SunOpta (STKL) 10-Q13 May 152016 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Apr. 04, 2015	8-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	4-Apr-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	SunOpta Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	351834
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-1
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Trading Symbol	STKL
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		67,785,470

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	$303,406,000	$322,379,000
Cost of goods sold	270,514,000	286,157,000
Gross profit	32,892,000	36,222,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	23,670,000	23,399,000
Intangible asset amortization	1,130,000	1,123,000
Other income, net	34,000	-1,141,000
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-1,340,000	-323,000
Earnings from continuing operations before the following	9,398,000	13,164,000
Interest expense, net	1,823,000	2,148,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,575,000	11,016,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	2,757,000	4,433,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	4,818,000	6,583,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	37,000
Earnings (loss)	4,818,000	6,620,000
Earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-416,000	-20,000
Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc.	$5,234,000	$6,640,000
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
from continuing operations	$0.08	$0.10
from discontinued operations	$0	$0
Earnings (loss) Per Share Total	$0.08	$0.10
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
from continuing operations	$0.08	$0.10
from discontinued operations	$0	$0
Earnings (loss) Per Share Diluted Total	$0.08	$0.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$4,818,000	$6,583,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	37,000
Earnings (loss)	4,818,000	6,620,000
Currency translation adjustment	-4,437,000	-132,000
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of income taxes	-196,000	-60,000
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of income taxes	-4,633,000	-192,000
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	185,000	6,428,000
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	-782,000	39,000
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc	$967,000	$6,389,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,491,000	$9,938,000
Accounts receivable	128,277,000	125,896,000
Inventories	269,300,000	264,256,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,615,000	18,935,000
Current income taxes recoverable	2,497,000	2,233,000
Deferred income taxes	5,519,000	8,107,000
Assets, Current, Total	430,699,000	429,365,000
Property, Plant and Equipment	134,834,000	134,920,000
Goodwill	45,500,000	29,082,000
Intangible Assets	51,698,000	40,640,000
Deferred income taxes	3,699,000	2,061,000
Other assets	4,942,000	4,882,000
Assets, Total	671,372,000	640,950,000
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness	109,217,000	91,410,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	121,072,000	128,437,000
Customer and other deposits	8,313,000	4,127,000
Income taxes payable	1,603,000	3,090,000
Other current liabilities	2,163,000	3,087,000
Current portion of long-term debt	5,445,000	5,927,000
Current portion of long-term liabilities	4,816,000	250,000
Liabilities, Current, Total	252,629,000	236,328,000
Long-term debt	30,083,000	33,928,000
Long-term liabilities	17,664,000	1,962,000
Deferred income taxes	13,973,000	15,404,000
Liabilities, Total	314,349,000	287,622,000
Sunopta Inc Shareholders Equity [Abstract]
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, 67,726,536 shares issued and outstanding (January 3, 2015 - 67,073,944)	194,316,000	190,668,000
Additional paid in capital	22,352,000	22,490,000
Retained earnings	134,543,000	129,309,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-6,045,000	-1,778,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total	345,166,000	340,689,000
Non-controlling interest	11,857,000	12,639,000
Total Equity	357,023,000	353,328,000
Liabilities and Equity, Total	671,372,000	640,950,000
Commitments and contingencies

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (parentheticals) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Common Stock Shares Issued	67,726,536	67,073,944
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	67,726,536	67,073,944
Common Stock, No Par Value

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$342,612,000	$186,376,000	$19,323,000	$116,208,000	$3,397,000	$17,308,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2013		66,528,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Value	122,000	122,000	0	0	0	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Shares		15,000
Exercise of options	543,000	818,000	-275,000	0	0	0
Exercise of options, shares		124,000
Stock based compensation	831,000	0	831,000	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	6,583,000	0	0	6,603,000	0	-20,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	37,000	0	0	37,000	0	0
Currency translation adjustment	-132,000	0	0	0	-211,000	79,000
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of income taxes	-60,000	0	0	0	-40,000	-20,000
Balance at Apr. 05, 2014	350,536,000	187,316,000	19,879,000	122,848,000	3,146,000	17,347,000
Balance, shares at Apr. 05, 2014		66,667,000
Balance at Jan. 03, 2015	353,328,000	190,668,000	22,490,000	129,309,000	-1,778,000	12,639,000
Balance, shares at Jan. 03, 2015		67,074,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Value	122,000	122,000	0	0	0	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Shares		9,000
Exercise of options	1,494,000	2,273,000	-779,000	0	0	0
Exercise of options, shares		394,000
Exercise of Warrants, Value	812,000	1,253,000	-441,000	0	0	0
Exercise of Warrants, Shares		250,000
Stock based compensation	1,082,000	0	1,082,000	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	4,818,000	0	0	5,234,000	0	-416,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0	0	0
Currency translation adjustment	-4,437,000	0	0	0	-4,138,000	-299,000
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of income taxes	-196,000	0	0	0	-129,000	-67,000
Balance at Apr. 04, 2015	$357,023,000	$194,316,000	$22,352,000	$134,543,000	($6,045,000)	$11,857,000
Balance, shares at Apr. 04, 2015		67,727,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015		Apr. 05, 2014
Operating Activities
Earnings (loss)	$4,818,000		$6,620,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	0		37,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	4,818,000		6,583,000
Items not affecting cash
Depreciation and amortization	5,384,000		5,377,000
Deferred income taxes	-481,000		404,000
Stock-based compensation	1,082,000		831,000
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Instrument	-103,000		625,000
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration	0		-1,373,000
Other	477,000		351,000
Changes in non-cash working capital, net of business acquired	-22,663,000		-24,928,000
Net cash flows from operations - continuing operations	-11,486,000		-12,130,000
Net cash flows from operations - discontinued operations	0		-466,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total	-11,486,000		-12,596,000
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-13,300,000		0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-5,651,000		-3,574,000
Payment of contingent consideration	0		-800,000
Other	-122,000		-37,000
Net cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations	-19,073,000		-4,411,000
Net cash flows from investing activities - discontinued operations	0		466,000
Net cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations	-19,073,000		-3,945,000
Financing activities
Increase (decrease) under line of credit facilities	23,257,000		15,529,000
Borrowings under long term debt	0		60,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,415,000		-1,571,000
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	1,616,000		665,000
Proceeds From Warrant Exercises	812,000		0
Other	-137,000		-98,000
Net cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations	24,133,000		14,585,000
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in a foreign currency	-21,000		56,000
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period	-6,447,000		-1,900,000
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period	9,938,000		8,537,000
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period	3,491,000		6,637,000
Noncash Investing And Financing Items [Abstract]
Acquisition of business, working capital adjustment	265,000	[1]	0
Acquisition of business, settlement of pre-existing relationship	-749,000	[2]	0
Acquistion of business, contingent consideration at fair value	($20,000,000)

[1]	The preliminary working capital adjustment is subject to change to the extent that the final determination of net working capital as at the acquisition date exceeds or is below a pre-determined target level.
[2]	Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquisition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acquisition date.
[2]

Description_of_Business_and_Si

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Apr. 04, 2015
Basis Of Presentation Fiscal Year End And New Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Abstract]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

	SunOpta Inc. (the “Company” or “SunOpta”) was incorporated under the laws of Canada on November 13, 1973. The Company operates businesses focused on a healthy products portfolio that promotes sustainable well-being. The Company operates in two industry segments, the largest being SunOpta Foods, which consists of two reportable segments, Global Ingredients and Consumer Products, that operate in the natural, organic and specialty food sectors and utilize an integrated business model to bring cost-effective and quality products to market. In addition to SunOpta Foods, the Company owned approximately 66 % of Opta Minerals Inc. (“Opta Minerals”) as at April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015, on a non-dilutive basis. Opta Minerals produces, distributes and recycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives and specialty sands.

	Basis of Presentation

	The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have been included and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending January 2, 2016 or for any other period. The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015.

	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The guidance, however, does not affect the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. In accordance with the new standard, the Company will reclassify financing costs recorded as deferred charges in other assets (current and long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets to bank indebtedness or long-term debt commencing with its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2016. As at April 4, 2015, deferred financing costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheet amounted to $780.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

	On April 29, 2015, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would defer the effective date of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Under the proposed ASU, earlier application would be permitted only as of annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.

Business_Acquisition

Business Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	2. Business Acquisition

	Citrusource, LLC

	On March 2, 2015, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding units of Citrusource, LLC (“Citrusource”), a producer of premium not-from-concentrate private label organic and conventional orange juice and citrus products in the U.S. The acquisition of Citrusource has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of Citrusource have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Consumer Products operating segment. The acquisition of Citrusource aligns with the Company’s strategy of growing its value-added consumer products portfolio and leveraging its integrated operating platform.

	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date:

					$
	Cash⁽¹⁾				13,300
	Preliminary working capital adjustment⁽²⁾				-265
	Settlement of pre-existing relationship⁽³⁾				749
	Contingent consideration⁽⁴⁾				20,000
	Total consideration transferred				33,784

	(1) Represents upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition date.

	(2) The preliminary working capital adjustment is subject to change to the extent that the final determination of net working capital as at the acquisition date exceeds or is below a pre-determined target level.

	(3) Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquisition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acquisition date.

	(4) The contingent consideration arrangement with the former unitholders of Citrusource comprises two components: (i) deferred consideration calculated based on a seven-times multiple of the incremental growth in Citrusource’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) in fiscal year 2015 versus EBITDA for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) an earn-out calculated based on 25% of the incremental growth in the sum of Citrusource’s EBITDA and the EBITDA of the Company’s San Bernardino, California, juice production facility (the “Combined EBITDA”) in each of fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 versus the Combined EBITDA for fiscal year 2015. The Company estimates that the gross contingent consideration may be in the range of $17,000 to $23,000 in the aggregate, with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined to be approximately $20,000 as at the acquisition date, based on a probability-weighted present value analysis, of which approximately $17,000 is related to the deferred consideration and approximately $3,000 is related to the earn-out. Of the total contingent consideration obligation, $4,500 is included in current portion of long-term liabilities and $15,500 is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on significant level 3 unobservable inputs, including the following factors: (i) estimated range of EBITDA values in each of the earn-out periods; and (ii) the probability-weighting applied to each of the EBITDA values within the estimated range for each earn-out period. The resultant probability-weighted EBITDA values for each earn-out period were discounted at a credit risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 3.5%. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is provisional and subject to change pending the final validation of the inputs and assumptions used in the valuation analysis.

	The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date. The following amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and subject to change: (i) amounts for current assets and current liabilities pending finalization of the working capital adjustment; (ii) amount and useful life of the identified intangible asset pending final evaluation of the fair value of recently awarded business prior to the acquisition date; and (iii) amount of goodwill pending the completion of the valuations of the contingent consideration arrangement and intangible asset. The Company expects to finalize these amounts no later than one year from the acquisition date.

				$
	Accounts receivable⁽¹⁾			2,405
	Inventories			1,745
	Equipment			164
	Customer relationships intangible asset⁽²⁾			14,000
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-1,666
	Net identifiable assets acquired			16,648
	Goodwill⁽³⁾			17,136
	Net assets acquired			33,784

	(1) The Company considers the gross contractual accounts receivable balance of $2,405 to be fully collectible.
	(2) The customer relationships intangible asset was recognized based on contracts in existence at the acquisition date between Citrusource and major U.S. retail customers. This intangible asset will be amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately 12 years. The estimated fair value of the intangible asset was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach), which applied a risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 15.0%.
	(3) Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisition-date fair values of the consideration transferred and net assets acquired. The total amount of goodwill has been assigned to the Consumer Products operating segment and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized is attributable to: (i) operating synergies expected to result from combining the operations of Citrusource with the Company’s vertically-integrated juice production and supply chain capabilities; and (ii) opportunities to leverage the business experience of Citrusource’s management team to grow the Company’s existing citrus beverage program.
	The Company incurred $125 of acquisition-related costs that were expensed in the first quarter of 2015. These costs are included in other expenses in the consolidated statement of operation (see note 7).
	Revenues of Citrusource for the period from the acquisition date to April 4, 2015 were $2,236 and earnings, net of income taxes, were $115, which included the effects of the acquisition accounting adjustments.

	The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters ended April 4, 2015 and April 5, 2014, as if the acquisition Citrusource had occurred as of December 29, 2013.

			Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
			$	$
	Pro forma revenues		307,812	327,780
	Pro forma earnings attributable to SunOpta Inc.		5,822	6,153
	Pro forma earnings per share
		Basic	0.09	0.09
		Diluted	0.09	0.09

	The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on unaudited historical financial information of the Company and Citrusource. Except to the extent realized, the unaudited pro forma information does not reflect any operating synergies or other benefits that the Company may achieve as a result of this acquisition, or the costs that may be necessary to achieve these operating synergies and other benefits. The unaudited pro forma information reflects primarily the following adjustments:

	incremental amortization expense related to the fair value of the identified intangible asset acquired;
	additional interest costs associated with an increase in borrowings under the Company’s syndicated credit facilities to fund the upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition date;
	exclusion of acquisition-related costs from earnings for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, and the inclusion of those costs in earnings for the comparative period; and
	consequential tax effects of the preceding adjustments.

	The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the Company’s consolidated results of operations actually would have been had the acquisition of Citrusource been completed on December 29, 2013. In addition, the unaudited pro forma information does not purport to project the future results of operations of the Company.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Apr. 04, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Discontinued Operations

	Fiber and Starch Business

	On December 22, 2014, the Company completed the sale of the Fiber Business for $37,500, subject to certain closing adjustments. The Fiber Business included five facilities located in Louisville, Kentucky, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cambridge, Minnesota, Fosston, Minnesota, and Galesburg, Illinois. The Fiber Business was formerly part of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Company continues to operate both its integrated grain- and fruit-based ingredient businesses, which were not part of the sale, and which previously formed the remainder of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Company recognized a gain on sale of the Fiber Business in discontinued operations, net of income taxes, of $1,898 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

	Operating Results Reported in Discontinued Operations

	The following table presents the operating results of Fiber Business reported in earnings from discontinued operations:

			Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
			$	$

	Revenues		-	11,148

	Earnings before income taxes		-	61
	Provision for income taxes		-	-24
	Earnings from discontinued operations,
		net of income taxes	-	37

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block]	4. Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

	The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchies, the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015:

				4-Apr-15
				Fair value
				asset (liability)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
				$	$	$	$
	(a)	Commodity futures and forward contracts⁽¹⁾
			Unrealized short-term derivative asset	1,829	251	1,578	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative asset	17	-	17	-
			Unrealized short-term derivative liability	-2,183	-	-2,183	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative liability	-101	-	-101	-
	(b)	Inventories carried at market⁽²⁾		7,043	-	7,043	-
	(c)	Interest rate swaps⁽³⁾		-547	-	-547	-
	(d)	Forward foreign currency contracts⁽⁴⁾		1,442	-	1,442	-
	(e)	Contingent consideration⁽⁵⁾		-20,381	-	-	-20,381
	(f)	Embedded derivative⁽⁶⁾		3,409	-	-	3,409

				3-Jan-15
				Fair value
				asset (liability)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
				$	$	$	$
	(a)	Commodity futures and forward contracts⁽¹⁾
			Unrealized short-term derivative asset	2,450	44	2,406	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative asset	50	-	50	-
			Unrealized short-term derivative liability	-2,951	-	-2,951	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative liability	-90	-	-90	-
	(b)	Inventories carried at market⁽²⁾		7,713	-	7,713	-
	(c)	Interest rate swaps⁽³⁾		-285	-	-285	-
	(d)	Forward foreign currency contracts⁽⁴⁾		1,026	-	1,026	-
	(e)	Contingent consideration⁽⁵⁾		-396	-	-	-396
	(f)	Embedded derivative⁽⁶⁾		3,409	-	-	3,409

	(1) Unrealized short-term derivative asset is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, unrealized long-term derivative asset is included in other assets, unrealized short-term derivative liability is included in other current liabilities and unrealized long-term derivative liability is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	(2) Inventories carried at market are included in inventories on the consolidated balance sheets.
	(3) The interest rate swaps are included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	(4) The forward foreign currency contracts are included in accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	(5) Contingent consideration obligations are included in long-term liabilities (including the current portion thereof) on the consolidated balance sheets.
	(6) The embedded derivative is included in other assets (long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets.

	(a) Commodity futures and forward contracts

	The Company’s derivative contracts that are measured at fair value include exchange-traded commodity futures and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. Exchange-traded futures are valued based on unadjusted quotes for identical assets priced in active markets and are classified as level 1. Fair value for forward commodity purchase and sale contracts is estimated based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets. Local market adjustments use observable inputs or market transactions for similar assets or liabilities, and, as a result, are classified as level 2. Based on historical experience with the Company’s suppliers and customers, the Company’s own credit risk, and the Company’s knowledge of current market conditions, the Company does not view non-performance risk to be a significant input to fair value for the majority of its forward commodity purchase and sale contracts.

	These exchange-traded commodity futures and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts are used as part of the Company’s risk management strategy, and represent economic hedges to limit risk related to fluctuations in the price of certain commodity grains, as well as the prices of cocoa and coffee. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Gains and losses on changes in fair value of these derivative instruments are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $103 (April 5, 2014 – loss of $625) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

	As at April 4, 2015, the notional amounts of open commodity futures and forward purchase and sale contracts were as follows (in thousands of bushels):

				Number of bushels purchased (sold)
				Corn	Soybeans
	Forward commodity purchase contracts			1,216	1,573
	Forward commodity sale contracts			-594	-1,397
	Commodity futures contracts			-805	-665

	In addition, as at April 4, 2015, the Company had open forward contracts to sell 135 lots of cocoa and 11 lots of coffee.

	(b) Inventories carried at market

	Grains inventory carried at fair value is determined using quoted market prices from the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBoT”). Estimated fair market values for grains inventory quantities at period end are valued using the quoted price on the CBoT adjusted for differences in local markets, and broker or dealer quotes. These assets are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as there are observable quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Gains and losses on commodity grains inventory are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations. As at April 4, 2015, the Company had 196,020 bushels of commodity corn and 431,878 bushels of commodity soybeans in inventories carried at market.

	(c) Interest rate swaps

	As at April 4, 2015, Opta Minerals held interest rate swaps with a notional value of Cdn $ 37,025 to pay fixed rates of 1.85% to 2.02%, plus a margin of 2.0% to 3.5% based on certain financial ratios of Opta Minerals, and receive a variable rate based on various reference rates including prime, bankers’ acceptances or LIBOR, plus the same margin, until May 2017. The net notional value decreases in accordance with the quarterly principal repayments on Opta Minerals’ non-revolving term credit facility (see note 6).

At each period end, the Company calculates the marked-to-market fair value of the interest rate swaps using a valuation technique using quoted observable prices for similar instruments as the primary input. Based on this valuation, the previously recorded fair value is adjusted to the current marked-to-market position. The marked-to-market gain or loss is placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As the interest rate swaps are designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes, gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are included on the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, a loss of $262 (April 5, 2014 – loss of $78), net of income tax benefit of $66 (April 5, 2014 – income tax benefit of $18) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

(d) Foreign forward currency contracts

As part of its risk management strategy, the Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. For any open forward foreign exchange contracts at period end, the contract rate is compared to the forward rate, and a gain or loss is recorded. These contracts are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs used in making the fair value determination are derived from and are corroborated by observable market data. While these forward foreign exchange contracts typically represent economic hedges that are not designated as hedging instruments, certain of these contracts may be designated as hedges. As at April 4, 2015 the Company had open forward foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of € 21,697 ($ 25,092 ). Gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are included in foreign exchange loss or gain on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $ 416 (April 5, 2014 – gain of $284) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

(e) Contingent consideration

The fair value measurement of contingent consideration arising from business acquisitions is determined using unobservable (level 3) inputs. These inputs include: (i) the estimated amount and timing of the projected cash flows on which the contingency is based; and (ii) the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value those cash flows. For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligation reflected the acquisition of Citrusource (see note 2). As at April 4, 2015, there was no significant change to the outcome of the fair value of Citrusource contingent consideration arrangement as measured at the acquisition date.

(f) Embedded derivative

The Company’s investment in subordinated convertible notes of Enchi includes the value of an accelerated payment option embedded in the notes, which may result in a maximum payout to the Company of $5,100. As at April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015, the Company determined that the fair value of this embedded derivative was $3,409. Due to a lack of level 1 or level 2 observable market quotes for the notes, the Company used a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach) to estimate the original fair value of the embedded derivative based on unobservable level 3 inputs. The Company assesses changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative based on the performance of actual cash flows derived from certain royalty rights owned by Enchi, which are expected to be the primary source of funds available to settle the embedded derivative, relative to the financial forecasts used in the valuation analysis. As at April 4, 2015, there was no significant change to the expectations related to the royalty rights that would impact the fair value of the embedded derivative.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
Inventories	Apr. 04, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Inventories

		4-Apr-15	3-Jan-15
		$	$
	Raw materials and work-in-process	189,829	189,192
	Finished goods	66,971	66,142
	Company-owned grain	18,218	15,066
	Inventory reserves	-5,718	-6,144
		269,300	264,256

Bank_Indebtedness_and_LongTerm

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bank Indebtedness And Long Term Debt [Text Block]	6. Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt

			4-Apr-15	3-Jan-15
			$	$
	Bank indebtedness:
		North American credit facilities⁽¹⁾	16,332	6,263
		European credit facilities⁽²⁾	78,619	72,191
		Opta Minerals revolving term credit facility⁽³⁾	14,266	12,956
			109,217	91,410

	Long-term debt:
		Opta Minerals non-revolving term credit facility⁽³⁾	31,096	34,633
		Lease obligations	4,235	4,965
		Other	197	257
			35,528	39,855
	Less: current portion		5,445	5,927
			30,083	33,928

	(1) North American credit facilities
	The syndicated North American credit facilities support the core North American food operations of the Company.
	On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders. The amended agreement provides secured revolving credit facilities of Cdn $ 10,000 (or the equivalent U.S. dollar amount) and $ 165,000 , as well as an additional $ 50,000 in availability upon the exercise of an uncommitted accordion feature. These facilities mature on July 27, 2016, with the outstanding principal amount repayable in full on the maturity date.
	Interest on borrowings under the facilities accrues based on various reference rates including LIBOR, plus an applicable margin of 1.75% to 2.50%, which is set quarterly based on average borrowing availability. As at April 4, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the facilities was 2.02%.
	The facilities are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding Opta Minerals and The Organic Corporation (“TOC”).

	(2) European credit facilities

	The European credit facilities support the international sourcing and supply operations of the Global Ingredients reportable segment.

	On October 14, 2014, TOC and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) entered into a multipurpose facilities agreement with a syndicate of lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”), which provides for a total of €92,500 in financing via four main facilities: (i) an €80,000 revolving credit facility covering working capital needs; (ii) a €5,000 facility covering commodity hedging requirements; (iii) a €5,000 facility designated for letters of credit; and (iv) a €2,500 pre-settlement facility covering currency hedging requirements (collectively, the “Club Facility”).

	The €80,000 revolving credit facility is secured by the working capital of the Borrowers. The Club Facility is due on demand with no set maturity date. Interest costs under the Club Facility accrue based on the aggregate of: (i) a fixed loan margin of 1.75%; and (ii) a variable rate based on LIBOR or EURIBOR plus an applicable spread as set by the Lenders on a periodic basis. As at April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015, €70,832 ($77,059) and €58,205 ($69,869), respectively, of this facility had been utilized.

	On April 27, 2015, a subsidiary of TOC amended its revolving credit facility agreement dated May 22, 2013, to provide up to €4,500 to cover the working capital needs of TOC’s Bulgarian operations. The facility is secured by the accounts receivable and inventories of the Bulgarian operations and is fully guaranteed by TOC. Interest accrues under the facility based on EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%, and borrowings under the facility are repayable in full on April 30, 2016. As of April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015, €1,487 ($1,618) and €1,934 ($2,322), respectively, was borrowed under this facility.

	As at April 4, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the European credit facilities was 2.29%.

	(3) Opta Minerals credit facilities

	These credit facilities are specific to the operations of Opta Minerals.

	On May 8, 2014, Opta Minerals amended and extended its credit agreement dated May 18, 2012, which provides for a Cdn $ 20,000 revolving term credit facility and a Cdn $ 52,500 non-revolving term credit facility. The revolving term credit facility now matures on August 14, 2015, with the outstanding principal amount repayable in full on the maturity date. The principal amount of the non-revolving term credit facility is repayable in equal quarterly installments of approximately Cdn $ 1,312 . Opta Minerals may be required to make additional repayments on the non-revolving term credit facility if certain financial covenants are not met. The non-revolving term credit facility matures on May 18, 2017, with the remaining outstanding principal amount repayable in full on the maturity date.

	Interest on the borrowings under these facilities accrues at the borrower’s option based on various reference rates including LIBOR, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% to 5.50% based on certain financial ratios of Opta Minerals. Opta Minerals utilizes interest rate swaps to hedge the interest payments on a portion of the borrowings under the non-revolving term credit facility (see note 4). As at March 31, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the credit facilities was 6.40%, after taking into account the related interest rate hedging activities.

	The credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest on substantially all of the assets of Opta Minerals, and are without recourse to SunOpta Inc.

	On May 8, 2014, certain financial covenants under the Opta Minerals credit agreement were amended for the quarterly periods ending June 30, 2014 through September 30, 2015. Opta Minerals was in compliance with all its financial covenants as at March 31, 2015; however, there is no assurance that it will remain in compliance with certain financial covenants at all measurement dates within the next 12 months. Failure to meet a financial covenant would constitute an event of default under its credit agreement, unless the lenders agree to a waiver or further amendment.

Other_Expense_Income_Net

Other Expense (Income), Net	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Other Expense (Income), Net

	The components of other expense (income) are as follows:

		Quarter ended
		4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
		$	$
	Acquisition-related transaction costs⁽¹⁾	125	-
	Fair value of contingent consideration⁽²⁾	-	-1,373
	Severance and other rationalization costs	-	159
	Other	-91	73
		34	-1,141

	(1) Acquisition-related transaction costs

	For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs in connection with the acquisition of the Citrusource (see note 2).

	(2) Fair value of contingent consideration

	For the quarter ended April 5, 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. (“Edner”) on December 14, 2010. In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of Edner in connection with this settlement.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Apr. 04, 2015
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings (loss) per share are calculated as follows:

				Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15		5-Apr-14
	Earnings from continuing operations
		attributable to SunOpta Inc.	$	5,234	$	6,603
	Earnings from discontinued operations,
		net of income taxes		-		37
	Earnings attributable to SunOpta Inc.		$	5,234	$	6,640

	Basic weighted-average number of
		shares outstanding		67,399,642		66,572,936
	Dilutive potential of the following:
		Employee/director stock options and RSUs		548,747		1,544,245
		Warrants		319,777		467,826
	Diluted weighted-average number of
		shares outstanding		68,268,166		68,585,007

	Earnings per share - basic:
		- from continuing operations	$	0.08	$	0.1
		- from discontinued operations		-		-
			$	0.08	$	0.1

	Earnings per share - diluted:
		- from continuing operations	$	0.08	$	0.1
		- from discontinued operations		-		-
			$	0.08	$	0.1

	For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, stock options to purchase 557,628 (April 5, 2014 - nil) common shares were excluded from the calculation of potential dilutive common shares due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Apr. 04, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	9. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

				Quarter ended
				4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
				$	$
	Changes in non-cash working capital, net of
		businesses acquired:
			Accounts receivable	-2,300	-23,285
			Inventories	-10,015	4,659
			Income tax recoverable	-1,751	3,343
			Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-6,298	-1,672
			Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-6,545	-12,258
			Customer and other deposits	4,246	4,285
				-22,663	-24,928

	As at April 4, 2015, cash and cash equivalents included $ 2,083 (January 3, 2015 - $ 2,170 ) that was specific to Opta Minerals and cannot be utilized by the Company for general corporate purposes.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Apr. 04, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Commitments and Contingencies

	Plum Dispute
	Plum, PBC, a Delaware public benefit corporation (“Plum”), and SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SGOI”), are parties to a manufacturing and packaging agreement dated September 21, 2011 (the “Plum Manufacturing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Plum Manufacturing Agreement, SGOI agreed to manufacture and package certain food items for Plum at SGOI’s Allentown, Pennsylvania facility in accordance with Plum’s specifications regarding, among other things, product ingredients and packaging, manufacturing process, and quality control standards. On November 8, 2013, Plum initiated a voluntary recall of certain products manufactured by SGOI at its Allentown facility. On February 3, 2015, Plum filed a complaint against SGOI in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, Pennsylvania. On April 13, 2015, Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manufacturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack. In the amended complaint, Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of spoiled packaging of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges in its amended complaint that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility. Plum is seeking unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations made by Plum against SGOI in its amended complaint and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims; however, the Company cannot reasonably predict the outcome of this claim, nor can it estimate the amount of loss, or range of loss, if any, that may result from this claim.

	Other Claims

	In addition, various claims and potential claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. It is the opinion of management that these claims or potential claims are without merit and the amount of potential liability, if any, to the Company is not determinable. Management believes the final determination of these claims or potential claims will not materially affect the financial position or results of the Company.

Segmented_Information

Segmented Information	3 Months Ended
Segmented Information	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Segmented Information

	In the fourth quarter of 2014, following the sale of the Fiber Business (see note 3), the Company implemented changes to its organizational structure to align and focus the operations of SunOpta Foods on two key “go-to-market” categories: ingredient sourcing and supply; and consumer-packaged products. Consequently, the Company realigned the operating segments of SunOpta Foods to reflect the resulting changes in management reporting and accountability to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The segment information presented below for the quarter ended April 5, 2014 has been restated to reflect the realigned operating segments of SunOpta Foods. The Opta Minerals operating segment remained unchanged.

	Effective with the realignment, the Company operates in the following three reportable segments:

	Global Ingredients aggregates the Company’s North American-based Raw Material Sourcing and Supply and European-based International Sourcing and Supply operating segments focused on the procurement and sale of specialty and organic grains and seeds, raw material ingredients, value-added grain- and cocoa-based ingredients, and organic commodities.
	Consumer Products manufactures and supplies branded and private label aseptic beverages; re-sealable pouch products; individually quick frozen (“IQF”) fruits and vegetables; fruit bases and toppings; premium juices; shelf stable juices and waters; and fruit- and grain-based snacks.
	Opta Minerals processes, distributes and recycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives, and specialty sands for use in the steel, foundry, loose abrasive cleaning, and municipal water filtration industries.

	In addition, Corporate Services provides a variety of management, financial, information technology, treasury and administration services to each of the SunOpta Foods operating segments from the Company’s offices in Brampton, Ontario and Edina, Minnesota.

	When reviewing the operating results of the Company’s operating segments, management uses segment revenues from external customers and segment operating income to assess performance and allocate resources. Segment operating income excludes other income or expense items and goodwill impairment losses. In addition, interest expense and income amounts, and provisions for income taxes are not allocated to operating segments.

			Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15
			Global	Consumer	SunOpta	Opta	Consol-
			Ingredients	Products	Foods	Minerals	idated
			$	$	$	$	$
	Segment revenues from external customers		155,057	118,892	273,949	29,457	303,406
	Segment operating income (loss)		8,981	2,560	11,541	-519	11,022
	Corporate Services						-1,590
	Other expense, net						-34
	Interest expense, net						-1,823
	Earnings from continuing operations
		before income taxes					7,575

			Quarter ended
			5-Apr-14
			Global	Consumer	SunOpta	Opta	Consol-
			Ingredients	Products	Foods	Minerals	idated
			$	$	$	$	$
	Segment revenues from external customers		153,313	134,521	287,834	34,545	322,379
	Segment operating income		3,539	10,090	13,629	1,025	14,654
	Corporate Services						-2,631
	Other income, net						1,141
	Interest expense, net						-2,148
	Earnings from continuing operations
		before income taxes					11,016

Accounting_Policies_Policy

Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
Accounting Policies (Policy)	Apr. 04, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have been included and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending January 2, 2016 or for any other period. The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015.
New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The guidance, however, does not affect the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. In accordance with the new standard, the Company will reclassify financing costs recorded as deferred charges in other assets (current and long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets to bank indebtedness or long-term debt commencing with its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2016. As at April 4, 2015, deferred financing costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheet amounted to $780.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

	On April 29, 2015, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would defer the effective date of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Under the proposed ASU, earlier application would be permitted only as of annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.

Business_Acquisition_Tables

Business Acquisition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Business Acquisition (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date:

					$
	Cash⁽¹⁾				13,300
	Preliminary working capital adjustment⁽²⁾				-265
	Settlement of pre-existing relationship⁽³⁾				749
	Contingent consideration⁽⁴⁾				20,000
	Total consideration transferred				33,784

	The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date.

				$
	Accounts receivable⁽¹⁾			2,405
	Inventories			1,745
	Equipment			164
	Customer relationships intangible asset⁽²⁾			14,000
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-1,666
	Net identifiable assets acquired			16,648
	Goodwill⁽³⁾			17,136
	Net assets acquired			33,784
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters ended April 4, 2015 and April 5, 2014, as if the acquisition Citrusource had occurred as of December 29, 2013.

			Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
			$	$
	Pro forma revenues		307,812	327,780
	Pro forma earnings attributable to SunOpta Inc.		5,822	6,153
	Pro forma earnings per share
		Basic	0.09	0.09
		Diluted	0.09	0.09

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the operating results of Fiber Business reported in earnings from discontinued operations:

			Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
			$	$

	Revenues		-	11,148

	Earnings before income taxes		-	61
	Provision for income taxes		-	-24
	Earnings from discontinued operations,
		net of income taxes	-	37

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]				4-Apr-15
				Fair value
				asset (liability)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
				$	$	$	$
	(a)	Commodity futures and forward contracts⁽¹⁾
			Unrealized short-term derivative asset	1,829	251	1,578	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative asset	17	-	17	-
			Unrealized short-term derivative liability	-2,183	-	-2,183	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative liability	-101	-	-101	-
	(b)	Inventories carried at market⁽²⁾		7,043	-	7,043	-
	(c)	Interest rate swaps⁽³⁾		-547	-	-547	-
	(d)	Forward foreign currency contracts⁽⁴⁾		1,442	-	1,442	-
	(e)	Contingent consideration⁽⁵⁾		-20,381	-	-	-20,381
	(f)	Embedded derivative⁽⁶⁾		3,409	-	-	3,409

				3-Jan-15
				Fair value
				asset (liability)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
				$	$	$	$
	(a)	Commodity futures and forward contracts⁽¹⁾
			Unrealized short-term derivative asset	2,450	44	2,406	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative asset	50	-	50	-
			Unrealized short-term derivative liability	-2,951	-	-2,951	-
			Unrealized long-term derivative liability	-90	-	-90	-
	(b)	Inventories carried at market⁽²⁾		7,713	-	7,713	-
	(c)	Interest rate swaps⁽³⁾		-285	-	-285	-
	(d)	Forward foreign currency contracts⁽⁴⁾		1,026	-	1,026	-
	(e)	Contingent consideration⁽⁵⁾		-396	-	-	-396
	(f)	Embedded derivative⁽⁶⁾		3,409	-	-	3,409
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]				Number of bushels purchased (sold)
				Corn	Soybeans
	Forward commodity purchase contracts			1,216	1,573
	Forward commodity sale contracts			-594	-1,397
	Commodity futures contracts			-805	-665

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Inventories (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]		4-Apr-15	3-Jan-15
		$	$
	Raw materials and work-in-process	189,829	189,192
	Finished goods	66,971	66,142
	Company-owned grain	18,218	15,066
	Inventory reserves	-5,718	-6,144
		269,300	264,256

Bank_Indebtedness_and_LongTerm1

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Line Of Credit Facilities And Long Term Debt [Table Text Block]			4-Apr-15	3-Jan-15
			$	$
	Bank indebtedness:
		North American credit facilities⁽¹⁾	16,332	6,263
		European credit facilities⁽²⁾	78,619	72,191
		Opta Minerals revolving term credit facility⁽³⁾	14,266	12,956
			109,217	91,410

	Long-term debt:
		Opta Minerals non-revolving term credit facility⁽³⁾	31,096	34,633
		Lease obligations	4,235	4,965
		Other	197	257
			35,528	39,855
	Less: current portion		5,445	5,927
			30,083	33,928

Other_Expense_Income_Net_Table

Other Expense (Income), Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Other Expense (Income), Net (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]		Quarter ended
		4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
		$	$
	Acquisition-related transaction costs⁽¹⁾	125	-
	Fair value of contingent consideration⁽²⁾	-	-1,373
	Severance and other rationalization costs	-	159
	Other	-91	73
		34	-1,141

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]				Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15		5-Apr-14
	Earnings from continuing operations
		attributable to SunOpta Inc.	$	5,234	$	6,603
	Earnings from discontinued operations,
		net of income taxes		-		37
	Earnings attributable to SunOpta Inc.		$	5,234	$	6,640

	Basic weighted-average number of
		shares outstanding		67,399,642		66,572,936
	Dilutive potential of the following:
		Employee/director stock options and RSUs		548,747		1,544,245
		Warrants		319,777		467,826
	Diluted weighted-average number of
		shares outstanding		68,268,166		68,585,007

	Earnings per share - basic:
		- from continuing operations	$	0.08	$	0.1
		- from discontinued operations		-		-
			$	0.08	$	0.1

	Earnings per share - diluted:
		- from continuing operations	$	0.08	$	0.1
		- from discontinued operations		-		-
			$	0.08	$	0.1

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]				Quarter ended
				4-Apr-15	5-Apr-14
				$	$
	Changes in non-cash working capital, net of
		businesses acquired:
			Accounts receivable	-2,300	-23,285
			Inventories	-10,015	4,659
			Income tax recoverable	-1,751	3,343
			Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-6,298	-1,672
			Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-6,545	-12,258
			Customer and other deposits	4,246	4,285
				-22,663	-24,928

Segmented_Information_Tables

Segmented Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Segmented Information (Tables)	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]			Quarter ended
			4-Apr-15
			Global	Consumer	SunOpta	Opta	Consol-
			Ingredients	Products	Foods	Minerals	idated
			$	$	$	$	$
	Segment revenues from external customers		155,057	118,892	273,949	29,457	303,406
	Segment operating income (loss)		8,981	2,560	11,541	-519	11,022
	Corporate Services						-1,590
	Other expense, net						-34
	Interest expense, net						-1,823
	Earnings from continuing operations
		before income taxes					7,575

			Quarter ended
			5-Apr-14
			Global	Consumer	SunOpta	Opta	Consol-
			Ingredients	Products	Foods	Minerals	idated
			$	$	$	$	$
	Segment revenues from external customers		153,313	134,521	287,834	34,545	322,379
	Segment operating income		3,539	10,090	13,629	1,025	14,654
	Corporate Services						-2,631
	Other income, net						1,141
	Interest expense, net						-2,148
	Earnings from continuing operations
		before income taxes					11,016

Description_of_Business_and_Si1

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Basis Of Presentation Fiscal Year End And New Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Cycle	The fiscal year of the Company consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2015 is a 52-week period ending on January 2, 2016, with quarterly periods ending on April 4, July 4 and October 3, 2015, while fiscal year 2014 was a 53-week period ending on January 3, 2015, with quarterly periods ending on April 5, July 5 and October 4, 2014.
Year Founded	1973
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	$780,000
Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	66.00%

Business_Acquisition_Citrusour

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Contingent Consideration Transferred) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			2 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015		Apr. 05, 2014	Mar. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract]
Business Combination Preliminary Working Capital Adjustment	$265,000	[1]	$0
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship	-749,000	[2]	0
Contingent Consideration			0
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition				2-Mar-15
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired				100.00%
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity				Citrusource, LLC
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net [Abstract]
Cash				13,300,000	[3]
Business Combination Preliminary Working Capital Adjustment				-265,000	[4]
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship				749,000	[2]
Contingent Consideration				20,000,000	[5]
Total Consideration Transferred				$33,784,000

[1]	The preliminary working capital adjustment is subject to change to the extent that the final determination of net working capital as at the acquisition date exceeds or is below a pre-determined target level.
[2]	Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquisition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acquisition date.
[2]
[3]	Represents upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition date.
[3]
[4]	The preliminary working capital adjustment is subject to change to the extent that the final determination of net working capital as at the acquisition date exceeds or is below a pre-determined target level.
[4]
[5]	The contingent consideration arrangement with the former unitholders of Citrusource comprises two components: (i) deferred consideration calculated based on a seven-times multiple of the incremental growth in Citrusourcebs earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (bEBITDAb) in fiscal year 2015 versus EBITDA for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) an earn-out calculated based on 25% of the incremental growth in the sum of Citrusourcebs EBITDA and the EBITDA of the Companybs San Bernardino, California, juice production facility (the bCombined EBITDAb) in each of fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 versus the Combined EBITDA for fiscal year 2015. The Company estimates that the gross contingent consideration may be in the range of $17,000 to $23,000 in the aggregate, with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined to be approximately $20,000 as at the acquisition date, based on a probability-weighted present value analysis, of which approximately $17,000 is related to the deferred consideration and approximately $3,000 is related to the earn-out. Of the total contingent consideration obligation, $4,500 is included in current portion of long-term liabilities and $15,500 is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on significant level 3 unobservable inputs, including the following factors: (i) estimated range of EBITDA values in each of the earn-out periods; and (ii) the probability-weighting applied to each of the EBITDA values within the estimated range for each earn-out period. The resultant probability-weighted EBITDA values for each earn-out period were discounted at a credit risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 3.5%. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is provisional and subject to change pending the final validation of the inputs and assumptions used in the valuation analysis.
[5]

Business_Acquisition_Citrusour1

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Preliminary Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$45,500,000	$29,082,000
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivables			2,405,000	[1]
Inventories			1,745,000
Property, plant and equipment			164,000
Customer Relationships Intangible Assets			14,000,000	[2]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-1,666,000
Net Identifiable assets acquired			16,648,000
Goodwill			17,136,000	[3]
Net assets acquired			$33,784,000

[1]	The Company considers the gross contractual accounts receivable balance of $2,405 to be fully collectible.
[2]	The customer relationships intangible asset was recognized based on contracts in existence at the acquisition date between Citrusource and major U.S. retail customers. This intangible asset will be amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately 12 years. The estimated fair value of the intangible asset was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach), which applied a risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 15.0%.
[3]	Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the acquisition-date fair values of the consideration transferred and net assets acquired. The total amount of goodwill has been assigned to the Consumer Products operating segment and is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill recognized is attributable to: (i) operating synergies expected to result from combining the operations of Citrusource with the Companybs vertically-integrated juice production and supply chain capabilities; and (ii) opportunities to leverage the business experience of Citrusourcebs management team to grow the Companybs existing citrus beverage program.

