Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement Expense	$ 9,000	$ 0	$ 9,000	$ 0
Plum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments For Legal Settlements	5,000
Non Cash Rebate For Legal Settlement	$ 4,000		$ 4,000
Plum [Member] | SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc [Member]
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. Plum alleged 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 alleged that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility.
Loss Contingency Actions Taken By Defendant			SGOI asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack.
Loss Contingency Damages Sought			Plum sought unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees.