WW International (WW) 10-Q 10 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	May 01, 2017
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 1, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	WTW
Entity Registrant Name	WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	105,319
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		64,169,858

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 135,193	$ 108,656
Receivables (net of allowances: April 1, 2017 - $2,232 and December 31, 2016 - $2,973)	29,468	27,518
Inventories	25,473	32,629
Prepaid income taxes	48,498	35,528
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,026	30,880
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	266,658	235,211
Property and equipment, net	47,688	49,574
Franchise rights acquired	750,307	748,619
Goodwill	167,394	166,138
Trademarks and other intangible assets, net	54,949	58,612
Other noncurrent assets	14,028	12,822
TOTAL ASSETS	1,301,024	1,270,976
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Portion of long-term debt due within one year	21,000	21,000
Accounts payable	41,196	40,639
Salaries and wages payable	39,848	49,638
Accrued marketing and advertising	14,306	18,067
Accrued interest	17,511	16,939
Other accrued liabilities	45,769	51,251
Derivative payable	25,841	31,974
Deferred revenue	94,447	62,880
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	299,918	292,388
Long-term debt	1,977,505	1,981,299
Deferred income taxes	184,287	175,115
Other	24,555	25,048
TOTAL LIABILITIES	2,486,265	2,473,850
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	4,730	4,699
TOTAL DEFICIT
Common stock, $0 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 118,947 shares issued at April 1, 2017 and at December 31, 2016	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost, 54,807 shares at April 1, 2017 and 55,021 shares at December 31, 2016	(3,229,251)	(3,237,346)
Retained earnings	2,061,068	2,056,893
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21,788)	(27,120)
TOTAL DEFICIT	(1,189,971)	(1,207,573)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL DEFICIT	$ 1,301,024	$ 1,270,976

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables, allowances	$ 2,232	$ 2,973
Common stock, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	118,947,000	118,947,000
Treasury stock, shares	54,807,000	55,021,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Service revenues, net	$ 261,476	$ 243,768
Product sales and other, net	67,587	63,142
Revenues, net	329,063	306,910
Cost of services	124,885	124,672
Cost of product sales and other	40,081	32,565
Cost of revenues	164,966	157,237
Gross profit	164,097	149,673
Marketing expenses	86,429	86,514
Selling, general and administrative expenses	47,435	49,602
Operating income	30,233	13,557
Interest expense	28,142	30,025
Other expense (income), net	640	(65)
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,451	(16,403)
Benefit from income taxes	(9,128)	(5,603)
Net income (loss)	10,579	(10,800)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	74	47
Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.	$ 10,653	$ (10,753)
Earnings (Net Loss) Per Share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Basic	$ 0.17	$ (0.17)
Diluted	$ 0.16	$ (0.17)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	63,978	63,546
Diluted	66,527	63,546

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Net income (loss)		$ 10,579	$ (10,800)
Other comprehensive gain (loss):
Foreign currency translation gain		3,402	9,919
Income tax expense on foreign currency translation gain		(1,327)	(3,838)
Foreign currency translation gain, net of taxes		2,075	6,081
Gain (loss) on derivatives		5,512	(14,272)
Income tax (expense) benefit on gain (loss) on derivatives		(2,150)	5,535
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes		3,362	(8,737)
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)	[1]	5,437	(2,656)
Comprehensive income (loss)		16,016	(13,456)
Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest		74	47
Less: Foreign currency translation gain, net of taxes attributable to the noncontrolling interest		(105)	(240)
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest		(31)	(193)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.		$ 15,985	$ (13,649)
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 10,579	$ (10,800)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,862	12,869
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,485	1,662
Impairment of intangible and long-lived assets	97	53
Write-off of net assets due to cessation of Spain operations	70	0
Share-based compensation expense	2,334	3,219
Deferred tax provision	4,395	297
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(872)	(109)
Reserve for inventory obsolescence	2,949	1,600
Foreign currency exchange rate loss (gain)	572	(165)
Changes in cash due to:
Receivables	(1,011)	201
Inventories	4,637	(3,059)
Prepaid expenses	(10,131)	(2,952)
Accounts payable	3,249	30,210
Accrued liabilities	(25,794)	(10,432)
Deferred revenue	31,054	19,850
Other long term assets and liabilities, net	(38)	(365)
Income taxes	5,902	1,254
Cash provided by operating activities	42,339	43,333
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,411)	(1,060)
Capitalized software expenditures	(7,071)	(7,829)
Other items, net	(3)	(87)
Cash used for investing activities	(10,485)	(8,976)
Financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(5,250)	(149,573)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(1,170)	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised	666	0
Cash used for financing activities	(5,754)	(149,573)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	437	1,502
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	26,537	(113,714)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	108,656	241,526
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 135,193	$ 127,812

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. The terms “Company” and “WWI” as used throughout these notes is used to indicate Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of its operations consolidated for purposes of its financial statements. The Company’s “meetings” business refers to providing access to meetings to the Company’s monthly commitment plan subscribers, “pay-as-you-go” Plus The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. While all available information has been considered, actual amounts could differ from those estimates. The consolidated financial statements include all of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries. All entities acquired, and any entity of which a majority interest was acquired, are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results. The consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, accordingly, they do not include all of the information necessary for a comprehensive presentation of results of operations, financial position and cash flow activity required by GAAP for complete financial statements but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments including those of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the interim results presented. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K

Recently Issued Accounting Stan

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	2. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued updated guidance regarding leases, requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which is intended to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The amendments in this update do not change the core principle of the guidance, but are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations by including indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which is intended to clarify guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in the new revenue recognition standard. In May 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which is intended to provide narrow scope guidance and practical expedients contained in the new revenue standard. In December 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers for technical corrections and improvements on narrow aspects within the original and amended guidance. The amendments in these updates are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has developed an inventory of all U.S. revenue streams and has begun to assess the implications of adopting the new five step revenue model and reviewing key contracts. The Company will begin assessing foreign revenue streams once the U.S. review is finalized. In January 2017, the FASB issued amended guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. This guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the amended guidance, a goodwill impairment charge will now be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures of the Company. For a discussion of the Company’s other significant accounting policies, see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K

Accounting Standards Adopted in

Accounting Standards Adopted in Current Period	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accounting Standards Adopted in Current Period	3. Accounting Standards Adopted in Current Period In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on stock compensation which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of applicable income tax consequences on the statement of cash flows. This guidance requires recognition of excess tax benefits and shortfalls (resulting from an increase or decrease in the fair value of an award from grant date to the vesting date) in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the quarterly period in which they occur. In addition, these amounts will be classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows instead of as a financing activity. The amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax shortfalls in the income statement must be applied prospectively (See Note 9), and entities may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective or retrospective transition method. The company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As required by the standard, the Company recognized prospectively any excess tax benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the first quarter ended April 1, 2017 and applied the amendments relating to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective method. For the fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016, the Company recorded $887 of excess tax benefits in equity. As permitted under the guidance, the Company will continue to account for forfeitures in compensation cost by estimating the number of awards that are expected to vest. In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on the statement of cash flows presentation of certain transactions where diversity in practice exists. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017, which had no impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance to assist Companies with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company early adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Winfrey Transaction

Winfrey Transaction	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Winfrey Transaction	4. Winfrey Transaction On October 18, 2015 (the “Agreement Date”), the Company entered into the following agreements with Oprah Winfrey: the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, the Winfrey Purchase Agreement (defined below), and the Winfrey Option Agreement (defined below). The transactions contemplated by these agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Winfrey Transaction”. Details of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, Winfrey Purchase Agreement and Winfrey Option Agreement are below. See Note 15 for related party transactions with Ms. Winfrey. Strategic Collaboration Agreement The Company and Ms. Winfrey granted each other certain intellectual property rights under the Strategic Collaboration Agreement. The agreement has an initial term of five years, with additional successive one-year Winfrey Purchase Agreement On October 19, 2015, pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement between the Company and Ms. Winfrey (the “Winfrey Purchase Agreement”), the Company issued and sold to Ms. Winfrey an aggregate of 6,362 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Purchased Shares”) at a price per share of $6.79 for an aggregate cash purchase price of $43,199. The Company recorded fees related to the issuance of the Purchased Shares totaling $2,315, of which $1,700 was recorded as a reduction of equity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The Purchased Shares are subject to certain demand registration rights and piggyback rights held by Ms. Winfrey under the Winfrey Purchase Agreement. The Purchased Shares may not be transferred by Ms. Winfrey within the first two years of the Agreement Date, subject to certain limited exceptions. Thereafter, Ms. Winfrey may generally transfer up to 15% of the Purchased Shares prior to the third anniversary of the Agreement Date, up to 30% prior to the fourth anniversary of the Agreement Date and up to 60% prior to the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date. On or after the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date, Ms. Winfrey will be permitted to transfer all of the Purchased Shares. In the event that Ms. Winfrey proposes to transfer any Purchased Shares or Winfrey Option Shares (defined below), the Company will have (a) a right of first offer with respect to such shares if such transfer is (i) for 1% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock and is proposed to be made pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or (ii) proposed to be sold under a resale shelf registration statement or (b) a right of first refusal with respect to such shares if such transfer is (i) for 1% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock and is proposed to be made to a competitor of the Company or (ii) for 5% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. Such transfer restrictions, right of first offer and right of first refusal terminate if Ms. Winfrey then has the right to be nominated as a director and has met certain eligibility requirements under the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, but is not elected as a director of the Company. If Ms. Winfrey is elected as a director of the Company, she shall receive compensation for her services as a director consistent with that of other non-executive Winfrey Option Agreement In consideration of Ms. Winfrey entering into the Strategic Collaboration Agreement and the performance of her obligations thereunder, on the Agreement Date, the Company granted Ms. Winfrey a fully vested option (the “Winfrey Option”) to purchase 3,513 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.97 per share, which remains outstanding in full. The term sheet, and related terms and conditions, for the Winfrey Option are referred to herein as the “Winfrey Option Agreement”. Based on the Black Scholes option pricing method, the Company recorded $12,759 of compensation expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 for the Winfrey Option. At the date of the grant, the Company used a dividend yield of 0.0%, 63.88% volatility and a risk-free interest rate of 1.36%. Compensation expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Subject to certain limited exceptions, shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Winfrey Option (the “Winfrey Option Shares”) generally could not be transferred by Ms. Winfrey within the first year of the Agreement Date. Ms. Winfrey generally may transfer up to 20% of the Winfrey Option Shares prior to the second anniversary of the Agreement Date, up to 40% prior to the third anniversary of the Agreement Date, up to 60% prior to the fourth anniversary of the Agreement Date and up to 80% prior to the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date. On or after the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date, Ms. Winfrey will be permitted to transfer all of the Winfrey Option Shares. Pursuant to the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, in the event that Ms. Winfrey proposes to transfer any Winfrey Option Shares, the Company will have a right of first offer or a right of first refusal with respect to such shares as described above. Such transfer restrictions terminate under the same director service and change of control circumstances that would result in the termination of the transfer restrictions relating to the Purchased Shares as described above.

Franchise Rights Acquired, Good

Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	5. Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Franchise rights acquired are due to acquisitions of the Company’s franchised territories as well as the acquisition of franchise promotion agreements and other factors associated with the acquired franchise territories. For the three months ended April 1, 2017, the change in the carrying value of franchise rights acquired is due to the effect of exchange rate changes. Goodwill primarily relates to the acquisition of the Company by H.J. Heinz Company in 1978, the acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, Inc. in 2005, the acquisitions of the Company’s franchised territories, the acquisitions of the majority interest in Vigilantes do Peso Marketing Ltda. (“VPM”) and of Knowplicity, Inc., d/b/a Wello, in fiscal 2014 and the acquisition of Weilos, Inc. in fiscal 2015. For the three months ended April 1, 2017, the change in the carrying amount of goodwill is due to the effect of exchange rate changes as follows: North United Continental Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 137,543 $ 1,145 $ 6,884 $ 20,566 $ 166,138 Effect of exchange rate changes 456 19 98 683 1,256 Balance as of April 1, 2017 $ 137,999 $ 1,164 $ 6,982 $ 21,249 $ 167,394 The carrying values of finite-lived intangible assets as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Gross Accumulated Capitalized software costs $ 129,023 $ 106,261 $ 126,737 $ 101,316 Website development costs 124,340 93,025 119,971 87,736 Trademarks 11,135 10,698 11,092 10,647 Other 7,961 7,526 7,945 7,434 Trademarks and other intangible assets $ 272,459 $ 217,510 $ 265,745 $ 207,133 Franchise rights acquired 4,612 4,612 4,551 4,551 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 277,071 $ 222,122 $ 270,296 $ 211,684 Aggregate amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was recorded in the amounts of $9,175 and $8,420 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively. The franchise rights acquired related to the VPM acquisition were amortized ratably over a 2 year period. Estimated amortization expense of existing finite-lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows: Remainder of fiscal 2017 $ 25,188 Fiscal 2018 $ 19,061 Fiscal 2019 $ 8,175 Fiscal 2020 $ 1,923 Fiscal 2021 and thereafter $ 602

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Long-Term Debt	6. Long-Term Debt The components of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows: April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Principal Effective (1) Principal Effective (1) Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018 $ 0 0.00 % $ 0 3.35 % Tranche B-1 0 0.00 % 0 3.96 % Tranche B-2 2,016,000 4.52 % 2,021,250 4.41 % Total 2,016,000 4.52 % 2,021,250 4.38 % Less: Current Portion 21,000 21,000 Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs 17,495 18,951 Total Long-Term Debt $ 1,977,505 $ 1,981,299 (1) Includes amortization of deferred financing costs. For fiscal 2016, the effective interest rate for the Revolving Facility and Tranche B-1 The Company’s credit facilities at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013 consisted of the following term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities: a tranche B loan (“Term B Loan”), a tranche C loan (“Term C Loan”), a tranche D loan (“Term D Loan”), a tranche E loan (“Term E Loan”), a tranche F loan (“Term F Loan”), revolving credit facility A-1 A-1” A-2 A-2”). On April 2, 2013, the Company refinanced its credit facilities pursuant to a new Credit Agreement (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and an issuing bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as revolving agent, swingline lender and an issuing bank, and the other parties thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for (a) a revolving credit facility (including swing line loans and letters of credit) in an initial aggregate principal amount of $250,000 that will mature on April 2, 2018 (the “Revolving Facility”), (b) an initial term B-1 B-1 B-2 B-2 B-1 A-1 A-2. wrote-off On September 26, 2014, the Company and certain lenders entered into an agreement amending the Credit Agreement that, among other things, eliminated the Financial Covenant (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with respect to the Revolving Facility. In connection with this amendment, the Company wrote-off Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, depending on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), on an annual basis on or about the time the Company is required to deliver its financial statements for any fiscal year, the Company is obligated to offer to prepay a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Facilities in an aggregate amount determined by a percentage of its annual excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement). On March 13, 2015, the Company commenced an offer to prepay at a discount to par up to $75,000 in aggregate principal amount of term loans outstanding under the Tranche B-1 Tranche B-1 B-1 wrote-off On June 17, 2015, the Company commenced another offer to prepay at a discount to par up to $229,000 in aggregate principal amount of term loans outstanding under the Tranche B-1 B-1 wrote-off On July 14, 2015, the Company drew down the $48,000 available on its Revolving Facility in order to enhance its cash position and to provide additional financial flexibility. As of January 2, 2016, the revolver borrowing was classified as a short-term liability in consideration of the fact that the terms of the Revolving Facility require an assessment as to whether there have been any material adverse changes with respect to the Company in connection with the Company’s monthly interest elections. Although the revolver borrowing was classified as a short-term liability as of January 2, 2016, absent any change in fact and circumstance, the Company had, and continues to have, the ability to extend and not repay the Revolving Facility until its due date of April 2, 2018. On April 1, 2016, the Company paid in full, with cash on hand, a principal amount of term loans equal to $144,323, which constituted the entire remaining principal amount of term loans outstanding under the Tranche B-1 On July 29, 2016, the Company paid down, with cash on hand, a principal amount of $25,000 of the $48,000 outstanding under its Revolving Facility. On September 16, 2016, the Company paid down, with cash on hand, the remaining outstanding principal amount of $23,000 on its Revolving Facility. At April 1, 2017, the Revolving Facility had $0 outstanding, $1,819 in issued but undrawn letters of credit outstanding thereunder and $48,181 in available unused commitments thereunder. The proceeds from borrowings under the Revolving Facility (including swing line loans and letters of credit) are available to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. At April 1, 2017 under the WWI Credit Facility, the Company had $2,016,000 outstanding consisting entirely of a term loan under the Tranche B-2 Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, LIBOR plus an applicable margin or a base rate plus an applicable margin. LIBOR under the Tranche B-2 B-2 BB- B-1 B-2 B-1 B-1 B-2 The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants including covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other payments, including investments, sell its assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets. The WWI Credit Facility does not require the Company to meet any financial maintenance covenants and is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future subsidiaries. Substantially all of the Company’s assets secure the WWI Credit Facility. At April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s debt consisted entirely of variable-rate instruments. An interest rate swap was entered into to hedge a portion of the cash flow exposure associated with the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. The weighted average interest rate (which includes amortization of deferred financing costs) on the Company’s outstanding debt, exclusive of the impact of the swap, was approximately 4.52% and 4.41% per annum based on interest rates at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The weighted average interest rate (which includes amortization of deferred financing costs) on the Company’s outstanding debt, including the impact of the swap, was approximately 5.35% and 5.32% per annum based on interest rates at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Per Share Data