Business_Acquisition_Citrusour2

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Proforma Consolidated Results) (Details) (Citrusource, LLC [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$307,812,000	$327,780,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$5,822,000	$6,153,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.09	$0.09
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.09	$0.09

Business_Acquisition_Citrusour3

Business Acquisition (Citrusource, LLC - Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015		Apr. 05, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship	($749,000)	[1]	$0
Contingent Consideration			0
Business Combination Acquired Receivables Gross Contractual Amount					2,405,000
Acquisition-related transaction costs	125,000	[2]	0
Citrusource, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Settlement of pre-existing relationship					749,000	[1]
Gain (Loss) on Settlement of pre-existing relationship					0
Buisness Combination, Earn-out on Incremental Growth, Percent					25.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low					17,000,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High					23,000,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Maximum Unlimited					with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components
Contingent Consideration					20,000,000	[3]
Business Combination, Deferred Contingent Consideration					17,000,000
Business Combination, Deferred Earn-out Payable, Non-current					3,000,000
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate					3.50%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					12 years
Acquisition-related transaction costs	125,000
Business Combination Pro Forma Information Revenue Of Acquiree Since Acquisition Date Actual				2,236,000
Business Combination Pro Forma Information Earnings Or Loss Of Acquiree Since Acquisition Date Actual				115,000
Citrusource, LLC [Member] \| Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability Current					4,500,000
Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability Noncurrent					$15,500,000
Citrusource, LLC [Member] \| Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member] \| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate					15.00%

[1]	Prior to the date of acquisition, the Company had a pre-existing relationship to supply Citrusource with organic citrus raw materials. As at the acquisition date, the Company had accounts receivable owing from Citrusource of $749 related to product delivered prior to the acquisition date. No gain or loss was recognized by the Company on the effective settlement of this accounts receivable as at the acquisition date.
[1]
[2]	Acquisition-related transaction costs

	For the quarter endedApril 4, 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs in connection with the acquisition of the Citrusource (see note 2).

[3]	The contingent consideration arrangement with the former unitholders of Citrusource comprises two components: (i) deferred consideration calculated based on a seven-times multiple of the incremental growth in Citrusourcebs earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (bEBITDAb) in fiscal year 2015 versus EBITDA for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) an earn-out calculated based on 25% of the incremental growth in the sum of Citrusourcebs EBITDA and the EBITDA of the Companybs San Bernardino, California, juice production facility (the bCombined EBITDAb) in each of fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 versus the Combined EBITDA for fiscal year 2015. The Company estimates that the gross contingent consideration may be in the range of $17,000 to $23,000 in the aggregate, with no upper limit to the amount of each of the components. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined to be approximately $20,000 as at the acquisition date, based on a probability-weighted present value analysis, of which approximately $17,000 is related to the deferred consideration and approximately $3,000 is related to the earn-out. Of the total contingent consideration obligation, $4,500 is included in current portion of long-term liabilities and $15,500 is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on significant level 3 unobservable inputs, including the following factors: (i) estimated range of EBITDA values in each of the earn-out periods; and (ii) the probability-weighting applied to each of the EBITDA values within the estimated range for each earn-out period. The resultant probability-weighted EBITDA values for each earn-out period were discounted at a credit risk-adjusted discount rate of approximately 3.5%. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is provisional and subject to change pending the final validation of the inputs and assumptions used in the valuation analysis.
[3]

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (Fiber And Starch Business [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 22, 2014
Fiber And Starch Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Date of Transaction for Acquisition or Disposal		22-Dec-14
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration		$37,500,000
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$1,898,000

Discontinued_Operations_Operat

Discontinued Operations (Operating results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$0	$37,000
Fiber And Starch Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues from discontinued operations	0	11,148,000
Earning (loss) before tax	0	61,000
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes during phase out	0	-24,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$0	$37,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 04, 2015

Apr. 05, 2014

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Apr. 04, 2015

Apr. 05, 2014

Apr. 04, 2015

Apr. 05, 2014

Apr. 04, 2015

Apr. 05, 2014

Apr. 04, 2015

Apr. 05, 2014

USD ($)

Enchi Corporation [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Corn [Member]

Soybean [Member]

Future And Forward Contracts [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]

Enchi Corporation [Member]

Cocoa [Member]

Coffee [Member]

Opta Minerals Inc [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Future And Forward Contracts [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

USD ($)

lots

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Opta Minerals Inc [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Opta Minerals Inc [Member]

CAD

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

USD ($)

USD

EUR

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net

$103,000

($625,000)

Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount

135

Inventories Carried At Market Unit

196,020

431,878

Derivative, Notional Amount

37,025,000

25,092,000

21,697,000

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

2.02%

1.85%

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

3.50%

2.00%

Derivative, Maturity Date

1-May-17

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

-262,000

-78,000

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

-66,000

-18,000

Unrealized Gain Loss On Foreign Currency Derivatives Net Before Tax

416,000

284,000

Payments For Proceeds From Previous Acquisition

800,000

Investment, Embedded Accelarated Payment Option

5,100,000

Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net

$3,409,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis ) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015		Jan. 03, 2015
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market			$0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market			7,713,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	7,043,000	[1]	7,713,000	[1]
Contingent Consideration	-20,381,000		-396,000
Embedded Derivative	3,409,000	[2]	3,409,000	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	-547,000	[3]	-285,000	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	1,442,000	[4]	1,026,000	[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Short [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	1,829,000	[5]	2,450,000	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	-2,183,000	[5]	-2,951,000	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Long [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	17,000	[5]	50,000	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	-101,000	[5]	-90,000	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	0	[1]	0	[1]
Contingent Consideration	0		0
Embedded Derivative	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	0	[3]	0	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Short [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	251,000	[5]	44,000	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	0	[5]	0	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Long [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	0	[5]	0	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	0	[5]	0	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	7,043,000	[1]	7,713,000	[1]
Contingent Consideration	0		0
Embedded Derivative	0	[2]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	-547,000	[3]	-285,000	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	1,442,000	[4]	1,026,000	[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Short [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	1,578,000	[5]	2,406,000	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	-2,183,000	[5]	-2,951,000	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Long [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	17,000	[5]	50,000	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	-101,000	[5]	-90,000	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Inventories Carried At Market	0	[1]	0	[1]
Contingent Consideration	-20,381,000		-396,000
Embedded Derivative	3,409,000	[2]	3,409,000	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	0	[3]	0	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts	0	[4]	0	[4]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Short [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	0	[5]	0	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	0	[5]	0	[5]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Long [Member] \| Future And Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized Derivative Asset	0	[5]	0	[5]
Unrealized Derivative Liability	$0	[5]	$0	[5]

[1]	Inventories carried at market are included in inventories on the consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	The embedded derivative is included in other assets (long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets.
[3]	The interest rate swaps are included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
[4]	The forward foreign currency contracts are included in accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued liabilitieson the consolidated balance sheets.
[5]	Unrealized short-term derivative asset is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, unrealized long-term derivative asset is included in other assets, unrealized short-term derivative liability is included in other current liabilities and unrealized long-term derivative liability is included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Notional Amounts) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member])	Apr. 04, 2015
	bu
Future And Forward Purchase Contracts [Member] \| Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,216,000
Future And Forward Purchase Contracts [Member] \| Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	1,573,000
Future And Forward Sale Contracts [Member] \| Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	-594,000
Future And Forward Sale Contracts [Member] \| Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	-1,397,000
Future [Member] \| Corn [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	-805,000
Future [Member] \| Soybean [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	-665,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and work-in-process	$189,829,000	$189,192,000
Finished goods	66,971,000	66,142,000
Company-owned grain	18,218,000	15,066,000
Inventory reserves	-5,718,000	-6,144,000
Total Inventory, Net	$269,300,000	$264,256,000

