Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 498,013	$ 288,979	$ 1,360,495	$ 867,599
Cost of goods sold	(417,521)	(240,779)	(1,118,952)	(723,143)
Gross profit	80,492	48,200	241,543	144,456
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(65,796)	(33,463)	(185,499)	(107,176)
Special charges, net	(14,893)	(7,093)	(47,868)	(10,647)
Other operating, net	2,266	(671)	(2,658)	(1,975)
Operating income (loss)	2,069	6,973	5,518	24,658
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(28,782)	(13,185)	(67,605)	(37,592)
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	(4,987)	0	(15,725)	0
Foreign currency and other, net	(26,588)	2,298	(11,626)	(22)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(58,288)	(3,914)	(89,438)	(12,956)
Income tax (provision) benefit	1,137	(4,353)	850	(9,444)
Net income (loss)	(57,151)	(8,267)	(88,588)	(22,400)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest	(1,923)	0	(4,216)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	(55,228)	(8,267)	(84,372)	(22,400)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(32,511)	4,932	(28,818)	3,560
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	63	0	188
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(32,511)	4,995	(28,818)	3,748
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(89,662)	(3,272)	(117,406)	(18,652)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(1,704)	0	(3,994)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	$ (87,958)	$ (3,272)	$ (113,412)	$ (18,652)