Symmetry Medical (SMA) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Symmetry Medical Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001292055	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Trading Symbol	'sma	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	37,252,878
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,897	$9,815
Accounts receivable, net	57,709	62,593
Inventories	60,574	64,437
Refundable income taxes	5,060	4,904
Deferred income taxes	6,409	7,878
Derivative valuation asset	0	242
Other current assets	4,069	4,145
Total current assets	138,718	154,014
Property and equipment, net	91,256	98,046
Deferred income taxes	43	0
Goodwill	181,873	229,134
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	107,175	116,403
Other assets	6,005	7,721
Total Assets	525,070	605,318
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Accounts payable	26,882	27,863
Accrued wages and benefits	11,159	9,354
Other accrued expenses	9,109	10,028
Accrued income taxes	516	0
Derivative valuation liability	271	513
Current portion of capital lease obligations	476	492
Current portion of long-term debt	5,225	11,111
Total current liabilities	53,638	59,361
Accrued income taxes	2,118	7,035
Deferred income taxes	5,887	17,910
Derivative valuation liability	1,661	3,883
Other liabilities	943	869
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	1,073	1,417
Long-term debt, less current portion	175,071	200,113
Total Liabilities	240,391	290,588
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'
Common Stock, $.0001 par value; 75,000 shares authorized; shares issued September 28, 2013-37,253; December 29, 2012-36,795	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	288,986	287,453
Retained earnings (deficit)	-7,374	26,267
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,063	1,006
Total Shareholders' Equity	284,679	314,730
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$525,070	$605,318

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
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	37,253	36,795

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. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$98,003	$100,929	$298,815	$303,949
Cost of revenue	73,474	72,703	222,571	223,808
Gross profit	24,529	28,226	76,244	80,141
Research and development expenses	1,121	1,293	3,459	2,998
Sales and marketing expenses	6,516	6,107	20,451	19,868
General and administrative expenses	11,250	10,730	35,154	32,331
Asset impairment	51,646	0	51,646	0
Facility closure and severance	508	-76	1,431	596
Operating income (loss)	-46,512	10,172	-35,897	24,348
Other (income) expense:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,337	4,737	13,508	14,905
Derivatives valuation (gain) loss	5	-116	242	-179
Other	831	-108	933	-562
Income (loss) before income taxes	-51,685	5,659	-50,580	10,184
Income tax expense (benefit)	-17,161	1,921	-16,939	3,980
Net income (loss)	($34,524)	$3,738	($33,641)	$6,204
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.95)	$0.10	($0.93)	$0.17
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.95)	$0.10	($0.93)	$0.17
Weighted average common shares and equivalent shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	36,345	36,044	36,312	35,951
Diluted (in shares)	36,345	36,512	36,312	36,360

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($34,524)	$3,738	($33,641)	$6,204
Foreign currency adjustments:	'	'	'	'
Intra-entity foreign currency translation adjustment	1,333	858	-33	1,130
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,310	1,509	657	669
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net of taxes	-109	-480	1,581	-2,634
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income	47	-46	148	-46
Comprehensive income (loss)	($30,943)	$5,579	($31,288)	$5,323

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	($33,641)	$6,204
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	12,476	12,869
Amortization of intangible assets	5,343	6,037
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,569	1,289
Interest paid in kind	1,006	1,002
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	675	-96
Asset impairment	51,646	0
Deferred income tax provision	-16,522	507
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-57	-294
Stock-based compensation	1,934	3,076
Derivatives valuation (gain) loss	242	-179
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	1,391	-173
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	5,005	-720
Other assets	245	583
Inventories	3,853	12,663
Current income taxes	370	762
Accounts payable	-1,036	2,518
Accrued expenses and other	-110	5,912
Net cash provided by operating activities	34,389	51,960
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-7,786	-9,128
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	655	319
Net cash used in investing activities	-7,131	-8,809
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from Bank Revolver	82,687	21,839
Payments on Bank Revolver	-85,687	-62,712
Proceeds from (payments on) short term borrowings, net	0	-5,844
Payments on bank term loans and capital lease obligations	-29,328	-3,490
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net	-458	178
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	57	294
Net cash used in financing activities	-32,729	-49,735
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	553	19
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-4,918	-6,565
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,815	18,931
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,897	12,366
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	11,381	11,904
Cash paid (received) for income taxes	($966)	$2,363

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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 2012 consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2012.
	The Corporation’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2013 is a 52 week year ending December 28, 2013.  The Corporation’s interim quarters for 2013 are 13 weeks long and quarter-end dates have been set as March 30, 2013, June 29, 2013 and September 28, 2013. Fiscal year 2012 was a 52 week year (ending December 29, 2012). The Corporation’s interim quarters for 2012 were 13 weeks long, ending March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012 and September 29, 2012. 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. 28, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-2, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ("ASU 2013-2"). ASU 2013-2 requires entities to report either on the statement of operations or disclose in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements the effects on earnings from items that are reclassified out of comprehensive income. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-2 is effective prospectively for the first reporting period after December 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-2 did not have an impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as it only enhances disclosures.
	Technical Corrections and Improvements: In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2012-4, Technical Corrections and Improvements (“ASU 2012-4”), which covers a wide range of topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. These amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification and confirming amendments related to fair value measurements. ASU 2012-4 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-4 did not have an impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as the Standard only clarified existing Codification.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
		September 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
		(unaudited)
	Raw material and supplies	$	11,691	$	12,683
	Work-in-process	20,315		20,335
	Finished goods	28,568		31,419
		$	60,574	$	64,437

