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	$ 158,543	$ 157,700		$ 294,144	$ (128,338)	$ (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)	(33,917)				(31,624)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,293)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(31,624)	(31,624)
Reclassification of Common Shares Call Option	1,702	1,702		1,702
Currency translation	3,693	3,690				3,690	3
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	1,065	1,065		1,065
Balance -- end of period at Jun. 28, 2014	224,076	132,533		296,911	(159,962)	(4,416)	91,543
Balance -- end of period, shares at Jun. 28, 2014			1
Balance -- beginning of period at Mar. 29, 2014
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Amounts Due to Shareholders	0	0		0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	0	0		0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	0				0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(23,846)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,277)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(21,569)
Currency translation	1,980
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	92,990	0
Balance -- end of period at Jun. 28, 2014	$ 224,076	$ 132,533		$ 296,911		$ (4,416)
Balance -- end of period, shares at Jun. 28, 2014			1