Per Share Data	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Per Share Data	7. Per Share Data Basic earnings (net loss) per share are calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings (net loss) per share is calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented adjusted for the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (net loss) per share data: Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. $ 10,653 $ (10,753 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 63,978 63,546 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 2,549 0 Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding 66,527 63,546 Earnings (net loss) per share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. Basic $ 0.17 $ (0.17 ) Diluted $ 0.16 $ (0.17 ) The number of anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares for diluted earnings (net loss) per share was 1,088 and 3,444 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively.

Stock Plans

Stock Plans	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Stock Plans	8. Stock Plans On May 6, 2008 and May 12, 2004, respectively, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”). On May 6, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2014 Plan” and together with the 2004 Plan and the 2008 Plan, the “Stock Plans”), which replaced the 2008 Plan and 2004 Plan for all equity-based awards granted on or after May 6, 2014. The 2014 Plan is designed to promote the long-term financial interests and growth of the Company by attracting, motivating and retaining employees with the ability to contribute to the success of the business and to align compensation for the Company’s employees over a multi-year period directly with the interests of the shareholders of the Company. The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof administers the 2014 Plan. Pursuant to the restricted stock components of the 2014 Plan, in fiscal 2016, the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined to grant 290 performance-based stock unit awards having both time- and performance-vesting criteria (the “PSUs”). The time-vesting criteria will be satisfied on the third anniversary of the grant date (i.e., May 16, 2019). The performance-vesting criteria will be satisfied if the Company has achieved a Debt Ratio (as defined in the Company’s term sheet for PSU awards and based on a Debt to EBITDAS ratio (each, as defined therein)) at levels at or above a “threshold” level performance of 4.5x over the performance period from December 31, 2017 to December 29, 2018. The number of PSUs that become vested, if any, upon the satisfaction of both vesting criteria, shall be equal to (x) the target number of PSUs granted multiplied by (y) the applicable Debt Ratio achievement percentage, rounded down to avoid the issuance of fractional shares. If all of the awards fully meet the time-vesting criteria, depending on the Company’s Debt Ratio achievement, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable under the PSUs range from 63 to 319. The Company is currently accruing compensation expense to what it believes is the probable outcome upon vesting.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Income Taxes	9. Income Taxes The effective tax rates for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 were (629.2%) and 34.2%, respectively. For the three months ended April 1, 2017, the primary difference between the US federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate was due to the $11,940 tax benefit related to the cessation of operations of the Company’s Spanish subsidiary, partially offset by $1,184 of tax expense related to tax shortfalls in connection with the updated guidance on stock compensation in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, as described in Note 3. The Company’s benefit from income taxes consists of: Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, 2017 2016 US federal statutory tax rate $ 508 $ (5,741 ) State income taxes (net of federal benefit) 477 (403 ) Loss on cessation of Spanish operations (11,940 ) 0 Research and development credit (874 ) 0 Tax shortfall on share-based awards 1,184 0 Increase in valuation allowance 1,353 405 Other 164 136 Total tax benefit $ (9,128 ) $ (5,603 )

Legal

Legal	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Legal	10. Legal Raymond Roberts v. Weight Watchers International, Inc. On January 7, 2016, an Online Plus Plus Other Litigation Matters Due to the nature of the Company’s activities, it is also, at times, subject to pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the disposition of any such matters is not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging	11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging As of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had in effect an interest rate swap with a notional amount totaling $1,500,000. On July 26, 2013, in order to hedge a portion of its variable rate debt, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap with an effective date of March 31, 2014 and a termination date of April 2, 2020. The initial notional amount of this swap was $1,500,000. During the term of this swap, the notional amount decreases from $1,500,000 effective March 31, 2014 to $1,250,000 on April 3, 2017, with a further reduction to $1,000,000 to occur on April 1, 2019. This interest rate swap effectively fixes the variable interest rate on the notional amount of this swap at 2.38%. This swap qualifies for hedge accounting and, therefore, changes in the fair value of this swap have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, cumulative unrealized losses for qualifying hedges were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the amounts of $12,640 ($20,719 before taxes) and $16,002 ($26,232 before taxes), respectively. The Company is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next four years. The Company expects approximately $6,236 ($10,223 before taxes) of derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 1, 2017, based on current market rates, will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Fair Value Measurements	12. Fair Value Measurements Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. When measuring fair value, the Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s significant financial instruments include long-term debt and an interest rate swap agreement as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The fair value of the Company’s Term Facilities is determined by utilizing average bid prices on or near the end of each fiscal quarter (Level 2 input). As of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $1,867,363 and $1,671,920, respectively, as compared to the carrying value (net of deferring financing costs) of $1,998,505 and $2,002,299, respectively. Derivative Financial Instruments The fair values for the Company’s derivative financial instruments are determined using observable current market information such as the prevailing LIBOR interest rate and LIBOR yield curve rates and include consideration of counterparty credit risk. See Note 11 for disclosures related to derivative financial instruments. The following table presents the aggregate fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments: Fair Value Measurements Using: Total Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant (Level 3) Interest rate swap liability at April 1, 2017 $ 25,841 $ 0 $ 25,841 $ 0 Interest rate swap liability at December 31, 2016 $ 31,974 $ 0 $ 31,974 $ 0 The Company did not have any transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2, and did not maintain any assets or liabilities classified as Level 3, during the three months ended April 1, 2017 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (a) Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Loss on Loss on Total Beginning Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (16,002 ) $ (11,118 ) $ (27,120 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax 160 2,782 2,942 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (b) 3,202 (707 ) 2,495 Net current period other comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest 3,362 2,075 5,437 Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 0 (105 ) (105 ) Ending Balance at April 1, 2017 $ (12,640 ) $ (9,148 ) $ (21,788 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications Three Months Ended April 2, 2016 Loss on Loss on Total Beginning Balance at January 2, 2016 $ (23,135 ) $ (14,130 ) $ (37,265 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (12,510 ) 6,081 (6,429 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (b) 3,773 0 3,773 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income including noncontrolling interest (8,737 ) 6,081 (2,656 ) Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 0 (240 ) (240 ) Ending Balance at April 2, 2016 $ (31,872 ) $ (8,289 ) $ (40,161 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, 2017 2016 Details about Other Comprehensive Amounts Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the Loss on Qualifying Hedges Interest rate contracts $ (5,250 ) $ (6,185 ) Interest expense (5,250 ) (6,185 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 2,048 2,412 Benefit from income taxes $ (3,202 ) $ (3,773 ) Net income (loss) Loss on Foreign Currency Translation $ (707 ) $ 0 Other expense (income), net (707 ) 0 Income (loss) before income taxes 0 0 Benefit from income taxes $ (707 ) $ 0 Net income (loss) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit/loss

Segment Data

Segment Data	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Segment Data	14. Segment Data The Company has four reportable segments based on an integrated geographical structure as follows: North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe (CE) and Other. Other consists of Asia Pacific and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues and related costs, all of which have been grouped together as if they were a single reportable segment because they do not meet any of the quantitative thresholds and are immaterial for separate disclosure. To be consistent with the information that is presented to the chief operating decision maker, the Company does not include intercompany activity in the segment results. Information about the Company’s reportable segments is as follows: Total Revenue April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 North America $ 232,731 $ 208,844 United Kingdom 23,998 28,911 Continental Europe 57,416 55,707 Other 14,918 13,448 Total revenue $ 329,063 $ 306,910 Net Income (Loss) Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Segment operating income: North America $ 34,116 $ 25,523 United Kingdom 2,572 409 Continental Europe 5,056 1,207 Other 1,680 759 Total segment operating income 43,424 27,898 General corporate expenses 13,191 14,341 Interest expense 28,142 30,025 Other expense (income), net 640 (65 ) Benefit from income taxes (9,128 ) (5,603 ) Net income (loss) 10,579 (10,800 ) Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest 74 47 Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. $ 10,653 $ (10,753 ) Depreciation and Amortization April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 North America $ 10,132 $ 10,885 United Kingdom 282 219 Continental Europe 310 457 Other 137 296 Total segment depreciation and amortization 10,861 11,857 General corporate depreciation and amortization 3,486 2,674 Depreciation and amortization $ 14,347 $ 14,531

Related Party

Related Party	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Related Party	15. Related Party As more fully described in Note 4, on October 18, 2015, the Company entered into the Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Ms. Winfrey, under which she will consult with the Company and participate in developing, planning, executing and enhancing the Weight Watchers program and related initiatives, and provide it with services in her discretion to promote the Company and its programs, products and services. In addition to the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, Ms. Winfrey and her related entities provided services to the Company totaling $1,690 and $1,144 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively, which services included advertising, production and related fees. The Company’s accounts payable to parties related to Ms. Winfrey at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $884 and $1,123, respectively.

Franchise Rights Acquired, Go22

Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Changes in Carrying Values of Goodwill	For the three months ended April 1, 2017, the change in the carrying amount of goodwill is due to the effect of exchange rate changes as follows: North United Continental Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 137,543 $ 1,145 $ 6,884 $ 20,566 $ 166,138 Effect of exchange rate changes 456 19 98 683 1,256 Balance as of April 1, 2017 $ 137,999 $ 1,164 $ 6,982 $ 21,249 $ 167,394
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The carrying values of finite-lived intangible assets as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Gross Accumulated Capitalized software costs $ 129,023 $ 106,261 $ 126,737 $ 101,316 Website development costs 124,340 93,025 119,971 87,736 Trademarks 11,135 10,698 11,092 10,647 Other 7,961 7,526 7,945 7,434 Trademarks and other intangible assets $ 272,459 $ 217,510 $ 265,745 $ 207,133 Franchise rights acquired 4,612 4,612 4,551 4,551 Total finite-lived intangible assets $ 277,071 $ 222,122 $ 270,296 $ 211,684
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense of existing finite-lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows: Remainder of fiscal 2017 $ 25,188 Fiscal 2018 $ 19,061 Fiscal 2019 $ 8,175 Fiscal 2020 $ 1,923 Fiscal 2021 and thereafter $ 602

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The components of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows: April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Principal Effective (1) Principal Effective (1) Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018 $ 0 0.00 % $ 0 3.35 % Tranche B-1 0 0.00 % 0 3.96 % Tranche B-2 2,016,000 4.52 % 2,021,250 4.41 % Total 2,016,000 4.52 % 2,021,250 4.38 % Less: Current Portion 21,000 21,000 Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs 17,495 18,951 Total Long-Term Debt $ 1,977,505 $ 1,981,299 (1) Includes amortization of deferred financing costs. For fiscal 2016, the effective interest rate for the Revolving Facility and Tranche B-1

