Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,911	$ 8,785	$ 51,701	$ 16,122
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax	5	(530)	(288)	(75)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,468	(6,416)	2,794	(3,651)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	2,473	(6,946)	2,506	(3,726)
Total comprehensive income	20,384	1,839	54,207	12,396
Comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax of $80, $55, $176 and $209, respectively	(146)	45	(397)	(291)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.	$ 20,238	$ 1,884	$ 53,810	$ 12,105