BlueLinx (BXC) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Feb. 19, 2015	Jul. 05, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1301787
Trading Symbol	bxc
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-2
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		89,416,236
Entity Public Float			$34,205,977
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	3-Jan-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash	$4,522	$5,034
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $3,112 in fiscal 2014 and $4,359 in fiscal 2013	144,537	150,297
Inventories, net	242,546	223,580
Other current assets	23,289	22,814
Total current assets	414,894	401,725
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land and land improvements	41,095	41,176
Buildings	90,161	90,082
Machinery and equipment	77,279	73,004
Construction in progress	1,188	3,028
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost	209,723	207,290
Accumulated depreciation	-104,456	-96,171
Property, plant, and equipment, net	105,267	111,119
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	501	824
Other non-current assets	18,320	14,821
Total assets	538,982	528,489
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	67,291	60,363
Bank overdrafts	27,280	19,377
Accrued compensation	5,643	4,173
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,679	9,141
Deferred income taxes, net	518	823
Other current liabilities	13,831	12,949
Total current liabilities	117,242	106,826
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	403,274	387,238
Other non-current liabilities	54,492	40,323
Total liabilities	575,008	534,387
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 88,748,638 and 86,545,000 shares issued and outstanding at January 3, 2015 and January 4, 2014, respectively	888	866
Additional paid-in capital	253,051	251,150
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-34,425	-16,293
Accumulated stockholders’ equity (deficit)	-255,540	-241,621
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	-36,026	-5,898
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$538,982	$528,489

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for receivables	$3,112	$4,359
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	88,748,638	86,545,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	88,748,638	86,545,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,979,393	$2,151,972	$1,907,842
Cost of sales	1,750,289	1,923,489	1,677,772
Gross profit	229,104	228,483	230,070
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative	206,095	240,667	215,996
Depreciation and amortization	9,473	9,117	8,565
Total operating expenses	215,568	249,784	224,561
Operating income (loss)	13,536	-21,301	5,509
Non-operating expenses (income):
Interest expense	26,771	28,024	28,157
Other expense (income), net	325	306	-7
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-13,560	-49,631	-22,641
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	312	-9,013	386
Net income (loss)	-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	86,001	80,163	65,452
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share applicable to common stock (in dollars per share)	($0.16)	($0.51)	($0.35)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of taxes	-481	-161	103
Unrealized gain (loss) from pension plan, net of taxes	-17,651	13,910	-8,245
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-18,132	13,749	-8,142
Comprehensive income (loss)	($32,004)	($26,869)	($31,169)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($13,872)	($40,618)	($23,027)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operations:
Depreciation and amortization	9,473	9,117	8,565
Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts	3,156	3,184	3,746
Write-off of debt issuance costs	0	119	0
Gain from sale of properties	-5,251	-5,220	-9,885
Gain from property insurance settlements	0	0	-476
Vacant property charges	0	1,321	-30
Severance charges	2,067	5,607	0
Payments on modification on lease agreement	0	-300	-5,875
Deferred income tax benefit charge (benefit)	17	-5	-20
Restructuring payments	-2,805	-3,057	-6,084
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to hourly pension plan	0	-8,894	0
Pension expense	901	4,591	3,942
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	3,840	3,222	2,797
Share-based compensation, restructuring related	0	2,895	0
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash related to insurance and other	-263	-1,810	695
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	-942	-3,062	889
Accrued compensation and other	-2,442	-3,033	4,538
Change in net cash used in other operating activities	-6,121	-35,943	-20,225
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	5,760	7,168	-18,593
Inventories	-18,966	6,479	-44,482
Accounts payable	7,026	-17,585	9,050
Net cash used in operating activities	-12,301	-39,881	-74,250
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property, plant, and equipment investments	-3,016	-4,912	-2,826
Proceeds from disposition of assets	7,368	10,365	19,195
Net cash provided by investing activities	4,352	5,453	16,369
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	-16	16	0
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	-957	-3,192	-526
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	-476,473	-560,186	-473,349
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities	494,794	599,968	550,270
Principal payments on mortgage	-9,220	-19,038	-37,272
Payments on capital lease obligations	-2,228	-3,142	-2,259
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	7,902	-16,007	13,020
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to the mortgage	-6,066	40	9,970
Debt financing costs	-201	-2,900	-1,683
Proceeds from stock offering less expenses paid	-98	38,715	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	7,437	34,274	58,171
Increase (decrease) in cash	-512	-154	290
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period	5,034	5,188	4,898
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	4,522	5,034	5,188
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Net income tax payments during the period	-210	-332	-508
Interest paid during the period	23,147	24,706	24,288
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases	$1,108	$5,069	$5,238

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$8,374	$620	$207,626	($21,900)	($177,972)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		62,013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-23,027				-23,027
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	103			103
Unrealized loss from pension plan, net of tax	-8,245			-8,245
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)		1,875
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	19	19
Compensation related to share-based grants	2,730		2,730
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants (in shares)		-224
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	-526	-2	-524
Other	-20		-17		-3
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	-20,592	637	209,815	-30,042	-201,002
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2012		63,664
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-40,618				-40,618
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-161			-161
Unrealized loss from pension plan, net of tax	13,910			13,910
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)		651
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	6	6
Compensation related to share-based grants	6,117		6,117
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants (in shares)		-1,255
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	-3,193	-12	-3,181
Other	-2		-1		-1
Impact of performance shares (in shares)		628
Impact of performance shares	6	6
Issuance of stock related to rights offerings, net of expenses (in shares)		22,857
Issuance of stock related to rights offerings, net of expenses	38,613	229	38,384
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	16		16
Balance at Jan. 04, 2014	-5,898	866	251,150	-16,293	-241,621
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 04, 2014		86,545
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-13,872
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-481			-481
Unrealized loss from pension plan, net of tax	-17,651			-17,651
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)		1,827
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	18	18
Compensation related to share-based grants	2,896		2,896
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants (in shares)		-662
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	-963	-6	-957
Other	-69		-22		-47
Impact of performance shares (in shares)		1,039
Impact of performance shares	10	10
Issuance of stock related to rights offerings, net of expenses (in shares)		0
Issuance of stock related to rights offerings, net of expenses	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	-16		-16
Balance at Jan. 03, 2015	($36,026)	$888	$253,051	($34,425)	($255,540)
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 03, 2015		88,749

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	BlueLinx is a wholesale supplier of building products in North America. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Fiscal 2014 contained 52 weeks, fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks, and fiscal 2012 contained 52 weeks.
	Use of Estimates
	We are required to make estimates and assumptions when preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under ASU 2013-11, entities are required to present unrecognized tax benefits as a decrease in a net operating loss, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, if certain criteria are met. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and the deferred tax asset that exists at the reporting date and presumes disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. The amendment, which did not materially impact our financial statements, is effective for public companies in fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations. This accounting standard, which did not materially impact our financial statements, is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We adopted this guidance during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
	New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP and is intended to improve and converge with international standards the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosures about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In September 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. The ASU requires management to evaluate relevant conditions, events and certain management plans that are known or reasonably knowable as of the evaluation date when determining whether substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists within one year from the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	Reclassifications
	Certain other amounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements and notes have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. During fiscal 2014, we separately have detailed certain amounts, which historically had been presented as “Other” changes in the “Cash flows from operating activities.” To conform the historical presentation to the current and future presentation, we separately have detailed similar items, including certain prepaid assets and inventory in prior periods from “Other” changes in the “Cash flows from operating activities.”
	Additionally, during fiscal 2014, we reclassified certain amounts relating to debt discount, which historically had been presented as “Other non-current assets” to “Long-term debt” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To conform the historical presentation to the current and future presentation, we reclassified similar items in prior periods from “Other non-current assets” to “Long-term debt” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition largely is dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board (“FOB”) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
	In addition, we provide inventory to certain customers through pre-arranged agreements on a consignment basis. Customer consigned inventory is maintained and stored by certain customers; however, ownership and risk of loss remains with us. When the consigned inventory is sold by the customer, we recognize revenue on a gross basis. Customer consigned inventory was approximately $6.3 million and $10.1 million at January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, respectively.
	All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been insignificant for each of the reported periods.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value, do not bear interest, and consist of amounts owed for orders shipped to customers. Management establishes an overall credit policy for sales to customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a number of factors including specific customer account reviews, historical loss experience, current economic trends, and the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations.
	Inventory Valuation
	The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We have included all material charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost or market. Additionally, we estimate and maintain a reserve for damaged, excess and obsolete inventory.
	Consideration Received from Vendors and Paid to Customers
	Each year, we enter into agreements with many of our vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates, generally based on achievement of specified volume purchasing levels. We also receive rebates related to price protection and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the receipt of vendor rebates based on purchases, and also reduce inventory to reflect the net acquisition cost (purchase price less expected purchase rebates). As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, the vendor rebate receivable totaled $7.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been immaterial.
	In addition, we enter into agreements with many of our customers to offer customer rebates, generally based on achievement of specified sales levels and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the payment of customer rebates based on sales to the customer, and also reduce sales to reflect the net sales (sales price less expected customer rebates). As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, the customer rebate payable totaled $6.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been immaterial.
	Shipping and Handling
	Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs included in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses were $91.8 million, $99.7 million, and $91.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses of $0.6 million, $1.2 million, and $1.1 million were included in “Selling, general and administrative” expenses for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Lease obligations for which we assume or retain substantially all the property rights and risks of ownership are capitalized. Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included in “Depreciation and amortization” expense. Replacements of major units of property are capitalized and the replaced properties are retired. Replacements of minor components of property and repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in income.
	Share-Based Compensation
	We recognize compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all share-based payment awards that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, unless the awards are subject to market or performance conditions, in which case we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche to the extent market and performance conditions are considered probable. The calculation of fair value related to share-based compensation is subject to certain assumptions discussed in more detail in Note 10. Management updates such estimates when circumstances warrant. All compensation expense related to our share-based payment awards is recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	Income Taxes
	We account for deferred income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net, as current and noncurrent. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when necessary. For additional information about our income taxes, see Note 5.
	Self-Insurance
	The Company is self-insured, up to certain limits, for most workers’ compensation losses, employee health benefits, general liability, and automotive liability losses, all subject to varying “per occurrence” retentions or deductible limits. The Company provides for estimated costs to settle both known claims and claims incurred but not yet reported. Liabilities associated with these claims are estimated, in part, by considering the frequency and severity of historical claims, both specific to us, as well as industry-wide loss experience and other actuarial assumptions. We determine our insurance obligations with the assistance of actuarial firms. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording insurance liabilities and in the case of workers’ compensation a significant period of time elapses before the ultimate resolution of claims, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities.

Assets_Held_for_Sale

Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	In fiscal 2014, we designated certain assets as held for sale, due to strategic realignments of our business. At the time of designation, we ceased recognizing depreciation expense on these assets. As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, total assets held for sale were $0.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, and were included in “Other current assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we finalized the sale of the Portland, Oregon, facility, which had a carrying amount of $1.9 million, and recognized a gain of $5.1 million on the sale in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We also designated our Shreveport, Louisiana, distribution center as held for sale during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. This property has a total carrying amount of $0.2 million, and we plan to finalize a sale of the facility within the next 12 months. We continue to actively market all properties that are designated as held for sale.

Restricted_Cash_Restricted_Cas

Restricted Cash Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash primarily includes amounts held in escrow related to our mortgage and insurance for workers’ compensation, auto liability, and general liability. Restricted cash is included in “Other current assets” and “Other non-current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The table below provides the balances of each individual component in restricted cash:
		3-Jan-15		4-Jan-14
		(In thousands)
	Cash in escrow:
	Mortgage	$	6,067	$	—
	Insurance	7,430		7,921
	Other	4,513		3,760
	Total	$	18,010	$	11,681

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	We account for exit and disposal costs by recognizing a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity at fair value in the period in which it is incurred, or when the we cease using the right conveyed by a contract (i.e., the right to use a leased property). We account for severance and outplacement costs by recognizing a liability for employees’ rights to post-employment benefits when management has committed to a plan, due to the existence of a post-employment benefit agreement. These costs are included in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), and in “Accrued compensation” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During fiscal 2013, we strategically reviewed our distribution centers, which resulted in designating five distribution centers to be sold or closed. These distribution centers were closed or ceased operations during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Also during fiscal 2013, we announced a change in executive leadership and reduction in force. These events are referred to as the “2013 restructuring”. In connection with the 2013 restructuring the Company recognized severance-related charges of $5.7 million, $2.9 million of related share-based compensation, and $1.4 million of other restructuring charges during fiscal 2013. In addition, the Company recognized facility lease obligation charges of $1.4 million for two closed facilities during fiscal 2013.
	The table below summarizes our restructuring activity:
		Reduction in			Facility Lease			Total
		Force			Obligation
		Activities
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Charges	5,709			1,398			7,107
	Adjustments to reserves	(102		)	(68		)	(170		)
	Payments	(3,057		)	(402		)	(3,459		)
	Balance at January 4, 2014	$	2,550		$	928		$	3,478
	Charges	—			—			—
	Adjustments to reserves	(168		)	32			(136		)
	Payments	(2,069		)	(413		)	(2,482		)
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	313		$	547		$	860

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		Ended January 3,			Ended January 4,			Ended December 29,
		2015			2014			2012
		(In thousands)
	Federal income taxes:
	Current	$	—		$	(492	)	$	16
	Deferred	—			(7,385		)	—
	State income taxes:
	Current	160			192			334
	Deferred	—			(1,343		)	—
	Foreign income taxes:
	Current	134			19			56
	Deferred	18			(4		)	(20		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	312		$	(9,013	)	$	386
	The federal statutory income tax rate was 35%. Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory amount as follows:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		Ended January 3,			Ended January 4,			Ended December 29,
		2015			2014			2012
		(In thousands)
	Benefit from income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate	$	(4,746	)	$	(17,371	)	$	(7,924	)
	Benefit from state income taxes, net of federal benefit	(623		)	(1,991		)	(866		)
	Valuation allowance change	5,656			19,445			8,820
	Nondeductible items	232			270			484
	Benefit from allocation of income taxes to other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(8,726		)	—
	Other	(207		)	(640		)	(128		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	312		$	(9,013	)	$	386
	In accordance with the intraperiod tax allocation provisions of GAAP, we are required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit resulting from a loss from continuing operations that should be allocated to continuing operations. In fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2012, there were no intraperiod tax allocations, since there was a loss in other comprehensive income for these periods. In fiscal 2013, a non-cash tax benefit was recorded on the loss from continuing operations in the amount of $8.7 million, which was offset in full by income tax expense recorded in other comprehensive income. While the income tax benefit from continuing operations is reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), the income tax expense on other comprehensive income is recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a component of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
	Our financial statements contain certain deferred tax assets which primarily resulted from tax benefits associated with the loss before income taxes, as well as net deferred income tax assets resulting from other temporary differences related to certain reserves, pension obligations, and differences between book and tax depreciation and amortization. We record a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets when we determine that based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	In our evaluation of the weight of available evidence, we considered recent reported losses as negative evidence which carried substantial weight. Therefore, we considered evidence related to the four sources of taxable income, to determine whether such positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence associated with the losses incurred. The positive evidence considered included:
	•taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law;
	•future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
	•tax planning strategies; and
	•future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.
	During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, we weighed all available positive and negative evidence, and concluded that the weight of the negative evidence of cumulative losses over several years continued to outweigh the positive evidence.  Based on the conclusions reached, we maintained a full valuation allowance during fiscal years 2014 and 2013.
	The components of our net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
		January 3,			January 4,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Inventory reserves	$	3,333		$	2,832
	Compensation-related accruals	5,434			4,893
	Accruals and reserves	787			1,030
	Accounts receivable	728			1,291
	Restructuring costs	212			488
	Property and equipment	16			—
	Pension	13,214			8,245
	Benefit from net operating loss (“NOL”) carryovers (1)	76,264			70,169
	Other	685			703
	Total gross deferred income tax assets	100,673			89,651
	Less: Valuation allowances	(99,979		)	(88,279		)
	Total net deferred income tax assets	$	694		$	1,372
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	—			(365		)
	Other	(711		)	(1,006		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	(711		)	(1,371		)
	Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net	$	(17	)	$	1
	-1	Our federal NOL carryovers are $184.2 million and will expire in 14 to 20 years. Our state NOL carryovers are $238.5 million and will expire in 1 to 20 years.
	Activity in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		Ended January 3,			Ended January 4,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of the year	$	88,279		$	78,050
Valuation allowance provided for taxes related to:
Loss before income taxes	11,700			10,229
Balance at end of the year	$	99,979		$	88,279
We have recorded income tax and related interest liabilities where we believe certain of our tax positions are not more likely than not to be sustained if challenged. The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	873
Increases related to current year tax positions	—
Additions for tax positions in prior years	—
Reductions for tax positions in prior years	—
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statue of limitations	(47		)
Settlements	—
Balance at December 29, 2012	826
Increases related to current year tax positions	—
Additions for tax positions in prior years	—
Reductions for tax positions in prior years	—
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statue of limitations	(567		)
Settlements	—
Balance at January 4, 2014	259
Increases related to current year tax positions	—
Additions for tax positions in prior years	—
Reductions for tax positions in prior years	—
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(75		)
Settlements	—
Balance at January 3, 2015	$	184
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits at January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce our annual effective tax rate. We also accrued an immaterial amount of interest related to these unrecognized tax benefits during fiscal 2014 and 2013, and this amount is reported in “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change materially over the next 12 months.
We file U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2011 through 2014 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state and foreign tax authorities.

Revolving_Credit_Facilities

Revolving Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facilities	Revolving Credit Facilities
	On August 4, 2006, we entered into our U.S. revolving credit facility, as later amended, with several lenders including Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. The U.S. revolving credit facility has a final maturity of April 15, 2016, and maximum available credit of $467.5 million, which includes the $20.0 million Tranche A Loan, the maturity date of which is described below. The U.S. revolving credit facility also includes an additional $75.0 million uncommitted accordion credit facility, which permits us to increase the maximum available credit up to $542.5 million. Amounts outstanding under the U.S. revolving credit facility are secured on a first priority basis, by substantially all of our personal property and trade fixtures, including all accounts receivable, general intangibles, inventory, and equipment.
	On August 14, 2014, we amended our U.S. revolving credit facility, extending the final maturity date of the Tranche A Loan to June 30, 2015, and adjusting the credit limits of the loan to step down the available credit by $2.0 million per month beginning April 1, 2015, unless the principal payments cause excess availability to become less than $50.0 million, or an event of default exists.
	As of January 3, 2015, we had outstanding borrowings of $225.6 million and excess availability of $58.5 million under the terms of the U.S. revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the U.S. revolving credit facility was 3.9% at January 3, 2015.
	Our subsidiary BlueLinx Canada has the Canadian revolving credit facility with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce due upon the the earlier of August 12, 2016, or the maturity date of the U.S. revolving credit facility. The Canadian revolving credit facility has a maximum available credit of $10.0 million. The Canadian revolving credit facility also provides for an additional $5.0 million uncommitted accordion credit facility, which permits us to increase the maximum available credit up to $15.0 million.
	As of January 3, 2015, we had outstanding borrowings of $4.0 million and excess availability of $1.0 million under the terms of our Canadian revolving credit facility. The interest rate on the Canadian revolving credit facility was 4.0% at January 3, 2015.
	Our U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facilities contain customary negative covenants and restrictions for asset based loans. The only covenant we deem material is a requirement that we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 in the event our excess availability under the U.S. revolving credit facility falls below the greater of $33.2 million during the time the Tranche A Loan is outstanding, and $31.8 million at all times thereafter; or the amount equal to 12.5% of the lesser of the borrowing base or $467.5 million during the time the Tranche A Loan is outstanding, and $447.5 million at all times thereafter. We do not anticipate that our excess availability will drop below the Excess Availability Threshold as defined in the U.S. revolving credit facility agreement in the foreseeable future; however, if we did fall below this threshold, we currently would not meet the required fixed charge coverage ratio. We are in compliance with all covenants under these revolving credit facilities.

Mortgage

Mortgage	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage	Mortgage
	We have a ten year mortgage loan with German American Capital Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank. The mortgage matures on July 1, 2016, and is secured by the Company’s 49 distribution facilities. The stated interest rate on the mortgage is fixed at 6.35%. Loan principal will be paid in the following increments:
		Principal Payments
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	2,678
	2016	175,044
	Total	$	177,722

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	We determine a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value measurement guidance established a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3).
	Fair value measurements for defined benefit pension plan
	The fair value hierarchy discussed above not only is applicable to assets and liabilities that are included in our consolidated balance sheets, but also is applied to certain other assets that indirectly impact our consolidated financial statements. For example, we sponsor and contribute to a single-employer defined benefit pension plan (see Note 9). Assets contributed by us become the property of the pension plan. Even though the Company no longer has control over these assets, we are indirectly impacted by subsequent fair value adjustments to these assets. The actual return on these assets impacts our future net periodic benefit cost, as well as amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses the fair value hierarchy to measure the fair value of assets held by our pension plan. We believe the pension plan asset fair value valuation to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, as the assets held in the pension plan under GAAP consist of publicly traded securities.
	Fair value measurements for financial instruments
	Carrying amounts for our financial instruments are not significantly different from their fair value, with the exception of our mortgage. To determine the fair value of our mortgage, we used a discounted cash flow model. We believe the mortgage fair value valuation to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, as the valuation model has inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the liability. Assumptions critical to our fair value measurements in the period are present value factors used in determining fair value and an interest rate. At January 3, 2015, the discounted carrying amount and fair value of our mortgage was $177.7 million and $183.0 million, respectively.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee Benefits
	Single-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan
	Some of our hourly employees participate in a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan administered solely by us (the “pension plan”). Our funding policy for the pension plan is based on actuarial calculations and the applicable requirements of federal law.  Benefits under the pension plan primarily are related to years of service.
	The following tables set forth the change in projected benefit obligation and the change in plan assets for the pension plan:
		January 3,				January 4,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	104,924			$	114,330
	Service cost	1,056				2,193
	Interest cost	5,123				4,750
	Actuarial (gain) loss	15,797				(10,710		)
	Curtailment	—				(910		)
	Benefits paid	(4,945		)		(4,729		)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of period	121,955				104,924
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of assets at beginning of period	77,039				67,760
	Actual return on plan assets	3,422				13,536
	Employer contributions	4,676				472
	Benefits paid	(4,945		)		(4,729		)
	Fair value of assets at end of period	80,192				77,039
	Net (unfunded) status of plan	$	(41,763	)		$	(27,885	)
	We recognize the unfunded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. On January 3, 2015, we measured the fair value of our plan assets and benefit obligations. As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, the net unfunded status of our benefit plan was $41.8 million and $27.9 million, respectively. These amounts were included in “Other non-current liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from the estimates used to determine the components of net periodic pension cost, and when certain assumptions used to determine the fair value of the plan assets or projected benefit obligation are updated; including but not limited to, changes in the discount rate, plan amendments, differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets, mortality assumptions, and plan remeasurement.
	We amortize a portion of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses for the pension plan into our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The amount recognized in the current year’s operations is based on amortizing the unrecognized gains or losses for the pension plan that exceed the larger of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets, also known as the corridor. In the current fiscal year, the amount representing the unrecognized gain or loss that exceeds the corridor is amortized over the average future service of the active plan participants.
	The net adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was a $17.7 million loss; $13.9 million gain ($22.8 million gain, net of tax of $8.9 million); and a $8.2 million loss, primarily from the net recognized and unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) for those fiscal periods. Refer to footnote 16 for further discussion.
	The increase in the unfunded obligation for the period was approximately $13.9 million and was comprised of $15.8 million of actuarial losses, $3.4 million of asset returns, $4.7 million of pension contributions, and a charge of $6.2 million due to current year service and interest cost. The main driver of the increase in the liability related to the actuarial loss was the change in the underlying discount rate assumption which decreased to 4.19% in fiscal 2014 from 5.00% in fiscal 2013. The net periodic pension cost also decreased to $0.9 million in fiscal 2014 from $4.6 million in fiscal 2013 and primarily was driven by amortization of actuarial losses and an increase in the discount rate.
	In fiscal 2013, a freeze of non-union participants in the pension plan resulted in a reduction in future years of service for the active participants in the plan, which triggered a curtailment. As a result, there was a curtailment gain from the event which resulted in a decrease to the projected benefit obligation of $0.9 million in fiscal 2013.
	The unfunded status and the amounts recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for the pension plan are set forth in the following table:
		January 3,				January 4,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Unfunded status	$	(41,763	)		$	(27,885	)
	Unrecognized prior service cost	1				1
	Unrecognized actuarial loss	32,309				14,656
	Net amount recognized	$	(9,453	)		$	(13,228	)
	Amounts recognized on the balance sheet consist of:
	Accrued pension liability	(41,763		)		(27,885		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	32,310				14,657
	Net amount recognized	$	(9,453	)		$	(13,228	)
	As of January 3, 2015, the amortization of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses will be recognized over the average remaining life expectancy of inactive plan participants, as almost all of the plan participants are inactive. The portion of estimated net loss for the pension plan that is expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year is approximately $1.0 million.
	The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plan was $120.5 million and $103.7 million at January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, respectively.
	Net periodic pension cost for the pension plan included the following:
		Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
		January 3,				January 4,				December 29,
		2015				2014				2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,056			$	2,193			$	1,878
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	5,123				4,750				4,885
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,041		)		(5,225		)		(4,897		)
	Amortization of unrecognized loss	763				2,873				2,077
	Net periodic pension cost	$	901			$	4,591			$	3,943
	The following assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the measurement date and the net periodic pension cost:
		3-Jan-15			4-Jan-14
	Projected benefit obligation:
	Discount rate	4.19	%		5	%
	Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	Graded 5.5-2.5%			Graded 5.5-2.5%
	Net periodic pension cost:
	Discount rate	5	%		4.24	%
	Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	Graded 5.5-2.5%			3	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.54	%		7.85	%
	Our estimates of the amount and timing of our future funding obligations for our defined benefit pension plan are based upon various assumptions specified above. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, projected return on plan assets, compensation increase rates, mortality rates, retirement patterns, and turnover rates.
	Determination of expected long-term rate of return
	In developing expected return assumptions for our pension plan, the most influential decision affecting long-term portfolio performance is the determination of overall asset allocation. An asset class is a group of securities that exhibit similar characteristics and behave similarly in the marketplace. The three main asset classes are equities, fixed income, and cash equivalents.
Upon calculation of the historical risk premium for each asset class, an expected rate of return can be established based on assumed 90-day Treasury bill rates. Based on the normal asset allocation structure of the portfolio (65% equities, 30% fixed income, and 5% other) with historical compound annualized risk free rate of 2.75%, the expected overall portfolio return is 8.29% offset by 0.75% expense estimate, resulting in a 7.54% net long term rate of return as of January 3, 2015.
Our percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category as of the applicable measurement dates are as follows:
Asset Category	January 3,			January 4,
	2015			2014
Equity securities — domestic	57	%		55	%
Equity securities — international	15	%		16	%
Fixed income	24	%		24	%
Other	4	%		5	%
Total	100	%		100	%
The fair value of our plan assets are by asset category as of the applicable measurement dates are as follows:
Asset Category	January 3,				January 4,
	2015				2014
	(In thousands)
Equity securities — domestic	$	45,950			$	42,710
Equity securities — international	11,924				12,067
Fixed income	19,161				18,836
Other	3,157				3,426
Total	$	80,192			$	77,039
Plan assets are valued using quoted market prices in active markets, and we consider the investments to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  See Note 8 for a discussion of the levels of inputs to determine fair value.
Investment policy and strategy
Plan assets are managed as a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an equity portion and a fixed income portion. The expected role of plan equity investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of fund assets, while the role of fixed income investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some downside protection against the possibility of a prolonged decline in the market value of equity investments. We review this investment policy statement at least once per year. In addition, the portfolio is reviewed quarterly to determine the deviation from target weightings and is rebalanced as necessary. Target allocations for fiscal 2015 are 55% domestic and 10% international equity investments, 30% fixed income investments, and 5% cash. The expected long-term rate of return for the plan’s total assets is based on the expected return of each of the above categories, weighted based on the target allocation for each class.
Our estimated future benefit payments reflecting expected future service are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
January 2, 2016	5,399
December 31, 2016	5,705
December 30, 2017	6,000
December 29, 2018	6,281
28-Dec-19	6,491
Thereafter	35,581
The Company’s minimum required contribution for plan year 2012 was $3.2 million.  In an effort to preserve additional cash for operations, we applied for and were granted a waiver from the Internal Revenue Service for our 2012 minimum required contribution. Therefore, contributions waived for 2012 have been amortized over the succeeding five years, from 2013 to 2017, increasing our minimum required contributions in those years.
The Company’s minimum required contribution for plan year 2013 was $6.0 million. During fiscal 2013, we contributed certain qualifying employer real property located in Charleston, S.C. and Buffalo, N.Y. to the pension plan. The properties had a fair market value of approximately $6.8 million by independent appraisals prior to the contribution and were recorded by the pension plan at fair market value. We are leasing back the contributed properties for an initial term of twenty years with two five-year extension options and continue to use the properties in our distribution operations. The pension plan engaged an independent fiduciary who evaluated the transaction, negotiated the terms of the property contribution and the leases, and also manages the properties on behalf of the pension plan. Portions of the property contribution were designated to the 2014 and 2013 plan years.
We determined that the contribution of the properties does not meet the accounting definition of a plan asset, within the scope of relevant accounting guidance, due to continuing involvement of the Company and the leaseback of the properties. Accordingly, the contributed properties are not considered a contribution for financial reporting purposes and, as a result, are not included in plan assets and have no impact on the net pension liability recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Therefore, these assets continue to be recorded as assets of the Company, and we depreciate the carrying value of the properties in our financial statements. No gain or loss was recognized at the contribution date for financial reporting purposes. Rent payments are made on a monthly basis and are recorded as contributions to the pension plan, of which $0.6 million and $0.5 million has been recorded for the years ended January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, respectively. These rental payments reduce our unfunded obligation to the pension plan.
We currently are required to make four quarterly cash contributions during fiscal 2015 and 2016 of approximately $1.5 million related to our 2015 minimum required contribution, which totals $6.1 million.
Multiemployer Pension Plans
We participate in several multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) administered by labor unions that provide retirement benefits to certain union employees in accordance with various collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Approximately 34% of our employees are covered by CBAs, of which approximately 30% are covered by CBAs that expire within one year. As one of many participating employers in these MEPPs, we are generally responsible with the other participating employers for any plan underfunding. Our contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs; however, our required contributions may increase based on the funded status of an MEPP and legal requirements such as those of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“Pension Act”), which requires substantially underfunded MEPPs to implement a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) to improve their funded status. Factors that could impact funded status of an MEPP include, without limitation, investment performance, changes in the participant demographics, decline in the number of contributing employers, changes in actuarial assumptions and the utilization of extended amortization provisions. A FIP or RP requires a particular MEPP to adopt measures to correct its underfunded status. These measures may include, but are not limited to: an increase in our contribution rate to the applicable CBA, a reallocation of the contributions already being made by participating employers for various benefits to individuals participating in the MEPP, and/or a reduction in the benefits to be paid to future and/or current retirees. In addition, the Pension Act requires that a 5% surcharge be levied on employer contributions for the first year commencing shortly after the date the employer receives notice that the MEPP is in critical status (also referred to as red status) and a 10% surcharge on each succeeding year until a CBA is in place with terms and conditions consistent with the RP. We have not been subject to any such surcharges, as the MEPP to which we are individually significant has not been considered in “critical” status.
We could also be obligated to make future payments to MEPPs if we either cease to have an obligation to contribute to the MEPP or significantly reduce our contributions to the MEPP because we reduce our number of employees who are covered by the relevant MEPP for various reasons, including, but not limited to, layoffs or closures, assuming the MEPP has unfunded vested benefits. The amount of such payments (known as a complete or partial withdrawal liability) generally would equal our proportionate share of the MEPPs' unfunded vested benefits. We believe that one of the MEPP's in which we participate has material unfunded vested benefits. Our share of the contributions in this plan exceeded 5% of total plan contributions for certain plan years. Due to uncertainty regarding future factors that could trigger a withdrawal liability, as well as the absence of specific information regarding matters such as the MEPP's current financial situation due in part to delays in reporting, the potential withdrawal or bankruptcy of other contributing employers, the impact of future plan performance or the success of current and future funding improvement or rehabilitation plans to restore solvency to the plan, we are unable to determine with certainty the amount and timing of any future withdrawal liability, changes in future funding obligations, or the impact of increased contributions, including those that could be triggered by a mass withdrawal of other employers from a MEPP. There can be no assurance that the impact of increased contributions, future funding obligations or future withdrawal liabilities will not be material to our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We believe that the probability of a withdrawal is remote, and therefore, we have not recorded a liability for the material MEPP on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table lists our participation in our multiemployer plan that is individually significant, and other MEPP plans for the years ended, as follows:
				Contributions (in thousands)
Pension Fund:	EIN/Pension Plan Number	Pension Act Zone Status	FIP Status	2014			2013			2012
Lumber Employees Local 786 Retirement Fund	516067407	Yellow	Implemented	$	0.4		$	0.4		$	0.4
		(2009 - 2014)
Other				0.6			0.9			0.9
Total				$	1		$	1.3		$	1.3
Contributions represent the amounts contributed to the plan during the fiscal years presented. Our contributions for fiscal year 2014 exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. Although the plan data for fiscal 2015 is not yet available, we would expect to continue to exceed 5% of total plan contributions.
Defined Contribution Plans
Our employees also participate in two defined contribution plans: the “hourly savings plan” covering hourly employees, and the “salaried savings plan” covering salaried employees. Contributions to the plans are based on employee contributions and compensation. Employer contributions to the hourly savings plan totaled $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Employer contributions to the salaried savings plan totaled $0.9 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	We have two share-based compensation plans covering officers, directors and certain employees and consultants: the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) and the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The plans are designed to motivate and retain individuals who are responsible for the attainment of our primary long-term performance goals. The plans provide a means whereby our employees and directors develop a sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in our development and financial success and encourage them to devote their best efforts to our business. Although we do not have a formal policy on the matter, we issue new shares of our common stock to participants upon the exercise of options, settlement of restricted stock units, granting of restricted stock, or vesting of performance shares, out of the total amount of common shares authorized for issuance under the 2004 Plan or the 2006 Plan.
	The 2004 Plan provides for the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options and restricted shares of our common stock to participants of the plan selected by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board that administers the 2004 Plan. We reserved 2,222,222 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2004 Plan. The terms and conditions of awards under the 2004 Plan are determined by the Compensation Committee.
	The 2006 Plan permits the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards, and other share-based awards to participants of the 2006 Plan selected by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board that administers the 2006 Plan. We reserved 12,200,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2006 Plan. The terms and conditions of awards under the 2006 Plan are determined by the Compensation Committee. Some of the awards issued under the 2006 Plan are subject to accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control as such an event is defined in the 2006 Plan.
	We recognize compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all share-based payment awards that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, unless the awards are subject to market or performance conditions, in which case we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche, to the extent the occurrence of such conditions are probable. All compensation expense related to our share-based payment awards is recorded in “Selling, general, and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	Restricted Stock
	During fiscal 2014, the Board of Directors granted certain of our employees, executive officers, and directors restricted stock awards. The restricted stock awards vest in equal annual increments over three years, vest in one year, or vest three years after the date of grant. These awards are time-based and are not based upon attainment of performance goals.
	As of January 3, 2015, there was $1.9 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average term of 1.9 years. As of January 3, 2015, the weighted average remaining contractual term for our restricted stock was 1.7 years and the maximum contractual term is 3.0 years.
	The following table summarizes activity for our restricted stock awards during fiscal 2014:
		Restricted Stock
		Number of		Weighted
		Awards		Average Fair
				Value
	Outstanding at January 4, 2014	1,618,283		$	2.5
	Granted	1,969,712		1.53
	Vested (1)	(1,256,147	)	1.93
	Forfeited	(142,670	)	1.99
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015	2,189,178		$	1.68
	-1	The total fair value vested in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was $2.4 million, $6.4 million, and $2.3 million, respectively.
	Performance shares
	During fiscal 2013, the Board of Directors granted certain of our executive officers and directors awards of performance shares of our common stock. The performance shares are released only upon the successful achievement of specific, measurable performance criteria approved by the Compensation Committee. The performance shares, when earned, vest in three equal tranches. If the performance targets are not met, the awards will be canceled, although 2013 performance criteria for the first tranche of the performance shares granted in fiscal 2013 was waived.
	As of January 3, 2015, there was $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to performance shares. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over weighted average term of 0.9 years. As of January 3, 2015, the weighted average remaining contractual term for our performance shares was 0.7 years and the maximum contractual term is 3.0 years.
	The following table summarizes activity for our performance share awards during fiscal 2014:
		Performance Shares
		Number of		Weighted
		Awards		Average Fair
				Value
	Outstanding at January 4, 2014	2,192,868		$	2.5
	Granted	—		—
	Vested (1) (2)	(1,038,958	)	1.64
	Forfeited	(51,821	)	2.49
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015 (2)	1,102,089		$	1.56
	-1	The total fair value vested in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
	-2	During fiscal 2014, four employees participating in the plan no longer were employed by the Company, and one director did not stand for re-election. The Compensation Committee approved an amendment to their Performance Share Award Agreements to allow their shares to vest, when they vest for individuals still employed by the Company. These amendments were determined to be modifications of the awards, and an adjustment related to the difference in fair value was recorded in fiscal 2014. The awards were classified as liability awards, and were marked to market. As of January 3, 2015, the fair value of these awards was based on the opening price of our common stock on January 2, 2015, of $1.14. There were 161,024 of these shares that vested in fiscal 2014, and 828,568 of these shares remaining as of January 3, 2015.
	Options
	The tables below summarize activity and include certain additional information related to our outstanding employee stock options for the year ended January 3, 2015. The maximum contractual term for stock options is ten years. There have been no new employee stock option grants and no stock option exercises during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Options
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Exercise
				Price
	Outstanding at January 4, 2014	784,500		$	5.05
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	—		—
	Forfeited	—		—
	Expired	—		—
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015	784,500		5.05
	Exercisable at January 3, 2015	784,500		$	5.05
			Outstanding						Exercisable
					Weighted		Weighted Average Remaining			Weighted		Weighted Average Remaining
	Price Range				Average		Contractual Life			Average		Contractual Life
			Number of		Exercise		(in Years)		Number of	Exercise		(in Years)
			Options		Price				Options	Price
	$4.66		750,000		$	4.66	3.2		750,000	$	4.66	3.2
	$11.40-$14.01		34,500		$	13.25	1.3		34,500	$	13.25	1.3
			784,500				3.1		784,500			3.1
	Compensation Expense
	Share-based compensation expense is recognized only for those awards that are expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations. We recognize the effect of adjusting the estimated forfeiture rates in the period in which we change such estimated rates. Total share-based compensation expense from restricted stock, performance shares, and stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, was as follows:
		Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2015 (1)			Fiscal Year Ended January 4, 2014 (2)		Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2012
		(In thousands)
	Restricted Stock	$	1,941		$	3,521	$	2,730
	Performance Shares	1,725			2,596		—
	Options and other (3)	174			—		67
	Total	$	3,840		$	6,117	$	2,797
-1	During fiscal 2014, four employees participating in the plan no longer were employed by the Company, and one director did not stand for re-election. See “Performance shares” above. The Compensation Committee approved an amendment to their Restricted Share Award Agreements to accelerate the vesting of their restricted shares. These amendments were determined to be modifications of the awards, and an adjustment related to the difference in fair value was recorded in fiscal 2014. Share-based compensation expense of $1.2 million was accordingly recorded during fiscal 2014.
-2	Approximately $2.9 million of total share-based compensation during fiscal 2013 is related to the 2013 restructuring and change in executive leadership.
-3	As of January 3, 2015, there was no future compensation expense remaining for options.
We recognized related income tax benefits in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 of $1.5 million, $2.4 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, which have been offset by a valuation allowance. We present the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense as both a financing cash inflow and an operating cash outflow in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows when present. There were no material excess tax benefits in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Income_Loss_per_Common_Share_I

Income (Loss) per Common Share Income (Loss) per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (Loss) per Common Share	Income (Loss) per Common Share
	We calculate our basic income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding for the period. Restricted stock granted by us to certain management employees and non-employee directors participate in dividends on the same basis as common shares. The unvested restricted stock contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. As a result, these share-based awards meet the definition of a participating security and are included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, pursuant to the two-class method, for the periods that present net income. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available to common stockholders.
	Given that the restricted stockholders do not have a contractual obligation to participate in the losses and the inclusion of such unvested restricted shares in our basic and dilutive per share calculations would be anti-dilutive, we have not included these amounts in our weighted average number of common shares outstanding for periods in which we report a net loss. Therefore, we have not included 2,189,177, 1,618,283, and 3,554,738 of unvested restricted shares that had the right to participate in dividends in our basic and dilutive calculations for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, because all periods reflected net losses.
	Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, the diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and performance shares using the treasury stock method. During fiscal 2013, we granted performance shares under our 2006 Plan, in which performance shares are issuable upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria. As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, we assumed that 1,102,091 and 2,192,868, respectively, of these performance shares will vest, net of forfeitures and vestings to date, based on our assumption that meeting the performance criteria is probable. The performance shares are not considered participating shares under the two-class method because they do not receive any non-transferable rights to dividends. The performance shares we assume will vest were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share calculation because they were antidilutive.
	Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, the diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of performance shares using the treasury stock method. As we experienced losses in all periods, basic and diluted loss per share are computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. For fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, we excluded 4,129,822, 4,595,650, and 4,460,054 unvested share-based awards, respectively, from the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive. The unvested share-based awards total excludes the assumed exercise of unexpired stock options.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., our majority shareholder, retains consultants who specialize in operations management and support, and who provide Cerberus with consulting advice concerning portfolio companies in which funds and accounts managed by Cerberus or its affiliates have invested. From time to time, Cerberus makes the services of these consultants available to Cerberus portfolio companies. We believe that the terms of these consulting arrangements are favorable to us, or, alternatively, are materially consistent with those terms that would have been obtained by us in an arrangement with an unaffiliated third party. We have normal service, purchase, and sales arrangements with other entities that are owned or controlled by Cerberus. We believe that these transactions are not material to our results of operations or financial position.

Lease_Commitments_Lease_Commit

Lease Commitments Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases Commitments	Lease Commitments
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases real property, logistics equipment, and office equipment under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of our operating leases have extension options and escalation clauses. Our real estate leases also provide for payments of other costs such as real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance, which are not included in rental expense, sublease income, or the future minimum rental payments as set forth below. Total rental expense was approximately $4.5 million for fiscal 2014, and $4.8 million for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.
	At January 3, 2015, our total operating lease commitments were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	5,729
	2016	5,470
	2017	5,310
	2018	4,839
	2019	1,799
	Thereafter	10,273
	Total	$	33,420
	Capital Leases
	We have entered into certain long-term, non-cancelable capital leases for certain logistics equipment and vehicles. These capital leases have maturities of 5 to 7 years and interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 7.6%. As of January 3, 2015, the acquisition value and net book value of assets under capital leases was $16.4 million and $9.0 million, respectively. As of January 4, 2014, the basis and net book value of assets under capital leases was $15.4 million and $11.1 million, respectively.
	At January 3, 2015, our total commitments under capital leases were as follows:
		Principal		Interest
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	2,048	$	463
	2016	1,993		321
	2017	1,499		211
	2018	1,563		112
	2019	692		29
	Thereafter	228		8
	Total	$	8,023	$	1,144

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Fuel Purchase Obligation
	On December 19, 2014, the Company entered into a commitment to purchase fuel from a vendor for a set price and quantity of fuel, beginning in January 2015. The contract has a one-year term, ending December 2015.
	Environmental and Legal Matters
	From time to time, we are involved in various proceedings incidental to our businesses, and we are subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations in all jurisdictions in which we operate. Although the ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty, based on presently available information management believes that adequate reserves have been established for probable losses with respect thereto. Management further believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters could be material to operating results in any given quarter but will not have a materially adverse effect on our long-term financial condition, our results of operations, or our cash flows.
	Collective Bargaining Agreements
	As of January 3, 2015, we employed approximately 1,700 persons on a full-time basis. Approximately 34% of our employees were represented by various labor unions, of which approximately 30% of the union contracts are up for renewal in fiscal 2015.  We consider our relationship with our employees generally to be good.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On February 18, 2015, we refinanced our U.S. revolving credit facility, including the Tranche A Loan, with the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. revolving credit facility (the “Tenth Amendment”).
	The Tenth Amendment extends the maturity date of the U.S. revolving credit facility to April 15, 2017; requires the refinancing, extension or replacement of our current mortgage on or before May 1, 2016, such that the maturity date of the new mortgage facility is not sooner than July 15, 2017; and requires the repayment of not less than $35 million by May 1, 2016.
	Additionally, the Tenth Amendment extends the maturity date of the Tranche A Loan to June 30, 2016, with the principal amount decreasing by $2.0 million each month beginning on April 1, 2016, but such step downs will not occur if, after giving effect to the applicable reduction, excess availability (as defined, see Note 6) will be less than $50.0 million; amends the interest rate for the Tranche A Loan to begin increasing by 25 basis points each 90 days, beginning on April 1, 2015, with a maximum increase of 100 basis points; and, while the Tranche A Loan is outstanding, increases our fixed charge coverage ratio to 1.2 to 1.0 in certain situations.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure of income which includes both net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) results from items deferred from recognition into our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is separately presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of common stockholders’ equity (deficit). Other comprehensive income (loss) was $(18.1) million, $13.7 million, and $(8.1) million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
	The changes in accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014 were as follows:
		Foreign			Defined			Other, net of tax		Total
		currency, net			benefit pension
		of tax			plan, net of tax
		(In thousands)
	January 1, 2012, beginning balance	$	1,694		$	(23,806	)	$	212	$	(21,900	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (1)	103			(10,322		)	—		(10,219		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (1)	—			2,077			—		2,077
	December 29, 2012, ending balance, net of tax	$	1,797		$	(32,051	)	$	212	$	(30,042	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2)	(161		)	12,158			—		11,997
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2)	—			1,752			—		1,752
	January 4, 2014, ending balance, net of tax	$	1,636		$	(18,141	)	$	212	$	(16,293	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3)	(481		)	(18,416		)	—		(18,897		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3)	—			765			—		765
	January 3, 2015, ending balance, net of tax	$	1,155		$	(35,792	)	$	212	$	(34,425	)
	(1) For the fiscal year ended 2012, there was $2.1 million of actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost. There was $10.3 million of unrecognized actuarial loss based on updated actuarial assumptions (see Note 9). There was no intraperiod income tax allocation and the deferred tax benefit was fully offset by a valuation allowance.
	(2) For the fiscal year ended 2013, there was $1.8 million (net of tax of $1.1 million) of actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost. There was $12.2 million (net of tax of $7.8 million) of unrecognized actuarial gains based on updated actuarial assumptions included in other comprehensive income (see Note 9). We allocated income tax expense to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent income was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and we have a loss in continuing operations (see Note 5).
	(3) For the fiscal year ended 2014, there was $0.8 million of actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost. There was $18.4 million of unrecognized actuarial loss based on updated actuarial assumptions (see Note 9). There was no intraperiod income tax allocation and the deferred tax benefit was fully offset by a valuation allowance.

Unaudited_Selected_Quarterly_F

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data	Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data
	Fiscal 2014 contained 52 weeks and fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks. Our fiscal quarters are based on a 5-4-4 week period, with the exception of the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal years containing 53 weeks, which are based on a 5-4-5 week period.
		First Quarter						Second Quarter					Third Quarter						Fourth Quarter
		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		April 5,			March 30,			July 5,		June 29,			October 4,			September 28,			January 3,			January 4,
		2014			2013			2014		2013			2014			2013			2015			2014
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net sales	$	443,944		$	503,153		$	531,494	$	604,592		$	549,845		$	557,952		$	454,110		$	486,275
	Gross profit	$	52,676		$	56,458		$	62,033	$	55,185		$	64,580		$	62,492		$	49,815		$	54,348
	Net (loss) income	$	(8,608	)	$	(12,649	)	$	3,236	$	(22,306	)	$	(860	)	$	(3,206	)	$	(7,640	)	$	(2,457	)
	Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	85,187			66,714			85,874		84,167			86,399			84,596			86,545			84,818
	Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share applicable to common shares	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.19	)	$	0.04	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.03	)