Per Share Data (Tables)

Per Share Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Schedule of Earnings (Net Loss) Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (net loss) per share data: Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. $ 10,653 $ (10,753 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 63,978 63,546 Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents 2,549 0 Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding 66,527 63,546 Earnings (net loss) per share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. Basic $ 0.17 $ (0.17 ) Diluted $ 0.16 $ (0.17 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Summary of Benefit from Income Taxes	The Company’s benefit from income taxes consists of: Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, 2017 2016 US federal statutory tax rate $ 508 $ (5,741 ) State income taxes (net of federal benefit) 477 (403 ) Loss on cessation of Spanish operations (11,940 ) 0 Research and development credit (874 ) 0 Tax shortfall on share-based awards 1,184 0 Increase in valuation allowance 1,353 405 Other 164 136 Total tax benefit $ (9,128 ) $ (5,603 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the aggregate fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments: Fair Value Measurements Using: Total Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant (Level 3) Interest rate swap liability at April 1, 2017 $ 25,841 $ 0 $ 25,841 $ 0 Interest rate swap liability at December 31, 2016 $ 31,974 $ 0 $ 31,974 $ 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensi27

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (a) Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Loss on Loss on Total Beginning Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (16,002 ) $ (11,118 ) $ (27,120 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax 160 2,782 2,942 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (b) 3,202 (707 ) 2,495 Net current period other comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest 3,362 2,075 5,437 Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 0 (105 ) (105 ) Ending Balance at April 1, 2017 $ (12,640 ) $ (9,148 ) $ (21,788 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications Three Months Ended April 2, 2016 Loss on Loss on Total Beginning Balance at January 2, 2016 $ (23,135 ) $ (14,130 ) $ (37,265 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (12,510 ) 6,081 (6,429 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (b) 3,773 0 3,773 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income including noncontrolling interest (8,737 ) 6,081 (2,656 ) Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 0 (240 ) (240 ) Ending Balance at April 2, 2016 $ (31,872 ) $ (8,289 ) $ (40,161 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, 2017 2016 Details about Other Comprehensive Amounts Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the Loss on Qualifying Hedges Interest rate contracts $ (5,250 ) $ (6,185 ) Interest expense (5,250 ) (6,185 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 2,048 2,412 Benefit from income taxes $ (3,202 ) $ (3,773 ) Net income (loss) Loss on Foreign Currency Translation $ (707 ) $ 0 Other expense (income), net (707 ) 0 Income (loss) before income taxes 0 0 Benefit from income taxes $ (707 ) $ 0 Net income (loss) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit/loss

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Information About Reportable Segments	Information about the Company’s reportable segments is as follows: Total Revenue April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 North America $ 232,731 $ 208,844 United Kingdom 23,998 28,911 Continental Europe 57,416 55,707 Other 14,918 13,448 Total revenue $ 329,063 $ 306,910 Net Income (Loss) Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Segment operating income: North America $ 34,116 $ 25,523 United Kingdom 2,572 409 Continental Europe 5,056 1,207 Other 1,680 759 Total segment operating income 43,424 27,898 General corporate expenses 13,191 14,341 Interest expense 28,142 30,025 Other expense (income), net 640 (65 ) Benefit from income taxes (9,128 ) (5,603 ) Net income (loss) 10,579 (10,800 ) Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest 74 47 Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. $ 10,653 $ (10,753 ) Depreciation and Amortization April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 North America $ 10,132 $ 10,885 United Kingdom 282 219 Continental Europe 310 457 Other 137 296 Total segment depreciation and amortization 10,861 11,857 General corporate depreciation and amortization 3,486 2,674 Depreciation and amortization $ 14,347 $ 14,531

Accounting Standards Adopted 29

Accounting Standards Adopted in Current Period - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits in equity	$ 887

Winfrey Transaction - Additiona

Winfrey Transaction - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Oct. 19, 2015	Oct. 18, 2015	Jan. 02, 2016
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Stock option expense			$ 12,759
Share based compensation ,dividend yield	0.00%
Share based compensation ,volatility	63.88%
Share based compensation ,risk free rate	1.36%
Prior To Third Anniversary
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of options shares to be transferred	40.00%
Prior To Fourth Anniversary
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of options shares to be transferred	60.00%
Prior To Fifth Anniversary
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of options shares to be transferred	80.00%
Prior To Second Anniversary
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of options shares to be transferred	20.00%
Option
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Common stocks to be purchased through options	3,513
Options exercisable price per share	$ 6.97
Strategic Collaboration Agreement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Initial term of agreement		5 years
Additional renewal terms		1 year
Share Purchase Agreement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Purchased shares	6,362
Purchased shares, price per share	$ 6.79
Aggregate purchase price	$ 43,199
Fees related to share issuance	2,315
Fees related to share issuance, reduction of equity	$ 1,700
Share transfer restriction period	2 years
Minimum percentage of voting power transfer for change of control	50.00%
Share Purchase Agreement | Prior To Third Anniversary | Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of shares transferable	15.00%
Share Purchase Agreement | Prior To Fourth Anniversary | Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of shares transferable	30.00%
Share Purchase Agreement | Prior To Fifth Anniversary | Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of shares transferable	60.00%
Share Purchase Agreement | Right of first offer, the "Securities Act" | Minimum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock proposed for transfer	1.00%
Share Purchase Agreement | Right of first refusal, Competitor of the Company | Minimum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock proposed for transfer	1.00%
Share Purchase Agreement | Right of first refusal | Minimum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Percentage of Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock proposed for transfer	5.00%

