Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - Plum [Member] - SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Contracts, Manufacturing Contract Date	Sep. 21, 2011
Inventory Recall Date	Nov. 08, 2013
Loss Contingency, Lawsuit Filing Date	3-Feb-15
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc
Loss Contingency, Name of Plaintiff	Plum, PBC, a Delaware public benefit corporation (“Plum”)
Loss Contingency, Amended Lawsuit Filing Date	Apr. 13, 2015
Loss Contingency Allegations	Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manufacturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. In the amended complaint, Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of spoiled packaging of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges in its amended complaint that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility.
Loss Contingency Actions Taken By Defendant	SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack.
Loss Contingency Damages Sought	Plum is seeking unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees.