Symmetry Medical (SMA) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Symmetry Medical Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001292055	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-03	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Trading Symbol	'sma	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	37,550,850
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$27,175	$7,362
Accounts receivable, net	53,180	51,813
Inventories	56,661	58,879
Refundable income taxes	3,198	5,784
Deferred income taxes	6,193	5,439
Other current assets	4,800	4,900
Total current assets	151,207	134,177
Property and equipment, net	87,357	89,993
Goodwill	170,674	182,178
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	99,246	105,004
Other assets	2,839	4,484
Total Assets	511,323	515,836
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Accounts payable	28,831	28,837
Accrued wages and benefits	12,909	9,656
Other accrued expenses	9,144	7,138
Accrued income taxes	989	53
Derivative valuation liability	416	283
Current portion of capital lease obligations	507	465
Current portion of long-term debt	0	6,531
Total current liabilities	52,796	52,963
Accrued income taxes	685	2,126
Deferred income taxes	4,768	7,536
Derivative valuation liability	2,311	1,104
Other liabilities	923	886
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	563	974
Long-term debt, less current portion	170,000	165,450
Total Liabilities	232,046	231,039
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'
Common Stock, $.0001 par value; 75,000 shares authorized; shares issued September 27, 2014-37,550; December 28, 2013-37,209	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	291,893	289,257
Accumulated deficit	-13,511	-9,531
Accumulated other comprehensive income	891	5,067
Total Shareholders' Equity	279,277	284,797
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$511,323	$515,836

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	37,550	37,209

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$95,935	$95,667	$294,087	$290,493
Cost of revenue	70,223	70,429	216,476	213,722
Gross profit	25,712	25,238	77,611	76,771
Research and development expenses	1,261	1,121	3,660	3,459
Sales and marketing expenses	6,292	6,509	19,235	20,428
General and administrative expenses	14,939	10,899	37,831	34,163
Asset impairment	0	46,548	10,500	46,548
Facility closure and severance	161	454	928	1,360
Operating income (loss)	3,059	-40,293	5,457	-29,187
Other (income) expense:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	2,051	4,337	6,383	13,509
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	503	0
Derivatives valuation loss	0	5	0	242
Other	-710	829	-806	931
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	1,718	-45,464	-623	-43,869
Income tax expense (benefit)	401	-16,447	-721	-16,110
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,317	-29,017	98	-27,759
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	-5,507	-4,078	-5,882
Net income (loss)	$1,317	($34,524)	($3,980)	($33,641)
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.04	($0.80)	$0	($0.76)
Continuing operations	$0.04	($0.80)	$0	($0.76)
Income (loss) per share: Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.04	($0.95)	($0.11)	($0.93)
Income (loss) per share: Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.04	($0.95)	($0.11)	($0.93)
Weighted average common shares and equivalent shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	36,594	36,345	36,582	36,312
Diluted (in shares)	37,094	36,345	37,051	36,312

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$1,317	($34,524)	($3,980)	($33,641)
Foreign currency adjustments:	'	'	'	'
Intra-entity foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,124	1,333	-350	-33
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,580	2,310	-2,991	657
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net of taxes	-3	-109	-1,205	1,581
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income	131	47	371	148
Comprehensive income (loss)	($3,259)	($30,943)	($8,155)	($31,288)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	($3,980)	($33,641)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	12,048	12,476
Amortization of intangible assets	5,687	5,343
Amortization of debt issuance costs	741	1,569
Interest paid in kind	0	1,006
Net loss on sale of assets	142	675
Loss on sale of business	4,117	0
Asset impairment	10,500	51,646
Deferred income tax provision	-4,457	-16,522
Loss on debt extinguishment	503	0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-61	-57
Stock-based compensation	2,716	1,934
Derivative valuation loss	0	242
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	-1,306	1,391
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-3,841	5,005
Other assets	301	245
Inventories	-442	3,853
Current income taxes	3,552	370
Accounts payable	1,787	-1,036
Accrued expenses and other	5,826	-110
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,833	34,389
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-11,404	-7,786
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and other	1,603	655
Net cash used in investing activities	-9,801	-7,131
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from Bank Revolver	79,838	82,687
Payments on Bank Revolver	-64,838	-85,687
Proceeds on short term borrowings	20,638	0
Payments on short term borrowings	-20,638	0
Payments on bank term loans and capital lease obligations	-17,350	-29,328
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net	-142	-458
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	61	57
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,431	-32,729
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,788	553
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,813	-4,918
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,362	9,815
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	27,175	4,897
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	5,200	11,381
Cash paid (received) for income taxes	413	-966
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:	'	'
Non-cash property, plant and equipment additions	$1,129	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Symmetry Medical Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the Corporation), which operates in two reportable segments: (1) Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) Solutions and (2) Symmetry Surgical.  The Corporation is a global supplier of integrated products consisting primarily of surgical implants, instruments and cases to orthopedic and other medical device companies. OEM Solutions primarily designs, develops and manufactures implants and related surgical instruments and cases for orthopedic device markets. Symmetry Surgical is the Corporation’s hospital direct business which sells a broad range of reusable stainless steel and titanium surgical hand-held instruments and retractor systems, sterile disposable surgical products, and sterilization containers.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Corporation, its results of operations and cash flows. The Corporation’s results are subject to seasonal fluctuations. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the fiscal year 2013 consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2013.
	The Corporation’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2014 is a 53 week year ending January 3, 2015.  The Corporation’s interim quarters for 2014 are 13 weeks long, except for the fourth quarter which will be 14 weeks long and quarter-end dates have been set as March 29, 2014, June 28, 2014 and September 27, 2014. Fiscal year 2013 was a 52 week year (ending December 28, 2013). The Corporation’s interim quarters for 2013 were 13 weeks long, ending March 30, 2013, June 29, 2013 and September 28, 2013. References in these condensed consolidated financial statements to the three months ended refer to these financial periods, respectively.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers:   In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The effective date will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Corporation is currently assessing the potential impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its financial statements and related disclosures.
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists :  In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The new guidance is effective for fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Corporation’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity :  In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This update modifies the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amendments in ASU 2014-08, the definition of discontinued operation has been modified to only include those disposals of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This update also expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Corporation does not expect this ASU to have an impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. In June, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This new guidance states that a performance target that affects vesting of a share-based payment and that could be achieved after the requisite service period is a performance condition under ASC 718. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Corporation does not believe this ASU will have an impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
	Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. In August, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This new guidance requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and, if so, disclose that fact. Management will also be required to evaluate and disclose whether its plans alleviate that doubt. The standard is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Corporate does not believe this ASU will have an impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued operations
	The results of operations for a business unit that the Corporation has sold are classified in discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	On May 21, 2014, the Corporation completed the sale of its subsidiary, Clamonta Ltd. for $1,350. Symmetry believed the sale would better enable the Corporation to focus its efforts on its core markets and reduce its manufacturing footprint. In connection with the sale, Symmetry recorded a loss on the sale of assets of approximately $4,117.
	The operations of Clamonta Ltd. has historically been included in the OEM Solutions segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results of Clamonta for all periods presented:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	Revenue	$	2,336		$	6,798		$	8,322
	Cost of revenue	$	3,045		$	6,436		$	8,850
	Sales and marketing expenses	$	7		$	18		$	23
	General and administrative expenses	$	351		$	560		$	991
	Asset impairment	$	5,098		$	—		$	5,098
	Facility closure and severance costs	$	54		$	—		$	70
	Other expense	$	2		$	4,108		$	1
	Income tax benefit	$	714		$	246		$	829
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(5,507	)	$	(4,078	)	$	(5,882	)
	Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:
		28-Dec-13
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	213
	Accounts receivable	$	2,041
	Inventory	$	2,905
	Other current assets	$	44
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,231
	Total assets	$	7,434
	Accounts payable	$	3,060
	Accrued wages and benefits	$	275
	Other accrued expenses	$	122
	Total liabilities	$	3,457

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
		(unaudited)
	Raw material and supplies	$	9,650	$	10,249
	Work-in-process	16,508		23,315
	Finished goods	30,503		25,315
		$	56,661	$	58,879

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, including depreciable lives, consists of the following:
		September 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
		(unaudited)
	Land	$	5,664		$	6,046
	Buildings and improvements (20 to 40 years)	41,818			42,519
	Machinery and equipment (5 to 15 years)	161,904			161,734
	Office equipment (3 to 5 years)	22,042			21,619
	Construction-in-progress	8,688			4,061
		240,116			235,979
	Less accumulated depreciation	(152,759		)	(145,986		)
		$	87,357		$	89,993

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The Corporation has multiple operating segments which are comprised of multiple components that represent the lowest level for which discrete financial information is available and the operating results of that component are regularly reviewed by management. The Corporation aggregates certain components that share similar economic similarities and that are vertically integrated within the same operating segment into reporting units.
	In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Corporation determined that the expected operating results for one of its reporting units was projected to be substantially lower than previous forecasts. Given this information, the Corporation conducted an interim impairment test and determined that impairment existed. The impairment is $10,500 for goodwill and has been recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations within Asset Impairment. The Corporation recorded a pre-tax non-cash charge during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to the Symmetry Surgical segment and was primarily driven by lower revenue due to sluggish hospital spending environment in the U.S. and previously disclosed integration challenges related to the 2011 acquisition of the Codman surgical instruments business from which we have not recovered as quickly as previously expected.
	The Corporation determines the fair value of intangible assets using an income-based approach. The approach calculates fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to the asset and then discounting these after-tax cash flows to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. The calculated fair value is compared to the carrying value to determine if any impairment exists.
	To derive the fair value of the reporting unit, as required in step one of the impairment test, the Corporation used the income approach, specifically the discounted cash flow method, to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and the associated amount of the impairment charge. This approach calculates fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to a reporting unit and then discounting these after-tax cash flows to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. This methodology is consistent with how the Corporation estimates the fair value of its reporting units during its annual goodwill and indefinite lived intangible asset impairment tests. Inputs used to determine the fair value of the Corporation's reporting units are considered Level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy and include the following:
	•	The Corporation's financial projections for this reporting unit are based on management's assessment of macroeconomic variables, industry trends and market opportunities, as well as the Corporation's strategic objectives and future growth plans. Revenue growth rates assumed for the Corporation’s reporting unit where impairment was recognized was approximately 4-6% for 2015 and beyond.
	•	The discount rate used to measure the present value of the projected future cash flows is set using a weighted-average cost of capital method that considers market and industry data, as well as the Corporation's specific risk factors that are likely to be considered by a market participant.  The weighted-average cost of capital is the Corporation's estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The discount rate used for the Corporation’s reporting unit where impairment was recognized was approximately 12.0%.
	For Level 3 measurements, significant increases or decreases in long-term growth rates or discount rates in isolation or in combination could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
	In the second step, the Corporation assigned the reporting unit's fair value to all of its assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit were being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment charge. This allocation process was performed only for purposes of measuring the goodwill impairment and not to adjust the carrying values of the recognized assets and liabilities.
	Prior to performing the annual goodwill impairment test for the reporting unit that failed step 1, the Corporation tested long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment on an undiscounted cash flow basis. Based on the results of this testing, no intangible assets were deemed impaired.
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:
	Balance as of December 29, 2012		$	229,134
		Impairment of goodwill	(47,450		)
		Effects of foreign currency	494
	Balance as of December 28, 2013		$	182,178
		Impairment of goodwill	(10,500		)
		Effects of foreign currency	(1,004		)
	Balance as of September 27, 2014		$	170,674

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives	'
	Derivatives
	The Corporation utilizes derivative instruments to minimize the volatility of cash flows and statement of operations impacts associated with interest rate payments on its variable rate debt and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency. The Corporation recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative asset and liability amounts with the same counterparty are netted against each other for financial reporting purposes. The Corporation utilizes third party valuations to assist in the determination of the fair value of these derivatives. The Corporation considered its derivative instrument valuations to be Level 2 fair value measurements.
	To the extent a derivative instrument was designated effective as a cash flow hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a future transaction, the change in fair value of the derivative was deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets, until the underlying transaction hedged was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The Corporation accounts for certain derivatives hedging the payment of interest as cash flow hedges and the impact of the hedge was reclassified to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations upon payment of interest.
	The Corporation's profitability and cash flows are affected by changes in interest rates, specifically LIBOR. The primary purpose of the Corporation's interest rate risk management activities is to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates. In March, 2012, the Corporation entered into two forward swap contracts to manage interest rate risk related to its Bank Term Loan and a portion of its Bank Revolver. The notional amount on the swap contracts is $98,239 as of September 27, 2014 and is reduced to $37,500 by December 2022 in line with expected reductions in the related debt instruments. The fixed per annum interest rate on the swap contracts is 0.99% in 2014 that incrementally increase to 3.81% by 2022. These swap contracts, which were a fair value liability of $2,727 and $1,387 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, were designated as cash flow hedges of the future payments of variable rate interest with one-month LIBOR. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Corporation recorded a gain (loss) of $206 and ($1,340), respectively, attributable to these cash flow hedges which was included in other comprehensive income. Of the total cumulative loss, $416 will be reclassified into earnings in the next twelve months.
	In June and July 2012, the Corporation entered into forward swap contracts to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency on the statement of operations. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Corporation had settled all of its outstanding forward swap contracts. As of June 29, 2013, the Corporation had remaining contracts for the sale of 71 Euros, which were settled in equal amounts over the twelve month period which began July 2012. These swap contracts were not designated as cash flow hedges and therefore the change in the fair value was immediately recorded in derivatives valuation loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	As of September 27, 2014, the Corporation held certain assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included the Corporation's cash equivalents and derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts. The Corporation's cash equivalents include highly liquid financial instruments that are readily convertible with maturities of 90 days or less. The Corporation’s derivative instruments consist of contracts that are not traded on a public exchange. The fair values of interest rate derivative instruments and foreign currency forward contracts are determined based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. Therefore, the Corporation has categorized these derivative instruments as Level 2 in accordance with the FASB Standard on fair value measurement.
	On a recurring basis management measures the fair value of its interest rate swaps using the market approach based on projections of the one-month LIBOR rate over the life of each swap. Also on a recurring basis, management measures the fair value of its foreign currency forward contracts using the market approach based on the projections of the Euro rate over the life of each forward contract. The fair value and carrying value of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		September 27, 2014										December 28, 2013
		Fair Value Measurements										Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(unaudited)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	35		$	—	$	35
	Total assets	$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	35		$	—	$	35
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)
	Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are recorded at their fair value as of the date of acquisition.
	The Corporation reviews for goodwill impairment annually on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter and more frequently if circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of the reporting units is determined using the income approach. The income approach focuses on the income-producing capability of an asset, measuring the current value of the asset by calculating the present value of its future economic benefits such as cash earnings, cost savings, corporate tax structure and product offerings. Value indications are developed by discounting expected cash flows to their present value at a rate of return that incorporates the risk-free rate for the use of funds, the expected rate of inflation and risks associated with the reporting unit. These assets would generally be classified within Level 3, in the event that the Corporation were required to measure and record such assets at fair value within its consolidated financial statements, as discussed in Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
	The Corporation periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, including definite-lived intangible assets and property plant and equipment, when events or circumstances warrant such a review. Fair value is determined primarily using anticipated cash flows assumed by a market participant, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved and these assets would generally be classified within Level 3, in the event that the Corporation were required to measure and record such assets at fair value within its consolidated financial statements.
	Additionally, financial instruments also consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt.  The carrying value of long-term debt materially approximates fair value. Additionally, the fair value of cash and net accounts receivable and payable was estimated by management to approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time to maturity for these instruments.

Debt_Arrangements

Debt Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Arrangements	'
	Debt Arrangements
	The Corporation’s Amended Credit Agreement currently provides for a $200,000 revolving line of credit (Bank Revolver) and a $50,000 bank term loan (Bank Term Loan). The Amended Credit Agreement also includes an accordion feature, which permits the Corporation to borrow up to an additional $50,000 in the form of additional term loans or an increase in the Bank Revolver subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement, which is senior and secured, has an aggregate of $170,000 outstanding as of September 27, 2014.
	Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum based upon LIBOR, the Federal Funds rate or the Lenders' prime rate, in each case plus an applicable margin, at the Corporation's option. The Bank Term Loan was to be repaid in quarterly installments of $2,778, could be prepaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the Corporation, and was required to be prepaid using all or a portion of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, recovery events, and issuances of new debt or equity and, depending on the Corporation's Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), using a portion of the Corporation's Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) (the "Excess Cash Flow Prepayment"). The Excess Cash Flow Prepayment was required to be made within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year in which the Excess Cash Flow is generated. As of December 28, 2013, the Excess Cash Flow calculation required the Corporation to prepay the bank term loan payable in full prior to March 29, 2014. The payment was made with capacity on the Bank Revolver. The Bank Revolver matures on November 3, 2015.
	The Amended Credit Agreement contains various financial covenants, including covenants imposing a maximum ratio of total debt to EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and prescribing a minimum ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). The Amended Credit Agreement also contains covenants restricting certain corporate actions, including asset dispositions, acquisitions, payment of dividends and certain other restricted payments, changes of control, incurring indebtedness, incurring liens, making loans and investments and transactions with affiliates. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Corporation (and its U.S. subsidiaries) and also contains customary events of default.
	On December 27, 2013, the Corporation amended its Amended Credit Agreement to allow for the prepayment of the senior subordinated term notes (referred to as "Term Notes" or "Mezzanine Debt") and to modify certain financial covenants. In connection with the amendment, the Corporation paid off the outstanding principal and interest of the Term Notes that were to mature on December 29, 2017. The outstanding principal balance of the Term Notes bore interest at a rate of 14% per annum.
	As of September 27, 2014, the most restrictive financial covenants per the Corporation’s lending arrangements included the debt to EBITDA covenant ratio to be less than 3.50:1. The Corporation's ratio as of September 27, 2014 was approximately 3.02:1. The minimum interest coverage ratio is required to be greater than 1.25:1, and the Corporation's ratio at September 27, 2014 was approximately 2.00:1. The Corporation was in compliance with all covenants as of September 27, 2014.

Other_Comprehensive_Income

Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Other Comprehensive Income
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were as follows:
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other												Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
		comprehensive income
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Realized losses on derivative instruments	$	208		$	84		$	590		$	264		Interest expense
	Tax benefit	(77		)	(37		)	(219		)	(116		)	Income tax expense (benefit)
	Net of tax	$	131		$	47		$	371		$	148

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13	27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Domestic	-1,315		-45,069	-7,625		-45,912
	Foreign	3,033		-395	7,002		2,043
		1,718		-45,464	-623		-43,869
	The provision for income taxes differs from that computed at the Federal statutory rate of 35% in 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	601		$	(15,912	)	$	(218	)	$	(15,354	)
	State income taxes	(21		)	(2,015		)	(311		)	(1,996		)
	State tax credits	11			(72		)	(4		)	(68		)
	Foreign income taxes	(383		)	(595		)	(888		)	(709		)
	Qualified production activities deduction	(30		)	14			51			—
	Research and development credits--current year	15			(195		)	(60		)	(212		)
	Valuation allowance	(31		)	579			—			540
	Goodwill impairment	—			6,581			186			6,581
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions	(893		)	(4,970		)	(854		)	(4,914		)
	Non-deductible transaction costs	1,029			—			1,029			—
	Other	103			138			348			22
		$	401		$	(16,447	)	$	(721	)	$	(16,110	)
	The Corporation's policy with respect to interest and penalties associated with reserves for uncertain tax positions is to classify such interest and penalties in income tax expense in the statements of operations.  As of September 27, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits computed under ASC 740 was approximately $1,003, all of which, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate of the Corporation.  As of September 27, 2014, the Corporation had recorded a total of $45 in accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.  The Corporation does not foresee material changes in its reserves for uncertain income tax positions as reasonably possible during the next 12 months. During 2014, certain reserves relating to federal income tax positions expired due to the statutes of limitations. As such, the consolidated statement of operations was benefited $838 through a reduction in income tax expense and associated interest expense. As of September 27, 2014, the Corporation is subject to unexpired statutes of limitations for U.S. federal income taxes for the year 2011.  The Corporation is also subject to unexpired statutes of limitations for Indiana generally for the years 2011-2013.
	Balance at December 29, 2012	6,179
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	82
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	932
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	(5,231		)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	1,962
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	—
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	—
	Settlements	(720		)
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	(239		)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	1,003