Changes in Carrying Values of G

Changes in Carrying Values of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 166,138
Effect of exchange rate changes	1,256
Ending balance	167,394
North America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	137,543
Effect of exchange rate changes	456
Ending balance	137,999
United Kingdom Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,145
Effect of exchange rate changes	19
Ending balance	1,164
Continental Europe
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,884
Effect of exchange rate changes	98
Ending balance	6,982
Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	20,566
Effect of exchange rate changes	683
Ending balance	$ 21,249

Carrying Amount of Finite-Lived

Carrying Amount of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 277,071	$ 270,296
Accumulated Amortization	222,122	211,684
Capitalized software costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	129,023	126,737
Accumulated Amortization	106,261	101,316
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	11,135	11,092
Accumulated Amortization	10,698	10,647
Website development costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	124,340	119,971
Accumulated Amortization	93,025	87,736
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	7,961	7,945
Accumulated Amortization	7,526	7,434
Trademarks and other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	272,459	265,745
Accumulated Amortization	217,510	207,133
Franchise Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	4,612	4,551
Accumulated Amortization	$ 4,612	$ 4,551

Franchise Rights Acquired, Go33

Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure
Finite-lived intangible assets, aggregate amortization expense	$ 9,175	$ 8,420
Franchise Rights | VPM
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure
Amortization period	2 years

Estimated Amortization Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense of Existing Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)
Expected Amortization Expense
Remainder of fiscal 2017	$ 25,188
Fiscal 2,018	19,061
Fiscal 2,019	8,175
Fiscal 2,020	1,923
Fiscal 2021 and thereafter	$ 602

Components of Current and Long-

Components of Current and Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument
Total Debt		$ 2,016,000	$ 2,021,250
Less Current Portion		$ 21,000	$ 21,000
Effective Interest Rate	[1]	4.52%	4.38%
Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs		$ 17,495	$ 18,951
Total Long-Term Debt		1,977,505	1,981,299
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016
Debt Instrument
Total Debt		$ 0	$ 0
Effective Interest Rate	[1]	0.00%	3.96%
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020
Debt Instrument
Total Debt		$ 2,016,000	$ 2,021,250
Effective Interest Rate	[1]	4.52%	4.41%
Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018
Debt Instrument
Total Debt		$ 0	$ 0
Effective Interest Rate	[1]	0.00%	3.35%
[1]	Includes amortization of deferred financing costs. For fiscal 2016, the effective interest rate for the Revolving Facility and Tranche B-1 Term Facility was computed based on interest expense incurred over the period for which borrowings were outstanding.

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 16, 2016	Jul. 29, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jul. 14, 2015	Jun. 26, 2015	Jun. 17, 2015	Mar. 25, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015	Feb. 21, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 22, 2015	Mar. 20, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Apr. 02, 2013
Debt Instrument
Fees incurred in connection with debt refinancing														$ 44,817,000
Payments of term loan										$ 2,399,904,000	$ 5,250,000	$ 149,573,000
Gain (loss) on early debt extinguishment														$ 21,685,000
Credit facility drew down amount				$ 48,000,000
Credit Facility, aggregate principal amount outstanding											$ 2,016,000,000				$ 2,021,250,000
Additional applicable margin in the event the Company receives a corporate rating of BB- from S&P (or lower) and a corporate rating of Ba3 from Moody's (or lower)											0.25%
Average interest rate on outstanding debt, exclusive the impact of swap											4.52%				4.41%
Average interest rate on outstanding debt, including the impact of swap											5.35%				5.32%
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity																			$ 300,000,000
Fees incurred in connection with debt refinancing					$ 641,000		$ 601,000
Gain (loss) on early debt extinguishment					6,677,000		4,749,000
Prepayment of accepted offers					77,225,000		57,389,000
Accrued and unpaid interest on the amount to be prepaid					84,862,000		63,065,000
Reduction in obligation							59,728,000
Debt instrument, voluntary prepayment							2,500,000
Write-off of deferred financing fees					$ 321,000		$ 326,000
Principal amount paid on term loan			$ 144,323,000
Credit Facility, aggregate principal amount outstanding											$ 0				$ 0
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, additional interest rate									2.75%		3.00%
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016 | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Aggregate principal amount, discount par value						$ 229,000,000		$ 75,000,000
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016 | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage																9.00%	9.00%
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity																			2,100,000,000
Credit Facility, aggregate principal amount outstanding											$ 2,016,000,000				2,021,250,000
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, additional interest rate									3.00%		3.25%
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020 | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, interest rate											0.75%
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020 | Minimum | Base Rate Plus
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, interest rate											1.75%
Term B Loan due January 26, 2014
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										128,759,000
Term C Loan due June 30, 2015
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										110,602,000
Term D Loan due June 30, 2016
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										117,612,000
Term E Loan due March 15, 2017
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										1,125,044,000
Term F Loan due March 15, 2019
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										817,887,000
Revolver A-1 Loan due June 30, 2014
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										21,247,000
Revolver A-2 Loan due March 15, 2017
Debt Instrument
Payments of term loan										$ 78,753,000
Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument
Debt outstanding amount											$ 1,998,505,000				2,002,299,000				2,400,000,000
Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity																		$ 50,000,000	250,000,000
Credit facility available amount											48,181,000								$ 248,848,000
Write-off of deferred financing fees related to amendment													$ 1,583,000
Principal amount paid on revolving facility	$ 23,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Loan outstanding under the revolving facility		$ 48,000,000									0
Line of credit facility, issued but undrawn letters of credit											1,819,000
Credit Facility, aggregate principal amount outstanding											$ 0				$ 0
Revolving credit facility, commitment fee on unused commitments											0.50%				0.50%
Customary letter of credit fees and fronting fees											$ 62,000				$ 31,000
Revolving credit facility, commitment fee amount											$ 12,000				$ 49,000
Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
WWI Credit Facility, additional interest rate											2.50%