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, including depreciable lives, consists of the following:
		September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
		(unaudited)
	Land	$	5,969		$	6,572
	Buildings and improvements (20 to 40 years)	42,318			42,885
	Machinery and equipment (5 to 15 years)	161,382			156,157
	Office equipment (3 to 5 years)	21,367			19,445
	Construction-in-progress	2,813			6,414
		233,849			231,473
	Less accumulated depreciation	(142,593		)	(133,427		)
		$	91,256		$	98,046

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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 third quarter, the Corporation determined that the expected operating results for certain of its reporting units were projected to be substantially lower than previous forecasts. Given this information, the Corporation conducted its annual impairment test and determined that impairment existed for three reporting units. The preliminary impairment is $51,646 for goodwill and other assets 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 third quarter in the amount of $31,837 related to the OEM Solutions segment and $19,809 million related to the Symmetry Surgical segment. The impairment in OEM Solutions consisted of goodwill, trade names, customer relationships, and property and equipment of $29,200, $953, $1,403, and $281, respectively, and was primarily driven by the reduced outlook on revenues and profitability related to instrument production for customer capital expenditures related to product launches and instrument replenishment, as well as operational issues at the Clamonta, Ltd. subsidiary, which services the Aerospace industry. The impairment in Symmetry Surgical consisted of goodwill, tradenames and in-process research and development of $18,278, $921, and $610, respectively, and was primarily driven by lower revenue due to the previously disclosed integration challenges related to the 2011 acquisition of the surgical instruments business of Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. ("Codman") which the Corporation has not recovered from as quickly as previously expected.
	The Corporation will finalize the estimated impairment charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013. The Corporation is in process of finalizing the appraisals of its reporting units, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and other assets and liabilities.
	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 units, 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 units and the associated amount of the impairment charges. 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 fair value 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 its reporting units 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 each of the Corporation’s reporting units where impairment was recognized were approximately 4-34% for 2014 and 2-8% 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. Discount rates used for each of the Corporation’s reporting units where impairment was recognized were approximately 12.5%, 15.8% and 12.5%.
	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 the purposes of measuring the goodwill impairment and not to adjust the carrying values of the recognized assets and liabilities. Based on the results of this testing, the Corporation's OEM Solutions reporting segment impaired goodwill for $29,200, while the Corporation’s Symmetry Surgical reporting segment impaired goodwill for $18,278.
	Prior to performing the annual goodwill impairment tests for the reporting units whom 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, the Corporation's OEM Solutions reporting segment impaired trade names, customer relationships, and property and equipment of $953, $1,403, and $281, respectively, while the Corporation’s Symmetry Surgical reporting segment impaired tradenames and in-process research and development of $921, and $610, respectively.
	As of September 28, 2013, the balances of intangible assets, other than goodwill, were as follows:
		Weighted-Average		Gross					Net
		Amortization		Intangible		Accumulated			Intangible
		Period		Assets		Amortization			Assets
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Acquired technology and patents	11 years		$	1,730	$	(1,143	)	$	587
	Acquired customers	19 years		123,946		(26,074		)	97,872
	Intangible assets subject to amortization	19 years		125,676		(27,217		)	98,459
	Proprietary processes	Indefinite							3,577
	Trademarks	Indefinite							5,139
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill								8,716
	Total								$	107,175
	As of December 29, 2012, the balances of intangible assets, other than goodwill, were as follows:
		Weighted-Average		Gross					Net
		Amortization		Intangible		Accumulated			Intangible
		Period		Assets		Amortization			Assets
	Acquired technology and patents	12 years		$	2,161	$	(1,467	)	$	694
	Acquired customers	19 years		126,481		(22,027		)	104,454
	Other	17 years		1,421		(414		)	1,007
	Intangible assets subject to amortization	19 years		130,063		(23,908		)	106,155
	Proprietary processes	Indefinite							3,578
	In process research and development	Indefinite							610
	Trademarks	Indefinite							6,060
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill								10,248
	Total								$	116,403
	Annual intangible asset amortization expense is estimated to approximate $6,900 for each of the next 5 fiscal years.
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:
	Balance as of December 31, 2011		$	229,112
		Adjustment to goodwill	(402		)
		Effects of foreign currency	424
	Balance as of December 29, 2012		$	229,134
		Impairment of goodwill	(47,479		)
		Effects of foreign currency	218
	Balance as of September 28, 2013		$	181,873

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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. The Corporation’s Amended Credit Agreement requires that the interest be hedged on at least 50% of the current and projected borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement for a period of at least 3 years beginning no later than March 29, 2012. 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 $79,494 as of September 28, 2013 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 0.60% in 2013 that incrementally increase to 3.81% by 2022. These swap contracts, which were a fair value liability of $1,932 and $4,396 as of September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, 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 28, 2013, the Corporation recorded gain/(loss) of ($264) and $2,464, respectively, attributable to these cash flow hedges included in other comprehensive income. Of the total cumulative loss, $271 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 28, 2013, the Corporation had settled all of its outstanding forward swap contracts. As of December 29, 2012, the Corporation had contracts for the sale of 3,161 Euros, which were settling in equal amounts over the twelve month period which began July 2012. These swap contracts, which were an aggregate fair value asset of $242 at December 29, 2012, were not designated as cash flow hedges and therefore the change in the fair value was immediately recorded in derivatives valuation (gain) loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	As of September 28, 2013, 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 28, 2013										December 29, 2012
		Fair Value Measurements										Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(unaudited)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	570		$	—	$	570		$	—	$	920		$	—	$	920
	Foreign currency forwards	—		—			—		—			—		242			—		242
	Total assets	$	—	$	570		$	—	$	570		$	—	$	1,162		$	—	$	1,162
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)
	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 is in the process of performing its annual impairment test for goodwill. 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 are 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 the Note 5, 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 receivables and payables 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. 28, 2013
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 $113,288 outstanding as of September 28, 2013.
	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 is to be repaid in quarterly installments of $2,778, may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the Corporation, and is 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 is required to be made within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year in which the Excess Cash Flow is generated. The Bank Revolver matures on November 3, 2015 and the Bank Term Loan matures on December 31, 2016.
	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.
	The Corporation currently has $67,008 of Term Notes outstanding that mature on December 29, 2017. The outstanding principal balance of the Term Notes bears interest at a rate of 14% per annum. The Term Notes include customary representations, warranties and covenants made for the benefit of the parties to the agreement. The covenants include, but are not limited to, requirements to provide financial information and notice of other events to the lenders, as well as restrictions on the incurrence of indebtedness, the creation or existence of liens, sales of assets, transactions with affiliates and other matters. The Term Notes also include financial covenants, including covenants requirement a maximum ratio of total debt to EBITDA (as defined in the Term Notes Agreement) and ratio of minimum fixed charges to EBITDA. The agreement includes customary events of default, including but not limited to, failure to pay any principal, interest, fees or other amounts when due, default under any covenant or any agreement in any loan document (subject to cure periods in some cases), cross-default with other debt agreements and certain bankruptcy and insolvency events. While not secured by the Corporation’s assets, repayment of amounts outstanding under the Term Notes is guaranteed by all of the Corporation’s U.S. subsidiaries.
	As of September 28, 2013, 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 was approximately 3.20:1. The minimum interest coverage ratio is required to be greater than 1.20:1, and the Corporation's ratio at September 28, 2013 was approximately 1.84:1. As of December 28, 2013, these financial covenants will become more restrictive and then remain in effect until maturity. The debt to EBITDA covenant ratio will be required to be less than 3.25:1, and the minimum interest coverage ratio will be required to be greater than 1.25:1.
	In May 2013, the Corporation was notified by one of its lenders that payments made by the Corporation in the first quarter of 2013 had been applied to the Bank Revolver, rather than the Bank Term Loan to satisfy the Corporation's obligation to make the Excess Cash Flow Prepayment as required by the Amended Credit Agreement. The failure to timely make the Excess Cash Flow Prepayment was a default under the Amended Credit Agreement and Term Notes. The Corporation entered into a limited waiver with its lenders under the Amended Credit Agreement and with the holders of the Term Notes that waived the event of default resulting from the failure to timely make the Excess Cash Flow Prepayment, and the Corporation made the required $22,073 Excess Cash Flow Prepayment with borrowings under the Corporation's Bank Revolver. Future quarterly payments due on the Bank Term Loan will be reduced by a proportionate amount as a result of the reduction in outstanding principal from the Excess Cash Flow prepayment.
	After obtaining the waivers noted above, the Corporation was in compliance with all covenants as of September 28, 2013.

Other_Comprehensive_Income

Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 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 28, 2013			September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Realized (gains) losses on derivative instruments	$	84		$	(71	)	$	264		$	(71	)	Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	(37		)	25			(116		)	25			Income tax expense (benefit)
	Net of tax	$	47		$	(46	)	$	148		$	(46	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes differs from that computed at the Federal statutory rate of 35% in 2013 and 2012, respectively, as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12			28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	(18,090	)	$	1,981		$	(17,703	)	$	3,565
	State income taxes	(2,015		)	239			(1,996		)	430
	State tax credits	(72		)	(38		)	(68		)	(68		)
	Foreign income taxes	869			30			811			54
	Qualified production activities deduction	14			(134		)	—			(241		)
	Research and development credits--current year	(195		)	(24		)	(212		)	(42		)
	Valuation allowance	579			(287		)	540			692
	Goodwill impairment	6,581			—			6,581			—
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions	(4,970		)	62			(4,914		)	111
	Other	138			92			22			(521		)
		$	(17,161	)	$	1,921		$	(16,939	)	$	3,980
	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 28, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits computed under ASC 740 was approximately $1,966, all of which, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate of the Corporation.  As of September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Corporation had recorded a total of $152 and $856, respectively, 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 2013, certain reserves relating to federal income tax positions expired due to the statutes of limitations. As such, the consolidated statement of operations was benefited $5,231 through a reduction in income tax expense. As of September 28, 2013, the Corporation is subject to unexpired statutes of limitations for U.S. federal income taxes for the year 2009.  The Corporation is also subject to unexpired statutes of limitations for various states including most significantly Indiana, Massachusetts and New Hampshire generally for the years 2009-2012.
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	6,179
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	—
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	—
	Settlements	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	6,179
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	82
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	936
	Settlements	—
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	(5,231		)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	1,966

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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 2012 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 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	75,785		$	22,218		—			$	98,003		—			$	98,003
	Intersegment revenues	1,575			13			—			1,588			$	(1,588	)	—
	Total revenues	77,360			22,231			—			99,591			(1,588		)	98,003
	Depreciation and amortization	4,358			1,523			$	62		5,943			—			5,943
	Operating income (loss)	(25,708		)	(18,290		)	(2,558		)	(46,556		)	44			(46,512		)
	Interest expense																4,337
	Derivatives valuation loss																5
	Other																831
	Loss before income taxes																(51,685		)
	Total assets	324,850			183,420			16,800			525,070			—			525,070
		Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	76,132		$	24,797		—			$	100,929		—			$	100,929
	Intersegment revenues	2,703			74			—			2,777			$	(2,777	)	—
	Total revenues	78,835			24,871			—			103,706			(2,777		)	100,929
	Depreciation and amortization	4,488			1,642			$	54		6,184			—			6,184
	Operating income (loss)	9,394			4,298			(3,328		)	10,364			(192		)	10,172
	Interest expense																4,737
	Derivatives valuation gain																(116		)
	Other																(108		)
	Income before income taxes																5,659
	Total assets	380,568			211,568			20,637			612,773			—			612,773
		Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	232,096		$	66,719		—			$	298,815		—			$	298,815
	Intersegment revenues	4,046			48			—			4,094			$	(4,094	)	—
	Total revenues	236,142			66,767			—			302,909			(4,094		)	298,815
	Depreciation and amortization	13,135			4,520			$	164		17,819			—			17,819
	Operating income (loss)	(11,649		)	(16,330		)	(7,965		)	(35,944		)	47			(35,897		)
	Interest expense																13,508
	Derivatives valuation loss																242
	Other																933
	Loss before income taxes																(50,580		)
	Total assets	324,850			183,420			16,800			525,070			—			525,070
		Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	225,178		$	78,771		—			$	303,949		—			$	303,949
	Intersegment revenues	6,854			292			—			7,146			$	(7,146	)	—
	Total revenues	232,032			79,063			—			311,095			(7,146		)	303,949
	Depreciation and amortization	13,895			4,850			$	161		18,906			—			18,906
	Operating income (loss)	18,047			15,085			(8,679		)	24,453			(105		)	24,348
	Interest expense																14,905
	Derivatives valuation gain																(179		)
	Other																(562		)
Income before income taxes																10,184
Total assets	380,568			211,568			20,637			612,773			—			612,773
Revenues to External Customers:
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12			28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
United States	$	73,464		$	73,473		$	223,478		$	223,124
Ireland	5,140			5,432			17,475			16,455
United Kingdom	7,311			8,036			22,953			22,489
Other foreign countries	12,088			13,988			34,909			41,881
Total revenues	$	98,003		$	100,929		$	298,815		$	303,949
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 28, 2013- Two customers represented approximately 31.4% and 10.0%, respectively, of revenue.
Nine months ended September 28, 2013- One customer represented approximately 32.1% of revenue.
Three months ended September 29, 2012- One customer represented approximately 32.3% of revenue, however, excluding the Codman related transitional services agreement, this customer would represent 29.9%.
Nine months ended September 29, 2012- One customer represented approximately 32.6% of revenue, however, excluding the Codman related transitional services agreement, this customer would represent 29.6%.
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	28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12			28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
OEM Solutions Revenue
Instrument	$	27,200		$	29,633		$	83,445		$	85,197
Implant	26,108			25,632			80,213			75,499
Cases	16,959			14,209			50,432			44,569
Other	5,518			6,658			18,006			19,913
Total OEM Solutions Revenue	75,785			76,132			232,096			225,178
Total Symmetry Surgical Revenue	22,218			24,797			66,719			78,771
Total Revenue	$	98,003		$	100,929		$	298,815		$	303,949

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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
		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
		(unaudited)					(unaudited)
	Earnings per share - Basic:
	Net income (loss)	$	(34,524	)	$	3,738	$	(33,641	)	$	6,204
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic	36,345			36,044		36,312			35,951
	Earnings per share - Basic	$	(0.95	)	$	0.1	$	(0.93	)	$	0.17
	Earnings per share - Diluted:
	Net income (loss)	$	(34,524	)	$	3,738	$	(33,641	)	$	6,204
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic	36,345			36,044		36,312			35,951
	Effect of dilution	—			468		—			409
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted	36,345			36,512		36,312			36,360
	Earnings per share - Diluted	$	(0.95	)	$	0.1	$	(0.93	)	$	0.17
	As of September 29, 2012, the diluted weighted average share calculations do not include performance based restricted stock awarded in 2012 totaling 273 shares due to the  respective measurement period not being complete.

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring

Accounts Receivable Factoring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounts Receivable Factoring [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable Factoring	'
	Accounts Receivable Factoring
	In January 2012, the Corporation entered into an agreement with an unrelated third-party for the factoring of specific accounts receivable in the U.K. to reduce the amount of working capital required to fund such receivables. The factoring of accounts receivable under this agreement is 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 is recorded as a charge in general and administrative expenses 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 and September 29, 2012, the Corporation had sold $948 and $1,644, respectively, and $2,958 and $5,299 for the nine months then ended, 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 and $12 for the three months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $21 and $37 for the nine months then ended.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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.
	Unconditional Purchase Obligations.  The Corporation has contracts to purchase minimum quantities of cobalt chrome, nickel and titanium through July 2014.  Based on contractual pricing at September 28, 2013, the minimum purchase obligations total $6,734.  Purchases under cobalt chrome, nickel and titanium contracts total approximately $9,951 for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.  These purchases are not in excess of our forecasted requirements.

Facility_Closure_and_Severance

Facility Closure and Severance Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Facility Closure And Severance Costs [Abstract]	'
Facility Closure and Severance Costs	'
	Facility Closure and Severance Costs
	Results of operations include pre-tax charges of $508 and $(76) for the three months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $1,431 and $596 for the nine months then ended. As of September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, severance accruals related to these cost reduction actions totaled $592 and $177, respectively, and are included in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in the accrual since December 29, 2012 represents severance charges incurred but not paid during the second and third quarters of 2013. These costs are expected to be paid through June 2014.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Inventories consist of the following:
		September 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
		(unaudited)
	Raw material and supplies	$	11,691	$	12,683
	Work-in-process	20,315		20,335
	Finished goods	28,568		31,419
		$	60,574	$	64,437

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment, including depreciable lives, consists of the following:
		September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
		(unaudited)
	Land	$	5,969		$	6,572
	Buildings and improvements (20 to 40 years)	42,318			42,885
	Machinery and equipment (5 to 15 years)	161,382			156,157
	Office equipment (3 to 5 years)	21,367			19,445
	Construction-in-progress	2,813			6,414
		233,849			231,473
	Less accumulated depreciation	(142,593		)	(133,427		)
		$	91,256		$	98,046

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	'
	As of September 28, 2013, the balances of intangible assets, other than goodwill, were as follows:
		Weighted-Average		Gross					Net
		Amortization		Intangible		Accumulated			Intangible
		Period		Assets		Amortization			Assets
		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Acquired technology and patents	11 years		$	1,730	$	(1,143	)	$	587
	Acquired customers	19 years		123,946		(26,074		)	97,872
	Intangible assets subject to amortization	19 years		125,676		(27,217		)	98,459
	Proprietary processes	Indefinite							3,577
	Trademarks	Indefinite							5,139
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill								8,716
	Total								$	107,175
	As of December 29, 2012, the balances of intangible assets, other than goodwill, were as follows:
		Weighted-Average		Gross					Net
		Amortization		Intangible		Accumulated			Intangible
		Period		Assets		Amortization			Assets
	Acquired technology and patents	12 years		$	2,161	$	(1,467	)	$	694
	Acquired customers	19 years		126,481		(22,027		)	104,454
	Other	17 years		1,421		(414		)	1,007
	Intangible assets subject to amortization	19 years		130,063		(23,908		)	106,155
	Proprietary processes	Indefinite							3,578
	In process research and development	Indefinite							610
	Trademarks	Indefinite							6,060
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill								10,248
	Total								$	116,403
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of goodwill are as follows:
	Balance as of December 31, 2011		$	229,112
		Adjustment to goodwill	(402		)
		Effects of foreign currency	424
	Balance as of December 29, 2012		$	229,134
		Impairment of goodwill	(47,479		)
		Effects of foreign currency	218
	Balance as of September 28, 2013		$	181,873

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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 28, 2013										December 29, 2012
		Fair Value Measurements										Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(unaudited)
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	570		$	—	$	570		$	—	$	920		$	—	$	920
	Foreign currency forwards	—		—			—		—			—		242			—		242
	Total assets	$	—	$	570		$	—	$	570		$	—	$	1,162		$	—	$	1,162
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(1,932	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)	$	—	$	(4,396	)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 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 28, 2013			September 29, 2012			September 28, 2013			September 29, 2012
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Realized (gains) losses on derivative instruments	$	84		$	(71	)	$	264		$	(71	)	Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	(37		)	25			(116		)	25			Income tax expense (benefit)
	Net of tax	$	47		$	(46	)	$	148		$	(46	)

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	'
	The provision for income taxes differs from that computed at the Federal statutory rate of 35% in 2013 and 2012, respectively, as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12			28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	(18,090	)	$	1,981		$	(17,703	)	$	3,565
	State income taxes	(2,015		)	239			(1,996		)	430
	State tax credits	(72		)	(38		)	(68		)	(68		)
	Foreign income taxes	869			30			811			54
	Qualified production activities deduction	14			(134		)	—			(241		)
	Research and development credits--current year	(195		)	(24		)	(212		)	(42		)
	Valuation allowance	579			(287		)	540			692
	Goodwill impairment	6,581			—			6,581			—
	Reserve for uncertain tax positions	(4,970		)	62			(4,914		)	111
	Other	138			92			22			(521		)
		$	(17,161	)	$	1,921		$	(16,939	)	$	3,980
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	6,179
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	—
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	—
	Settlements	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	6,179
	Additions based on tax positions--current year	82
	Additions for tax positions--prior years	936
	Settlements	—
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	(5,231		)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	1,966

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Reportable segment information is as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	75,785		$	22,218		—			$	98,003		—			$	98,003
	Intersegment revenues	1,575			13			—			1,588			$	(1,588	)	—
	Total revenues	77,360			22,231			—			99,591			(1,588		)	98,003
	Depreciation and amortization	4,358			1,523			$	62		5,943			—			5,943
	Operating income (loss)	(25,708		)	(18,290		)	(2,558		)	(46,556		)	44			(46,512		)
	Interest expense																4,337
	Derivatives valuation loss																5
	Other																831
	Loss before income taxes																(51,685		)
	Total assets	324,850			183,420			16,800			525,070			—			525,070
		Three Months Ended September 29, 2012
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	76,132		$	24,797		—			$	100,929		—			$	100,929
	Intersegment revenues	2,703			74			—			2,777			$	(2,777	)	—
	Total revenues	78,835			24,871			—			103,706			(2,777		)	100,929
	Depreciation and amortization	4,488			1,642			$	54		6,184			—			6,184
	Operating income (loss)	9,394			4,298			(3,328		)	10,364			(192		)	10,172
	Interest expense																4,737
	Derivatives valuation gain																(116		)
	Other																(108		)
	Income before income taxes																5,659
	Total assets	380,568			211,568			20,637			612,773			—			612,773
		Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	232,096		$	66,719		—			$	298,815		—			$	298,815
	Intersegment revenues	4,046			48			—			4,094			$	(4,094	)	—
	Total revenues	236,142			66,767			—			302,909			(4,094		)	298,815
	Depreciation and amortization	13,135			4,520			$	164		17,819			—			17,819
	Operating income (loss)	(11,649		)	(16,330		)	(7,965		)	(35,944		)	47			(35,897		)
	Interest expense																13,508
	Derivatives valuation loss																242
	Other																933
	Loss before income taxes																(50,580		)
	Total assets	324,850			183,420			16,800			525,070			—			525,070
		Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012
		OEM			Symmetry			Unallocated			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Solutions			Surgical						segments						Total
		(unaudited)
	Revenues
	External revenues	$	225,178		$	78,771		—			$	303,949		—			$	303,949
	Intersegment revenues	6,854			292			—			7,146			$	(7,146	)	—
	Total revenues	232,032			79,063			—			311,095			(7,146		)	303,949
	Depreciation and amortization	13,895			4,850			$	161		18,906			—			18,906
	Operating income (loss)	18,047			15,085			(8,679		)	24,453			(105		)	24,348
	Interest expense																14,905
	Derivatives valuation gain																(179		)
	Other																(562		)
	Income before income taxes																10,184
	Total assets	380,568			211,568			20,637			612,773			—			612,773
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area	'
	Revenues to External Customers:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12			28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	United States	$	73,464		$	73,473		$	223,478		$	223,124
	Ireland	5,140			5,432			17,475			16,455
	United Kingdom	7,311			8,036			22,953			22,489
	Other foreign countries	12,088			13,988			34,909			41,881
	Total revenues	$	98,003		$	100,929		$	298,815		$	303,949
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	28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12			28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
		(unaudited)						(unaudited)
	OEM Solutions Revenue
	Instrument	$	27,200		$	29,633		$	83,445		$	85,197
	Implant	26,108			25,632			80,213			75,499
	Cases	16,959			14,209			50,432			44,569
	Other	5,518			6,658			18,006			19,913
	Total OEM Solutions Revenue	75,785			76,132			232,096			225,178
	Total Symmetry Surgical Revenue	22,218			24,797			66,719			78,771
	Total Revenue	$	98,003		$	100,929		$	298,815		$	303,949

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
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
		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12		28-Sep-13			29-Sep-12
		(unaudited)					(unaudited)
	Earnings per share - Basic:
	Net income (loss)	$	(34,524	)	$	3,738	$	(33,641	)	$	6,204
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic	36,345			36,044		36,312			35,951
	Earnings per share - Basic	$	(0.95	)	$	0.1	$	(0.93	)	$	0.17
	Earnings per share - Diluted:
	Net income (loss)	$	(34,524	)	$	3,738	$	(33,641	)	$	6,204
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic	36,345			36,044		36,312			35,951
	Effect of dilution	—			468		—			409
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted	36,345			36,512		36,312			36,360
	Earnings per share - Diluted	$	(0.95	)	$	0.1	$	(0.93	)	$	0.17

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of weeks in fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'364 days	'364 days
Number of weeks in interim quarter	'91 days	'91 days	'91 days	'91 days	'91 days	'91 days	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of weeks in fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'364 days	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of weeks in fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'371 days	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw material and supplies	$11,691	$12,683
Work-in-process	20,315	20,335
Finished goods	28,568	31,419
Inventory, net	$60,574	$64,437

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

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

$233,849

$231,473

$5,969

$6,572

$42,318

$42,885

'

'

$161,382

$156,157

'

'

$21,367

$19,445

'

'

$2,813

$6,414

Less accumulated depreciation

-142,593

-133,427

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, net

$91,256

$98,046

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'19 years	'19 years
Gross Intangible Assets	$125,676	$130,063
Accumulated Amortization	-27,217	-23,908
Net Intangible Assets	98,459	106,155
Infinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill	8,716	10,248
Total	107,175	116,403
In Process Research and Development [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Infinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill	'	610
Acquired Technology and Patents [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'11 years	'12 years
Gross Intangible Assets	1,730	2,161
Accumulated Amortization	-1,143	-1,467
Net Intangible Assets	587	694
Acquired Customers [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'19 years	'19 years
Gross Intangible Assets	123,946	126,481
Accumulated Amortization	-26,074	-22,027
Net Intangible Assets	97,872	104,454
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'	'17 years
Gross Intangible Assets	'	1,421
Accumulated Amortization	'	-414
Net Intangible Assets	'	1,007
Proprietary Processes [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Infinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill	3,577	3,578
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Infinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill	$5,139	$6,060

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Balance	$229,134	'
Adjustment to goodwill	'	-402
Effects of foreign currency	218	424
Impairment of goodwill	-47,479	'
Balance	$181,873	$229,112

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	'	$51,646
Goodwill, impairment	'	47,479
Annual intangible asset amortization expense in 2014	6,900	6,900
Annual intangible asset amortization expense in 2015	6,900	6,900
Annual intangible asset amortization expense in 2016	6,900	6,900
Annual intangible asset amortization expense in 2017	6,900	6,900
Annual intangible asset amortization expense in 2018	6,900	6,900
Oem Solutions [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	31,837	'
Goodwill, impairment	'	29,200
Assets, impairment	'	281
Reporting Unit 1 [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	12.50%
Reporting Unit 2 [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	15.80%
Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	19,809	'
Goodwill, impairment	'	18,278
Reporting Unit 3 [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	'	12.50%
Trade Names [Member] | Oem Solutions [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, impairment	'	953
Trade Names [Member] | Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, impairment	'	921
Customer Relationships [Member] | Oem Solutions [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, impairment	'	1,403
In Process Research and Development [Member] | Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, impairment	'	$610
For Year of 2014 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue growth rate	'	4.00%
For Year of 2014 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue growth rate	'	34.00%
For Year 2015 and Beyond [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue growth rate	'	2.00%
For Year 2015 and Beyond [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue growth rate	'	8.00%

Derivatives_Details

Derivatives (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Mar. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	Amended Credit Agreement [Member]	Amended Credit Agreement [Member]	Amended Credit Agreement [Member]
				Swap [Member]	Swap [Member]		USD ($)	By December 2022 [Member]
				USD ($)	EUR (€)			USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum percent of interest on current and projected borrowings to be hedged	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Minimum period of interest to be hedged	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Notional amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$79,494	$37,500
Fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.60%	'
Higher fixed interest rate range	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.81%	'
Interest rate swaps	1,932	1,932	4,396	'	'	'	'	'
Description of variable rate basis	'	'one-month LIBOR	'one-month LIBOR	'	'	'	'	'
Gains (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges, pretax, accumulated other comprehensive income	-264	2,464	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate derivative liabilities, at fair value, current	271	271	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	'	'	'	'	3,161	'	'	'
Derivative net asset position aggregate fair value	'	'	'	$242	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	($1,932)	($4,396)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	570	920
Foreign currency forwards	0	242
Total assets	570	1,162
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	-1,932	-4,396
Total liabilities	-1,932	-4,396
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Foreign currency forwards	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	570	920
Foreign currency forwards	0	242
Total assets	570	1,162
Liabilities	'	'
Interest rate swaps	-1,932	-4,396
Total liabilities	-1,932	-4,396
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Foreign currency forwards	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. 28, 2013
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Periodic payment, principal	$2,778,000
Percentage fixed interest	14.00%
Corporation's debt to EBITDA covenant ratio	3.2
Corporation's interest coverage ratio	1.84
Excess cash flow payment amount	22,073,000
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Debt to EBITDA covenant ratio	3.5
Maximum [Member] | For the Year End [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Debt to EBITDA covenant ratio required	3.25
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Interest coverage ratio	1.2
Minimum [Member] | For the Year End [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Interest coverage ratio required	1.25
Medium-term Notes [Member]	'
Schedule of Long-term and Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt	67,008,000
Maturity date	29-Dec-17
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	113,288,000
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

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	($17,161)	$1,921	($16,939)	$3,980
Net income (loss)	34,524	-3,738	33,641	-6,204
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	84	-71	264	-71
Income tax expense (benefit)	-37	25	-116	25
Net income (loss)	$47	($46)	$148	($46)

