Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Net sales	$ 422,584	$ 287,082
Cost of goods sold	(347,948)	(241,216)
Gross profit	74,636	45,866
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(56,019)	(34,342)
Special charges, net	(8,711)	(1,804)
Other operating, net	(1,069)	(340)
Operating income (loss)	8,837	9,380
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(17,906)	(12,084)
Foreign currency and other, net	4,959	(1,420)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(4,110)	(4,124)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(5,700)	(2,103)
Net income (loss)	(9,810)	(6,227)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	(9,794)	(6,227)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,713	(3,772)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	96
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,713	(3,676)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(8,097)	(9,903)
Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	10	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	$ (8,107)	$ (9,903)