Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ 19,465	$ (3,706)	$ 33,790	$ 7,337
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on derivative instruments, net of income tax benefit/(expense) of $235, ($73), $180 and ($311), respectively	(427)	89	(293)	455
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,263)	376	326	2,765
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	(1,690)	465	33	3,220
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	17,775	(3,241)	33,823	10,557
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax of $66, $94, $96 and $154, respectively	(140)	(142)	(251)	(336)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.	$ 17,635	$ (3,383)	$ 33,572	$ 10,221