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax at Federal statutory rate	($18,090)	$1,981	($17,703)	$3,565
State income taxes	-2,015	239	-1,996	430
State tax credits	-72	-38	-68	-68
Foreign income taxes	869	30	811	54
Qualified production activities deduction	14	-134	0	-241
Research and development credits--current year	-195	-24	-212	-42
Valuation allowance	579	-287	540	692
Goodwill impairment	6,581	0	6,581	0
Income Tax Reconciliation, Reserve for Uncertain Tax Position	-4,970	62	-4,914	111
Other	138	92	22	-521
Total	($17,161)	$1,921	($16,939)	$3,980

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,966	$6,179	$6,179
Additions based on tax positions--current year	82	0	'
Additions for tax positions--prior years	936	0	'
Settlements	0	0	'
Lapses of statutes of limitations	-5,231	'	'
Ending balance	$1,966	$6,179	$6,179

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	'	'	35.00%	35.00%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$1,966	'	$1,966	'	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	152	'	152	'	856
Income tax benefit	17,161	-1,921	16,939	-3,980	'
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit	'	'	$5,231	'	'

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
External revenues	$98,003	$100,929	$298,815	$303,949	'
Intersegment revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Total revenues	98,003	100,929	298,815	303,949	'
Depreciation and amortization	5,943	6,184	17,819	18,906	'
Operating income (loss)	-46,512	10,172	-35,897	24,348	'
Interest expense	4,337	4,737	13,508	14,905	'
Derivatives valuation (gain) loss	5	-116	242	-179	'
Other	831	-108	933	-562	'
Income before income taxes	-51,685	5,659	-50,580	10,184	'
Total assets	525,070	612,773	525,070	612,773	605,318
OEM Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
External revenues	75,785	76,132	232,096	225,178	'
Intersegment revenues	1,575	2,703	4,046	6,854	'
Total revenues	77,360	78,835	236,142	232,032	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,358	4,488	13,135	13,895	'
Operating income (loss)	-25,708	9,394	-11,649	18,047	'
Total assets	324,850	380,568	324,850	380,568	'
Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
External revenues	22,218	24,797	66,719	78,771	'
Intersegment revenues	13	74	48	292	'
Total revenues	22,231	24,871	66,767	79,063	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,523	1,642	4,520	4,850	'
Operating income (loss)	-18,290	4,298	-16,330	15,085	'
Total assets	183,420	211,568	183,420	211,568	'
Unallocated [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Depreciation and amortization	62	54	164	161	'
Operating income (loss)	-2,558	-3,328	-7,965	-8,679	'
Total assets	16,800	20,637	16,800	20,637	'
Combined Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
External revenues	98,003	100,929	298,815	303,949	'
Intersegment revenues	1,588	2,777	4,094	7,146	'
Total revenues	99,591	103,706	302,909	311,095	'
Depreciation and amortization	5,943	6,184	17,819	18,906	'
Operating income (loss)	-46,556	10,364	-35,944	24,453	'
Total assets	525,070	612,773	525,070	612,773	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Intersegment revenues	-1,588	-2,777	-4,094	-7,146	'
Total revenues	-1,588	-2,777	-4,094	-7,146	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	44	-192	47	-105	'
Total assets	$0	$0	$0	$0	'

Segment_Reporting_Details_1

Segment Reporting (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$98,003	$100,929	$298,815	$303,949
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	73,464	73,473	223,478	223,124
Ireland [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	5,140	5,432	17,475	16,455
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	7,311	8,036	22,953	22,489
Other Foreign Countries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$12,088	$13,988	$34,909	$41,881

Segment_Reporting_Details_2

Segment Reporting (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$98,003	$100,929	$298,815	$303,949
Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	27,200	29,633	83,445	85,197
Implant [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	26,108	25,632	80,213	75,499
Cases [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	16,959	14,209	50,432	44,569
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	5,518	6,658	18,006	19,913
Original Equipment Manufacturer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	75,785	76,132	232,096	225,178
Symmetry Surgical [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$22,218	$24,797	$66,719	$78,771

Segment_Reporting_Details_Text

Segment Reporting (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
	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	1	1	1
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Customer One [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	31.40%	29.90%	32.10%	29.60%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Customer One, Including Codman [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	32.30%	'	32.60%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Customer Two [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	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. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings per share - Basic:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($34,524)	$3,738	($33,641)	$6,204
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	36,345	36,044	36,312	35,951
Earnings per share - Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.95)	$0.10	($0.93)	$0.17
Earnings per share - Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($34,524)	$3,738	($33,641)	$6,204
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	36,345	36,044	36,312	35,951
Effect of dilution	0	468	0	409
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	36,345	36,512	36,312	36,360
Earnings per share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.95)	$0.10	($0.93)	$0.17

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details_T

Net Income Per Share (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Performance-based shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS	273

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring_

Accounts Receivable Factoring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Accounts Receivable Factoring [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, face value	$948	$1,644	$2,958	$5,299
Fees paid for factoring	$6	$12	$21	$37

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unconditional purchase obligations contract price	$6,734
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, purchases	$9,951

Facility_Closure_and_Severance1

Facility Closure and Severance Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Facility Consolidation and Severance Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Facility closure and severance costs	$508	($76)	$1,431	$596	'
Severance accruals	$592	'	$592	'	$177