Discontinued Operations (Operating results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jan. 02, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on classification as held for sale	$ 0	$ 0	$ 560	$ 0
Recovery of income taxes during phase out	0	(1,153)	599	(889)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes			(834)	(5,139)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests	0	1,311	264	1,672
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to SunOpta Inc	0	(2,747)	(570)	(3,467)
Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues from discontinued operations	0	29,674	24,896	59,131
Costs of Goods Sold	0	(25,617)	(22,133)	(51,352)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	(3,142)	(3,024)	(6,115)
Intangible Asset Amortization	0	(502)	0	(1,007)
Other Income (Expense), net	0	1,680	794	1,610
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	0	314	(454)	(449)
Interest Expense	0	(1,952)	(484)	(2,848)
Earning (loss) before income tax	0	(2,905)	(1,993)	(4,250)
Gain on classification as held for sale	0	0	560	0
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	0	(2,905)	(1,433)	(4,250)
Recovery of income taxes during phase out	0	(1,153)	599	(889)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	(4,058)	(834)	(5,139)	$ (10,500)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests	0	1,311	264	1,672
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to SunOpta Inc	$ 0	$ (2,747)	$ (570)	$ (3,467)	$ (7,700)