Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Net sales	$ 461,238	$ 422,584
Gross profit	105,418	74,465
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(64,989)	(55,534)
Special charges, net	(6,022)	(8,711)
Other operating, net	1,423	(1,069)
Operating income (loss)	35,830	9,151
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(27,633)	(17,906)
Foreign currency and other, net	(43,923)	4,959
Income (loss) before income taxes	(35,726)	(3,796)
Income tax (provision) benefit	(4,548)	(5,700)
Net income (loss)	(40,274)	(9,496)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest	(316)	(16)
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	(39,958)	(9,480)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(38,139)	1,713
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(38,139)	1,713
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(78,413)	(7,783)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(9,813)	10
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.	(68,636)	(7,793)
Cost of goods sold	(355,820)	(348,119)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Other income (expense):
Net income (loss)	(39,929)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(28,671)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ (9,777)