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
	The condensed consolidating financial information as of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, and for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 is provided due to restrictions in our U.S. revolving credit facility that limit distributions by BlueLinx Corporation, our operating company and our wholly-owned subsidiary, to us; which, in turn, may limit our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock. Also included in the supplemental condensed consolidated/combining financial statements are fifty-two single member limited liability companies, which are wholly owned by us (the “LLC subsidiaries”). The LLC subsidiaries own certain warehouse properties that are occupied by BlueLinx Corporation, each under the terms of a master lease agreement. The warehouse properties collateralize a mortgage loan and are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of either us or BlueLinx Corporation. Certain changes have been made to the prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation.
	The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
		Holdings			Corporation			Subsidiaries
					and Subsidiaries						Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,979,393		$	26,329		$	(26,329	)	$	1,979,393
	Cost of sales	—			1,750,289			—			—			1,750,289
	Gross profit	—			229,104			26,329			(26,329		)	229,104
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, general, and administrative	5,498			232,186			(5,260		)	(26,329		)	206,095
	Depreciation and amortization	—			6,405			3,068			—			9,473
	Total operating expenses	5,498			238,591			(2,192		)	(26,329		)	215,568
	Operating income (loss)	(5,498		)	(9,487		)	28,521			—			13,536
	Non-operating expenses:
	Interest expense	—			13,688			13,083			—			26,771
	Other expense (income), net	—			337			(12		)	—			325
	Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(5,498		)	(23,512		)	15,450			—			(13,560		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(160		)	22			450			—			312
	Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries	(8,534		)	—			—			8,534			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,872	)	$	(23,534	)	$	15,000		$	8,534		$	(13,872	)
	The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 4, 2014, follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
		Holdings			Corporation			Subsidiaries
					and Subsidiaries						Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	2,151,972		$	27,363		$	(27,363	)	$	2,151,972
	Cost of sales	—			1,923,489			—			—			1,923,489
	Gross profit	—			228,483			27,363			(27,363		)	228,483
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, general, and administrative	5,913			267,232			(5,115		)	(27,363		)	240,667
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,700			3,417			—			9,117
	Total operating expenses	5,913			272,932			(1,698		)	(27,363		)	249,784
	Operating income (loss)	(5,913		)	(44,449		)	29,061			—			(21,301		)
	Non-operating expenses:
	Interest expense	—			13,686			14,338			—			28,024
	Other expense (income), net	—			318			(12		)	—			306
	Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(5,913		)	(58,453		)	14,735			—			(49,631		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(157		)	(9,248		)	392			—			(9,013		)
	Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries	(34,862		)	—			—			34,862			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(40,618	)	$	(49,205	)	$	14,343		$	34,862		$	(40,618	)
	The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
		Holdings			Corporation			Subsidiaries
					and Subsidiaries						Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,907,842		$	28,330		$	(28,330	)	$	1,907,842
	Cost of sales	—			1,677,772			—			—			1,677,772
	Gross profit	—			230,070			28,330			(28,330		)	230,070
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, general, and administrative	3,940			250,098			(9,712		)	(28,330		)	215,996
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,040			3,525			—			8,565
	Total operating expenses	3,940			255,138			(6,187		)	(28,330		)	224,561
	Operating income (loss)	(3,940		)	(25,068		)	34,517			—			5,509
	Non-operating expenses:
	Interest expense	—			12,159			15,998			—			28,157
	Other expense (income), net	—			10			(17		)	—			(7		)
	Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(3,940		)	(37,237		)	18,536			—			(22,641		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	386			—			—			—			386
	Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries	(18,701		)	—			—			18,701			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(23,027	)	$	(37,237	)	$	18,536		$	18,701		$	(23,027	)
	The condensed consolidating balance sheet for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of January 3, 2015, follows:
					BlueLinx
BlueLinx			Corporation
Holdings Inc.			and			LLC
			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash	$	27		$	4,495		$	—		$	—		$	4,522
Receivables	—			144,537			—			—			144,537
Inventories	—			242,546			—			—			242,546
Deferred income tax asset, net	—			—			50			(50		)	—
Other current assets	228			22,353			708			—			23,289
Intercompany receivable	74,071			30,634			—			(104,705		)	—
Total current assets	74,326			444,565			758			(104,755		)	414,894
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	—			4,061			37,034			—			41,095
Buildings	—			11,367			78,794			—			90,161
Machinery and equipment	—			77,279			—			—			77,279
Construction in progress	—			1,188			—			—			1,188
Property and equipment, at cost	—			93,895			115,828			—			209,723
Accumulated depreciation	—			(70,077		)	(34,379		)	—			(104,456		)
Property and equipment, net	—			23,818			81,449			—			105,267
Investment in subsidiaries	(78,264		)	—			—			78,264			—
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	—			551			—			(50		)	501
Other non-current assets	—			9,739			8,581			—			18,320
Total assets	$	(3,938	)	$	478,673		$	90,788		$	(26,541	)	$	538,982
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	606		$	66,685		$	—		$	—		$	67,291
Bank overdrafts	—			27,280			—			—			27,280
Accrued compensation	23			5,620			—			—			5,643
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			—			2,679			—			2,679
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	—			568			—			(50		)	518
Other current liabilities	413			12,342			1,076			—			13,831
Intercompany payable	30,633			74,072			—			(104,705		)	—
Total current liabilities	31,675			186,567			3,755			(104,755		)	117,242
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	—			229,353			173,921			—			403,274
Non-current deferred income taxes	—			—			50			(50		)	—
Other non-current liabilities	413			54,079			—			—			54,492
Total liabilities	32,088			469,999			177,726			(104,805		)	575,008
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)/Parent’s investment	(36,026		)	8,674			(86,938		)	78,264			(36,026		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	(3,938	)	$	478,673		$	90,788		$	(26,541	)	$	538,982
The condensed consolidating balance sheet for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of January 4, 2014, follows:
				BlueLinx
	BlueLinx			Corporation
	Holdings Inc.			and			LLC
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash	$	47		$	4,987		$	—		$	—		$	5,034
Receivables	—			150,297			—			—			150,297
Inventories	—			223,580			—			—			223,580
Deferred income tax asset, net	—			—			397			(397		)	—
Other current assets	790			20,208			1,816			—			22,814
Intercompany receivable	68,454			26,374			—			(94,828		)	—
Total current assets	69,291			425,446			2,213			(95,225		)	401,725
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	—			4,040			37,136			—			41,176
Buildings	—			10,839			79,243			—			90,082
Machinery and equipment	—			73,004			—			—			73,004
Construction in progress	—			3,028			—			—			3,028
Property and equipment, at cost	—			90,911			116,379			—			207,290
Accumulated depreciation	—			(64,557		)	(31,614		)	—			(96,171		)
Property and equipment, net	—			26,354			84,765			—			111,119
Investment in subsidiaries	(47,735		)	—			—			47,735			—
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	—			1,221			—			(397		)	824
Other non-current assets	—			11,768			3,053			—			14,821
Total assets	$	21,556		$	464,789		$	90,031		$	(47,887	)	$	528,489
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,080		$	59,283		$	—		$	—		$	60,363
Bank overdrafts	—			19,377			—			—			19,377
Accrued compensation	—			4,173			—			—			4,173
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			—			9,141			—			9,141
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	—			1,220			—			(397		)	823
Other current liabilities	—			11,727			1,222			—			12,949
Intercompany payable	26,374			68,454			—			(94,828		)	—
Total current liabilities	27,454			164,234			10,363			(95,225		)	106,826
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	—			211,193			176,045			—			387,238
Non-current deferred income taxes	—			—			397			(397		)	—
Other non-current liabilities	—			40,323			—			—			40,323
Total liabilities	27,454			415,750			186,805			(95,622		)	534,387
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)/Parent’s investment	(5,898		)	49,039			(96,774		)	47,735			(5,898		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	21,556		$	464,789		$	90,031		$	(47,887	)	$	528,489
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, follows (in thousands):
	BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Holdings Inc.			Corporation			Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(13,872	)	$	(23,534	)	$	15,000		$	8,534		$	(13,872	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			6,405			3,068			—			9,473
Amortization of debt issue costs	—			1,735			1,421			—			3,156
Loss (gain) from sale of properties	—			—			(5,251		)	—			(5,251		)
Severance charges	—			2,067			—			—			2,067
Restructuring payments	—			(2,805		)	—			—			(2,805		)
Deferred income tax benefit	—			17			—			—			17
Pension expense	—			901			—			—			901
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	1,590			2,250			—			—			3,840
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other	—			(263		)	—			—			(263		)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	89			(1,031		)	—			—			(942		)
Accrued compensation and other	1,322			(2,857		)	(907		)	—			(2,442		)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	8,534			—			—			(8,534		)	—
Intercompany receivable	(5,617		)	(4,262		)	—			9,879			—
Intercompany payable	4,259			5,620			—			(9,879		)	—
	(3,695		)	(15,757		)	13,331			—			(6,121		)
Changes in primary working capital components:
Receivables	—			5,760			—			—			5,760
Inventories	—			(18,966		)	—			—			(18,966		)
Accounts payable	(376		)	7,402			—			—			7,026
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(4,071		)	(21,561		)	13,331			—			(12,301		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	4,359			806			(5,165		)	—			—
Property, plant and equipment investments	—			(3,016		)	—			—			(3,016		)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	—			248			7,120			—			7,368
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	4,359			(1,962		)	1,955			—			4,352
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	—			(16		)	—			—			(16		)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	(210		)	(747		)	—			—			(957		)
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	—			(476,473		)	—			—			(476,473		)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	—			494,794			—			—			494,794
Payments of principal on mortgage	—			—			(9,220		)	—			(9,220		)
Payments on capital lease obligations	—			(2,228		)	—			—			(2,228		)
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts	—			7,902			—			—			7,902
Increase in restricted cash related to the mortgage	—			—			(6,066		)	—			(6,066		)
Proceeds from rights offering, less expenses paid	(98		)	—			—			—			(98		)
Debt issuance costs	—			(201		)	—			—			(201		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(308		)	23,031			(15,286		)	—			7,437
Increase (decrease) in cash	(20		)	(492		)	—			—			(512		)
Balance, beginning of period	47			4,987			—			—			5,034
Balance, end of period	$	27		$	4,495		$	—		$	—		$	4,522
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net income tax refunds (income taxes paid) during the period	$	—		$	40		$	(250	)	$	—		$	(210	)
Interest paid during the period	$	—		$	11,490		$	11,657		$	—		$	23,147
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases	$	—		$	1,108		$	—		$	—		$	1,108
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 4, 2014, follows (in thousands):
	BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Holdings Inc.			Corporation			Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(40,618	)	$	(49,205	)	$	14,343		$	34,862		$	(40,618	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	—			5,700			3,417			—			9,117
Amortization of debt issue costs	—			1,841			1,343			—			3,184
Write-off of debt issuance costs	—			119			—			—			119
Loss (gain) from sale of properties	—			554			(5,774		)	—			(5,220		)
Vacant property charges, net	—			1,321			—			—			1,321
Severance charges	—			5,607			—			—			5,607
Payments on modification of lease agreement	—			(300		)	—			—			(300		)
Deferred income tax benefit	—			(5		)	(397		)	397			(5		)
Restructuring payments	—			(3,057		)	—			—			(3,057		)
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to the hourly pension plan	—			(8,894		)	—			—			(8,894		)
Pension expense	—			4,591			—			—			4,591
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	904			2,318			—			—			3,222
Share-based compensation, restructuring related	—			2,895			—			—			2,895
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other	—			(1,810		)	—			—			(1,810		)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	(14		)	(3,048		)	—			—			(3,062		)
Accrued compensation and other	698			(3,959		)	625			(397		)	(3,033		)
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries	34,862			—			—			(34,862		)	—
Intercompany receivable	5,527			2,440			—			(7,967		)	—
Intercompany payable	(2,440		)	(5,527		)	—			7,967			—
	(1,081		)	(48,419		)	13,557			—			(35,943		)
Changes in primary working capital components:
Receivables	—			7,168			—			—			7,168
Inventories	—			6,479			—			—			6,479
Accounts payable	779			(17,973		)	(391		)	—			(17,585		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(302		)	(52,745		)	13,166			—			(39,881		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	(35,202		)	38,663			(3,461		)	—			—
Property, plant and equipment investments	—			(4,912		)	—			—			(4,912		)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	—			1,072			9,293			—			10,365
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(35,202		)	34,823			5,832			—			5,453
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	—			16			—			—			16
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	(3,192		)	—			—			—			(3,192		)
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	—			(560,186		)	—			—			(560,186		)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	—			599,968			—			—			599,968
Payments of principal on mortgage	—			—			(19,038		)	—			(19,038		)
Payments on capital lease obligations	—			(3,142		)	—			—			(3,142		)
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts	—			(16,007		)	—			—			(16,007		)
Increase in restricted cash related to the mortgage	—			—			40			—			40
Proceeds from rights offering, less expenses paid	38,715			—			—			—			38,715
Debt issuance costs	—			(2,900		)	—			—			(2,900		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	35,523			17,749			(18,998		)	—			34,274
Increase (decrease) in cash	19			(173		)	—			—			(154		)
Balance, beginning of period	28			5,160			—			—			5,188
Balance, end of period	$	47		$	4,987		$	—		$	—		$	5,034
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net income taxes paid during the period	$	—		$	(61	)	$	(271	)	$	—		$	(332	)
Interest paid during the period	$	—		$	11,226		$	13,480		$	—		$	24,706
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases	$	—		$	5,069		$	—		$	—		$	5,069
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, follows (in thousands):
	BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
	Holdings Inc.			Corporation			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(23,027	)	$	(37,237	)	$	18,536		$	18,701		$	(23,027	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	—			5,040			3,525			—			8,565
Amortization of debt issue costs	—			2,471			1,275			—			3,746
Gain from sale of properties	—			—			(9,885		)	—			(9,885		)
Gain from property insurance settlement	—			—			(476		)	—			(476		)
Vacant property charges, net	—			(30		)	—			—			(30		)
Payments on modification of lease agreement	—			(5,875		)	—			—			(5,875		)
Deferred income tax benefit	—			(20		)	—			—			(20		)
Restructuring payments	—			(6,084		)	—			—			(6,084		)
Pension expense	—			3,942			—			—			3,942
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	528			2,269			—			—			2,797
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash related to insurance and other	—			695			—			—			695
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	189			700			—			—			889
Accrued compensation and other	(1,160		)	6,259			(561		)	—			4,538
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries	18,701			—			—			(18,701		)	—
Intercompany receivable	(6,940		)	(10,332		)	—			17,272			—
Intercompany payable	10,332			6,940			—			(17,272		)	—
	(1,377		)	(31,262		)	12,414			—			(20,225		)
Changes in primary working capital components:
Receivables	—			(18,593		)	—			—			(18,593		)
Inventories	—			(44,482		)	—			—			(44,482		)
Accounts payable	42			8,619			389			—			9,050
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(1,335		)	(85,718		)	12,803			—			(74,250		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	1,862			154			(2,016		)	—			—
Property, plant and equipment investments	—			(2,826		)	—			—			(2,826		)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	—			997			18,198			—			19,195
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,862			(1,675		)	16,182			—			16,369
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	(526		)	—			—			—			(526		)
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	—			(473,349		)	—			—			(473,349		)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	—			550,270			—			—			550,270
Principal payments on mortgage	—			—			(37,272		)	—			(37,272		)
Payments on capital lease obligations	—			(2,259		)	—			—			(2,259		)
Increase in bank overdrafts	—			13,020			—			—			13,020
Decrease in restricted cash related to the mortgage	—			—			9,970			—			9,970
Debt financing costs	—			—			(1,683		)	—			(1,683		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(526		)	87,682			(28,985		)	—			58,171
Increase in cash	1			289			—			—			290
Cash balance, beginning of period	27			4,871			—			—			4,898
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	$	28		$	5,160		$	—		$	—		$	5,188
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net income tax refunds (income taxes paid) during the period	$	—		$	37		$	(545	)	$	—		$	(508	)
Interest paid during the period	$	—		$	9,309		$	14,979		$	—		$	24,288
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases	$	—		$	5,238		$	—		$	—		$	5,238
The condensed consolidating statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit) for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2014 follows:
	BlueLinx			BlueLinx
	Holdings Inc.			Corporation			LLC
				and Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2011	$	8,374		$	83,626		$	(124,175	)	$	40,549		$	8,374
Net (loss) income	(23,027		)	(37,237		)	18,536			18,701			(23,027		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	103			103			—			(103		)	103
Unrealized loss (income) from pension plan, net of tax	(8,245		)	(8,245		)	—			8,245			(8,245		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	19			19			—			(19		)	19
Compensation related to share-based grants	2,730			—			—			—			2,730
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	(526		)	—			—			—			(526		)
Other	(20		)	—			—			—			(20		)
Net transactions with the Parent	—			2,337			(2,017		)	(320		)	—
Balance, December 29, 2012	$	(20,592	)	$	40,603		$	(107,656	)	$	67,053		$	(20,592	)
Net (loss) income	(40,618		)	(49,205		)	14,343			34,862			(40,618		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(161		)	(161		)	—			161			(161		)
Unrealized income (loss) from pension plan, net of tax	13,910			13,910			—			(13,910		)	13,910
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	6			6			—			(6		)	6
Issuance of performance shares	6			6			—			(6		)	6
Issuance of stock related to the rights offering, net of expenses	38,613			—			—			—			38,613
Compensation related to share-based grants	6,117			—			—			—			6,117
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	(3,193		)	—			—			—			(3,193		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	16			—			—			—			16
Other	(2		)	—			—			—			(2		)
Net transactions with the Parent	—			43,880			(3,461		)	(40,419		)	—
Balance, January 4, 2014	$	(5,898	)	$	49,039		$	(96,774	)	$	47,735		$	(5,898	)
Net (loss) income	(13,872		)	(23,534		)	15,000			8,534			(13,872		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(481		)	(481		)	—			481			(481		)
Unrealized income (loss) from pension plan, net of tax	(17,651		)	(17,651		)	—			17,651			(17,651		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	18			—			—			—			18
Issuance of performance shares	10			—			—			—			10
Issuance of stock related to the rights offering, net of expenses	—			—			—			—			—
Compensation related to share-based grants	2,896			—			—			—			2,896
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	(963		)	—			—			—			(963		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	(16		)	—			—			—			(16		)
Other	(69		)	—			—			—			(69		)
Net transactions with the Parent	—			1,301			(5,164		)	3,863			—
Balance, January 3, 2015	$	(36,026	)	$	8,674		$	(86,938	)	$	78,264		$	(36,026	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	BlueLinx is a wholesale supplier of building products in North America. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BlueLinx Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	We are required to make estimates and assumptions when preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
New Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under ASU 2013-11, entities are required to present unrecognized tax benefits as a decrease in a net operating loss, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, if certain criteria are met. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and the deferred tax asset that exists at the reporting date and presumes disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. The amendment, which did not materially impact our financial statements, is effective for public companies in fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations. This accounting standard, which did not materially impact our financial statements, is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We adopted this guidance during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
	New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP and is intended to improve and converge with international standards the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosures about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In September 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern. The ASU requires management to evaluate relevant conditions, events and certain management plans that are known or reasonably knowable as of the evaluation date when determining whether substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists within one year from the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain other amounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements and notes have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. During fiscal 2014, we separately have detailed certain amounts, which historically had been presented as “Other” changes in the “Cash flows from operating activities.” To conform the historical presentation to the current and future presentation, we separately have detailed similar items, including certain prepaid assets and inventory in prior periods from “Other” changes in the “Cash flows from operating activities.”
	Additionally, during fiscal 2014, we reclassified certain amounts relating to debt discount, which historically had been presented as “Other non-current assets” to “Long-term debt” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To conform the historical presentation to the current and future presentation, we reclassified similar items in prior periods from “Other non-current assets” to “Long-term debt” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition largely is dependent on shipping terms. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board (“FOB”) shipping point. For sales transactions designated FOB destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site.
	In addition, we provide inventory to certain customers through pre-arranged agreements on a consignment basis. Customer consigned inventory is maintained and stored by certain customers; however, ownership and risk of loss remains with us. When the consigned inventory is sold by the customer, we recognize revenue on a gross basis. Customer consigned inventory was approximately $6.3 million and $10.1 million at January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, respectively.
	All revenues recognized are net of trade allowances, cash discounts and sales returns. Cash discounts and sales returns are estimated using historical experience. Trade allowances are based on the estimated obligations and historical experience. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on discounts and returns have been insignificant for each of the reported periods.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value, do not bear interest, and consist of amounts owed for orders shipped to customers. Management establishes an overall credit policy for sales to customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a number of factors including specific customer account reviews, historical loss experience, current economic trends, and the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations.
Inventory Valuation	Inventory Valuation
	The cost of all inventories is determined by the moving average cost method. We have included all material charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing inventory to its existing condition and location. We evaluate our inventory value at the end of each quarter to ensure that inventory, when viewed by category, is carried at the lower of cost or market. Additionally, we estimate and maintain a reserve for damaged, excess and obsolete inventory
Consideration Received from Vendors and Paid to Customers	Consideration Received from Vendors and Paid to Customers
	Each year, we enter into agreements with many of our vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates, generally based on achievement of specified volume purchasing levels. We also receive rebates related to price protection and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the receipt of vendor rebates based on purchases, and also reduce inventory to reflect the net acquisition cost (purchase price less expected purchase rebates). As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, the vendor rebate receivable totaled $7.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been immaterial.
	In addition, we enter into agreements with many of our customers to offer customer rebates, generally based on achievement of specified sales levels and various marketing allowances that are common industry practice. We accrue for the payment of customer rebates based on sales to the customer, and also reduce sales to reflect the net sales (sales price less expected customer rebates). As of January 3, 2015, and January 4, 2014, the customer rebate payable totaled $6.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to rebate estimates have been immaterial.
Shipping and Handling	Shipping and Handling
	Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs included in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses were $91.8 million, $99.7 million, and $91.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses of $0.6 million, $1.2 million, and $1.1 million were included in “Selling, general and administrative” expenses for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Lease obligations for which we assume or retain substantially all the property rights and risks of ownership are capitalized. Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included in “Depreciation and amortization” expense. Replacements of major units of property are capitalized and the replaced properties are retired. Replacements of minor components of property and repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in income.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	We recognize compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all share-based payment awards that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, unless the awards are subject to market or performance conditions, in which case we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche to the extent market and performance conditions are considered probable. The calculation of fair value related to share-based compensation is subject to certain assumptions discussed in more detail in Note 10. Management updates such estimates when circumstances warrant. All compensation expense related to our share-based payment awards is recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We account for deferred income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net, as current and noncurrent. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when necessary. For additional information about our income taxes, see Note 5.
Self-insurance	Self-Insurance
	The Company is self-insured, up to certain limits, for most workers’ compensation losses, employee health benefits, general liability, and automotive liability losses, all subject to varying “per occurrence” retentions or deductible limits. The Company provides for estimated costs to settle both known claims and claims incurred but not yet reported. Liabilities associated with these claims are estimated, in part, by considering the frequency and severity of historical claims, both specific to us, as well as industry-wide loss experience and other actuarial assumptions. We determine our insurance obligations with the assistance of actuarial firms. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording insurance liabilities and in the case of workers’ compensation a significant period of time elapses before the ultimate resolution of claims, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash primarily includes amounts held in escrow related to our mortgage and insurance for workers’ compensation, auto liability, and general liability. Restricted cash is included in “Other current assets” and “Other non-current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	We account for exit and disposal costs by recognizing a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity at fair value in the period in which it is incurred, or when the we cease using the right conveyed by a contract (i.e., the right to use a leased property). We account for severance and outplacement costs by recognizing a liability for employees’ rights to post-employment benefits when management has committed to a plan, due to the existence of a post-employment benefit agreement. These costs are included in “Selling, general, and administrative” expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), and in “Accrued compensation” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	We determine a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value measurement guidance established a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3).
Income (Loss) per Common Share	Income (Loss) per Common Share
	We calculate our basic income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding for the period. Restricted stock granted by us to certain management employees and non-employee directors participate in dividends on the same basis as common shares. The unvested restricted stock contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. As a result, these share-based awards meet the definition of a participating security and are included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, pursuant to the two-class method, for the periods that present net income. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available to common stockholders.

Restricted_Cash_Restricted_Cas1

Restricted Cash Restricted Cash (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Schedule of components of restricted cash	The table below provides the balances of each individual component in restricted cash:
		3-Jan-15		4-Jan-14
		(In thousands)
	Cash in escrow:
	Mortgage	$	6,067	$	—
	Insurance	7,430		7,921
	Other	4,513		3,760
	Total	$	18,010	$	11,681

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of the summary of restructuring activity	The table below summarizes our restructuring activity:
		Reduction in			Facility Lease			Total
		Force			Obligation
		Activities
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Charges	5,709			1,398			7,107
	Adjustments to reserves	(102		)	(68		)	(170		)
	Payments	(3,057		)	(402		)	(3,459		)
	Balance at January 4, 2014	$	2,550		$	928		$	3,478
	Charges	—			—			—
	Adjustments to reserves	(168		)	32			(136		)
	Payments	(2,069		)	(413		)	(2,482		)
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	313		$	547		$	860

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of (benefit from) provision for income taxes	Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		Ended January 3,			Ended January 4,			Ended December 29,
		2015			2014			2012
		(In thousands)
	Federal income taxes:
	Current	$	—		$	(492	)	$	16
	Deferred	—			(7,385		)	—
	State income taxes:
	Current	160			192			334
	Deferred	—			(1,343		)	—
	Foreign income taxes:
	Current	134			19			56
	Deferred	18			(4		)	(20		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	312		$	(9,013	)	$	386
Schedule of provision for (benefit from) income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory	Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes is reconciled to the federal statutory amount as follows:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		Ended January 3,			Ended January 4,			Ended December 29,
		2015			2014			2012
		(In thousands)
	Benefit from income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate	$	(4,746	)	$	(17,371	)	$	(7,924	)
	Benefit from state income taxes, net of federal benefit	(623		)	(1,991		)	(866		)
	Valuation allowance change	5,656			19,445			8,820
	Nondeductible items	232			270			484
	Benefit from allocation of income taxes to other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(8,726		)	—
	Other	(207		)	(640		)	(128		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	312		$	(9,013	)	$	386
Schedule of net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	The components of our net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
		January 3,			January 4,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Inventory reserves	$	3,333		$	2,832
	Compensation-related accruals	5,434			4,893
	Accruals and reserves	787			1,030
	Accounts receivable	728			1,291
	Restructuring costs	212			488
	Property and equipment	16			—
	Pension	13,214			8,245
	Benefit from net operating loss (“NOL”) carryovers (1)	76,264			70,169
	Other	685			703
	Total gross deferred income tax assets	100,673			89,651
	Less: Valuation allowances	(99,979		)	(88,279		)
	Total net deferred income tax assets	$	694		$	1,372
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	—			(365		)
	Other	(711		)	(1,006		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	(711		)	(1,371		)
	Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net	$	(17	)	$	1
	-1	Our federal NOL carryovers are $184.2 million and will expire in 14 to 20 years. Our state NOL carryovers are $238.5 million and will expire in 1 to 20 years.
Schedule of activity in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	Activity in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		Ended January 3,			Ended January 4,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of the year	$	88,279		$	78,050
	Valuation allowance provided for taxes related to:
	Loss before income taxes	11,700			10,229
	Balance at end of the year	$	99,979		$	88,279
Schedule of activity related to unrecognized tax benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	873
	Increases related to current year tax positions	—
	Additions for tax positions in prior years	—
	Reductions for tax positions in prior years	—
	Reductions due to lapse of applicable statue of limitations	(47		)
	Settlements	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	826
	Increases related to current year tax positions	—
	Additions for tax positions in prior years	—
	Reductions for tax positions in prior years	—
	Reductions due to lapse of applicable statue of limitations	(567		)
	Settlements	—
	Balance at January 4, 2014	259
	Increases related to current year tax positions	—
	Additions for tax positions in prior years	—
	Reductions for tax positions in prior years	—
	Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(75		)
	Settlements	—
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	184

Mortgage_Tables

Mortgage (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of mortgage outstanding principal balance	Loan principal will be paid in the following increments:
		Principal Payments
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	2,678
	2016	175,044
	Total	$	177,722

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in projected benefit obligations and change in plan assets	The following tables set forth the change in projected benefit obligation and the change in plan assets for the pension plan:
		January 3,				January 4,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	104,924			$	114,330
	Service cost	1,056				2,193
	Interest cost	5,123				4,750
	Actuarial (gain) loss	15,797				(10,710		)
	Curtailment	—				(910		)
	Benefits paid	(4,945		)		(4,729		)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of period	121,955				104,924
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of assets at beginning of period	77,039				67,760
	Actual return on plan assets	3,422				13,536
	Employer contributions	4,676				472
	Benefits paid	(4,945		)		(4,729		)
	Fair value of assets at end of period	80,192				77,039
	Net (unfunded) status of plan	$	(41,763	)		$	(27,885	)
Schedule of amounts recognized on consolidated balance sheets	The unfunded status and the amounts recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for the pension plan are set forth in the following table:
		January 3,				January 4,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Unfunded status	$	(41,763	)		$	(27,885	)
	Unrecognized prior service cost	1				1
	Unrecognized actuarial loss	32,309				14,656
	Net amount recognized	$	(9,453	)		$	(13,228	)
	Amounts recognized on the balance sheet consist of:
	Accrued pension liability	(41,763		)		(27,885		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	32,310				14,657
	Net amount recognized	$	(9,453	)		$	(13,228	)
Schedule of net periodic pension cost for pension plans	Net periodic pension cost for the pension plan included the following:
		Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
		January 3,				January 4,				December 29,
		2015				2014				2012
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	1,056			$	2,193			$	1,878
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	5,123				4,750				4,885
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,041		)		(5,225		)		(4,897		)
	Amortization of unrecognized loss	763				2,873				2,077
	Net periodic pension cost	$	901			$	4,591			$	3,943
Schedule of assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligation	The following assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the measurement date and the net periodic pension cost:
		3-Jan-15			4-Jan-14
	Projected benefit obligation:
	Discount rate	4.19	%		5	%
	Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	Graded 5.5-2.5%			Graded 5.5-2.5%
	Net periodic pension cost:
	Discount rate	5	%		4.24	%
	Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	Graded 5.5-2.5%			3	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.54	%		7.85	%
Schedule of percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category	Our percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category as of the applicable measurement dates are as follows:
	Asset Category	January 3,			January 4,
		2015			2014
	Equity securities — domestic	57	%		55	%
	Equity securities — international	15	%		16	%
	Fixed income	24	%		24	%
	Other	4	%		5	%
	Total	100	%		100	%
Schedule of fair value of plan assets by asset category	The fair value of our plan assets are by asset category as of the applicable measurement dates are as follows:
	Asset Category	January 3,				January 4,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Equity securities — domestic	$	45,950			$	42,710
	Equity securities — international	11,924				12,067
	Fixed income	19,161				18,836
	Other	3,157				3,426
	Total	$	80,192			$	77,039
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments	Our estimated future benefit payments reflecting expected future service are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
	January 2, 2016	5,399
	December 31, 2016	5,705
	December 30, 2017	6,000
	December 29, 2018	6,281
	28-Dec-19	6,491
	Thereafter	35,581
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block]	The following table lists our participation in our multiemployer plan that is individually significant, and other MEPP plans for the years ended, as follows:
					Contributions (in thousands)
	Pension Fund:	EIN/Pension Plan Number	Pension Act Zone Status	FIP Status	2014			2013			2012
	Lumber Employees Local 786 Retirement Fund	516067407	Yellow	Implemented	$	0.4		$	0.4		$	0.4
			(2009 - 2014)
	Other				0.6			0.9			0.9
	Total				$	1		$	1.3		$	1.3

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of expense for restricted stock, performance shares, restricted stock units, and stock options, net of estimated forfeitures	Total share-based compensation expense from restricted stock, performance shares, and stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, was as follows:
		Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2015 (1)			Fiscal Year Ended January 4, 2014 (2)		Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2012
		(In thousands)
	Restricted Stock	$	1,941		$	3,521	$	2,730
	Performance Shares	1,725			2,596		—
	Options and other (3)	174			—		67
	Total	$	3,840		$	6,117	$	2,797
	-1	During fiscal 2014, four employees participating in the plan no longer were employed by the Company, and one director did not stand for re-election. See “Performance shares” above. The Compensation Committee approved an amendment to their Restricted Share Award Agreements to accelerate the vesting of their restricted shares. These amendments were determined to be modifications of the awards, and an adjustment related to the difference in fair value was recorded in fiscal 2014. Share-based compensation expense of $1.2 million was accordingly recorded during fiscal 2014.
	-2	Approximately $2.9 million of total share-based compensation during fiscal 2013 is related to the 2013 restructuring and change in executive leadership.
	-3	As of January 3, 2015, there was no future compensation expense remaining for options.
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of activity for restricted stock and restricted stock units	The following table summarizes activity for our restricted stock awards during fiscal 2014:
		Restricted Stock
		Number of		Weighted
		Awards		Average Fair
				Value
	Outstanding at January 4, 2014	1,618,283		$	2.5
	Granted	1,969,712		1.53
	Vested (1)	(1,256,147	)	1.93
	Forfeited	(142,670	)	1.99
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015	2,189,178		$	1.68
	-1	The total fair value vested in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was $2.4 million, $6.4 million, and $2.3 million, respectively.
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of outstanding employee stock options	The following table summarizes activity for our performance share awards during fiscal 2014:
		Performance Shares
		Number of		Weighted
		Awards		Average Fair
				Value
	Outstanding at January 4, 2014	2,192,868		$	2.5
	Granted	—		—
	Vested (1) (2)	(1,038,958	)	1.64
	Forfeited	(51,821	)	2.49
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015 (2)	1,102,089		$	1.56
	-1	The total fair value vested in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
	-2	During fiscal 2014, four employees participating in the plan no longer were employed by the Company, and one director did not stand for re-election. The Compensation Committee approved an amendment to their Performance Share Award Agreements to allow their shares to vest, when they vest for individuals still employed by the Company. These amendments were determined to be modifications of the awards, and an adjustment related to the difference in fair value was recorded in fiscal 2014. The awards were classified as liability awards, and were marked to market. As of January 3, 2015, the fair value of these awards was based on the opening price of our common stock on January 2, 2015, of $1.14. There were 161,024 of these shares that vested in fiscal 2014, and 828,568 of these shares remaining as of January 3, 2015.
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of outstanding employee stock options	The tables below summarize activity and include certain additional information related to our outstanding employee stock options for the year ended January 3, 2015. The maximum contractual term for stock options is ten years. There have been no new employee stock option grants and no stock option exercises during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Options
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Exercise
				Price
	Outstanding at January 4, 2014	784,500		$	5.05
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	—		—
	Forfeited	—		—
	Expired	—		—
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015	784,500		5.05
	Exercisable at January 3, 2015	784,500		$	5.05
Schedule of share-based compensation, shares authorized under stock option plans, by exercise price range
			Outstanding						Exercisable
					Weighted		Weighted Average Remaining			Weighted		Weighted Average Remaining
	Price Range				Average		Contractual Life			Average		Contractual Life
			Number of		Exercise		(in Years)		Number of	Exercise		(in Years)
			Options		Price				Options	Price
	$4.66		750,000		$	4.66	3.2		750,000	$	4.66	3.2
	$11.40-$14.01		34,500		$	13.25	1.3		34,500	$	13.25	1.3
			784,500				3.1		784,500			3.1

Lease_Commitments_Lease_Commit1

Lease Commitments Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of commitments under operating leases	At January 3, 2015, our total operating lease commitments were as follows:
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	5,729
	2016	5,470
	2017	5,310
	2018	4,839
	2019	1,799
	Thereafter	10,273
	Total	$	33,420
Schedule of commitments under capital leases	At January 3, 2015, our total commitments under capital leases were as follows:
		Principal		Interest
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	2,048	$	463
	2016	1,993		321
	2017	1,499		211
	2018	1,563		112
	2019	692		29
	Thereafter	228		8
	Total	$	8,023	$	1,144

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss)	The changes in accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014 were as follows:
		Foreign			Defined			Other, net of tax		Total
		currency, net			benefit pension
		of tax			plan, net of tax
		(In thousands)
	January 1, 2012, beginning balance	$	1,694		$	(23,806	)	$	212	$	(21,900	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (1)	103			(10,322		)	—		(10,219		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (1)	—			2,077			—		2,077
	December 29, 2012, ending balance, net of tax	$	1,797		$	(32,051	)	$	212	$	(30,042	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2)	(161		)	12,158			—		11,997
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2)	—			1,752			—		1,752
	January 4, 2014, ending balance, net of tax	$	1,636		$	(18,141	)	$	212	$	(16,293	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3)	(481		)	(18,416		)	—		(18,897		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3)	—			765			—		765
	January 3, 2015, ending balance, net of tax	$	1,155		$	(35,792	)	$	212	$	(34,425	)
	(1) For the fiscal year ended 2012, there was $2.1 million of actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost. There was $10.3 million of unrecognized actuarial loss based on updated actuarial assumptions (see Note 9). There was no intraperiod income tax allocation and the deferred tax benefit was fully offset by a valuation allowance.
	(2) For the fiscal year ended 2013, there was $1.8 million (net of tax of $1.1 million) of actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost. There was $12.2 million (net of tax of $7.8 million) of unrecognized actuarial gains based on updated actuarial assumptions included in other comprehensive income (see Note 9). We allocated income tax expense to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent income was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and we have a loss in continuing operations (see Note 5).
	(3) For the fiscal year ended 2014, there was $0.8 million of actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension cost. There was $18.4 million of unrecognized actuarial loss based on updated actuarial assumptions (see Note 9). There was no intraperiod income tax allocation and the deferred tax benefit was fully offset by a valuation allowance.

Unaudited_Selected_Quarterly_F1

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial information
		First Quarter						Second Quarter					Third Quarter						Fourth Quarter
		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months		Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months			Three Months
		Ended			Ended			Ended		Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended			Ended
		April 5,			March 30,			July 5,		June 29,			October 4,			September 28,			January 3,			January 4,
		2014			2013			2014		2013			2014			2013			2015			2014
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net sales	$	443,944		$	503,153		$	531,494	$	604,592		$	549,845		$	557,952		$	454,110		$	486,275
	Gross profit	$	52,676		$	56,458		$	62,033	$	55,185		$	64,580		$	62,492		$	49,815		$	54,348
	Net (loss) income	$	(8,608	)	$	(12,649	)	$	3,236	$	(22,306	)	$	(860	)	$	(3,206	)	$	(7,640	)	$	(2,457	)
	Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	85,187			66,714			85,874		84,167			86,399			84,596			86,545			84,818
	Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share applicable to common shares	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.19	)	$	0.04	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.03	)

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli1

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations	The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
		Holdings			Corporation			Subsidiaries
					and Subsidiaries						Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,979,393		$	26,329		$	(26,329	)	$	1,979,393
	Cost of sales	—			1,750,289			—			—			1,750,289
	Gross profit	—			229,104			26,329			(26,329		)	229,104
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, general, and administrative	5,498			232,186			(5,260		)	(26,329		)	206,095
	Depreciation and amortization	—			6,405			3,068			—			9,473
	Total operating expenses	5,498			238,591			(2,192		)	(26,329		)	215,568
	Operating income (loss)	(5,498		)	(9,487		)	28,521			—			13,536
	Non-operating expenses:
	Interest expense	—			13,688			13,083			—			26,771
	Other expense (income), net	—			337			(12		)	—			325
	Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(5,498		)	(23,512		)	15,450			—			(13,560		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(160		)	22			450			—			312
	Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries	(8,534		)	—			—			8,534			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(13,872	)	$	(23,534	)	$	15,000		$	8,534		$	(13,872	)
	The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 4, 2014, follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
		Holdings			Corporation			Subsidiaries
					and Subsidiaries						Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	2,151,972		$	27,363		$	(27,363	)	$	2,151,972
	Cost of sales	—			1,923,489			—			—			1,923,489
	Gross profit	—			228,483			27,363			(27,363		)	228,483
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, general, and administrative	5,913			267,232			(5,115		)	(27,363		)	240,667
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,700			3,417			—			9,117
	Total operating expenses	5,913			272,932			(1,698		)	(27,363		)	249,784
	Operating income (loss)	(5,913		)	(44,449		)	29,061			—			(21,301		)
	Non-operating expenses:
	Interest expense	—			13,686			14,338			—			28,024
	Other expense (income), net	—			318			(12		)	—			306
	Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(5,913		)	(58,453		)	14,735			—			(49,631		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(157		)	(9,248		)	392			—			(9,013		)
	Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries	(34,862		)	—			—			34,862			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(40,618	)	$	(49,205	)	$	14,343		$	34,862		$	(40,618	)
	The condensed consolidating statement of operations for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
		Holdings			Corporation			Subsidiaries
					and Subsidiaries						Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,907,842		$	28,330		$	(28,330	)	$	1,907,842
	Cost of sales	—			1,677,772			—			—			1,677,772
	Gross profit	—			230,070			28,330			(28,330		)	230,070
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, general, and administrative	3,940			250,098			(9,712		)	(28,330		)	215,996
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,040			3,525			—			8,565
	Total operating expenses	3,940			255,138			(6,187		)	(28,330		)	224,561
	Operating income (loss)	(3,940		)	(25,068		)	34,517			—			5,509
	Non-operating expenses:
	Interest expense	—			12,159			15,998			—			28,157
	Other expense (income), net	—			10			(17		)	—			(7		)
	Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(3,940		)	(37,237		)	18,536			—			(22,641		)
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	386			—			—			—			386
	Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries	(18,701		)	—			—			18,701			—
	Net income (loss)	$	(23,027	)	$	(37,237	)	$	18,536		$	18,701		$	(23,027	)
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	The condensed consolidating balance sheet for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of January 3, 2015, follows:
					BlueLinx
		BlueLinx			Corporation
		Holdings Inc.			and			LLC
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	27		$	4,495		$	—		$	—		$	4,522
	Receivables	—			144,537			—			—			144,537
	Inventories	—			242,546			—			—			242,546
	Deferred income tax asset, net	—			—			50			(50		)	—
	Other current assets	228			22,353			708			—			23,289
	Intercompany receivable	74,071			30,634			—			(104,705		)	—
	Total current assets	74,326			444,565			758			(104,755		)	414,894
	Property and equipment:
	Land and land improvements	—			4,061			37,034			—			41,095
	Buildings	—			11,367			78,794			—			90,161
	Machinery and equipment	—			77,279			—			—			77,279
	Construction in progress	—			1,188			—			—			1,188
	Property and equipment, at cost	—			93,895			115,828			—			209,723
	Accumulated depreciation	—			(70,077		)	(34,379		)	—			(104,456		)
	Property and equipment, net	—			23,818			81,449			—			105,267
	Investment in subsidiaries	(78,264		)	—			—			78,264			—
	Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	—			551			—			(50		)	501
	Other non-current assets	—			9,739			8,581			—			18,320
	Total assets	$	(3,938	)	$	478,673		$	90,788		$	(26,541	)	$	538,982
	Liabilities:
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	606		$	66,685		$	—		$	—		$	67,291
	Bank overdrafts	—			27,280			—			—			27,280
	Accrued compensation	23			5,620			—			—			5,643
	Current maturities of long-term debt	—			—			2,679			—			2,679
	Deferred income tax liabilities, net	—			568			—			(50		)	518
	Other current liabilities	413			12,342			1,076			—			13,831
	Intercompany payable	30,633			74,072			—			(104,705		)	—
	Total current liabilities	31,675			186,567			3,755			(104,755		)	117,242
	Non-current liabilities:
	Long-term debt	—			229,353			173,921			—			403,274
	Non-current deferred income taxes	—			—			50			(50		)	—
	Other non-current liabilities	413			54,079			—			—			54,492
	Total liabilities	32,088			469,999			177,726			(104,805		)	575,008
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit)/Parent’s investment	(36,026		)	8,674			(86,938		)	78,264			(36,026		)
	Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	(3,938	)	$	478,673		$	90,788		$	(26,541	)	$	538,982
	The condensed consolidating balance sheet for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. as of January 4, 2014, follows:
					BlueLinx
		BlueLinx			Corporation
		Holdings Inc.			and			LLC
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Current assets:
	Cash	$	47		$	4,987		$	—		$	—		$	5,034
	Receivables	—			150,297			—			—			150,297
	Inventories	—			223,580			—			—			223,580
	Deferred income tax asset, net	—			—			397			(397		)	—
	Other current assets	790			20,208			1,816			—			22,814
	Intercompany receivable	68,454			26,374			—			(94,828		)	—
	Total current assets	69,291			425,446			2,213			(95,225		)	401,725
	Property and equipment:
	Land and land improvements	—			4,040			37,136			—			41,176
	Buildings	—			10,839			79,243			—			90,082
	Machinery and equipment	—			73,004			—			—			73,004
	Construction in progress	—			3,028			—			—			3,028
Property and equipment, at cost	—			90,911			116,379			—			207,290
Accumulated depreciation	—			(64,557		)	(31,614		)	—			(96,171		)
Property and equipment, net	—			26,354			84,765			—			111,119
Investment in subsidiaries	(47,735		)	—			—			47,735			—
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	—			1,221			—			(397		)	824
Other non-current assets	—			11,768			3,053			—			14,821
Total assets	$	21,556		$	464,789		$	90,031		$	(47,887	)	$	528,489
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,080		$	59,283		$	—		$	—		$	60,363
Bank overdrafts	—			19,377			—			—			19,377
Accrued compensation	—			4,173			—			—			4,173
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			—			9,141			—			9,141
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	—			1,220			—			(397		)	823
Other current liabilities	—			11,727			1,222			—			12,949
Intercompany payable	26,374			68,454			—			(94,828		)	—
Total current liabilities	27,454			164,234			10,363			(95,225		)	106,826
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	—			211,193			176,045			—			387,238
Non-current deferred income taxes	—			—			397			(397		)	—
Other non-current liabilities	—			40,323			—			—			40,323
Total liabilities	27,454			415,750			186,805			(95,622		)	534,387
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)/Parent’s investment	(5,898		)	49,039			(96,774		)	47,735			(5,898		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	21,556		$	464,789		$	90,031		$	(47,887	)	$	528,489
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, follows (in thousands):
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Holdings Inc.			Corporation			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income	$	(13,872	)	$	(23,534	)	$	15,000		$	8,534		$	(13,872	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	—			6,405			3,068			—			9,473
	Amortization of debt issue costs	—			1,735			1,421			—			3,156
	Loss (gain) from sale of properties	—			—			(5,251		)	—			(5,251		)
	Severance charges	—			2,067			—			—			2,067
	Restructuring payments	—			(2,805		)	—			—			(2,805		)
	Deferred income tax benefit	—			17			—			—			17
	Pension expense	—			901			—			—			901
	Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	1,590			2,250			—			—			3,840
	Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other	—			(263		)	—			—			(263		)
	Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	89			(1,031		)	—			—			(942		)
	Accrued compensation and other	1,322			(2,857		)	(907		)	—			(2,442		)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	8,534			—			—			(8,534		)	—
	Intercompany receivable	(5,617		)	(4,262		)	—			9,879			—
	Intercompany payable	4,259			5,620			—			(9,879		)	—
		(3,695		)	(15,757		)	13,331			—			(6,121		)
	Changes in primary working capital components:
	Receivables	—			5,760			—			—			5,760
	Inventories	—			(18,966		)	—			—			(18,966		)
	Accounts payable	(376		)	7,402			—			—			7,026
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(4,071		)	(21,561		)	13,331			—			(12,301		)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Investment in subsidiaries	4,359			806			(5,165		)	—			—
	Property, plant and equipment investments	—			(3,016		)	—			—			(3,016		)
	Proceeds from disposition of assets	—			248			7,120			—			7,368
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	4,359			(1,962		)	1,955			—			4,352
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	—			(16		)	—			—			(16		)
	Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	(210		)	(747		)	—			—			(957		)
	Repayments on revolving credit facilities	—			(476,473		)	—			—			(476,473		)
	Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	—			494,794			—			—			494,794
	Payments of principal on mortgage	—			—			(9,220		)	—			(9,220		)
	Payments on capital lease obligations	—			(2,228		)	—			—			(2,228		)
	(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts	—			7,902			—			—			7,902
	Increase in restricted cash related to the mortgage	—			—			(6,066		)	—			(6,066		)
	Proceeds from rights offering, less expenses paid	(98		)	—			—			—			(98		)
	Debt issuance costs	—			(201		)	—			—			(201		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(308		)	23,031			(15,286		)	—			7,437
	Increase (decrease) in cash	(20		)	(492		)	—			—			(512		)
	Balance, beginning of period	47			4,987			—			—			5,034
	Balance, end of period	$	27		$	4,495		$	—		$	—		$	4,522
	Supplemental cash flow information:
	Net income tax refunds (income taxes paid) during the period	$	—		$	40		$	(250	)	$	—		$	(210	)
	Interest paid during the period	$	—		$	11,490		$	11,657		$	—		$	23,147
	Noncash transactions:
	Capital leases	$	—		$	1,108		$	—		$	—		$	1,108
	The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 4, 2014, follows (in thousands):
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Holdings Inc.			Corporation			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income	$	(40,618	)	$	(49,205	)	$	14,343		$	34,862		$	(40,618	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,700			3,417			—			9,117
	Amortization of debt issue costs	—			1,841			1,343			—			3,184
	Write-off of debt issuance costs	—			119			—			—			119
	Loss (gain) from sale of properties	—			554			(5,774		)	—			(5,220		)
	Vacant property charges, net	—			1,321			—			—			1,321
	Severance charges	—			5,607			—			—			5,607
	Payments on modification of lease agreement	—			(300		)	—			—			(300		)
Deferred income tax benefit	—			(5		)	(397		)	397			(5		)
Restructuring payments	—			(3,057		)	—			—			(3,057		)
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to the hourly pension plan	—			(8,894		)	—			—			(8,894		)
Pension expense	—			4,591			—			—			4,591
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	904			2,318			—			—			3,222
Share-based compensation, restructuring related	—			2,895			—			—			2,895
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other	—			(1,810		)	—			—			(1,810		)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	(14		)	(3,048		)	—			—			(3,062		)
Accrued compensation and other	698			(3,959		)	625			(397		)	(3,033		)
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries	34,862			—			—			(34,862		)	—
Intercompany receivable	5,527			2,440			—			(7,967		)	—
Intercompany payable	(2,440		)	(5,527		)	—			7,967			—
	(1,081		)	(48,419		)	13,557			—			(35,943		)
Changes in primary working capital components:
Receivables	—			7,168			—			—			7,168
Inventories	—			6,479			—			—			6,479
Accounts payable	779			(17,973		)	(391		)	—			(17,585		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(302		)	(52,745		)	13,166			—			(39,881		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	(35,202		)	38,663			(3,461		)	—			—
Property, plant and equipment investments	—			(4,912		)	—			—			(4,912		)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	—			1,072			9,293			—			10,365
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(35,202		)	34,823			5,832			—			5,453
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	—			16			—			—			16
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	(3,192		)	—			—			—			(3,192		)
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	—			(560,186		)	—			—			(560,186		)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	—			599,968			—			—			599,968
Payments of principal on mortgage	—			—			(19,038		)	—			(19,038		)
Payments on capital lease obligations	—			(3,142		)	—			—			(3,142		)
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts	—			(16,007		)	—			—			(16,007		)
Increase in restricted cash related to the mortgage	—			—			40			—			40
Proceeds from rights offering, less expenses paid	38,715			—			—			—			38,715
Debt issuance costs	—			(2,900		)	—			—			(2,900		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	35,523			17,749			(18,998		)	—			34,274
Increase (decrease) in cash	19			(173		)	—			—			(154		)
Balance, beginning of period	28			5,160			—			—			5,188
Balance, end of period	$	47		$	4,987		$	—		$	—		$	5,034
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net income taxes paid during the period	$	—		$	(61	)	$	(271	)	$	—		$	(332	)
Interest paid during the period	$	—		$	11,226		$	13,480		$	—		$	24,706
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases	$	—		$	5,069		$	—		$	—		$	5,069
The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, follows (in thousands):
	BlueLinx			BlueLinx			LLC
	Holdings Inc.			Corporation			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(23,027	)	$	(37,237	)	$	18,536		$	18,701		$	(23,027	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	—			5,040			3,525			—			8,565
Amortization of debt issue costs	—			2,471			1,275			—			3,746
Gain from sale of properties	—			—			(9,885		)	—			(9,885		)
Gain from property insurance settlement	—			—			(476		)	—			(476		)
Vacant property charges, net	—			(30		)	—			—			(30		)
Payments on modification of lease agreement	—			(5,875		)	—			—			(5,875		)
Deferred income tax benefit	—			(20		)	—			—			(20		)
Restructuring payments	—			(6,084		)	—			—			(6,084		)
Pension expense	—			3,942			—			—			3,942
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related	528			2,269			—			—			2,797
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash related to insurance and other	—			695			—			—			695
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets	189			700			—			—			889
Accrued compensation and other	(1,160		)	6,259			(561		)	—			4,538
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries	18,701			—			—			(18,701		)	—
Intercompany receivable	(6,940		)	(10,332		)	—			17,272			—
Intercompany payable	10,332			6,940			—			(17,272		)	—
	(1,377		)	(31,262		)	12,414			—			(20,225		)
Changes in primary working capital components:
Receivables	—			(18,593		)	—			—			(18,593		)
Inventories	—			(44,482		)	—			—			(44,482		)
Accounts payable	42			8,619			389			—			9,050
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(1,335		)	(85,718		)	12,803			—			(74,250		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries	1,862			154			(2,016		)	—			—
Property, plant and equipment investments	—			(2,826		)	—			—			(2,826		)
Proceeds from disposition of assets	—			997			18,198			—			19,195
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,862			(1,675		)	16,182			—			16,369
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings	(526		)	—			—			—			(526		)
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	—			(473,349		)	—			—			(473,349		)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	—			550,270			—			—			550,270
Principal payments on mortgage	—			—			(37,272		)	—			(37,272		)
Payments on capital lease obligations	—			(2,259		)	—			—			(2,259		)
Increase in bank overdrafts	—			13,020			—			—			13,020
Decrease in restricted cash related to the mortgage	—			—			9,970			—			9,970
Debt financing costs	—			—			(1,683		)	—			(1,683		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(526		)	87,682			(28,985		)	—			58,171
Increase in cash	1			289			—			—			290
Cash balance, beginning of period	27			4,871			—			—			4,898
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	$	28		$	5,160		$	—		$	—		$	5,188
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net income tax refunds (income taxes paid) during the period	$	—		$	37		$	(545	)	$	—		$	(508	)
Interest paid during the period	$	—		$	9,309		$	14,979		$	—		$	24,288
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases	$	—		$	5,238		$	—		$	—		$	5,238
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of stockholders' equity (deficit)	The condensed consolidating statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit) for BlueLinx Holdings Inc. for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2014 follows:
		BlueLinx			BlueLinx
		Holdings Inc.			Corporation			LLC
					and Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	8,374		$	83,626		$	(124,175	)	$	40,549		$	8,374
	Net (loss) income	(23,027		)	(37,237		)	18,536			18,701			(23,027		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	103			103			—			(103		)	103
	Unrealized loss (income) from pension plan, net of tax	(8,245		)	(8,245		)	—			8,245			(8,245		)
	Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	19			19			—			(19		)	19
	Compensation related to share-based grants	2,730			—			—			—			2,730
	Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	(526		)	—			—			—			(526		)
	Other	(20		)	—			—			—			(20		)
	Net transactions with the Parent	—			2,337			(2,017		)	(320		)	—
	Balance, December 29, 2012	$	(20,592	)	$	40,603		$	(107,656	)	$	67,053		$	(20,592	)
	Net (loss) income	(40,618		)	(49,205		)	14,343			34,862			(40,618		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(161		)	(161		)	—			161			(161		)
	Unrealized income (loss) from pension plan, net of tax	13,910			13,910			—			(13,910		)	13,910
	Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	6			6			—			(6		)	6
	Issuance of performance shares	6			6			—			(6		)	6
	Issuance of stock related to the rights offering, net of expenses	38,613			—			—			—			38,613
	Compensation related to share-based grants	6,117			—			—			—			6,117
	Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	(3,193		)	—			—			—			(3,193		)
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	16			—			—			—			16
	Other	(2		)	—			—			—			(2		)
	Net transactions with the Parent	—			43,880			(3,461		)	(40,419		)	—
	Balance, January 4, 2014	$	(5,898	)	$	49,039		$	(96,774	)	$	47,735		$	(5,898	)
	Net (loss) income	(13,872		)	(23,534		)	15,000			8,534			(13,872		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(481		)	(481		)	—			481			(481		)
	Unrealized income (loss) from pension plan, net of tax	(17,651		)	(17,651		)	—			17,651			(17,651		)
	Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	18			—			—			—			18
	Issuance of performance shares	10			—			—			—			10
	Issuance of stock related to the rights offering, net of expenses	—			—			—			—			—
	Compensation related to share-based grants	2,896			—			—			—			2,896
	Impact of net settled shares for vested grants	(963		)	—			—			—			(963		)
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	(16		)	—			—			—			(16		)
	Other	(69		)	—			—			—			(69		)
	Net transactions with the Parent	—			1,301			(5,164		)	3,863			—
	Balance, January 3, 2015	$	(36,026	)	$	8,674		$	(86,938	)	$	78,264		$	(36,026	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Customer consigned inventory	$6.30	$10.10
Vendor rebate receivable	7.1	7.6
Customer rebate payable	6.4	6.3
Depreciation method	straight-line method
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Shipping and handling costs	91.8	99.7	91.2
Advertising expenses	$0.60	$1.20	$1.10

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Detail_Te

Assets Held for Sale (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 05, 2014	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
Office space and other location held for sale
Assets Held For Sale and Net Gain On Disposition [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$1.90
Distribution centers held for sale
Assets Held For Sale and Net Gain On Disposition [Line Items]
Assets held for sale		0.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Assets Held For Sale and Net Gain On Disposition [Line Items]
Recognized gain on sale of asset	5.1
Other current assets
Assets Held For Sale and Net Gain On Disposition [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale		$0.90	$2.60

Restricted_Cash_Restricted_Cas2

Restricted Cash Restricted Cash (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash in escrow:
Restricted cash	$18,010	$11,681
Mortgage
Cash in escrow:
Restricted cash	6,067	0
Insurance
Cash in escrow:
Restricted cash	7,430	7,921
Other
Cash in escrow:
Restricted cash	$4,513	$3,760

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Payments	($2,805)	($3,057)	($6,084)
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,478	0
Charges	0	7,107
Adjustments to reserves	-136	-170
Payments	-2,482	-3,459
Ending Balance	860	3,478
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs | Reduction in Force Activities
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,550	0
Charges	0	5,709
Adjustments to reserves	-168	-102
Payments	-2,069	-3,057
Ending Balance	313	2,550
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs | Facility Lease Obligation
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	928	0
Charges	0	1,398
Adjustments to reserves	32	-68
Payments	-413	-402
Ending Balance	$547	$928

Restructuring_Charges_Detail_T

Restructuring Charges (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013
				Distribution_Center
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance charges	$2,067,000	$5,607,000	$0
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of distribution centers to be sold or closed				5
Severance and lease facility restructuring charges	0	7,107,000
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance charges		5,700,000
Share based compensation		2,900,000
Other restructuring related charges		1,400,000
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs | Facility Lease Obligation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and lease facility restructuring charges	0	1,398,000
2013 Facility Lease Obligation and Severance Costs | Facility Lease Obligation | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance and lease facility restructuring charges		$1,400,000
Number of facilities closed for which lease reserves were recorded		2

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Federal income taxes:
Current	$0	($492)	$16
Deferred	0	-7,385	0
State income taxes:
Current	160	192	334
Deferred	0	-1,343	0
Foreign income taxes:
Current	134	19	56
Deferred	18	-4	-20
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$312	($9,013)	$386

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit from income taxes computed at the federal statutory tax rate	($4,746)	($17,371)	($7,924)
Benefit from state income taxes, net of federal benefit	-623	-1,991	-866
Valuation allowance change	5,656	19,445	8,820
Nondeductible items	232	270	484
Benefit from allocation of income taxes to other comprehensive income (loss)	0	-8,726	0
Other	-207	-640	-128
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$312	($9,013)	$386

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal NOL carryovers	184,200,000
State NOL carryovers	238,500,000
Deferred income tax assets:
Inventory reserves	3,333,000	2,832,000
Compensation-related accruals	5,434,000	4,893,000
Accruals and reserves	787,000	1,030,000
Accounts receivable	728,000	1,291,000
Restructuring costs	212,000	488,000
Property and equipment	16,000	0
Pension	13,214,000	8,245,000
Benefit from net operating loss (“NOL”) carryovers (1)	76,264,000	70,169,000
Other	685,000	703,000
Total gross deferred income tax assets	100,673,000	89,651,000
Less: Valuation allowances	-99,979,000	-88,279,000	-78,050,000
Total net deferred income tax assets	694,000	1,372,000
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	0	-365,000
Other	-711,000	-1,006,000
Total deferred income tax liabilities	-711,000	-1,371,000
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net	-17,000	$1,000
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	expire in 14 to 20 years
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	expire in 1 to 20 years

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of the year	$88,279	$78,050
Loss before income taxes	11,700	10,229
Balance at end of the year	$99,979	$88,279

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$259	$826	$873
Increases related to current year tax positions	0	0	0
Additions for tax positions in prior years	0	0	0
Reductions for tax positions in prior years	0	0	0
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statue of limitations	-75	-567	-47
Settlements	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$184	$259	$826

Income_Taxes_Detail_Textuals

Income Taxes (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%
Non-cash tax benefit on the loss from continuing operations	$8.70
Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce effective tax rate	$0.20	$0.30

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_De

Revolving Credit Facilities (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Aug. 14, 2014	Aug. 04, 2006
Revolving credit facility | US
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.1
Minimum remaining borrowing capacity level before covered ratio is applicable, while Tranche A Loan is outstanding	$33,200,000
Minimum remaining borrowing capacity level before covered ratio is applicable	31,800,000
Minimum percentage of maximum borrowing capacity or alternative base, before covered ratio is applicable	12.50%
Alternative base amount applied against minimum percentage to determine required excess funds, before covered ratio is applicable, while Tranche A Loan is outstanding	467,500,000
Alternative base amount applied against minimum percentage to determine required excess funds, before covered ratio is applicable	447,500,000
U.S. | Revolving credit facility | Wells Fargo Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Date of the final maturity of revolving credit facility			15-Apr-16
U.S. revolving credit facility maximum available credit less the uncommitted accordion feature			467,500,000
Line of credit accordion credit			75,000,000
Revolving credit facility maximum available credit			542,500,000
Decrease to borrowing capacity of revolving credit facility per month		2,000,000
Outstanding lines of credit	225,600,000
Revolving credit facility excess availability	58,500,000
Interest rate on revolving credit facility	3.90%
U.S. | Revolving credit facility | Wells Fargo Bank | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity threshold of revolving credit facility to terminate contractual monthly capacity decrease		50,000,000
U.S. | Tranche A Loan | Wells Fargo Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Revolving Credit Converted to Term Loan, Pursuant to Credit Agreement			20,000,000
CANADA | Revolving credit facility | CIBC Asset Based Lending Inc | Bluelinx Building Products Canada Ltd
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit accordion credit	5,000,000
Revolving credit facility maximum available credit	15,000,000
Outstanding lines of credit	4,000,000
Revolving credit facility excess availability	1,000,000
Interest rate on revolving credit facility	4.00%
Maximum available credit	$10,000,000

Mortgage_Details

Mortgage (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage outstanding principal balance
2015	$2,678
2016	175,044
Total	$177,722

Mortgage_Detail_Textuals

Mortgage (Detail Textuals) (Mortgage)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
	Facility
Mortgage
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage loan term	10 years
Distribution facilities	49
Mortgage interest rate	6.35%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Discounted carrying value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Value of mortgage	$177.70
Fair value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Value of mortgage	$183

Employee_Benefits_Details

Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period	$104,924	$114,330
Service cost	1,056	2,193	1,878
Interest cost	5,123	4,750	4,885
Actuarial (gain) loss	15,797	-10,710
Curtailment	0	-910
Benefits paid	-4,945	-4,729
Projected benefit obligation at end of period	121,955	104,924	114,330
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of period	77,039	67,760
Actual return on plan assets	3,422	13,536
Employer contributions	4,676	472
Benefits paid	-4,945	-4,729
Fair value of assets at end of period	80,192	77,039	67,760
Net (unfunded) status of plan	($41,763)	($27,885)

Employee_Benefits_Details_1

Employee Benefits (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Unfunded status	$41,763	$27,885
Unrecognized prior service cost	1	1
Unrecognized actuarial loss	32,309	14,656
Net amount recognized	-9,453	-13,228
Amounts recognized on the balance sheet consist of:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax)	32,310	14,657
Net amount recognized	($9,453)	($13,228)

Employee_Benefits_Details_2

Employee Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Net periodic pension cost
Service cost	$1,056	$2,193	$1,878
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	5,123	4,750	4,885
Expected return on plan assets	-6,041	-5,225	-4,897
Amortization of unrecognized loss	763	2,873	2,077
Net periodic pension cost	$901	$4,591	$3,943

Employee_Benefits_Details_3

Employee Benefits (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014
Projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	4.19%	5.00%
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	5.00%	4.24%
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.54%	7.85%
Minimum
Projected benefit obligation:
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.50%	2.50%
Net periodic pension cost
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	2.50%
Maximum
Projected benefit obligation:
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	5.50%	5.50%
Net periodic pension cost
Average rate of increase in future compensation levels	5.50%

Employee_Benefits_Details_4

Employee Benefits (Details 4) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category	100.00%	100.00%
Fair value of plan assets by asset category	$80,192	$77,039	$67,760
Level 1
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Fair value of plan assets by asset category	80,192	77,039
Equity securities - domestic
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category	57.00%	55.00%
Equity securities - domestic | Level 1
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Fair value of plan assets by asset category	45,950	42,710
Equity securities - international
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category	15.00%	16.00%
Equity securities - international | Level 1
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Fair value of plan assets by asset category	11,924	12,067
Fixed income
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category	24.00%	24.00%
Fixed income | Level 1
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Fair value of plan assets by asset category	19,161	18,836
Other
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Percentage of fair value of total assets by asset category	4.00%	5.00%
Other | Level 1
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Fair value of plan assets by asset category	$3,157	$3,426

Employee_Benefits_Details_5

Employee Benefits (Details 5) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2-Jan-16	$5,399
31-Dec-16	5,705
30-Dec-17	6,000
29-Dec-18	6,281
28-Dec-19	6,491
Thereafter	$35,581

Employee_Benefits_Employee_Ben

Employee Benefits Employee Benefits (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer contributions for the period	$1	$1.30	$1.30
Lumber Employees Local 786 Retirement Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status	Yellow
Entity Tax Identification Number	516067407
Multiemployer Plans, Funding Improvement Plan and Rehabilitation Plan	Implemented
Multiemployer contributions for the period	0.4	0.4	0.4
Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status, Date	31-Dec-14
Other Multiemployer Plans
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer contributions for the period	$0.60	$0.90	$0.90

Employee_Benefits_Detail_Textu

Employee Benefits (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net unfunded status of benefit plan	$41,763,000	$27,885,000
Net adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax	-17,700,000	13,900,000	-8,200,000
Net adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) before tax		22,800,000
Net adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit		-8,900,000
Decrease in the unfunded obligation	13,900,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	15,797,000	-10,710,000
Actual return on plan assets	3,422,000	13,536,000
Employer contributions	4,676,000	472,000
Charge due to to current year service and interest cost	6,200,000
Discount rate	4.19%	5.00%
Net periodic pension costs	900,000	4,600,000
Discount rate on net periodic pension cost	5.00%	4.24%
Recognized net gain (loss) due to curtailments		900,000
Estimated net loss expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year	1,000,000
Accumulated benefit obligation for the hourly pension plan	$120,500,000	$103,700,000

Employee_Benefits_Detail_Textu1

Employee Benefits (Detail Textuals 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Compound annualized risk free rate	2.75%
Expected overall portfolio return percentage	8.29%
Percentage of estimated expense	0.75%
Net long term rate of return	7.54%
Total defined benefit employer minimum required contribution		$6	$3.20
Deferred and amortized period for defined benefit plan contribution			5 years
Quarterly future employer contribution in 2015	1.5
Minimum required contribution for plan year, per quarter cash contributions during fiscal - 2015	6.1
Percentages of employees represented by various labour unions	34.00%
Percentage of collective bargaining agreements up for renewal	30.00%
Contributions to the hourly defined contribution plan	0.1	0.1	0.1
Contributions to the salaried defined contribution plan	0.9	1.1	1
Equities
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio	65.00%
Equity securities - domestic
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Target allocations for fiscal 2015	55.00%
Equity securities - international
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Target allocations for fiscal 2015	10.00%
Fixed income
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio	30.00%
Target allocations for fiscal 2015	30.00%
Other
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio	5.00%
Target allocations for fiscal 2015	5.00%
Hourly Pension Plan
Asset allocation structure of the portfolio
Independent appraisals cost of land and buildings located in Charleston, S.C. and Buffalo, N.Y.		6.8
Lease back period for real property				20 years
Lease back period extension options for real property				5 years
Rent payments on monthly basis contributions in hourly pension plan	$0.60	$0.50
Number of minimum quarterly cash contributions during fiscal 2015 and 2016	4

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Nonvested Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	1,618,283
Granted	1,969,712
Vested	-1,256,147
Forfeited	-142,670
Outstanding	2,189,178
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	$2.50
Granted	$1.53
Vested	$1.93
Forfeited	$1.99
Outstanding	$1.68
Performance Shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Nonvested Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	2,192,868
Granted	0
Vested	-1,038,958
Forfeited	-51,821
Outstanding	1,102,089
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding	$2.50
Granted	$0
Vested	$1.64
Forfeited	$2.49
Outstanding	$1.56
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	784,500
Granted	0	0	0
Exercised	0	0	0
Forfeited	0
Expired	0
Outstanding	784,500	784,500
Exercisable	784,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding	$5.05
Granted	$0
Exercised	$0
Forfeited	$0
Expired	$0
Outstanding	$5.05	$5.05
Exercisable	$5.05

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 1) (Stock options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, outstanding	784,500
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years), options outstanding	3 years 1 month 6 days
Number of options, exercisable	784,500
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years), exercisable	3 years 1 month 6 days
Price Range $4.66
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, outstanding	750,000
Exercise price	4.66
Weighted average exercise price, options outstanding	4.66
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years), options outstanding	3 years 2 months 12 days
Number of options, exercisable	750,000
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable	4.66
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years), exercisable	3 years 2 months 12 days
Price Range $11.40-$14.01
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, outstanding	34,500
Price range, minimum	11.4
Price range, maximum	14.01
Weighted average exercise price, options outstanding	13.25
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years), options outstanding	1 year 3 months 18 days
Number of options, exercisable	34,500
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable	13.25
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years), exercisable	1 year 3 months 18 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$3,840	$6,117	$2,797
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,941	3,521	2,730
Performance Shares
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,725	2,596	0
Stock options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$174	$0	$67

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail3

Share-Based Compensation (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012	Jan. 02, 2015
	Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total fair value of vested stocks	$2,400,000	$6,400,000	$2,300,000
Employees no longer employed by the Company	4
Director who did not stand for re-election	1
Stock-based compensation expense	3,840,000	6,117,000	2,797,000
Benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense	-16,000	16,000	0
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term		1 year 8 months 12 days
Share based compensation related to 2013 restructuring and change in executive leadership		2,900,000
Income tax benefits offset by a valuation allowance	1,500,000	2,400,000	1,100,000
Stock-Based Compensation Expense | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term	10 years
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation expense	1,900,000
Weighted average term for compensation expense to be recognized	1 year 10 months 24 days
Stock-based compensation expense	1,941,000	3,521,000	2,730,000
Restricted Stock | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards vesting period	1 year
Restricted Stock | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards vesting period	3 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation expense	500,000
Weighted average term for compensation expense to be recognized	10 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term	8 months 12 days
Total fair value of vested stocks	1,700,000	1,500,000
Stock-based compensation expense	1,725,000	2,596,000	0
Performance Shares | Former Directors and Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of awards based on opening price of common stock (in dollars per share)				$1.14
Shares vested during the period	161,024
Nonvested number of shares outstanding	828,568
Stock-based compensation expense	1,200,000
Performance Shares | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted in the period	0	0	0
Stock options exercised in the period	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	174,000	0	67,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	$0
Long term equity incentive plan 2004 | Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance	2,222,222
Long term equity incentive plan 2006 | Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares reserved for issuance	12,200,000

Income_Loss_per_Common_Share_I1

Income (Loss) per Common Share Income (Loss) per Common Share (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	4,129,822	4,595,650	4,460,054
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	2,189,177	1,618,283	3,554,738
Performance Shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,102,091	2,192,868

Lease_Commitments_Lease_Commit2

Lease Commitments Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2015	$5,729
2016	5,470
2017	5,310
2018	4,839
2019	1,799
Thereafter	10,273
Total	$33,420

Lease_Commitments_Lease_Commit3

Lease Commitments Lease Commitments (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Principal Payments on Capital Leases [Abstract]
2015	$2,048
2016	1,993
2017	1,499
2018	1,563
2019	692
Thereafter	228
Total	8,023
Interest Payments on Capital Leases [Abstract]
2015	463
2016	321
2017	211
2018	112
2019	29
Thereafter	8
Total	$1,144

Lease_Commitments_Lease_Commit4

Lease Commitments Lease Commitments (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total rent expense	$4.50	$4.80	$4.80
Basis of assets under capital leases	16.4	15.4
Net book value of assets under capital leases	$9	$11.10
Minimum
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital lease maturity		5 years
Capital lease interest rate	4.00%
Maximum
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital lease maturity		7 years
Capital lease interest rate	7.60%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Detail Textuals)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
	Employee
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase Commitment, Term	1 year
Number of persons employed on full-time basis	1,700
Percentages of employees represented by various labour unions	34.00%
Percentage of collective bargaining agreements up for renewal	30.00%

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E

Subsequent Events Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 18, 2015	Feb. 18, 2015
Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.2	1.2
Tranche A Loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Decrease to borrowing capacity of revolving credit facility per month	$2,000,000
Periodic increase in interest rate, starting April 1, 2015	25.00%	25.00%
Maximum increase in interest rate	100.00%	100.00%
Minimum | Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility, required repayment amount by May 1, 2016	35,000,000	35,000,000
Unused borrowing capacity threshold of revolving credit facility to terminate contractual monthly capacity decrease	$50,000,000	50,000,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($16,293)	($30,042)	($21,900)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	-18,897	11,997	-10,219
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	765	1,752	2,077
Ending balance, net of tax	-34,425	-16,293	-30,042
Foreign currency, net of tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,636	1,797	1,694
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	-481	-161	103
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0
Ending balance, net of tax	1,155	1,636	1,797
Defined benefit pension plan, net of tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-18,141	-32,051	-23,806
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	-18,416	12,158	-10,322
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	765	1,752	2,077
Ending balance, net of tax	-35,792	-18,141	-32,051
Other, net of tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	212	212	212
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0
Ending balance, net of tax	$212	$212	$212

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	($18,100,000)	$13,700,000	($8,100,000)
Actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension costs, net of tax	765,000	1,752,000	2,077,000
Tax expense (benefit) of actuarial losses recognized in the statements of operations as a s component of net periodic pension cost		-1,100,000
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) based on updated actuarial assumption included in other comprehensive income, net of tax	-18,897,000	11,997,000	-10,219,000
Tax expense (benefit) of unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) based on updated actuarial assumption included in other comprehensive income		7,800,000
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Actuarial loss recognized in the statements of operations as a component of net periodic pension costs, net of tax	765,000	1,752,000	2,077,000
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) based on updated actuarial assumption included in other comprehensive income, net of tax	($18,416,000)	$12,158,000	($10,322,000)

Unaudited_Selected_Quarterly_F2

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Jan. 04, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$454,110	$549,845	$531,494	$443,944	$486,275	$557,952	$604,592	$503,153	$1,979,393	$2,151,972	$1,907,842
Gross profit	49,815	64,580	62,033	52,676	54,348	62,492	55,185	56,458	229,104	228,483	230,070
Net (loss) income	($7,640)	($860)	$3,236	($8,608)	($2,457)	($3,206)	($22,306)	($12,649)	($13,872)	($40,618)	($23,027)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	86,545	86,399	85,874	85,187	84,818	84,596	84,167	66,714	86,001	80,163	65,452
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share applicable to common shares (in dollars per share)	($0.09)	($0.01)	$0.04	($0.10)	($0.03)	($0.04)	($0.27)	($0.19)	($0.16)	($0.51)	($0.35)

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli2

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Jan. 04, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Consolidating statement of operations
Net sales	$454,110	$549,845	$531,494	$443,944	$486,275	$557,952	$604,592	$503,153	$1,979,393	$2,151,972	$1,907,842
Cost of sales									1,750,289	1,923,489	1,677,772
Gross profit	49,815	64,580	62,033	52,676	54,348	62,492	55,185	56,458	229,104	228,483	230,070
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative									206,095	240,667	215,996
Depreciation and amortization									9,473	9,117	8,565
Total operating expenses (income)									215,568	249,784	224,561
Operating (loss) income									13,536	-21,301	5,509
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense									26,771	28,024	28,157
Other expense (income), net									325	306	-7
(Loss) income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes									-13,560	-49,631	-22,641
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									312	-9,013	386
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-7,640	-860	3,236	-8,608	-2,457	-3,206	-22,306	-12,649	-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
BlueLinx Holdings
Consolidating statement of operations
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of sales									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative									5,498	5,913	3,940
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Total operating expenses (income)									5,498	5,913	3,940
Operating (loss) income									-5,498	-5,913	-3,940
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
(Loss) income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes									-5,498	-5,913	-3,940
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									-160	-157	386
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries									-8,534	-34,862	-18,701
Net income (loss)									-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
BlueLinx Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidating statement of operations
Net sales									1,979,393	2,151,972	1,907,842
Cost of sales									1,750,289	1,923,489	1,677,772
Gross profit									229,104	228,483	230,070
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative									232,186	267,232	250,098
Depreciation and amortization									6,405	5,700	5,040
Total operating expenses (income)									238,591	272,932	255,138
Operating (loss) income									-9,487	-44,449	-25,068
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense									13,688	13,686	12,159
Other expense (income), net									337	318	10
(Loss) income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes									-23,512	-58,453	-37,237
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									22	-9,248	0
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									-23,534	-49,205	-37,237
LLC Subsidiaries
Consolidating statement of operations
Net sales									26,329	27,363	28,330
Cost of sales									0	0	0
Gross profit									26,329	27,363	28,330
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative									-5,260	-5,115	-9,712
Depreciation and amortization									3,068	3,417	3,525
Total operating expenses (income)									-2,192	-1,698	-6,187
Operating (loss) income									28,521	29,061	34,517
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense									13,083	14,338	15,998
Other expense (income), net									-12	-12	-17
(Loss) income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes									15,450	14,735	18,536
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									450	392	0
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									15,000	14,343	18,536
Eliminations
Consolidating statement of operations
Net sales									-26,329	-27,363	-28,330
Cost of sales									0	0	0
Gross profit									-26,329	-27,363	-28,330
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative									-26,329	-27,363	-28,330
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Total operating expenses (income)									-26,329	-27,363	-28,330
Operating (loss) income									0	0	0
Non-operating expenses:
Interest expense									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
(Loss) income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes									0	0	0
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes									0	0	0
Equity in (loss) income of subsidiaries									8,534	34,862	18,701
Net income (loss)									$8,534	$34,862	$18,701

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli3

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash	$4,522	$5,034	$5,188	$4,898
Receivables	144,537	150,297
Inventories	242,546	223,580
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	0	0
Other Assets, Current	23,289	22,814
Intercompany Receivable	0	0
Total current assets	414,894	401,725
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	41,095	41,176
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	90,161	90,082
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	77,279	73,004
Construction in Progress, Gross	1,188	3,028
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	209,723	207,290
Accumulated depreciation	-104,456	-96,171
Property and equipment, net	105,267	111,119
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	501	824
Other non-current assets	18,320	14,821
Total assets	538,982	528,489
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	67,291	60,363
Bank overdrafts	27,280	19,377
Accrued compensation	5,643	4,173
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,679	9,141
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	518	823
Other current liabilities	13,831	12,949
Intercompany payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	117,242	106,826
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	403,274	387,238
Other non-current liabilities	54,492	40,323
Non-current deferred income taxes	0	0
Total liabilities	575,008	534,387
Stockholders' (deficit) equity/Parent's Investment	-36,026	-5,898	-20,592	8,374
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity	538,982	528,489
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Current assets:
Cash	27	47	28	27
Receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	0	0
Other Assets, Current	228	790
Intercompany Receivable	74,071	68,454
Total current assets	74,326	69,291
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	0	0
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	0	0
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	0	0
Construction in Progress, Gross	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	0	0
Accumulated depreciation	0	0
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-78,264	-47,735
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	0	0
Other non-current assets	0	0
Total assets	-3,938	21,556
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	606	1,080
Bank overdrafts	0	0
Accrued compensation	23	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	0	0
Other current liabilities	413	0
Intercompany payable	30,633	26,374
Total current liabilities	31,675	27,454
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	413	0
Non-current deferred income taxes	0	0
Total liabilities	32,088	27,454
Stockholders' (deficit) equity/Parent's Investment	-36,026	-5,898	-20,592	8,374
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity	-3,938	21,556
BlueLinx Corporation and Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash	4,495	4,987	5,160	4,871
Receivables	144,537	150,297
Inventories	242,546	223,580
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	0	0
Other Assets, Current	22,353	20,208
Intercompany Receivable	30,634	26,374
Total current assets	444,565	425,446
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	4,061	4,040
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	11,367	10,839
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	77,279	73,004
Construction in Progress, Gross	1,188	3,028
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	93,895	90,911
Accumulated depreciation	-70,077	-64,557
Property and equipment, net	23,818	26,354
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	551	1,221
Other non-current assets	9,739	11,768
Total assets	478,673	464,789
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	66,685	59,283
Bank overdrafts	27,280	19,377
Accrued compensation	5,620	4,173
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	568	1,220
Other current liabilities	12,342	11,727
Intercompany payable	74,072	68,454
Total current liabilities	186,567	164,234
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	229,353	211,193
Other non-current liabilities	54,079	40,323
Non-current deferred income taxes	0	0
Total liabilities	469,999	415,750
Stockholders' (deficit) equity/Parent's Investment	8,674	49,039	40,603	83,626
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity	478,673	464,789
LLC Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash	0	0	0	0
Receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	50	397
Other Assets, Current	708	1,816
Intercompany Receivable	0	0
Total current assets	758	2,213
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	37,034	37,136
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	78,794	79,243
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	0	0
Construction in Progress, Gross	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	115,828	116,379
Accumulated depreciation	-34,379	-31,614
Property and equipment, net	81,449	84,765
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	0	0
Other non-current assets	8,581	3,053
Total assets	90,788	90,031
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Bank overdrafts	0	0
Accrued compensation	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	2,679	9,141
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	0	0
Other current liabilities	1,076	1,222
Intercompany payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	3,755	10,363
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	173,921	176,045
Other non-current liabilities	0	0
Non-current deferred income taxes	50	397
Total liabilities	177,726	186,805
Stockholders' (deficit) equity/Parent's Investment	-86,938	-96,774	-107,656	-124,175
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity	90,788	90,031
Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash	0	0	0	0
Receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	-50	-397
Other Assets, Current	0	0
Intercompany Receivable	-104,705	-94,828
Total current assets	-104,755	-95,225
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	0	0
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	0	0
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	0	0
Construction in Progress, Gross	0	0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	0	0
Accumulated depreciation	0	0
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	78,264	47,735
Non-current deferred income tax assets, net	-50	-397
Other non-current assets	0	0
Total assets	-26,541	-47,887
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Bank overdrafts	0	0
Accrued compensation	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	-50	-397
Other current liabilities	0	0
Intercompany payable	-104,705	-94,828
Total current liabilities	-104,755	-95,225
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	0	0
Non-current deferred income taxes	-50	-397
Total liabilities	-104,805	-95,622
Stockholders' (deficit) equity/Parent's Investment	78,264	47,735	67,053	40,549
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity	($26,541)	($47,887)

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli4

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Jan. 04, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	($7,640)	($860)	$3,236	($8,608)	($2,457)	($3,206)	($22,306)	($12,649)	($13,872)	($40,618)	($23,027)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									9,473	9,117	8,565
Amortization of debt issue costs									3,156	3,184	3,746
Write-off of debt issuance costs									0	119	0
Loss (gain) from sale of properties									-5,251	-5,220	-9,885
Gain from property insurance settlements									0	0	-476
Vacant property charges									0	1,321	-30
Severance charges									2,067	5,607	0
Restructuring payments									-2,805	-3,057	-6,084
Payments on modification on lease agreement									0	-300	-5,875
Deferred income tax benefit charge (benefit)									17	-5	-20
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to hourly pension plan									0	-8,894	0
Pension expense									901	4,591	3,942
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related									3,840	3,222	2,797
Share-based compensation, restructuring related									0	2,895	0
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other									-263	-1,810	695
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets									-942	-3,062	889
Accrued compensation and other									-2,442	-3,033	4,538
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Intercompany receivable									0	0	0
Intercompany payable									0	0	0
Change in net cash used in other operating activities									-6,121	-35,943	-20,225
Changes in primary working capital components:
Accounts receivable									5,760	7,168	-18,593
Inventories									-18,966	6,479	-44,482
Accounts payable									7,026	-17,585	9,050
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities									-12,301	-39,881	-74,250
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries									0	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment investments									-3,016	-4,912	-2,826
Proceeds from disposition of assets									7,368	10,365	19,195
Net cash provided by investing activities									4,352	5,453	16,369
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									-16	16	0
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings									-957	-3,192	-526
Repayments on revolving credit facilities									-476,473	-560,186	-473,349
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities									494,794	599,968	550,270
Payments of principal on mortgage									-9,220	-19,038	-37,272
Payments on capital lease obligations									-2,228	-3,142	-2,259
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts									7,902	-16,007	13,020
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to the mortgage									-6,066	40	9,970
Proceeds from rights/stock offering, less expenses paid									-98	38,715	0
Debt financing costs									-201	-2,900	-1,683
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									7,437	34,274	58,171
Increase (decrease) in cash									-512	-154	290
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				5,034				5,188	5,034	5,188	4,898
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	4,522				5,034				4,522	5,034	5,188
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income Taxes Paid, Net									-210	-332	-508
Interest paid during the period									23,147	24,706	24,288
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases									1,108	5,069	5,238
BlueLinx Holdings
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income									-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Amortization of debt issue costs									0	0	0
Write-off of debt issuance costs										0
Loss (gain) from sale of properties									0	0	0
Gain from property insurance settlements											0
Vacant property charges										0	0
Severance charges									0	0
Restructuring payments									0	0	0
Payments on modification on lease agreement										0	0
Deferred income tax benefit charge (benefit)									0	0	0
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to hourly pension plan										0
Pension expense									0	0	0
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related									1,590	904	528
Share-based compensation, restructuring related										0
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other									0	0	0
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets									89	-14	189
Accrued compensation and other									1,322	698	-1,160
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries									8,534	34,862	18,701
Intercompany receivable									-5,617	5,527	-6,940
Intercompany payable									4,259	-2,440	10,332
Change in net cash used in other operating activities									-3,695	-1,081	-1,377
Changes in primary working capital components:
Accounts receivable									0	0	0
Inventories									0	0	0
Accounts payable									-376	779	42
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities									-4,071	-302	-1,335
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries									4,359	-35,202	1,862
Property, plant, and equipment investments									0	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets									0	0	0
Net cash provided by investing activities									4,359	-35,202	1,862
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									0	0
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings									-210	-3,192	-526
Repayments on revolving credit facilities									0	0	0
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities									0	0	0
Payments of principal on mortgage									0	0	0
Payments on capital lease obligations									0	0	0
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to the mortgage									0	0	0
Proceeds from rights/stock offering, less expenses paid									-98	38,715
Debt financing costs									0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									-308	35,523	-526
Increase (decrease) in cash									-20	19	1
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				47				28	47	28	27
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	27				47				27	47	28
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income Taxes Paid, Net									0	0	0
Interest paid during the period									0	0	0
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases									0	0	0
BlueLinx Corporation
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income									-23,534	-49,205	-37,237
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									6,405	5,700	5,040
Amortization of debt issue costs									1,735	1,841	2,471
Write-off of debt issuance costs										119
Loss (gain) from sale of properties									0	554	0
Gain from property insurance settlements											0
Vacant property charges										1,321	-30
Severance charges									2,067	5,607
Restructuring payments									-2,805	-3,057	-6,084
Payments on modification on lease agreement										-300	-5,875
Deferred income tax benefit charge (benefit)									17	-5	-20
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to hourly pension plan										-8,894
Pension expense									901	4,591	3,942
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related									2,250	2,318	2,269
Share-based compensation, restructuring related										2,895
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other									-263	-1,810	695
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets									-1,031	-3,048	700
Accrued compensation and other									-2,857	-3,959	6,259
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Intercompany receivable									-4,262	2,440	-10,332
Intercompany payable									5,620	-5,527	6,940
Change in net cash used in other operating activities									-15,757	-48,419	-31,262
Changes in primary working capital components:
Accounts receivable									5,760	7,168	-18,593
Inventories									-18,966	6,479	-44,482
Accounts payable									7,402	-17,973	8,619
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities									-21,561	-52,745	-85,718
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries									806	38,663	154
Property, plant, and equipment investments									-3,016	-4,912	-2,826
Proceeds from disposition of assets									248	1,072	997
Net cash provided by investing activities									-1,962	34,823	-1,675
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									-16	16
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings									-747	0	0
Repayments on revolving credit facilities									-476,473	-560,186	-473,349
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities									494,794	599,968	550,270
Payments of principal on mortgage									0	0	0
Payments on capital lease obligations									-2,228	-3,142	-2,259
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts									7,902	-16,007	13,020
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to the mortgage									0	0	0
Proceeds from rights/stock offering, less expenses paid									0	0
Debt financing costs									-201	-2,900	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									23,031	17,749	87,682
Increase (decrease) in cash									-492	-173	289
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				4,987				5,160	4,987	5,160	4,871
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	4,495				4,987				4,495	4,987	5,160
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income Taxes Paid, Net									40	-61	37
Interest paid during the period									11,490	11,226	9,309
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases									1,108	5,069	5,238
LLC Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income									15,000	14,343	18,536
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									3,068	3,417	3,525
Amortization of debt issue costs									1,421	1,343	1,275
Write-off of debt issuance costs										0
Loss (gain) from sale of properties									-5,251	-5,774	-9,885
Gain from property insurance settlements											-476
Vacant property charges										0	0
Severance charges									0	0
Restructuring payments									0	0	0
Payments on modification on lease agreement										0	0
Deferred income tax benefit charge (benefit)									0	-397	0
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to hourly pension plan										0
Pension expense									0	0	0
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related									0	0	0
Share-based compensation, restructuring related										0
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other									0	0	0
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets									0	0	0
Accrued compensation and other									-907	625	-561
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Intercompany receivable									0	0	0
Intercompany payable									0	0	0
Change in net cash used in other operating activities									13,331	13,557	12,414
Changes in primary working capital components:
Accounts receivable									0	0	0
Inventories									0	0	0
Accounts payable									0	-391	389
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities									13,331	13,166	12,803
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries									-5,165	-3,461	-2,016
Property, plant, and equipment investments									0	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets									7,120	9,293	18,198
Net cash provided by investing activities									1,955	5,832	16,182
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									0	0
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings									0	0	0
Repayments on revolving credit facilities									0	0	0
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities									0	0	0
Payments of principal on mortgage									-9,220	-19,038	-37,272
Payments on capital lease obligations									0	0	0
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to the mortgage									-6,066	40	9,970
Proceeds from rights/stock offering, less expenses paid									0	0
Debt financing costs									0	0	-1,683
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									-15,286	-18,998	-28,985
Increase (decrease) in cash									0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				0				0	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	0				0				0	0	0
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income Taxes Paid, Net									-250	-271	-545
Interest paid during the period									11,657	13,480	14,979
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases									0	0	0
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income									8,534	34,862	18,701
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Amortization of debt issue costs									0	0	0
Write-off of debt issuance costs										0
Loss (gain) from sale of properties									0	0	0
Gain from property insurance settlements											0
Vacant property charges										0	0
Severance charges									0	0
Restructuring payments									0	0	0
Payments on modification on lease agreement										0	0
Deferred income tax benefit charge (benefit)									0	397	0
Intraperiod income tax allocation related to hourly pension plan										0
Pension expense									0	0	0
Share-based compensation, excluding restructuring related									0	0	0
Share-based compensation, restructuring related										0
Increase in restricted cash related to insurance and other									0	0	0
Decrease (increase) in prepaid assets									0	0	0
Accrued compensation and other									0	-397	0
Equity (deficit) in earnings of subsidiaries									-8,534	-34,862	-18,701
Intercompany receivable									9,879	-7,967	17,272
Intercompany payable									-9,879	7,967	-17,272
Change in net cash used in other operating activities									0	0	0
Changes in primary working capital components:
Accounts receivable									0	0	0
Inventories									0	0	0
Accounts payable									0	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities									0	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in subsidiaries									0	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment investments									0	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets									0	0	0
Net cash provided by investing activities									0	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									0	0
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings									0	0	0
Repayments on revolving credit facilities									0	0	0
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities									0	0	0
Payments of principal on mortgage									0	0	0
Payments on capital lease obligations									0	0	0
(Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to the mortgage									0	0	0
Proceeds from rights/stock offering, less expenses paid									0	0
Debt financing costs									0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in cash									0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				0				0	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	0				0				0	0	0
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income Taxes Paid, Net									0	0	0
Interest paid during the period									0	0	0
Noncash transactions:
Capital leases									$0	$0	$0

Supplemental_Condensed_Consoli5

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 05, 2014	Apr. 05, 2014	Jan. 04, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 04, 2014	Dec. 29, 2012
Supplemental Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Balance				($5,898)				($20,592)	($5,898)	($20,592)	$8,374
Net (loss) income	-7,640	-860	3,236	-8,608	-2,457	-3,206	-22,306	-12,649	-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax									-481	-161	103
Unrealized (loss) income from pension plan, net of taxes									-17,651	13,910	-8,245
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures									18	6	19
Issuance of performance shares									10	6
Issuance of stock related to the rights offerings, net of expenses									0	38,613
Compensation related to share-based grants									2,896	6,117	2,730
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants									-963	-3,193	-526
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									-16	16
Other									-69	-2	-20
Net transactions with Parent									0	0	0
Balance	-36,026				-5,898				-36,026	-5,898	-20,592
BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Supplemental Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Balance				-5,898				-20,592	-5,898	-20,592	8,374
Net (loss) income									-13,872	-40,618	-23,027
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax									-481	-161	103
Unrealized (loss) income from pension plan, net of taxes									-17,651	13,910	-8,245
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures									18	6	19
Issuance of performance shares									10	6
Issuance of stock related to the rights offerings, net of expenses									0	38,613
Compensation related to share-based grants									2,896	6,117	2,730
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants									-963	-3,193	-526
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									-16	16
Other									-69	-2	-20
Net transactions with Parent									0	0	0
Balance	-36,026				-5,898				-36,026	-5,898	-20,592
BlueLinx Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Balance				49,039				40,603	49,039	40,603	83,626
Net (loss) income									-23,534	-49,205	-37,237
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax									-481	-161	103
Unrealized (loss) income from pension plan, net of taxes									-17,651	13,910	-8,245
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures									0	6	19
Issuance of performance shares									0	6
Issuance of stock related to the rights offerings, net of expenses									0	0
Compensation related to share-based grants									0	0	0
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants									0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									0	0
Other									0	0	0
Net transactions with Parent									1,301	43,880	2,337
Balance	8,674				49,039				8,674	49,039	40,603
LLC Subsidiaries
Supplemental Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Balance				-96,774				-107,656	-96,774	-107,656	-124,175
Net (loss) income									15,000	14,343	18,536
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax									0	0	0
Unrealized (loss) income from pension plan, net of taxes									0	0	0
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures									0	0	0
Issuance of performance shares									0	0
Issuance of stock related to the rights offerings, net of expenses									0	0
Compensation related to share-based grants									0	0	0
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants									0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									0	0
Other									0	0	0
Net transactions with Parent									-5,164	-3,461	-2,017
Balance	-86,938				-96,774				-86,938	-96,774	-107,656
Eliminations
Supplemental Statement Of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Balance				47,735				67,053	47,735	67,053	40,549
Net (loss) income									8,534	34,862	18,701
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax									481	161	-103
Unrealized (loss) income from pension plan, net of taxes									17,651	-13,910	8,245
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures									0	-6	-19
Issuance of performance shares									0	-6
Issuance of stock related to the rights offerings, net of expenses									0	0
Compensation related to share-based grants									0	0	0
Impact of net settled shares for vested grants									0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements									0	0
Other									0	0	0
Net transactions with Parent									3,863	-40,419	-320
Balance	$78,264				$47,735				$78,264	$47,735	$67,053