Bank_Indebtedness_and_LongTerm2

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Bank indebtedness Table) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$109,217,000	$91,410,000
U S Line Of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	16,332,000	6,263,000
European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	78,619,000	72,191,000
Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member] \| Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$14,266,000	$12,956,000

Bank_Indebtedness_and_LongTerm3

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Long term debt table) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations	$4,235,000	$4,965,000
Other Long-term Debt	197,000	257,000
Total Long-term and Current Term Debt	35,528,000	39,855,000
Current portion of long-term debt	5,445,000	5,927,000
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total	30,083,000	33,928,000
Non Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member] \| Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	$31,096,000	$34,633,000

Bank_Indebtedness_and_LongTerm4

Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

18-May-12

Apr. 04, 2015

8-May-14

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

8-May-14

Apr. 04, 2015

Oct. 14, 2014

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Apr. 27, 2015

Jul. 27, 2012

Apr. 04, 2015

Jul. 27, 2012

8-May-14

Oct. 14, 2014

Apr. 27, 2015

Jul. 27, 2012

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Apr. 04, 2015

Jan. 03, 2015

Oct. 14, 2014

USD ($)

U S Line Of Credit [Member]

European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Opta Minerals Inc [Member]

Organic Corporation [Member]

Syndicate Lending Group [Member]

Non Revolving Term Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Acquisition Facility [Member]

Working Capital [Member]

Commodity Hedging [Member]

StandbyLettersOfCreditMember

Currency Hedging [Member]

USD ($)

Cad Line Of Credit [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

USD

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Opta Minerals Inc [Member]

Organic Corporation [Member]

USD

Cad Line Of Credit [Member]

EUR

USD

Bulgaria [Member]

Cad Line Of Credit [Member]

U S Line Of Credit [Member]

Accordion Option [Member]

U S Line Of Credit [Member]

Cad Line Of Credit [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Cad Line Of Credit [Member]

Maximum [Member]

European Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

EUR (€)

USD ($)

CAD

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

USD

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

CAD

EUR

Bulgaria [Member]

EUR

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Euro Interbank Offered Rate [Member]

EUR

USD

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date

18-May-12

14-Oct-14

22-May-13

27-Jul-12

Line Of Credit Facility Amendment Date

8-May-14

27-Apr-15

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

€ 92,500,000

10,000,000

$165,000,000

$50,000,000

52,500,000

20,000,000

€ 80,000,000

$4,500,000

€ 5,000,000

€ 2,500,000

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

27-Jul-16

18-May-17

14-Aug-15

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

109,217,000

91,410,000

16,332,000

6,263,000

78,619,000

72,191,000

14,266,000

12,956,000

70,832,000

58,205,000

77,059,000

69,869,000

1,487,000

1,934,000

1,618,000

2,322,000

Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment

quarterly

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal

1,312,000

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

5.50%

2.00%

2.50%

1.75%

2.75%

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

Interest costs under the Club Facility accrue based on the aggregate of: (i) a fixed loan margin of 1.75%; and (ii) a variable rate based on LIBOR or EURIBOR plus an applicable spread as set by the Lenders on a periodic basis.

EURIBOR

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

6.40%

2.29%

2.02%

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

30-Apr-16

Capital Lease Obligations

$4,235,000

$4,965,000

Other_Expense_Income_Net_Table1

Other Expense (Income), Net (Table) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015		Apr. 05, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Acquisition-related transaction costs	$125,000	[1]	$0
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration	0		1,373,000	[2]
Severance and other rationalization costs	0		159,000
Other	-91,000		73,000
Total Other Expense, net	$34,000		($1,141,000)

[1]	Acquisition-related transaction costs

	For the quarter endedApril 4, 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs in connection with the acquisition of the Citrusource (see note 2).

[2]	(2)Fair value of contingent consideration

	For the quarter ended April 5, 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Ednerof Nevada, Inc. (bEdnerb) on December 14, 2010. In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of Edner in connection with this settlement.

Other_Expense_Income_Net_Narra

Other Expense (Income), Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Other Expense (Income), Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015		Apr. 05, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition-related transaction costs	$125,000	[1]	$0
Fair value of contingent consideration	0		1,373,000
Edner Of Nevada [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Legal Settlements			$800,000

[1]	Acquisition-related transaction costs

	For the quarter endedApril 4, 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs in connection with the acquisition of the Citrusource (see note 2).

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	557,628

Earnings_Per_Share_Table_Detai

Earnings Per Share (Table) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Table) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	$5,234,000	$6,603,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	37,000
Earnings (loss) attributable to SunOpta Inc.	$5,234,000	$6,640,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	67,399,642	66,572,936
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	68,268,166	68,585,007
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
from continuing operations basic	$0.08	$0.10
from discontinued operations basic	$0	$0
Earnings Per Share Total	$0.08	$0.10
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
from continuing operations diluted	$0.08	$0.10
from discontinued operations diluted	$0	$0
Earnings Per Share Diluted Total	$0.08	$0.10
Warrant [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units	319,777	467,826
Options and RSU [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units	548,747	1,544,245

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	($2,300,000)	($23,285,000)
Inventories	-10,015,000	4,659,000
Income tax recoverable	-1,751,000	3,343,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-6,298,000	-1,672,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-6,545,000	-12,258,000
Customer and other deposits	4,246,000	4,285,000
Net cash flows from operations - continuing operations	($22,663,000)	($24,928,000)

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,491,000	$9,938,000	$6,637,000	$8,537,000
Opta Minerals Inc [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,083,000	$2,170,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (Plum [Member], SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Plum [Member] \| SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Contracts, Manufacturing Contract Date	21-Sep-11
Inventory Recall Date	8-Nov-13
Loss Contingency, Lawsuit Filing Date	3-Feb-15
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc
Loss Contingency, Name of Plaintiff	Plum, PBC, a Delaware public benefit corporation (bPlumb)
Loss Contingency, Amended Lawsuit Filing Date	13-Apr-15
Loss Contingency Allegations	Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manufacturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. In the amended complaint, Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of spoiled packaging of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges in its amended complaint that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOIbs Allentown facility.
Loss Contingency Actions Taken By Defendant	SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack.
Loss Contingency Damages Sought	Plum is seeking unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneysb fees.

Segmented_Information_Table_De

Segmented Information (Table) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Segmented Information (Table) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Apr. 05, 2014
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	$303,406,000	$322,379,000
Segment operating income	11,022,000	14,654,000
Other income (expense), net	-34,000	1,141,000
Interest expense, net	-1,823,000	-2,148,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,575,000	11,016,000
SunOpta Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	273,949,000	287,834,000
Segment operating income	11,541,000	13,629,000
Opta Minerals Inc Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	29,457,000	34,545,000
Segment operating income	-519,000	1,025,000
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment operating income	-1,590,000	-2,631,000
Global Ingredients [Member] \| SunOpta Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	155,057,000	153,313,000
Segment operating income	8,981,000	3,539,000
Consumer Products [Member] \| SunOpta Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues from external customers	118,892,000	134,521,000
Segment operating income	$2,560,000	$10,090,000