Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total USD ($)	Total Polymer Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity USD ($)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital USD ($)	Retained Deficit USD ($)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) USD ($)	Noncontrolling Interests USD ($)
Balance -- beginning of period at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 146,434	$ 145,591		$ 294,144	$ (140,447)	$ (8,106)	$ 843
Balance -- beginning of period, shares at Dec. 28, 2013			1
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(9,810)				(9,794)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(9,794)	(9,794)
Reclassification of Common Shares Call Option	1,702	1,702		(1,702)
Currency translation	1,713	1,687				1,687	26
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	561	561		561
Balance -- end of period at Mar. 29, 2014	$ 140,600	$ 139,747		$ 296,407	$ (150,241)	$ (6,419)	$ 853
Balance -- end of period, shares at Mar. 29, 2014			1