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	The Corporation has two reportable segments: OEM Solutions and Symmetry Surgical. OEM Solutions primarily designs, develops and manufactures implants and related surgical instruments and cases for orthopedic device companies and companies in other medical device markets such as arthroscopy, dental, laparoscopy, osteobiologic and endoscopy. OEM Solutions also manufactures specialized non-healthcare products, primarily in the aerospace industry. OEM Solutions manages its business in multiple operating segments. Because of the similar economic characteristics of these operations, including the nature of the products, comparable level of FDA regulations, and same or similar customers, those operations have been aggregated for segment reporting purposes. Symmetry Surgical is the Corporation’s hospital direct business which sells a broad range of reusable stainless steel and titanium surgical hand-held instruments and retractor systems, sterile disposable surgical products (vein strippers, SECTO dissectors, tonsil sponges and surgical marker pens), and sterilization containers. These products are typically used in the surgical specialties of spine, general/OB-GYN, microsurgery/neurosurgery, orthopedics, laparoscopy, cardiovascular, thoracic and general surgery in the hospital setting as well as surgery centers and in select physician offices.
	The Corporation is a multi-national company with operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Malaysia, Germany and Switzerland. As a result, the Corporation's financial results can be impacted by currency exchange rates in the foreign markets in which the Corporation sells its products. Revenues are attributed to geographic locations based on the location to which we ship our products.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Corporation’s 2013 Form 10-K, except that the Corporation evaluates segment performance based on income from operations. The Corporation allocates certain administrative corporate charges to the OEM Solutions and Symmetry Surgical reportable segments. Other Corporation charges, such as interest, income taxes and remaining unallocated administrative charges have not been allocated to the OEM Solutions or Symmetry Surgical reportable segments. The Corporation generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers at cost plus a specified mark-up.
	Reportable segment information is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 27, 2014
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	75,898		$	20,037		—			$	95,935		—			$	95,935
	Intersegment revenues	2,080			278			—			2,358			$	(2,358	)	—
	Total revenues	77,978			20,315			—			98,293			(2,358		)	95,935
	Depreciation and amortization	4,180			1,577			$	71		5,828			—			5,828
	Operating income (loss)	8,826			511			(6,125		)	3,212			(153		)	3,059
	Interest expense																2,051
	Other																(710		)
	Income before income taxes																1,718
		Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	73,449		$	22,218		—			$	95,667		—			$	95,667
	Intersegment revenues	1,575			13			—			1,588			$	(1,588	)	—
	Total revenues	75,024			22,231			—			97,255			(1,588		)	95,667
	Depreciation and amortization	4,222			1,523			$	62		5,807			—			5,807
	Operating income (loss)	(19,489		)	(18,290		)	(2,558		)	(40,337		)	44			(40,293		)
	Interest expense																4,337
	Derivatives valuation loss																5
	Other																829
	Loss before income taxes																(45,464		)
		Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	233,042		$	61,045		—			$	294,087		—			$	294,087
	Intersegment revenues	5,588			443			—			6,031			$	(6,031	)	—
	Total revenues	238,630			61,488			—			300,118			(6,031		)	294,087
	Depreciation and amortization	12,641			4,725			$	217		17,583			—			17,583
	Operating income (loss)	24,922			(8,164		)	(11,028		)	5,730			(273		)	5,457
	Interest expense																6,383
	Loss on debt extinguishment																503
	Other																(806		)
	Loss before income taxes																(623		)
		Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	223,774		$	66,719		—			$	290,493		—			$	290,493
	Intersegment revenues	4,046			48			—			4,094			$	(4,094	)	—
	Total revenues	227,820			66,767			—			294,587			(4,094		)	290,493
	Depreciation and amortization	12,734			4,520			$	164		17,418			—			17,418
	Operating income (loss)	(4,940		)	(16,330		)	(7,965		)	(29,235		)	48			(29,187		)
	Interest expense																13,509
	Derivatives valuation loss																242
	Other																931
	Loss before income taxes																(43,869		)
	Revenues to External Customers:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
United States	$	68,880		$	73,449		$	213,810		$	223,406
Ireland	10,010			7,311			26,792			22,953
United Kingdom	3,712			3,129			12,083			10,252
Other foreign countries	13,333			11,778			41,402			33,882
Total revenues	$	95,935		$	95,667		$	294,087		$	290,493
Concentration of Credit Risk:
A substantial portion of the Corporation's net revenues is derived from a limited number of customers. Net revenue from customers of the Corporation which individually account for 10% or more of the Corporation's net revenue is as follows:
Three months ended September 27, 2014 - Two customers represented approximately 29.5% and 13.3%, respectively, of revenue.
Three months ended September 28, 2013 - Two customers represented approximately 32.2% and 10.3%, respectively, of revenue.
Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 - Two customers represented approximately 30.5% and 12.2%, respectively, of revenue.
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013 - Two customers represented approximately 33.0% and 10.0%, respectively, of revenue.
Following is a summary of the composition by segment and product category of the Corporation's net revenues to external customers.
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
Sales by product	27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
OEM Solutions Revenue
Instruments	$	28,391		$	27,200		$	87,081		$	83,445
Implants	27,130			26,108			84,918			80,213
Cases	16,269			16,959			49,217			50,432
Other	4,108			3,182			11,826			9,684
Total OEM Solutions Revenue	75,898			73,449			233,042			223,774
Total Symmetry Surgical Revenue	20,037			22,218			61,045			66,719
Total Revenue	$	95,935		$	95,667		$	294,087		$	290,493

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	Net Income Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)					(unaudited)
	Net income (loss) for basic earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	1,317	$	(29,017	)	$	98		$	(27,759	)
	Discontinued operations	$	—	$	(5,507	)	$	(4,078	)	$	(5,882	)
	Income available to common shares - basic	$	1,317	$	(34,524	)	$	(3,980	)	$	(33,641	)
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	36,594		36,345			36,582			36,312
	Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Continuing operations	$	0.04	$	(0.80	)	$	—		$	(0.76	)
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	$	—	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.04	$	(0.95	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.93	)
	Net income (loss) for diluted earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	1,317	$	(29,017	)	$	98		$	(27,759	)
	Discontinued operations	$	—	$	(5,507	)	$	(4,078	)	$	(5,882	)
	Income available to common shares - basic	$	1,317	$	(34,524	)	$	(3,980	)	$	(33,641	)
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	36,594		36,345			36,582			36,312
	Effect of dilution	500		—			469			—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	37,094		36,345			37,051			36,312
	Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Continuing operations	$	0.04	$	(0.80	)	$	—		$	(0.76	)
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	$	—	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.04	$	(0.95	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.93	)
	The diluted weighted average share calculations for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2013 did not include 548 and 485, respectively, of dilutive shares due to the net loss from continuing operations incurred for these periods. In addition, performance based restricted stock awarded in 2014 totaling 240 shares has not been included in the diluted shares, due to the respective measurement period not being completed.

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring

Accounts Receivable Factoring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accounts Receivable Factoring [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable Factoring	'
	Accounts Receivable Factoring
	The Corporation had an agreement with an unrelated third-party for the factoring of specific accounts receivable in its subsidiary, Clamonta Ltd. to reduce the amount of working capital required to fund such receivables. This agreement was terminated in conjunction with the sale of Clamonta in May 2014.
	The factoring of accounts receivable under this agreement were accounted for as a sale in accordance with ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. Proceeds on the transfer reflect the face value of the account less a discount. The discount has been recorded as a charge in loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations in the period of the sale. Net funds received reduced accounts receivable outstanding while increasing cash. The Corporation has no significant retained interests, nor any continuing involvement or servicing liabilities related to the accounts receivable that have been sold. For the three months ended September 28, 2013, the Corporation sold $948 and $4,458 and $2,958 for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, of accounts receivable pursuant to this agreement, which represents the face amount of total outstanding receivables at the time the receivables are sold. Fees paid pursuant to this agreement were $6 for the three months ended September 28, 2013 and $27 and $21 for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal & Environmental Matters.  The Corporation is involved, from time to time, in various contractual, product liability, patent (or intellectual property) and other claims and disputes incidental to its business. Currently, there is no environmental or other litigation pending or, to the knowledge of the Corporation, threatened, that the Corporation expects to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. While litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of litigated matters is not predictable with assurance, the Corporation currently believes that the disposition of all pending or, to the knowledge of the Corporation, threatened claims and disputes, individually or in the aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
	On September 29, 2014, a purported class action complaint challenging the Merger and Separation Transaction (as defined below) was filed on behalf of Resolution Partners, an alleged stockholder of the Corporation, and all others similarly situated, in the Kosciusko Circuit Court in the state of Indiana. The complaint generally alleges, among other things, that the members of the SMI board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to Resolution Partners and SMI stockholders during merger negotiations and by entering into the Merger Agreement and approving the Merger, and that Genstar and Tecomet allegedly aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The complaint further alleges that the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by Symmetry Surgical with the SEC on September 5, 2014, which contained the preliminary proxy statement of SMI, was misleading or omitted certain allegedly material information. The complaint seeks, among other relief, injunctive relief enjoining consummation of the Merger, compensatory and/or rescissory damages in an unspecified amount and costs and fees. The defendants believe that the claims asserted against them in the lawsuit are without merit, but express no view on the possible outcomes of the litigation.
	Unconditional Purchase Obligations.  The Corporation has contracts to purchase minimum quantities of cobalt chrome, nickel and titanium through July 2017.  Additionally, the Corporation has a contract to purchase finished instruments through August 2019. Based on contractual pricing at September 27, 2014, the minimum purchase obligations total $19,817.  Purchases under the respective contracts total approximately $8,781 for the nine months ended September 27, 2014.  These purchases are not in excess of our forecasted requirements. Additionally, as of September 27, 2014, the Corporation has $3,823 of commitments to complete capital projects in progress.

Facility_Closure_and_Severance

Facility Closure and Severance Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Facility Closure And Severance Costs [Abstract]	'
Facility Closure and Severance Costs	'
	Facility Closure and Severance Costs
	Results of operations include pre-tax charges of $161 and $454 for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively and $928 and $1,360 for the nine months then ended, respectively. The segment composition of these charges includes OEM Solutions for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 of $155 and $0, respectively, Symmetry Surgical of $6 and $454, respectively. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, severance accruals related to these cost reduction actions totaled $199 and $361, respectively, and are included in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The decrease in the accrual since December 28, 2013 represents severance charges paid during the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. These costs are expected to be paid through December 2014.
	On February 21, 2014, the Corporation announced that the consultation processes that began with its employees on January 30, 2014 had concluded with an agreement that the facility in Cheltenham, United Kingdom should cease production within calendar 2014. The Cheltenham plant is engaged primarily in the manufacture of medical instruments and employs approximately 40 people. As of September 27, 2014, Cheltenham was no longer producing instruments and is completing the final procedures to vacate the facility. The Corporation estimates additional costs of approximately $500 will be incurred in 2014 primarily related to lease termination costs, moving and transition costs in connection with the plant closure. For the nine months ended September 27, 2014, $598 in severance and stay bonus costs have been recorded and are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Merger_and_Separation

Merger and Separation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Merger and Separation [Abstract]	'
Merger and Separation	'
	Merger and Separation
	On August 4, 2014, the Corporation announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to sell all of its common stock to Tecomet and concurrently transfer to Symmetry Medical, Inc.'s shareholders ownership in a new company holding its Symmetry Surgical business (merger and Separation Transaction). Tecomet, which is owned by Genstar Capital, is a contract manufacturing, engineering and metal fabrication technology company based in Wilmington, Massachusetts.
	Under terms of the agreement, Symmetry Medical will transfer its Symmetry Surgical business to its shareholders, immediately followed by the acquisition of the remaining OEM Solutions business by Tecomet for $450 million in cash.
	These transactions are conditioned on, among other things, the approval and adoption of the definitive agreement by the Company’s shareholders. The Company and Tecomet have each agreed to use reasonable best efforts and, subject to certain limitations, take actions required in connection with obtaining such approvals.
	If the agreement is terminated in certain circumstances described within the agreement, the Corporation may be obligated to pay Tecomet a termination fee of $13,500; the Corporation may be obligated to reimburse up to $1,000 of Tecomet's expenses in connection with the sale; or Tecomet may be obligated to pay the Corporation a termination fee of $27,000.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of Certain Operating Results and Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes certain operating results of Clamonta for all periods presented:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
	Revenue	$	2,336		$	6,798		$	8,322
	Cost of revenue	$	3,045		$	6,436		$	8,850
	Sales and marketing expenses	$	7		$	18		$	23
	General and administrative expenses	$	351		$	560		$	991
	Asset impairment	$	5,098		$	—		$	5,098
	Facility closure and severance costs	$	54		$	—		$	70
	Other expense	$	2		$	4,108		$	1
	Income tax benefit	$	714		$	246		$	829
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(5,507	)	$	(4,078	)	$	(5,882	)
	Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:
		28-Dec-13
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	213
	Accounts receivable	$	2,041
	Inventory	$	2,905
	Other current assets	$	44
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,231
	Total assets	$	7,434
	Accounts payable	$	3,060
	Accrued wages and benefits	$	275
	Other accrued expenses	$	122
	Total liabilities	$	3,457

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventories consist of the following:
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
		(unaudited)
	Raw material and supplies	$	9,650	$	10,249
	Work-in-process	16,508		23,315
	Finished goods	30,503		25,315
		$	56,661	$	58,879

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment, including depreciable lives, consists of the following:
		September 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
		(unaudited)
	Land	$	5,664		$	6,046
	Buildings and improvements (20 to 40 years)	41,818			42,519
	Machinery and equipment (5 to 15 years)	161,904			161,734
	Office equipment (3 to 5 years)	22,042			21,619
	Construction-in-progress	8,688			4,061
		240,116			235,979
	Less accumulated depreciation	(152,759		)	(145,986		)
		$	87,357		$	89,993

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:
	Balance as of December 29, 2012		$	229,134
		Impairment of goodwill	(47,450		)
		Effects of foreign currency	494
	Balance as of December 28, 2013		$	182,178
		Impairment of goodwill	(10,500		)
		Effects of foreign currency	(1,004		)
	Balance as of September 27, 2014		$	170,674

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The fair value and carrying value of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		September 27, 2014										December 28, 2013
		Fair Value Measurements										Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(unaudited)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	35		$	—	$	35
	Total assets	$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	14,959		$	—	$	35		$	—	$	35
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(2,727	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)	$	—	$	(1,387	)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were as follows:
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other												Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
		comprehensive income
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013			September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Realized losses on derivative instruments	$	208		$	84		$	590		$	264		Interest expense
	Tax benefit	(77		)	(37		)	(219		)	(116		)	Income tax expense (benefit)
	Net of tax	$	131		$	47		$	371		$	148

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13	27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Domestic	-1,315		-45,069	-7,625		-45,912
	Foreign	3,033		-395	7,002		2,043
		1,718		-45,464	-623		-43,869
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	'
	The provision for income taxes differs from that computed at the Federal statutory rate of 35% in 2014 and 2013, respectively, as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	601		$	(15,912	)	$	(218	)	$	(15,354	)
	State income taxes	(21		)	(2,015		)	(311		)	(1,996		)
	State tax credits	11			(72		)	(4		)	(68		)
	Foreign income taxes	(383		)	(595		)	(888		)	(709		)
	Qualified production activities deduction	(30		)	14			51			—
	Research and development credits--current year	15			(195		)	(60		)	(212		)
	Valuation allowance	(31		)	579			—			540
	Goodwill impairment	—			6,581			186			6,581
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions	(893		)	(4,970		)	(854		)	(4,914		)
	Non-deductible transaction costs	1,029			—			1,029			—
	Other	103			138			348			22
		$	401		$	(16,447	)	$	(721	)	$	(16,110	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	'
	Balance at December 29, 2012	6,179
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	82
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	932
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	(5,231		)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	1,962
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	—
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	—
	Settlements	(720		)
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	(239		)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	1,003

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Reportable segment information is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 27, 2014
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	75,898		$	20,037		—			$	95,935		—			$	95,935
	Intersegment revenues	2,080			278			—			2,358			$	(2,358	)	—
	Total revenues	77,978			20,315			—			98,293			(2,358		)	95,935
	Depreciation and amortization	4,180			1,577			$	71		5,828			—			5,828
	Operating income (loss)	8,826			511			(6,125		)	3,212			(153		)	3,059
	Interest expense																2,051
	Other																(710		)
	Income before income taxes																1,718
		Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	73,449		$	22,218		—			$	95,667		—			$	95,667
	Intersegment revenues	1,575			13			—			1,588			$	(1,588	)	—
	Total revenues	75,024			22,231			—			97,255			(1,588		)	95,667
	Depreciation and amortization	4,222			1,523			$	62		5,807			—			5,807
	Operating income (loss)	(19,489		)	(18,290		)	(2,558		)	(40,337		)	44			(40,293		)
	Interest expense																4,337
	Derivatives valuation loss																5
	Other																829
	Loss before income taxes																(45,464		)
		Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	233,042		$	61,045		—			$	294,087		—			$	294,087
	Intersegment revenues	5,588			443			—			6,031			$	(6,031	)	—
	Total revenues	238,630			61,488			—			300,118			(6,031		)	294,087
	Depreciation and amortization	12,641			4,725			$	217		17,583			—			17,583
	Operating income (loss)	24,922			(8,164		)	(11,028		)	5,730			(273		)	5,457
	Interest expense																6,383
	Loss on debt extinguishment																503
	Other																(806		)
	Loss before income taxes																(623		)
		Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	223,774		$	66,719		—			$	290,493		—			$	290,493
	Intersegment revenues	4,046			48			—			4,094			$	(4,094	)	—
	Total revenues	227,820			66,767			—			294,587			(4,094		)	290,493
	Depreciation and amortization	12,734			4,520			$	164		17,418			—			17,418
	Operating income (loss)	(4,940		)	(16,330		)	(7,965		)	(29,235		)	48			(29,187		)
	Interest expense																13,509
	Derivatives valuation loss																242
	Other																931
	Loss before income taxes																(43,869		)
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area	'
	Revenues to External Customers:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	United States	$	68,880		$	73,449		$	213,810		$	223,406
	Ireland	10,010			7,311			26,792			22,953
	United Kingdom	3,712			3,129			12,083			10,252
	Other foreign countries	13,333			11,778			41,402			33,882
	Total revenues	$	95,935		$	95,667		$	294,087		$	290,493
Schedule of Product Information	'
	Following is a summary of the composition by segment and product category of the Corporation's net revenues to external customers.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	Sales by product	27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	OEM Solutions Revenue
	Instruments	$	28,391		$	27,200		$	87,081		$	83,445
	Implants	27,130			26,108			84,918			80,213
	Cases	16,269			16,959			49,217			50,432
	Other	4,108			3,182			11,826			9,684
	Total OEM Solutions Revenue	75,898			73,449			233,042			223,774
	Total Symmetry Surgical Revenue	20,037			22,218			61,045			66,719
	Total Revenue	$	95,935		$	95,667		$	294,087		$	290,493

