (loss) earnings from continuing operations attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. available to common stockholders	(4,075)	7,232	5,650	3,203
Diluted loss from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $0, $0, $0 and $68	0	(100)	0	(16,985)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	41,714	41,230	41,644	41,026
Vested shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements	376	360	361	393
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	42,090	41,590	42,005	41,419
Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards	0	518	304	318
Unvested shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements	0	22	12	33
Dilutive weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	42,090	42,130	42,321	41,770
Basic (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$ (0.10)	$ 0.17	$ 0.13	$ 0.08
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.41)
Basic (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share (in US$ per share)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.17	$ 0.13	$ (0.33)
Diluted (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$ (0.10)	$ 0.17	$ 0.13	$ 0.08
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (in US$ per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ (0.41)
Diluted (loss) earnings attributable to Checkpoint Systems, Inc. per share (in US$ per share)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.17	$ 0.13	$ (0.33)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	0	0	0	68
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect Of Discontinued Operations, Diluted	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 68