Computation of Basic and Dilute

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Net Loss) Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.	$ 10,653	$ (10,753)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	63,978	63,546
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents	2,549	0
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	66,527	63,546
Earnings (Net Loss) Per Share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Basic	$ 0.17	$ (0.17)
Diluted	$ 0.16	$ (0.17)

Per Share Data - Additional Inf

Per Share Data - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (net loss) per share	1,088	3,444

Stock Plans - Additional Inform

Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - Performance-based stock unit shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Other than options, granted	290
Net debt to EBITDA ratio	450.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issuable	63
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issuable	319

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	(629.20%)	34.20%
Loss on closure of Spain	$ 11,940	$ 0
Tax shortfall on share-based awards	$ 1,184	$ 0

Summary of Benefit from Income

Summary of Benefit from Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Income Tax Expense Benefit [Line Items]
US federal statutory tax rate	$ 508	$ (5,741)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	477	(403)
Loss on cessation of Spanish operations	(11,940)	0
Research and development credit	(874)	0
Tax shortfall on share-based awards	1,184	0
Increase in valuation allowance	1,353	405
Other	164	136
Total tax benefit	$ (9,128)	$ (5,603)

Derivative Instruments and He42

Derivative Instruments and Hedging - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative
Maximum length of time hedging forecasted		4 years
Derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) that are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months, net of tax		$ 6,236,000
Derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) that are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months, before tax		$ 10,223,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative
Forward-starting interest rate swap, effective date	Mar. 31, 2014
Forward starting interest rate swap, termination date	Apr. 2, 2020
Derivative interest rate swap percentage		2.38%
Cumulative losses for qualifying hedges reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss net of tax		$ (12,640,000)	$ (16,002,000)
Cumulative losses for qualifying hedges reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax		(20,719,000)	(26,232,000)
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative
Notional amount	$ 1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000	$ 1,500,000,000
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | March 31, 2014
Derivative
Notional amount		$ 1,500,000,000
Forward-starting interest rate swap, effective date		Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | April 3, 2017
Derivative
Notional amount		$ 1,250,000,000
Forward-starting interest rate swap, effective date		Apr. 3, 2017
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | April 1, 2019
Derivative
Notional amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Forward-starting interest rate swap, effective date		Apr. 1, 2019

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2013
Term Loan Facility
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 1,867,363,000	$ 1,671,920,000
Carrying value of long-term debt, net of deferring financing costs	1,998,505,000	2,002,299,000	$ 2,400,000,000
Fair Value Measurements Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value transfers, assets	0	0
Fair value transfers, liabilities	0	0
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value transfers, assets	0	0
Fair value transfers, liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Aggregate Fair Value of Derivat

Aggregate Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate swap liability	$ 25,841	$ 31,974
Fair Value Measurements Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate swap liability	0	0
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate swap liability	25,841	31,974
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate swap liability	$ 0	$ 0

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	[1]	$ 2,942	$ (6,429)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	[1],[2]	2,495	3,773
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)	[1]	5,437	(2,656)
Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	[1]	(105)	(240)
Loss on Qualifying Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	[1]	(16,002)	(23,135)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	[1]	160	(12,510)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	[1],[2]	3,202	3,773
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)	[1]	3,362	(8,737)
Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	[1]	0	0
Ending balance	[1]	(12,640)	(31,872)
Loss on Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	[1]	(11,118)	(14,130)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	[1]	2,782	6,081
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	[1],[2]	(707)	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)	[1]	2,075	6,081
Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	[1]	(105)	(240)
Ending balance	[1]	(9,148)	(8,289)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	[1]	(27,120)	(37,265)
Ending balance	[1]	$ (21,788)	$ (40,161)
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits
[2]	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications

Reclassifications out of Accumu

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other expense (income), net		$ 640	$ (65)
Interest expense		(28,142)	(30,025)
Income (loss) before income taxes		(1,451)	16,403
Benefit from income taxes		(9,128)	(5,603)
Net income (loss)		(10,579)	10,800
Loss on Qualifying Hedges | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	[1]	(5,250)	(6,185)
Benefit from income taxes	[1]	2,048	2,412
Net income (loss)	[1]	(3,202)	(3,773)
Loss on Qualifying Hedges | Interest Rate Contract | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	[1]	(5,250)	(6,185)
Loss on Foreign Currency Translation | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other expense (income), net	[1]	(707)	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	[1]	(707)	0
Benefit from income taxes	[1]	0	0
Net income (loss)	[1]	$ (707)	$ 0
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit/loss

Segment Data - Additional Infor

Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	4

Information About Reportable Se

Information About Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 329,063	$ 306,910
Operating income	30,233	13,557
Interest expense	28,142	30,025
Other expense (income), net	640	(65)
Benefit from income taxes	(9,128)	(5,603)
Net income (loss)	10,579	(10,800)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	74	47
Net income (loss) attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.	10,653	(10,753)
Depreciation and amortization	14,347	14,531
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	43,424	27,898
Depreciation and amortization	10,861	11,857
General corporate expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
General corporate expenses	13,191	14,341
Depreciation and amortization	3,486	2,674
North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	232,731	208,844
North America | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	34,116	25,523
Depreciation and amortization	10,132	10,885
United Kingdom Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	23,998	28,911
United Kingdom Segment | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	2,572	409
Depreciation and amortization	282	219
Continental Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	57,416	55,707
Continental Europe | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	5,056	1,207
Depreciation and amortization	310	457
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	14,918	13,448
Other | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	1,680	759
Depreciation and amortization	$ 137	$ 296

Related Party - Additional Info

Related Party - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Ms. Winfrey
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties	$ 884		$ 1,123
Ms. Winfrey and her related entities
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, service provided by related party	$ 1,690	$ 1,144