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share.
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		27-Sep-14		28-Sep-13			27-Sep-14			28-Sep-13
		(unaudited)					(unaudited)
	Net income (loss) for basic earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	1,317	$	(29,017	)	$	98		$	(27,759	)
	Discontinued operations	$	—	$	(5,507	)	$	(4,078	)	$	(5,882	)
	Income available to common shares - basic	$	1,317	$	(34,524	)	$	(3,980	)	$	(33,641	)
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	36,594		36,345			36,582			36,312
	Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Continuing operations	$	0.04	$	(0.80	)	$	—		$	(0.76	)
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	$	—	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.04	$	(0.95	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.93	)
	Net income (loss) for diluted earnings per share:
	Continuing operations	$	1,317	$	(29,017	)	$	98		$	(27,759	)
	Discontinued operations	$	—	$	(5,507	)	$	(4,078	)	$	(5,882	)
	Income available to common shares - basic	$	1,317	$	(34,524	)	$	(3,980	)	$	(33,641	)
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	36,594		36,345			36,582			36,312
	Effect of dilution	500		—			469			—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	37,094		36,345			37,051			36,312
	Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Continuing operations	$	0.04	$	(0.80	)	$	—		$	(0.76	)
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	$	—	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.04	$	(0.95	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.93	)

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Jun. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Jan. 03, 2015

segment

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of weeks in fiscal year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'371 days

'364 days

'364 days

'371 days

'

Number of weeks in interim quarter

'91 days

'91 days

'91 days

'91 days

'91 days

'91 days

'91 days

'

'

'

'

'98 days

Number of reportable segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	21-May-14
			Clamonta Ltd. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary	'	'	$1,350
Loss on sale of assets	($4,117)	$0	$4,117

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations (Summary of Certain Operating Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$0	($5,507)	($4,078)	($5,882)
Clamonta Ltd. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	2,336	6,798	8,322
Cost of revenue	'	3,045	6,436	8,850
Sales and marketing expenses	'	7	18	23
General and administrative expenses	'	351	560	991
Asset impairment	'	5,098	0	5,098
Facility closure and severance costs	'	54	0	70
Other expense	'	2	4,108	1
Income tax benefit	'	714	246	829
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'	($5,507)	($4,078)	($5,882)

Discontinued_Operations_Assets

Discontinued Operations (Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations) (Details) (Clamonta Ltd. [Member], USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Clamonta Ltd. [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$213
Accounts receivable	2,041
Inventory	2,905
Other current assets	44
Property and equipment, net	2,231
Total assets	7,434
Accounts payable	3,060
Accrued wages and benefits	275
Other accrued expenses	122
Total liabilities	$3,457

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw material and supplies	$9,650	$10,249
Work-in-process	16,508	23,315
Finished goods	30,503	25,315
Inventory, net	$56,661	$58,879

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Land [Member]

Land [Member]

Buildings and Improvement [Member]

Buildings and Improvement [Member]

Buildings and Improvement [Member]

Buildings and Improvement [Member]

Machinery and Equipment [Member]

Machinery and Equipment [Member]

Machinery and Equipment [Member]

Machinery and Equipment [Member]

Office Equipment [Member]

Office Equipment [Member]

Office Equipment [Member]

Office Equipment [Member]

Construction-in-Progress [Member]

Construction-in-Progress [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, gross

$240,116

$235,979

$5,664

$6,046

$41,818

$42,519

'

'

$161,904

$161,734

'

'

$22,042

$21,619

'

'

$8,688

$4,061

Less accumulated depreciation

-152,759

-145,986

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, net

$87,357

$89,993

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'40 years

'

'

'5 years

'15 years

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'

'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, impairment	$10,500	$10,500
Reporting Unit 1 [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	12.00%
For Year 2015 and Beyond [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue growth rate	'	4.00%
For Year 2015 and Beyond [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue growth rate	'	6.00%

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Reconciliation of Carrying Amounts of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance	'	$182,178	$229,134
Impairment of goodwill	'	'	-47,450
Effects of foreign currency	'	-1,004	494
Impairment of goodwill	-10,500	-10,500	'
Balance	$170,674	$170,674	$182,178

Derivatives_Details

Derivatives (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	Amended Credit Agreement [Member]	Amended Credit Agreement [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]
				Swap [Member]	USD ($)	By December 2022 [Member]	derivative_instrument
				EUR (€)		USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	'	'	'	'	'	'	2
Notional amount	'	'	'	'	$98,239	$37,500	'
Fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	0.99%	'	'
Higher fixed interest rate range	'	'	'	'	3.81%	'	'
Interest rate swaps	2,727	2,727	1,387	'	'	'	'
Gains (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges, pretax, accumulated other comprehensive income	206	-1,340	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities, at fair value, current	416	416	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	'	'	'	€ 71	'	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	($2,727)	($1,387)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	14,959	35
Total assets	14,959	35
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	-2,727	-1,387
Total liabilities	-2,727	-1,387
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	14,959	35
Total assets	14,959	35
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	-2,727	-1,387
Total liabilities	-2,727	-1,387
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total liabilities	$0	$0

Debt_Arrangements_Details

Debt Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Periodic payment	$2,778,000
Corporation's debt to EBITDA covenant ratio	3.02
Corporation's interest coverage ratio	2
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Debt to EBITDA covenant ratio	3.5
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Interest coverage ratio	1.25
Bank Term Loan [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Frequency of periodic payment	'quarterly
Amended Credit Agreement [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Amount outstanding	170,000,000
Amended Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	200,000,000
Amended Credit Agreement [Member] | Bank Term Loan [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Credit agreement amended addition revolving line of credit	$50,000,000
Mezzanine Debt [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Stated percentage	14.00%

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	$401	($16,447)	($721)	($16,110)
Net income (loss)	-1,317	34,524	3,980	33,641
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	208	84	590	264
Income tax expense (benefit)	-77	-37	-219	-116
Net income (loss)	$131	$47	$371	$148

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$1,003	'	$1,962	$6,179
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	45	'	'	'
Reduction in income tax expense and associated interest expense	$838	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Before_Inc

