Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 439,898	$ 291,538	$ 862,482	$ 578,620
Cost of goods sold	(353,987)	(241,148)	(702,681)	(482,364)
Gross profit	85,911	50,390	159,801	96,256
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(65,373)	(39,371)	(120,907)	(73,713)
Special charges, net	(24,264)	(1,750)	(32,975)	(3,554)
Other operating, net	(3,855)	(964)	(4,924)	(1,304)
Operating income (loss)	(7,581)	8,305	995	17,685
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(31,655)	(12,323)	(49,561)	(24,407)
Foreign currency and other, net	10,003	(900)	14,962	(2,320)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(29,233)	(4,918)	(33,604)	(9,042)
Income tax (provision) benefit	5,387	(2,988)	(313)	(5,091)
Net income (loss)	(23,846)	(7,906)	(33,917)	(14,133)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,277)	0	(2,293)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	(21,569)	(7,906)	(31,624)	(14,133)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,980	2,400	3,693	(1,372)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	29	0	125
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,980	2,429	3,693	(1,247)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(21,866)	(5,477)	(30,224)	(15,380)
Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(2,300)	0	(2,290)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	$ (19,566)	$ (5,477)	$ (27,934)	$ (15,380)