Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss)/income	$ (56,245)	$ 29,201	$ (40,359)	$ 23,424
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments, net of income tax	131	378	(1,763)	(1,249)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,276	(6,811)	16,739	(24,226)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	6,407	(6,433)	14,976	(25,475)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income	(49,838)	22,768	(25,383)	(2,051)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	18	(114)	772	(141)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.	$ (49,856)	$ 22,882	$ (26,155)	$ (1,910)