Income Taxes (Income Before Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Domestic	($1,315)	($45,069)	($7,625)	($45,912)
Foreign	3,033	-395	7,002	2,043
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$1,718	($45,464)	($623)	($43,869)

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Inc

Income Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax at Federal statutory rate	$601	($15,912)	($218)	($15,354)
State income taxes	-21	-2,015	-311	-1,996
State tax credits	11	-72	-4	-68
Foreign income taxes	-383	-595	-888	-709
Qualified production activities deduction	-30	14	51	0
Research and development credits--current year	15	-195	-60	-212
Valuation allowance	-31	579	0	540
Goodwill impairment	0	6,581	186	6,581
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	-893	-4,970	-854	-4,914
Non-deductible transaction costs	1,029	0	1,029	0
Other	103	138	348	22
Total	$401	($16,447)	($721)	($16,110)

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,962	$6,179
Additions based on tax positions--current year	0	82
Additions for tax positions--prior years	0	932
Settlements	-720	'
Lapses of statutes of limitations	-239	-5,231
Ending balance	$1,003	$1,962

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$95,935	$95,667	$294,087	$290,493	'
Depreciation and amortization	5,828	5,807	17,583	17,418	'
Operating income (loss)	3,059	-40,293	5,457	-29,187	'
Interest expense	2,051	4,337	6,383	13,509	'
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	-503	0	'
Derivative valuation loss	0	5	0	242	'
Other	-710	829	-806	931	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,718	-45,464	-623	-43,869	'
Total assets	511,323	'	511,323	'	515,836
External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	95,935	95,667	294,087	290,493	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0	'
OEM Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	77,978	75,024	238,630	227,820	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,180	4,222	12,641	12,734	'
Operating income (loss)	8,826	-19,489	24,922	-4,940	'
OEM Solutions [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	75,898	73,449	233,042	223,774	'
OEM Solutions [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	2,080	1,575	5,588	4,046	'
Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	20,315	22,231	61,488	66,767	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,577	1,523	4,725	4,520	'
Operating income (loss)	511	-18,290	-8,164	-16,330	'
Symmetry Surgical [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	20,037	22,218	61,045	66,719	'
Symmetry Surgical [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	278	13	443	48	'
Unallocated [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Depreciation and amortization	71	62	217	164	'
Operating income (loss)	-6,125	-2,558	-11,028	-7,965	'
Unallocated [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Unallocated [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Combined Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	98,293	97,255	300,118	294,587	'
Depreciation and amortization	5,828	5,807	17,583	17,418	'
Operating income (loss)	3,212	-40,337	5,730	-29,235	'
Combined Segments [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	95,935	95,667	294,087	290,493	'
Combined Segments [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	2,358	1,588	6,031	4,094	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-2,358	-1,588	-6,031	-4,094	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0	'
Operating income (loss)	-153	44	-273	48	'
Eliminations [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	($2,358)	($1,588)	($6,031)	($4,094)	'

Segment_Reporting_Details_1

Segment Reporting (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$95,935	$95,667	$294,087	$290,493
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	68,880	73,449	213,810	223,406
Ireland [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	10,010	7,311	26,792	22,953
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	3,712	3,129	12,083	10,252
Other Foreign Countries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$13,333	$11,778	$41,402	$33,882

Segment_Reporting_Details_2

Segment Reporting (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$95,935	$95,667	$294,087	$290,493
External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	95,935	95,667	294,087	290,493
Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	87,081	83,445
Instrument [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	28,391	27,200	'	'
Implant [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	84,918	80,213
Implant [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	27,130	26,108	'	'
Cases [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	49,217	50,432
Cases [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	16,269	16,959	'	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	11,826	9,684
Other [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	4,108	3,182	'	'
OEM Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	233,042	223,774
OEM Solutions [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	75,898	73,449	'	'
Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	20,315	22,231	61,488	66,767
Symmetry Surgical [Member] | External Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$20,037	$22,218	$61,045	$66,719

Segment_Reporting_Details_Text

Segment Reporting (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
	customer	customer	segment	customer
			customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	2	'
Number of customers individually account for 10% or more of net revenues	2	2	2,000	2
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Customer One [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	29.50%	32.20%	30.50%	33.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Customer Two [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	13.30%	10.30%	12.20%	10.00%

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Net income (loss) for basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$1,317	($29,017)	$98	($27,759)
Discontinued operations	0	-5,507	-4,078	-5,882
Net income (loss)	1,317	-34,524	-3,980	-33,641
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	36,594	36,345	36,582	36,312
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.04	($0.80)	$0	($0.76)
Discontinued operations, net of tax	$0	($0.15)	($0.11)	($0.17)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$0.04	($0.95)	($0.11)	($0.93)
Net income (loss) for diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	1,317	-29,017	98	-27,759
Discontinued operations	0	-5,507	-4,078	-5,882
Net income (loss)	$1,317	($34,524)	($3,980)	($33,641)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	36,594	36,345	36,582	36,312
Effect of dilution	500	0	469	0
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	37,094	36,345	37,051	36,312
Continuing operations	$0.04	($0.80)	$0	($0.76)
Discontinued operations, net of tax	$0	($0.15)	($0.11)	($0.17)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$0.04	($0.95)	($0.11)	($0.93)

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details_T

Net Income Per Share (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Performance-based shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS	'	240
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	548	485

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring_

Accounts Receivable Factoring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounts Receivable Factoring [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, face value	$948	$4,458	$2,958
Fees paid for factoring	$6	$27	$21

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unconditional purchase obligations contract price	$19,817
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, purchases	8,781
Completion of capital project in progress	$3,823

Facility_Closure_and_Severance1

Facility Closure and Severance Costs (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Feb. 21, 2014

Jan. 03, 2015

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Cheltenham, United Kingdom [Member]

Cheltenham, United Kingdom [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

OEM Solutions [Member]

OEM Solutions [Member]

Symmetry Surgical [Member]

Symmetry Surgical [Member]

employee

Cheltenham, United Kingdom [Member]

Facility Consolidation and Severance Costs [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility closure and severance costs

$161

$454

$928

$1,360

'

'

'

'

$155

$0

$6

$454

Severance accruals

199

'

199

'

361

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee severance costs in connection with plant closure for the year of 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500

'

'

'

'

Number of employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

40

'

'

'

'

'

Severance costs

'

'

'

'

'

$598

'

'

'

'

'

'

Merger_and_Separation_Details

Merger and Separation (Details) (OEM Solutions [Member], USD $)	Aug. 04, 2014
OEM Solutions [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Cash consideration from divestiture	$450,000,000
Termination fee may be payed	13,500,000
Reimbursement amount	1,000,000
Termination fee may be received	$27,000,000