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 Interest [Member] USD ($)	Noncontrolling Interest [Member] USD ($)
Balance -- beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ (23,801)	$ (24,355)		$ 277,248	$ (242,439)	$ (59,164)	$ 554
Balance -- beginning of period, shares at Dec. 31, 2014			1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(40,274)	(39,958)			(39,958)		29	(39,929)
Periodic adjustment to redemption value	2,784	2,784		2,784			0
Share-based compensation	462	462		462
Currency translation	(38,139)	(28,678)				(28,678)	7	(28,671)
Balance -- end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$ (89,155)	$ (89,745)		$ 280,494	$ (282,397)	$ (87,842)	$ 590
Balance -- end of period, shares at Mar. 31, 2015			1