Novanta (NOVT) 10-Q 6 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014	Jul. 28, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	27-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'GSIG	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GSI GROUP INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001076930	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	34,193,443

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$45,007	$60,980
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $573 and $575, respectively	57,028	48,552
Inventories	64,550	58,290
Income taxes receivable	5,666	5,715
Deferred tax assets	8,716	6,351
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,053	5,134
Assets of discontinued operations	13,022	16,088
Total current assets	199,042	201,110
Property, plant and equipment, net	40,159	31,303
Deferred tax assets	503	519
Other assets	12,477	9,426
Intangible assets, net	98,024	65,293
Goodwill	115,584	71,156
Total assets	465,789	378,807
Current Liabilities	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	7,500	7,500
Accounts payable	28,440	24,361
Income taxes payable	2,053	1,018
Deferred tax liabilities	218	214
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	20,765	22,288
Liabilities of discontinued operations	7,542	6,398
Total current liabilities	66,518	61,779
Long-term debt	127,250	64,000
Deferred tax liabilities	4,773	'
Income taxes payable	7,322	5,596
Other liabilities	13,425	5,029
Total liabilities	219,288	136,404
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common shares, no par value; Authorized shares: unlimited; Issued and outstanding: 34,192 and 33,991, respectively	423,856	423,856
Additional paid-in capital	26,806	25,383
Accumulated deficit	-199,205	-200,913
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,385	-6,342
Total GSI Group Inc. stockholders' equity	246,072	241,984
Noncontrolling interest	429	419
Total stockholders' equity	246,501	242,403
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$465,789	$378,807

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$573	$575
Common shares, no par value	'	'
Common shares, Issued	34,192	33,991
Common shares, outstanding	34,192	33,991

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Sales	$96,905	$79,769	$176,038	$154,840
Cost of sales	58,254	46,530	105,282	90,970
Gross profit	38,651	33,239	70,756	63,870
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development and engineering	7,525	6,115	13,382	11,931
Selling, general and administrative	21,410	19,374	41,028	38,063
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	2,876	1,617	4,620	3,853
Restructuring and acquisition related costs	360	743	1,178	3,171
Total operating expenses	32,171	27,849	60,208	57,018
Operating income from continuing operations	6,480	5,390	10,548	6,852
Interest income (expense), net	-1,375	-921	-2,212	-1,819
Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses), net	-61	-459	-80	760
Other income (expense), net	419	293	1,000	662
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,463	4,303	9,256	6,455
Income tax provision	2,057	3,018	2,994	3,421
Income from continuing operations	3,406	1,285	6,262	3,034
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-2,678	-1,827	-4,544	-1,458
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	'	-311	'	-311
Consolidated net income (loss)	728	-853	1,718	1,265
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3	-18	-10	-54
Net income (loss) attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$725	($871)	$1,708	$1,211
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.10	$0.03	$0.18	$0.08
Diluted	$0.10	$0.03	$0.18	$0.08
Loss per common share from discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.08)	($0.06)	($0.13)	($0.05)
Diluted	($0.08)	($0.06)	($0.13)	($0.05)
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to GSI Group Inc.:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.02	($0.03)	$0.05	$0.03
Diluted	$0.02	($0.03)	$0.05	$0.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	34,378	34,088	34,304	34,036
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	34,707	34,285	34,690	34,279

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2013		Jun. 27, 2014		Jun. 28, 2013
Consolidated net income (loss)	$728		($853)		$1,718		$1,265
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	1,006	[1]	-86	[1]	943	[1]	-5,780	[1]
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax	-50	[2]	223	[2]	14	[2]	1,172	[2]
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	956		137		957		-4,608
Total consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	1,684		-716		2,675		-3,343
Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3		-18		-10		-54
Comprehensive income (loss) to GSI Group Inc.	$1,681		($734)		$2,665		($3,397)
[1]	The tax effect on this component of comprehensive income was $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 27, 2014, respectively. The impact was zero and $1.3 million for the three and six months ended June 28, 2013, respectively.
[2]	The tax effect on this component of comprehensive income was not material for all periods presented. See Note 4 for the total amount of pension liability adjustments reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustments - Tax effect on component of comprehensive income	$0.20	$0	$0.20	$1.30

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Consolidated net income	$1,718	$1,265
Less: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	4,544	1,769
Income from continuing operations	6,262	3,034
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operations:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	11,151	10,007
Provision for inventory	602	888
Share-based compensation	2,434	2,841
Deferred income taxes	-1,250	965
Earnings from equity investment	-989	-655
Non-cash interest expense	584	497
Non-cash restructuring and acquisition related charges	553	-421
Other non-cash items	439	956
Changes in assets and liabilities which (used) provided cash, excluding effects from businesses purchased or classified as held for sale:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-429	-3,864
Inventories	60	1,596
Prepaid expenses, income taxes receivable and other current assets	215	568
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, income taxes payable and other current liabilities	583	3,112
Other non-current assets and liabilities	-291	930
Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	19,924	20,454
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations	121	-2,764
Cash provided by operating activities	20,045	17,690
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-2,589	-2,239
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-93,656	-82,653
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	52	200
Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	-96,193	-84,692
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities of discontinued operations	-898	11,268
Cash used in investing activities	-97,091	-73,424
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	77,000	60,000
Repayments of long-term debt and revolving credit facility	-13,750	-14,750
Payments for debt issuance costs	-712	-145
Payments of withholding taxes from stock-based awards	-1,508	-739
Capital lease payments	-540	-608
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	181	'
Other financing activities	258	'
Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations	60,929	43,758
Cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations	'	'
Cash provided by financing activities	60,929	43,758
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	144	-1,754
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-15,973	-13,730
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	60,980	65,788
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	45,007	52,058
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	1,608	1,071
Cash paid for income taxes	2,032	1,095
Income tax refunds received	109	3
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activity:	'	'
Assets acquired under capital lease obligations	$8,812	'

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	GSI Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) design, develop, manufacture and sell precision photonic and motion control components and subsystems to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) in the medical equipment and advanced industrial technology markets. Our highly engineered enabling technologies include laser sources, laser scanning and beam delivery products, medical visualization and informatics solutions, optical data collection and machine vision technologies and precision motion control products. We specialize in collaborating with OEM customers to adapt our component and subsystem technologies to deliver highly differentiated performance in their applications.
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the instructions to Form 10-Q and the provisions of Regulation S-X pertaining to interim financial statements. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The interim consolidated financial statements and notes included in this report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In the opinion of management, these interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments and accruals of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year or for any future periods.
	The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its 50% owned joint venture, Excel Laser Technology Private Limited (“Excel SouthAsia JV”), which is reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company’s ownership percentage in a privately held company located in the United Kingdom, Laser Quantum Ltd. (“Laser Quantum”), increased from approximately 25% to 41% as a result of a share buy-back program by Laser Quantum. The Company continues to record the results of this entity under the equity method as it does not have a controlling interest in the entity.
	The Company’s unaudited interim financial statements are prepared on a quarterly basis ending on the Friday closest to the end of the calendar quarter, with the exception of the fourth quarter which always ends on December 31.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company evaluates its estimates based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which they are deemed to be necessary. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 provides guidance on determining when disposals can be presented as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 requires that only disposals representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. A strategic shift may include a disposal of a major line of business, major equity method investment or a major part of an entity. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures regarding discontinued operations. This standard is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this pronouncement in January 2015. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Upon adoption, an entity may apply the new guidance either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized in beginning retained earnings at the date of the initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the Company’s financial statements.
	Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 provides clarification regarding whether ASC 810-10, “Consolidation – Overall” or ASC 830-30, “Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements,” applies to the release of cumulative translation adjustments into net income when a reporting entity either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that constitute a business within a foreign entity. The revised standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” Unless certain conditions exists, ASU 2013-11 requires, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or a tax credit carryforward. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Discontinued Operations	'
	2. Discontinued Operations
	On July 15, 2014, we completed the sale of certain assets and liabilities of our Scientific Lasers business operating under the Continuum brand name for approximately $7.0 million in cash, subject to working capital adjustments. The Company began accounting for the Scientific Lasers business, which was previously included in our Laser Products segment, as discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2014. All prior period income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow information presented has been revised to reflect the results of the Scientific Lasers business as discontinued operations.
	In 2013, the Company consummated the sale of certain assets and liabilities of the Semiconductor Systems business to Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. for $8.6 million in cash, net of selling costs.
	The major components of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of June 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
		June 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable, net	$	4,242		$	5,361
	Inventories		8,310			8,454
	Prepaid and other current assets		186			247
	Other assets		284			2,026
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	13,022		$	16,088
	Accounts payable	$	1,890		$	2,393
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		3,672			2,295
	Other liabilities		1,980			1,710
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	7,542		$	6,398
	The following table presents the operating results which are reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Sales from discontinued operations	$	6,271		$	7,541		$	10,287		$	22,671
	Loss from discontinued operations, before income tax	$	(2,136	)	$	(2,883	)	$	(4,987	)	$	(2,679	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(2,678	)	$	(1,827	)	$	(4,544	)	$	(1,458	)
	Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax		—		$	(311	)		—		$	(311	)
	The loss from discontinued operations during the three and six months ended June 27, 2014 includes a $1.4 million and $3.0 million fair value write-down of the Scientific Lasers business to its estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Business Combinations	'
	3. Business Combinations
	On March 14, 2014, we completed the acquisition of JADAK LLC, JADAK Technologies, Inc. and Advanced Data Capture Corporation (together, “JADAK”), a North Syracuse, New York-based provider of optical data collection and machine vision technologies to OEM medical device manufacturers, for $93.7 million in cash, net of final working capital adjustments. The Company expects the addition of JADAK will enable the Company to offer a broader range of highly engineered enabling technologies to leading medical equipment manufacturers. Acquisition-related costs are included in restructuring and acquisition related costs in the consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition related costs are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months			Six Months		Cumulative
		Ended			Ended		Costs
		June 27, 2014			June 27, 2014		June 27, 2014
	Acquisition-related costs	$	18		$	668	$	975
	The acquisition of JADAK has been accounted for as a business combination. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and is based upon a valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The fair values of intangible assets were based on valuations using an income approach, with estimates and assumptions provided by management of JADAK and the Company. The excess of the purchase price over the tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities was recorded as goodwill. The Company’s estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities are subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date) for changes in facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and the primary areas of the purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized relate to inventory valuation, intangible assets, income taxes, and the amount of residual goodwill.
	Based upon a preliminary valuation, the total purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
		Purchase Price
		Allocation
	Cash	$	1,140
	Accounts receivable		7,907
	Inventory		7,526
	Property and equipment		904
	Intangible assets		40,250
	Other assets		1,979
	Goodwill		44,428
	Total assets acquired		104,134
	Accounts payable		3,057
	Other liabilities		1,944
	Deferred tax liabilities		4,337
	Total liabilities assumed		9,338
	Total purchase price		94,796
	Less cash acquired		(1,140	)
	Total purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	93,656
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company made adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation related to the finalization of working capital and adjustments to certain tangible and intangible assets, resulting in an increase to goodwill of $0.4 million. The fair value of intangible assets is comprised of the following dollar amounts (in thousands):
		Estimated Fair			Weighted Average
		Value			Amortization
					Period
	Customer relationships	$	23,570			20 years
	Developed technology		10,910			10 years
	Trademarks and trade names		2,130			10 years
	Backlog		1,810			1 year
	Non-compete covenant		1,830			5 years
	Total	$	40,250
	The purchase price allocation resulted in $44.4 million of goodwill and $40.3 million of identifiable intangible assets, $63.7 million of which are expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets are being amortized over their weighted average useful lives primarily based upon the pattern in which anticipated economic benefits from such assets are expected to be realized. The goodwill recorded represents the anticipated incremental value of future cash flow potential attributable to: (i) JADAK’s ability to develop and market new products and technologies, (ii) JADAK’s ability to develop relationships with new customers, and (iii) expected sales synergies from cross-selling current and future product offerings of both JADAK and the Company to OEM customers.
	The operating results of JADAK have been included in our consolidated statement of operations since the acquisition date. JADAK has contributed sales of $15.5 million and $17.7 million for the three and six months ended June 27, 2014, respectively, and income from continuing operations before income taxes of $1.2 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended June 27, 2014, respectively. The pro forma information for all periods presented below includes the effects of business combination accounting resulting from the acquisition of JADAK, including amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, interest expense on borrowings in connection with the acquisition, earn-out expenses, and the related tax effects as though the acquisition had been consummated at the beginning of 2013. These pro forma results exclude the impact of transaction costs and the related tax effects included in the historical results. The pro forma financial information is presented for comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2013.
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,		June 27,		June 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Sales	$	96,905		$	92,902	$	187,069	$	179,748
	Income from continuing operations	$	3,825		$	1,290	$	7,062	$	2,268
	Earnings per share - Basic	$	0.11		$	0.03	$	0.2	$	0.06
	Earnings per share - Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.03	$	0.2	$	0.06

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):
			Total accumulated			Foreign currency		Pension
			other			translation		liability
			comprehensive			adjustments
			income (loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(6,342	)	$	1,353	$	(7,695	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			737			943		(206	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) (1)			220			—		220
	Balance at June 27, 2014		$	(5,385	)	$	2,296	$	(7,681	)
	-1	The amounts reclassified from other comprehensive loss were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Earnings per Share	'
	5. Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For diluted earnings per common share, the denominator also includes the dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units determined using the treasury stock method. For periods in which net losses are generated, the dilutive potential common shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Dilutive effects of contingently issuable shares are included in the weighted average dilutive share calculation when the contingencies have been resolved.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerators:
	Income from continuing operations	$	3,406		$	1,285		$	6,262		$	3,034
	Consolidated income (loss) from discontinued operations		(2,678	)		(2,138	)		(4,544	)		(1,769	)
	Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(3	)		(18	)		(10	)		(54	)
	Consolidated income (loss) from discontinued operations		(2,681	)		(2,156	)		(4,554	)		(1,823	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$	725		$	(871	)	$	1,708		$	1,211
	Denominators:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic		34,378			34,088			34,304			34,036
	Dilutive potential common shares		329			197			386			243
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted		34,707			34,285			34,690			34,279
	Antidilutive common shares excluded from above		—			570			44			472
	Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:
	From continuing operations	$	0.1		$	0.03		$	0.18		$	0.08
	From discontinued operations	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.05	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	0.05		$	0.03
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:
	From continuing operations	$	0.1		$	0.03		$	0.18		$	0.08
	From discontinued operations	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.05	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	0.05		$	0.03
	Common Stock Repurchases
	In October 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock up to an aggregate amount of $10.0 million. The shares may be repurchased from time to time, at the Company’s discretion, based on ongoing assessment of the capital needs of the business, the market price of the Company’s common stock, and general market conditions. Shares may also be repurchased through an accelerated stock purchase agreement, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. Repurchases may be made under certain SEC regulations, which would permit common stock to be purchased when the Company would otherwise be prohibited from doing so under insider trading laws. The share repurchase plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock. No time limit was set for the completion of the share repurchase program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. As of December 31, 2013, the Company cumulatively repurchased 50 thousand shares of its common stock in the open market for a weighted average share price of $10.49 per share. There were no share repurchases during the six months ended June 27, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
	6. Fair Value Measurements
	ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements,” establishes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the third is considered unobservable:
		•		Level 1: Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets which the Company can access.
		•		Level 2: Observable inputs other than those described in Level 1.
		•		Level 3: Unobservable inputs.
	The Company’s cash equivalents are investments in money market accounts, which represent the only asset the Company measures at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company determines the fair value of our cash equivalents using a market approach based on quoted prices in active markets. The fair values of cash, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable, accounts payable, income taxes payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets as of June 27, 2014 (in thousands):
			Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant Other
					Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					Identical Assets		(Level 2)		Inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents		$	5,040	$	5,040	$	—	$	—
	The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant Other
					Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					Identical Assets		(Level 2)		Inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents		$	3,078	$	3,078	$	—	$	—
	See Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding debt.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Goodwill is recorded when the consideration for a business combination exceeds the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. The Company tests its goodwill balances annually for impairment as of the beginning of the second quarter or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test at the beginning of the second quarter of 2014 and noted no impairment of goodwill.
	The following table summarizes changes in goodwill for the six months ended June 27, 2014 (in thousands):
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	71,156
	Goodwill acquired from JADAK acquisition		44,428
	Balance at end of period	$	115,584
	Goodwill acquired from the JADAK acquisition is reflected in the Medical Technologies segment. Goodwill by reportable segment as of June 27, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		Reportable Segment									Total
		Laser			Medical			Precision
		Products			Technologies			Motion
	Goodwill	$	132,954		$	87,993		$	26,291		$	247,238
	Accumulated impairment of goodwill		(102,461	)		(12,147	)		(17,046	)		(131,654	)
	Total	$	30,493		$	75,846		$	9,245		$	115,584
	Goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Reportable Segment									Total
		Laser			Medical			Precision
		Products			Technologies			Motion
	Goodwill	$	132,954		$	43,565		$	26,291		$	202,810
	Accumulated impairment of goodwill		(102,461	)		(12,147	)		(17,046	)		(131,654	)
	Total	$	30,493		$	31,418		$	9,245		$	71,156
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets as of June 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		June 27, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying			Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Amount			Amortization			Amount			Amount			Amortization			Amount
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technologies	$	79,635		$	(59,468	)	$	20,167		$	68,500		$	(56,327	)	$	12,173
	Customer relationships		79,232			(27,869	)		51,363			55,585			(24,340	)		31,245
	Customer backlog		3,078			(1,872	)		1,206			1,269			(1,269	)		—
	Non-compete covenant		1,830			(135	)		1,695			—			—			—
	Trademarks and trade names		15,559			(4,993	)		10,566			13,378			(4,530	)		8,848
	Amortizable intangible assets		179,334			(94,337	)		84,997			138,732			(86,466	)		52,266
	Non-amortizable intangible assets:
	Trade names		13,027			—			13,027			13,027			—			13,027
	Totals	$	192,361		$	(94,337	)	$	98,024		$	151,759		$	(86,466	)	$	65,293
	All definite-lived intangible assets are amortized either on a straight-line basis or an economic benefit basis over their remaining useful life. Amortization expense for customer relationships, customer backlog, non-compete covenant, definite-lived trademarks, trade names and other intangibles is included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense for patents and acquired technologies is included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization expense – cost of sales	$	1,614		$	1,343		$	2,915		$	2,594
	Amortization expense – operating expenses		2,876			1,617			4,620			3,853
	Total amortization expense	$	4,490		$	2,960		$	7,535		$	6,447
	Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter as of June 27, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,	Cost of Sales			Operating			Total
					Expenses
	2014 (remainder of year)	$	3,228		$	5,645		$	8,873
	2015		4,787			9,460			14,247
	2016		3,376			9,227			12,603
	2017		2,883			8,265			11,148
	2018		1,350			7,383			8,733
	Thereafter		4,543			24,850			29,393
	Total	$	20,167		$	64,830		$	84,997

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	'
	8. Supplementary Balance Sheet Information
	The following tables provide the details of selected balance sheet items as of the periods indicated (in thousands):
	Inventories
		June 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	39,369		$	34,749
	Work-in-process		10,637			9,744
	Finished goods		11,622			10,682
	Demo and consigned inventory		2,922			3,115
	Total inventories	$	64,550		$	58,290
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
		June 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accrued compensation and benefits	$	9,360		$	8,624
	Accrued warranty		3,416			3,315
	Customer deposits		612			551
	Other		7,377			9,798
	Total	$	20,765		$	22,288
	Accrued Warranty
		Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	3,315		$	2,204
	Provision charged to cost of sales		976			791
	Acquisition related warranty accrual		90			998
	Use of provision		(973	)		(755	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		8			(47	)
	Balance at end of period	$	3,416		$	3,191

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Debt	'
	9. Debt
	Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 27,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior Credit Facilities – term loan	$	38,750	$	42,500
	Senior Credit Facilities – revolving credit facility		96,000		29,000
	Total Senior Credit Facilities	$	134,750	$	71,500
	Senior Credit Facilities
	The Company’s amended and restated senior secured credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) provides for a $50.0 million, 5-year, term loan facility due in quarterly installments of $1.9 million beginning in January 2013 and a $75.0 million, 5-year, revolving credit facility (collectively, the “Senior Credit Facilities”) that matures in December 2017. Quarterly installments due in the next twelve months amount to $7.5 million and are classified as a current liability in the consolidated balance sheet. On February 10, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”). The Fourth Amendment increases the revolving credit facility commitment under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by $100 million from $75 million to $175 million and resets the accordion feature to $100 million for future expansion.
	The Company is required to satisfy certain financial and non-financial covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Company is in compliance with these covenants as of June 27, 2014.
	Fair Value of Debt
	As of June 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance of the Company’s debt approximated its fair value based on current rates available to the Company for debt of the same maturity.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Share-Based Compensation	'
	10. Share-Based Compensation
	The table below summarizes activities relating to restricted stock units issued and outstanding under the 2010 Incentive Award Plan during the six months ended June 27, 2014:
		Restricted			Weighted
		Stock Units			Average Grant
		(In thousands)			Date Fair Value
	Unvested at December 31, 2013		809		$	10.2
	Granted		310		$	12.32
	Vested		(321	)	$	10.95
	Forfeited		—		$	—
	Unvested at June 27, 2014		798		$	10.71
	Expected to vest as of June 27, 2014		770
	The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during the six months ended June 27, 2014 was $4.0 million based on the market price of the underlying stock on the day of vesting.
	The table below summarizes share-based compensation expense recorded in income from continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,		June 27,		June 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Selling, general and administrative	$	914		$	1,232	$	2,270	$	2,702
	Research and development and engineering		45			47		95		81
	Cost of sales		36			31		69		58
	Restructuring and acquisition related costs		258			—		304		—
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	1,253		$	1,310	$	2,738	$	2,841
	The expense recorded during each of the six months ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 includes $0.5 million related to deferred stock units granted to the members of the Company’s Board of Directors, pursuant to the Company’s 2010 Incentive Award Plan. The expense associated with the respective deferred stock units was recognized in full on the respective date of grant, as the deferred stock units were fully vested and non-forfeitable on the date of grant.
	As noted in Note 3, on March 14, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of JADAK. In addition to the total purchase price, the Company granted restricted stock units in an aggregate of 180,000 shares to the four former owner-managers of JADAK as employment inducement awards. These restricted stock units are performance based awards and will vest after two years if certain financial targets have been achieved.
	On May 15, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2010 Incentive Award Plan. The Amended and Restated Incentive Award Plan increases the amount of shares authorized for issuance under the plan from 2,898,613 shares to 4,398,613 shares, extends the term of the plan through April 9, 2024, allows the Company to continue to grant awards intended to constitute “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and includes certain provisions that reflect good corporate governance practices.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Income Taxes	'
	11. Income Taxes
	The Company determines its estimated annual effective tax rate at the end of each successive interim period based on facts known at that time. The estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to the year-to-date pre-tax income at the end of each interim period. The tax effect of significant unusual items is reflected in the period in which they occur. Since the Company is incorporated in Canada, it is required to use Canada’s statutory tax rate of 27.0% in the determination of the estimated annual effective tax rate.
	The Company’s reported effective tax rate on income from continuing operations of 37.7% for the three months and 32.3% for the six months ended June 27, 2014 differ from the expected Canadian statutory rate of 27.0% primarily due to the mix of income earned in jurisdictions with varying tax rates and losses in jurisdictions with a valuation allowance which are not benefitted in the income tax provision in the current period. The Company’s reported effective tax rate on income from continuing operations of 70.1% for the three months and 53.0% for the six months ended June 28, 2013 differ from the Canadian statutory rate primarily due to the mix of income earned in jurisdictions with varying tax rates and losses in jurisdictions with a valuation allowance which are not benefited in the income tax provision and the impact of discrete items increasing the tax provision for the period.
	The Company maintains a valuation allowance on some of its deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. A valuation allowance is required when, based upon an assessment of various factors, including recent operating loss history, anticipated future earnings, and prudent and reasonable tax planning strategies, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	In conjunction with the Company’s ongoing review of its actual results and anticipated future earnings, the Company continuously reassesses the possibility of releasing the remaining valuation allowance currently in place on its deferred tax assets. A release would be reported as a reduction to income tax expense without any impact on cash flows in the quarter in which it is released.
	On September 13, 2013, the IRS released final tangible property regulations under Sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. In addition, the IRS proposed regulations under Section 168 of the Code regarding dispositions of tangible property. These final and proposed regulations will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. The Company is in the process of reviewing the regulations and the related impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Restructuring_and_Acquisition_

Restructuring and Acquisition Related Costs	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Restructuring and Acquisition Related Costs	'
	12. Restructuring and Acquisition Related Costs
	The following table summarizes restructuring and acquisition related expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	2011 restructuring	$	(122	)	$	385		$	(94	)	$	1,322
	2013 restructuring		(66	)		337			(66	)		756
	Germany restructuring		—			—			—			7
	Total restructuring charges	$	(188	)	$	722		$	(160	)	$	2,085
	Acquisition charges	$	45		$	21		$	748		$	1,086
	JADAK earn-out costs		503			—			590			—
	Total acquisition related charges	$	548		$	21		$	1,338		$	1,086
	Total restructuring and acquisition related costs	$	360		$	743		$	1,178		$	3,171
	The Company recorded a benefit related to adjustments to sublease assumptions during the three months ended June 27, 2014 for the 2011 and 2013 restructuring plans. Total acquisition related charges include expenses recognized under earn-out agreements and professional fees in connection with the acquisition of JADAK.
	2011 Restructuring
	In November 2011, the Company announced a strategic initiative (“2011 restructuring”), which aimed to consolidate operations to reduce our cost structure and improve operational efficiency. As part of this initiative, the Company eliminated facilities through consolidation of certain manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities and exit of Semiconductor and Laser Systems businesses. The Company substantially completed the 2011 restructuring program by the end of 2013.
	Rollforward of Accrued Expenses Related to Restructuring
	The following table summarizes the accrual activities, by component, related to the Company’s restructuring plans recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
		Total			Severance			Facility			Other
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,272		$	585		$	648		$	39
	Restructuring charges		(160	)		(80	)		(112	)		32
	Cash payments		(541	)		(345	)		(127	)		(69	)
	Non-cash write-offs and other adjustments		(250	)		—			(250	)		—
	Balance at June 27, 2014	$	321		$	160		$	159		$	2
	In accordance with the guidance in ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations,” the Company records lease termination accruals based on market estimates, including the time period for which facilities will remain vacant, sublease terms, sublease rates and discount rates. The Company reviews prior estimates and current market data available to determine the appropriate value of these liabilities at period end.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	The Company leases certain equipment and facilities under operating and capital lease agreements. Excluding the leases acquired as part of the JADAK acquisition, there have been no material changes to the Company’s leases from those discussed in Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In May 2014, JADAK moved to a new facility which was recorded as a capital lease. The current and long-term portions of the capital lease have been included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under the operating and capital leases for JADAK are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,		Operating Lease		Capital Lease(1)
	2014 (remainder of year)		$	34	$	388
	2015			69		776
	2016			—		776
	2017			—		814
	2018			—		833
	Thereafter			—		9,505
	Total minimum lease payments		$	103	$	13,092
	-1	Capital lease payments include interest payments of $4.4 million.
	Purchase Commitments
	Excluding JADAK’s purchase commitments, there have been no material changes to the Company’s purchase commitments from those discussed in Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. As of June 27, 2014, JADAK had unconditional commitments primarily for inventory purchases of $6.0 million. These purchase commitments are expected to be incurred as follows: $5.0 million in the remainder of 2014, and $1.0 million in 2015.
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of these claims will have a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of operations but there can be no assurance that any such claims, or any similar claims, would not have a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of operations.
	Guarantees and Indemnifications
	In the normal course of its operations, the Company executes agreements that provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in transactions such as business dispositions, sale of assets, sale of products and operating leases. Additionally, the by-laws of the Company require it to indemnify certain current or former directors, officers, and employees of the Company against expenses incurred by them in connection with each proceeding in which he or she is involved as a result of serving or having served in certain capacities. Indemnification is not available with respect to a proceeding as to which it has been adjudicated that the person did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that the action was in the best interests of the Company. Certain of our officers and directors are also a party to an indemnification agreement with the Company. These indemnification agreements provide, among other things, that the director and officer shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such officer or director in connection with any proceeding by reason of his or her relationship with the Company. In addition, the indemnification agreements provide for the advancement of expenses incurred by such director or officer in connection with any proceeding covered by the indemnification agreement, subject to the conditions set forth therein and to the extent such advancement is not prohibited by law. The indemnification agreements also set out the procedures for determining entitlement to indemnification, the requirements relating to notice and defense of claims for which indemnification is sought, the procedures for enforcement of indemnification rights, the limitations on and exclusions from indemnification, and the minimum levels of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to be maintained by the Company.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Segment Information	'
	14. Segment Information
	The Company evaluates the performance of, and allocates resources to, its segments based on sales, gross profit and operating profit. The Company’s reportable segments have been identified based on commonality of end markets, customers, applications and technologies amongst the Company’s individual product lines, which is consistent with the Company’s operating structure.
	We operate in three reportable segments: Laser Products, Medical Technologies, and Precision Motion. The reportable segments and their principal activities consist of the following:
	Laser Products
	Our Laser Products segment designs, manufactures and markets photonics-based solutions to customers worldwide. The segment serves highly demanding photonics-based applications such as industrial material processing, and medical and life science imaging and laser procedures. The vast majority of the segment’s product offerings are sold to OEM customers. The business sells these products both directly, utilizing a highly technical sales force, and indirectly, through resellers and distributors.
	Medical Technologies
	Our Medical Technologies segment designs, manufactures and markets a range of medical grade technologies, including visualization solutions, imaging informatics products, optical data collection and machine vision technologies, thermal printers, and light and color measurement instrumentation to customers worldwide. The vast majority of the segment’s product offerings are sold to OEM customers. The segment sells these products both directly, utilizing a highly technical sales force, and indirectly, through resellers and distributors.
	Precision Motion
	Our Precision Motion segment designs, manufactures and markets optical encoders, air bearing spindles and precision machined components to customers worldwide. The vast majority of the segment’s product offerings are sold into the electronics, industrial and, to a lesser extent, the medical markets. The segment sells these products both directly, utilizing a highly technical sales force, and indirectly, through resellers and distributors.
	Reportable Segment Financial Information
	Sales, gross profit, gross profit margin, operating income from continuing operations, and depreciation and amortization by reportable segments are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Sales
	Laser Products	$	43,828		$	40,433		$	85,688		$	78,597
	Medical Technologies		34,791			22,135			57,158			45,692
	Precision Motion		18,286			17,201			33,192			30,551
	Total	$	96,905		$	79,769		$	176,038		$	154,840
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Gross Profit
	Laser Products	$	17,155		$	16,677		$	34,168		$	32,184
	Medical Technologies		13,838			8,273			22,727			17,736
	Precision Motion		7,949			8,290			14,365			14,058
	Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated		(291	)		(1	)		(504	)		(108	)
	Total	$	38,651		$	33,239		$	70,756		$	63,870
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Gross Profit Margin
	Laser Products		39.1	%		41.2	%		39.9	%		40.9	%
	Medical Technologies		39.8	%		37.4	%		39.8	%		38.8	%
	Precision Motion		43.5	%		48.2	%		43.3	%		46	%
	Total		39.9	%		41.7	%		40.2	%		41.2	%
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Operating Income from Continuing Operations
	Laser Products	$	6,847		$	5,441		$	13,971		$	10,134
	Medical Technologies		38			399			(79	)		1,844
	Precision Motion		4,086			4,420			6,729			6,434
	Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated		(4,491	)		(4,870	)		(10,073	)		(11,560	)
	Total	$	6,480		$	5,390		$	10,548		$	6,852
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Laser Products	$	1,554		$	1,545		$	3,220		$	3,034
	Medical Technologies		3,716			2,075			5,807			4,619
	Precision Motion		505			493			1,007			985
	Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated		547			635			1,117			1,369
	Total	$	6,322		$	4,748		$	11,151		$	10,007

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa1

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company evaluates its estimates based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which they are deemed to be necessary. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 provides guidance on determining when disposals can be presented as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 requires that only disposals representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. A strategic shift may include a disposal of a major line of business, major equity method investment or a major part of an entity. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures regarding discontinued operations. This standard is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this pronouncement in January 2015. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Upon adoption, an entity may apply the new guidance either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized in beginning retained earnings at the date of the initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the Company’s financial statements.
	Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 provides clarification regarding whether ASC 810-10, “Consolidation – Overall” or ASC 830-30, “Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements,” applies to the release of cumulative translation adjustments into net income when a reporting entity either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that constitute a business within a foreign entity. The revised standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” Unless certain conditions exists, ASU 2013-11 requires, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or a tax credit carryforward. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Components of Assets and Liabilities and Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	'
	The major components of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of June 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
		June 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable, net	$	4,242		$	5,361
	Inventories		8,310			8,454
	Prepaid and other current assets		186			247
	Other assets		284			2,026
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	13,022		$	16,088
	Accounts payable	$	1,890		$	2,393
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		3,672			2,295
	Other liabilities		1,980			1,710
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	7,542		$	6,398
	The following table presents the operating results which are reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Sales from discontinued operations	$	6,271		$	7,541		$	10,287		$	22,671
	Loss from discontinued operations, before income tax	$	(2,136	)	$	(2,883	)	$	(4,987	)	$	(2,679	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(2,678	)	$	(1,827	)	$	(4,544	)	$	(1,458	)
	Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax		—		$	(311	)		—		$	(311	)

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Acquisition Related Costs Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	Acquisition-related costs are included in restructuring and acquisition related costs in the consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition related costs are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months			Six Months		Cumulative
		Ended			Ended		Costs
		June 27, 2014			June 27, 2014		June 27, 2014
	Acquisition-related costs	$	18		$	668	$	975
Summary of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Purchase Price Allocation	'
	Based upon a preliminary valuation, the total purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
		Purchase Price
		Allocation
	Cash	$	1,140
	Accounts receivable		7,907
	Inventory		7,526
	Property and equipment		904
	Intangible assets		40,250
	Other assets		1,979
	Goodwill		44,428
	Total assets acquired		104,134
	Accounts payable		3,057
	Other liabilities		1,944
	Deferred tax liabilities		4,337
	Total liabilities assumed		9,338
	Total purchase price		94,796
	Less cash acquired		(1,140	)
	Total purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	93,656
Fair Value of Intangible Assets	'
	The fair value of intangible assets is comprised of the following dollar amounts (in thousands):
		Estimated Fair			Weighted Average
		Value			Amortization
					Period
	Customer relationships	$	23,570			20 years
	Developed technology		10,910			10 years
	Trademarks and trade names		2,130			10 years
	Backlog		1,810			1 year
	Non-compete covenant		1,830			5 years
	Total	$	40,250
Pro forma Financial Information	'
	The pro forma financial information is presented for comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2013.
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,		June 27,		June 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Sales	$	96,905		$	92,902	$	187,069	$	179,748
	Income from continuing operations	$	3,825		$	1,290	$	7,062	$	2,268
	Earnings per share - Basic	$	0.11		$	0.03	$	0.2	$	0.06
	Earnings per share - Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.03	$	0.2	$	0.06

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe1

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):
			Total accumulated			Foreign currency		Pension
			other			translation		liability
			comprehensive			adjustments
			income (loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(6,342	)	$	1,353	$	(7,695	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			737			943		(206	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) (1)			220			—		220
	Balance at June 27, 2014		$	(5,385	)	$	2,296	$	(7,681	)
	-1	The amounts reclassified from other comprehensive loss were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerators:
	Income from continuing operations	$	3,406		$	1,285		$	6,262		$	3,034
	Consolidated income (loss) from discontinued operations		(2,678	)		(2,138	)		(4,544	)		(1,769	)
	Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(3	)		(18	)		(10	)		(54	)
	Consolidated income (loss) from discontinued operations		(2,681	)		(2,156	)		(4,554	)		(1,823	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$	725		$	(871	)	$	1,708		$	1,211
	Denominators:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic		34,378			34,088			34,304			34,036
	Dilutive potential common shares		329			197			386			243
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted		34,707			34,285			34,690			34,279
	Antidilutive common shares excluded from above		—			570			44			472
	Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:
	From continuing operations	$	0.1		$	0.03		$	0.18		$	0.08
	From discontinued operations	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.05	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	0.05		$	0.03
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:
	From continuing operations	$	0.1		$	0.03		$	0.18		$	0.08
	From discontinued operations	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.05	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	0.05		$	0.03

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Fair Value of Asset and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets as of June 27, 2014 (in thousands):
		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant Other
				Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		(Level 2)		Inputs
				(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	5,040	$	5,040	$	—	$	—
	The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant Other
				Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
				Identical Assets		(Level 2)		Inputs
				(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	3,078	$	3,078	$	—	$	—

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Summary of Changes in Goodwill	'
	The following table summarizes changes in goodwill for the six months ended June 27, 2014 (in thousands):
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	71,156
	Goodwill acquired from JADAK acquisition		44,428
	Balance at end of period	$	115,584
Goodwill by Reportable Segment	'
	Technologies segment. Goodwill by reportable segment as of June 27, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		Reportable Segment									Total
		Laser			Medical			Precision
		Products			Technologies			Motion
	Goodwill	$	132,954		$	87,993		$	26,291		$	247,238
	Accumulated impairment of goodwill		(102,461	)		(12,147	)		(17,046	)		(131,654	)
	Total	$	30,493		$	75,846		$	9,245		$	115,584
	Goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Reportable Segment									Total
		Laser			Medical			Precision
		Products			Technologies			Motion
	Goodwill	$	132,954		$	43,565		$	26,291		$	202,810
	Accumulated impairment of goodwill		(102,461	)		(12,147	)		(17,046	)		(131,654	)
	Total	$	30,493		$	31,418		$	9,245		$	71,156
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets as of June 27, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		June 27, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying			Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Amount			Amortization			Amount			Amount			Amortization			Amount
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Patents and acquired technologies	$	79,635		$	(59,468	)	$	20,167		$	68,500		$	(56,327	)	$	12,173
	Customer relationships		79,232			(27,869	)		51,363			55,585			(24,340	)		31,245
	Customer backlog		3,078			(1,872	)		1,206			1,269			(1,269	)		—
	Non-compete covenant		1,830			(135	)		1,695			—			—			—
	Trademarks and trade names		15,559			(4,993	)		10,566			13,378			(4,530	)		8,848
	Amortizable intangible assets		179,334			(94,337	)		84,997			138,732			(86,466	)		52,266
	Non-amortizable intangible assets:
	Trade names		13,027			—			13,027			13,027			—			13,027
	Totals	$	192,361		$	(94,337	)	$	98,024		$	151,759		$	(86,466	)	$	65,293
Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	'
	Amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization expense – cost of sales	$	1,614		$	1,343		$	2,915		$	2,594
	Amortization expense – operating expenses		2,876			1,617			4,620			3,853
	Total amortization expense	$	4,490		$	2,960		$	7,535		$	6,447
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter as of June 27, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,	Cost of Sales			Operating			Total
					Expenses
	2014 (remainder of year)	$	3,228		$	5,645		$	8,873
	2015		4,787			9,460			14,247
	2016		3,376			9,227			12,603
	2017		2,883			8,265			11,148
	2018		1,350			7,383			8,733
	Thereafter		4,543			24,850			29,393
	Total	$	20,167		$	64,830		$	84,997

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In1

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Inventories	'
	Inventories
		June 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	39,369		$	34,749
	Work-in-process		10,637			9,744
	Finished goods		11,622			10,682
	Demo and consigned inventory		2,922			3,115
	Total inventories	$	64,550		$	58,290
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
		June 27,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accrued compensation and benefits	$	9,360		$	8,624
	Accrued warranty		3,416			3,315
	Customer deposits		612			551
	Other		7,377			9,798
	Total	$	20,765		$	22,288
Accrued Warranty	'
	Accrued Warranty
		Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	3,315		$	2,204
	Provision charged to cost of sales		976			791
	Acquisition related warranty accrual		90			998
	Use of provision		(973	)		(755	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		8			(47	)
	Balance at end of period	$	3,416		$	3,191

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Debt	'
	Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		June 27,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Senior Credit Facilities – term loan	$	38,750	$	42,500
	Senior Credit Facilities – revolving credit facility		96,000		29,000
	Total Senior Credit Facilities	$	134,750	$	71,500

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Share Based Compensation Expense Recorded In Income from Continuing Operations in Statements of Operations	'
	The table below summarizes share-based compensation expense recorded in income from continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,		June 27,		June 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Selling, general and administrative	$	914		$	1,232	$	2,270	$	2,702
	Research and development and engineering		45			47		95		81
	Cost of sales		36			31		69		58
	Restructuring and acquisition related costs		258			—		304		—
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	1,253		$	1,310	$	2,738	$	2,841
2010 Incentive Award Plan	'
Restricted Stock Issued and Outstanding	'
	The table below summarizes activities relating to restricted stock units issued and outstanding under the 2010 Incentive Award Plan during the six months ended June 27, 2014:
		Restricted			Weighted
		Stock Units			Average Grant
		(In thousands)			Date Fair Value
	Unvested at December 31, 2013		809		$	10.2
	Granted		310		$	12.32
	Vested		(321	)	$	10.95
	Forfeited		—		$	—
	Unvested at June 27, 2014		798		$	10.71
	Expected to vest as of June 27, 2014		770

Restructuring_and_Acquisition_1

Restructuring and Acquisition Related Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Summary of Restructuring and Acquisition Related Expenses	'
	The following table summarizes restructuring and acquisition related expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27,			June 28,			June 27,			June 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	2011 restructuring	$	(122	)	$	385		$	(94	)	$	1,322
	2013 restructuring		(66	)		337			(66	)		756
	Germany restructuring		—			—			—			7
	Total restructuring charges	$	(188	)	$	722		$	(160	)	$	2,085
	Acquisition charges	$	45		$	21		$	748		$	1,086
	JADAK earn-out costs		503			—			590			—
	Total acquisition related charges	$	548		$	21		$	1,338		$	1,086
	Total restructuring and acquisition related costs	$	360		$	743		$	1,178		$	3,171
Summary of Accrual Activities by Components Related to Company's Restructuring Plans	'
	The following table summarizes the accrual activities, by component, related to the Company’s restructuring plans recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
		Total			Severance			Facility			Other
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,272		$	585		$	648		$	39
	Restructuring charges		(160	)		(80	)		(112	)		32
	Cash payments		(541	)		(345	)		(127	)		(69	)
	Non-cash write-offs and other adjustments		(250	)		—			(250	)		—
	Balance at June 27, 2014	$	321		$	160		$	159		$	2

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating and Capital Leases	'
	Future minimum lease payments under the operating and capital leases for JADAK are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,		Operating Lease		Capital Lease(1)
	2014 (remainder of year)		$	34	$	388
	2015			69		776
	2016			—		776
	2017			—		814
	2018			—		833
	Thereafter			—		9,505
	Total minimum lease payments		$	103	$	13,092
	-1	Capital lease payments include interest payments of $4.4 million.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Sales, Gross Profit, Gross Profit Margin, Operating Income from Continuing Operations, and Depreciation and Amortization by Reportable Segments	'
	Sales, gross profit, gross profit margin, operating income from continuing operations, and depreciation and amortization by reportable segments are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Sales
	Laser Products	$	43,828		$	40,433		$	85,688		$	78,597
	Medical Technologies		34,791			22,135			57,158			45,692
	Precision Motion		18,286			17,201			33,192			30,551
	Total	$	96,905		$	79,769		$	176,038		$	154,840
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Gross Profit
	Laser Products	$	17,155		$	16,677		$	34,168		$	32,184
	Medical Technologies		13,838			8,273			22,727			17,736
	Precision Motion		7,949			8,290			14,365			14,058
	Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated		(291	)		(1	)		(504	)		(108	)
	Total	$	38,651		$	33,239		$	70,756		$	63,870
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Gross Profit Margin
	Laser Products		39.1	%		41.2	%		39.9	%		40.9	%
	Medical Technologies		39.8	%		37.4	%		39.8	%		38.8	%
	Precision Motion		43.5	%		48.2	%		43.3	%		46	%
	Total		39.9	%		41.7	%		40.2	%		41.2	%
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Operating Income from Continuing Operations
	Laser Products	$	6,847		$	5,441		$	13,971		$	10,134
	Medical Technologies		38			399			(79	)		1,844
	Precision Motion		4,086			4,420			6,729			6,434
	Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated		(4,491	)		(4,870	)		(10,073	)		(11,560	)
	Total	$	6,480		$	5,390		$	10,548		$	6,852
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013			June 27, 2014			June 28, 2013
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Laser Products	$	1,554		$	1,545		$	3,220		$	3,034
	Medical Technologies		3,716			2,075			5,807			4,619
	Precision Motion		505			493			1,007			985
	Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated		547			635			1,117			1,369
	Total	$	6,322		$	4,748		$	11,151		$	10,007

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa2

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014
			Discontinued Operations
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Minority interest ownership percentage	'	'	50.00%
Equity method investment previous ownership percentage on Laser Quantum	'	25.00%	'
Equity method investment ownership percentage on Laser Quantum	41.00%	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Jul. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Laser Products	Laser Products	Laser Products	Semiconductor Systems
			Subsequent Event
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sale of assets and liabilities	'	'	$7	$8.60
Discontinued operations write-down value	$1.40	$3	'	'

Components_of_Assets_and_Liabi

Components of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$4,242	$5,361
Inventories	8,310	8,454
Prepaid and other current assets	186	247
Other assets	284	2,026
Assets of discontinued operations	13,022	16,088
Accounts payable	1,890	2,393
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,672	2,295
Other liabilities	1,980	1,710
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$7,542	$6,398

Operating_Results_Historically

Operating Results Historically Included Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales from discontinued operations	$6,271	$7,541	$10,287	$22,671
Loss from discontinued operations, before income tax	-2,136	-2,883	-4,987	-2,679
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-2,678	-1,827	-4,544	-1,458
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	'	($311)	'	($311)

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 14, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	'	$44,428,000
JADAK	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash payment	93,700,000	'	'
Goodwill, Period increase (decrease)	'	400,000	'
Goodwill	44,428,000	'	'
Intangible assets	40,250,000	'	'
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes	63,700,000	'	'
Sales	'	15,500,000	17,700,000
Income from continuing operations	'	$1,200,000	$1,100,000
JADAK | Maximum	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimates and assumptions, measurement period	'1 year	'	'

Acquisition_Related_Costs_Reco

Acquisition Related Costs Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition-related costs	$548	$21	$1,338	$1,086
JADAK	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition-related costs	18	'	668	'
Cumulative Costs | JADAK	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition-related costs	'	'	$975	'

Summary_of_Fair_Values_of_Asse

Summary of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 14, 2014
			JADAK
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$1,140
Accounts receivable	'	'	7,907
Inventory	'	'	7,526
Property and equipment	'	'	904
Intangible assets	'	'	40,250
Other assets	'	'	1,979
Goodwill	44,428	'	44,428
Total assets acquired	'	'	104,134
Accounts payable	'	'	3,057
Other liabilities	'	'	1,944
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'	4,337
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	9,338
Total purchase price	'	'	94,796
Less cash acquired	'	'	-1,140
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired	$93,656	$82,653	$93,656

Fair_Value_of_Intangible_Asset

Fair Value of Intangible Assets (Detail) (JADAK, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 14, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	$40,250
Customer Relationships	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	23,570
Amortization Period of intangible assets	'20 years
Developed Technology	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	10,910
Amortization Period of intangible assets	'10 years
Trademarks and Trade Names	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	2,130
Amortization Period of intangible assets	'10 years
Backlog	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	1,810
Amortization Period of intangible assets	'1 year
Non-compete Covenant	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets	$1,830
Amortization Period of intangible assets	'5 years

Unaudited_Pro_forma_Informatio

Unaudited Pro forma Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	$96,905	$92,902	$187,069	$179,748
Income from continuing operations	$3,825	$1,290	$7,062	$2,268
Earnings per share - Basic	$0.11	$0.03	$0.20	$0.06
Earnings per share - Diluted	$0.11	$0.03	$0.20	$0.06

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	($6,342)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	737
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	220	[1]
Ending Balance	-5,385
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	1,353
Other comprehensive income (loss)	943
Ending Balance	2,296
Pension liability	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	-7,695
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-206
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	220	[1]
Ending Balance	($7,681)
[1]	The amounts reclassified from other comprehensive loss were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Numerators:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$3,406	$1,285	$6,262	$3,034
Consolidated income (loss) from discontinued operations	-2,678	-2,138	-4,544	-1,769
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3	-18	-10	-54
Consolidated income (loss) from discontinued operations	-2,681	-2,156	-4,554	-1,823
Net income (loss) attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$725	($871)	$1,708	$1,211
Denominators:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	34,378	34,088	34,304	34,036
Dilutive potential common shares	329	197	386	243
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	34,707	34,285	34,690	34,279
Antidilutive common shares excluded from above	'	570	44	472
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations	$0.10	$0.03	$0.18	$0.08
From discontinued operations	($0.08)	($0.06)	($0.13)	($0.05)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$0.02	($0.03)	$0.05	$0.03
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations	$0.10	$0.03	$0.18	$0.08
From discontinued operations	($0.08)	($0.06)	($0.13)	($0.05)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to GSI Group Inc.	$0.02	($0.03)	$0.05	$0.03

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
			Maximum
Computation Of Earnings Per Share Line Items	'	'	'
Outstanding common stock repurchase program authorized amount	'	'	$10
Shares repurchased	0	50	'
Average cost of repurchase per share	'	$10.49	'

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Asset

Fair Values of Financial Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	$5,040	$3,078
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	$5,040	$3,078

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Goodwill impairment loss	$0

Summary_of_Changes_in_Goodwill

Summary of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at beginning of the period	$71,156
Goodwill acquired from JADAK acquisition	44,428
Balance at end of period	$115,584

Goodwill_By_Reportable_Segment

Goodwill By Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$247,238	$202,810
Accumulated impairment of goodwill	-131,654	-131,654
Total	115,584	71,156
Laser Products	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	132,954	132,954
Accumulated impairment of goodwill	-102,461	-102,461
Total	30,493	30,493
Medical Technologies	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	87,993	43,565
Accumulated impairment of goodwill	-12,147	-12,147
Total	75,846	31,418
Precision Motion	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	26,291	26,291
Accumulated impairment of goodwill	-17,046	-17,046
Total	$9,245	$9,245

Intangible_Assets_Detail

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$179,334	$138,732
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-94,337	-86,466
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	84,997	52,266
Gross carrying amount	192,361	151,759
Accumulated amortization	-94,337	-86,466
Net carrying amount	98,024	65,293
Patents and acquired technology	'	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	79,635	68,500
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-59,468	-56,327
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	20,167	12,173
Customer Relationships	'	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	79,232	55,585
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-27,869	-24,340
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	51,363	31,245
Customer Backlog	'	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	3,078	1,269
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-1,872	-1,269
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	1,206	'
Non-Compete Covenant	'	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	1,830	'
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-135	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	1,695	'
Trademarks and Trade Names	'	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	15,559	13,378
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-4,993	-4,530
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	10,566	8,848
Trade Names	'	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets, gross carrying amount	13,027	13,027
Non-amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	'	'
Non-amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	$13,027	$13,027

Amortization_Expense_of_Intang

Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization	$4,490	$2,960	$7,535	$6,447
Cost of Sales	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization	1,614	1,343	2,915	2,594
Operating Expense	'	'	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization	$2,876	$1,617	$4,620	$3,853

Estimated_Amortization_Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
2014 (remainder of year)	$8,873	'
2015	14,247	'
2016	12,603	'
2017	11,148	'
2018	8,733	'
Thereafter	29,393	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	84,997	52,266
Cost of Sales	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
2014 (remainder of year)	3,228	'
2015	4,787	'
2016	3,376	'
2017	2,883	'
2018	1,350	'
Thereafter	4,543	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	20,167	'
Operating Expense	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
2014 (remainder of year)	5,645	'
2015	9,460	'
2016	9,227	'
2017	8,265	'
2018	7,383	'
Thereafter	24,850	'
Amortizable intangible assets, net carrying amount	$64,830	'

Inventories_Detail

Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$39,369	$34,749
Work-in-process	10,637	9,744
Finished goods	11,622	10,682
Demo and consigned inventory	2,922	3,115
Total inventories	$64,550	$58,290

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accrued compensation and benefits	$9,360	$8,624	'	'
Accrued warranty	3,416	3,315	3,191	2,204
Customer deposits	612	551	'	'
Other	7,377	9,798	'	'
Total	$20,765	$22,288	'	'

Accrued_Warranty_Detail

Accrued Warranty (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Accrued Warranty [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	$3,315	$2,204
Provision charged to cost of sales	976	791
Acquisition related warranty accrual	90	998
Use of provision	-973	-755
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	8	-47
Balance at end of period	$3,416	$3,191

Debt_Detail

Debt (Detail) (Senior Credit Facilities, USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt long term and short term	$134,750	$71,500
Term Loan	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt long term and short term	38,750	42,500
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt long term and short term	$96,000	$29,000

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Feb. 10, 2014	Feb. 10, 2014
			Term Loan Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility
					Fourth Amendment	Third Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	$50,000,000	$75,000,000	$175,000,000	$75,000,000
Debt instrument maturity period	'5 years	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Quarterly installments payable on term loan	1,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility maturity year	'	'	'	'2017-12	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	7,500,000	7,500,000	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility increase during period	'	'	'	'	$100,000,000	'

Restricted_Stock_Units_Issued_

Restricted Stock Units Issued and Outstanding (Detail) (2010 Incentive Award Plan, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014
2010 Incentive Award Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Restricted Stock Units	'
Unvested Beginning Balance	809
Granted	310
Vested	-321
Forfeited	'
Unvested Ending Balance	798
Expected to vest	770
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Unvested Beginning Balance	$10.20
Granted	$12.32
Vested	$10.95
Forfeited	'
Unvested Ending Balance	$10.71

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

Jun. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2013

15-May-14

15-May-14

15-May-14

Jun. 27, 2014

Mar. 14, 2014

Mar. 14, 2014

Deferred Stock Units

Deferred Stock Units

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

2010 Incentive Award Plan

JADAK

JADAK

Amendment

Amendment

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units

Management

Person

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of restricted stock vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,000,000

'

'

Share-based compensation expense recognized

$500,000

$500,000

$1,253,000

$1,310,000

$2,738,000

$2,841,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

Restricted stock units issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,000

Number of owner managers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

Vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

Maximum number of shares to be issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,898,613

'

4,398,613

'

'

'

Incentive plan expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9-Apr-24

'

'

'

'

Share_Based_Compensation_Expen

Share Based Compensation Expense Recorded In Income from Continuing Operations in Statements of Operations (Detail) (2010 Incentive Award Plan, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$1,253	$1,310	$2,738	$2,841
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	914	1,232	2,270	2,702
Research and development and engineering	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	45	47	95	81
Cost of Sales	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	36	31	69	58
Restructuring and acquisition related costs	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$258	'	$304	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate on income from operations	37.70%	70.10%	32.30%	53.00%
CANADA	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Statutory tax rate	27.00%	'	'	'

Summary_of_Restructuring_and_A

Summary of Restructuring and Acquisition Related Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	($188)	$722	($160)	$2,085
Total acquisition related charges	548	21	1,338	1,086
Total restructuring and acquisition related costs	360	743	1,178	3,171
JADAK	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total acquisition related charges	18	'	668	'
Earnout Agreement | JADAK	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total acquisition related charges	503	'	590	'
Acquisition Charges	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total acquisition related charges	45	21	748	1,086
GERMANY	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	7
2011 Restructuring	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	-122	385	-94	1,322
2013 Restructuring	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	($66)	$337	($66)	$756

Restructuring_and_Acquisition_2

Restructuring and Acquisition Related Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (2011 Restructuring)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
2011 Restructuring	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Restructuring plan	'In November 2011, the Company announced a strategic initiative ("2011 restructuring"), which aimed to consolidate operations to reduce our cost structure and improve operational efficiency. As part of this initiative, the Company eliminated facilities through consolidation of certain manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities and exit of Semiconductor and Laser Systems businesses. The Company substantially completed the 2011 restructuring program by the end of 2013.

Summary_of_Accrual_Activities_

Summary of Accrual Activities by Components Related to Company's Restructuring Charges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accrued expense beginning balance	'	'	$1,272	'
Restructuring charges	-188	722	-160	2,085
Cash payments	'	'	-541	'
Non-cash write-offs and other adjustments	'	'	-250	'
Accrued expense ending balance	321	'	321	'
Employee Severance	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accrued expense beginning balance	'	'	585	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	-80	'
Cash payments	'	'	-345	'
Accrued expense ending balance	160	'	160	'
Facility	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accrued expense beginning balance	'	'	648	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	-112	'
Cash payments	'	'	-127	'
Non-cash write-offs and other adjustments	'	'	-250	'
Accrued expense ending balance	159	'	159	'
Other Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accrued expense beginning balance	'	'	39	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	32	'
Cash payments	'	'	-69	'
Accrued expense ending balance	$2	'	$2	'

Future_Minimum_Lease_Payments_

Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating and Capital Leases (Detail) (JADAK, USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
JADAK	'
Operating Leases	'
2014 (remainder of year)	$34
2015	69
2016	'
2017	'
2018	'
Thereafter	'
Total minimum lease payments	103
Capital Leases	'
2014 (remainder of year)	388	[1]
2015	776	[1]
2016	776	[1]
2017	814	[1]
2018	833	[1]
Thereafter	9,505	[1]
Total minimum lease payments	$13,092	[1]
[1]	Capital lease payments include interest payments of $4.4 million.

Future_Minimum_Lease_Payments_1

Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating and Capital Leases (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Leases Future Minimum Payments [Line Items]	'
Capital lease payments interest included in payment	$4.40

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (JADAK, USD $)	Jun. 27, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
JADAK	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Unconditional purchase commitments	$6
Unconditional purchase commitments, 2014	5
Unconditional purchase commitments, 2015	$1

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of previously operated segments	3

Sales_Gross_Profit_and_Gross_P

Sales, Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	$96,905	$79,769	$176,038	$154,840
Gross Profit	38,651	33,239	70,756	63,870
Gross profit margin percentage	39.90%	41.70%	40.20%	41.20%
Laser Products	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	43,828	40,433	85,688	78,597
Gross Profit	17,155	16,677	34,168	32,184
Gross profit margin percentage	39.10%	41.20%	39.90%	40.90%
Medical Technologies	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	34,791	22,135	57,158	45,692
Gross Profit	13,838	8,273	22,727	17,736
Gross profit margin percentage	39.80%	37.40%	39.80%	38.80%
Precision Motion	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	18,286	17,201	33,192	30,551
Gross Profit	7,949	8,290	14,365	14,058
Gross profit margin percentage	43.50%	48.20%	43.30%	46.00%
Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross Profit	($291)	($1)	($504)	($108)

Operating_Income_from_Continui

Operating Income from Continuing Operations by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Operating Income	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	$6,480	$5,390	$10,548	$6,852
Laser Products	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	6,847	5,441	13,971	10,134
Medical Technologies	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	38	399	-79	1,844
Precision Motion	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	4,086	4,420	6,729	6,434
Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	($4,491)	($4,870)	($10,073)	($11,560)

Depreciation_and_Amortization_

Depreciation and Amortization by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	$6,322	$4,748	$11,151	$10,007
Laser Products	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	1,554	1,545	3,220	3,034
Medical Technologies	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	3,716	2,075	5,807	4,619
Precision Motion	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	505	493	1,007	985
Corporate, Shared Services and Unallocated	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	$547	$635	$1,117	$1,369