Snyder's-lance (LNCE) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Oct. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000057528	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	69,874,409

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$453,023	$406,565	$1,310,646	$1,198,808
Cost of sales	295,429	269,626	862,286	802,568
Gross margin	157,594	136,939	448,360	396,240
Selling, general and administrative	122,110	106,512	356,610	324,864
Impairment charges	0	80	1,900	207
Gain on sale of route businesses, net	-465	-1,427	-2,057	-21,596
Other (income)/expense, net	-5,099	537	-8,603	-124
Income before interest and income taxes	41,048	31,237	100,510	92,889
Interest expense, net	3,742	1,692	10,702	6,258
Income before income taxes	37,306	29,545	89,808	86,631
Income tax expense	14,194	11,634	33,758	34,930
Net income	23,112	17,911	56,050	51,701
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	213	146	329	397
Net income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.	$22,899	$17,765	$55,721	$51,304
Basic earnings per share	$0.33	$0.26	$0.80	$0.75
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	69,459	68,598	69,243	68,268
Diluted earnings per share	$0.33	$0.26	$0.80	$0.74
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	70,294	69,526	70,013	69,190
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.16	$0.16	$0.48	$0.48

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$23,112	$17,911	$56,050	$51,701
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax	247	5	229	-288
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,432	2,468	-2,473	2,794
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,679	2,473	-2,244	2,506
Total comprehensive income	24,791	20,384	53,806	54,207
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income tax of $112, $80, $233 and $176, respectively	-213	-146	-329	-397
Total comprehensive income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.	$24,578	$20,238	$53,477	$53,810

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com1

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income, tax, portion attributable to noncontrolling interest	$112	$80	$233	$176

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$16,702	$9,276
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,300 and $2,159, respectively	152,266	141,862
Inventories	139,764	118,256
Prepaid income taxes	5,272	0
Deferred income taxes	9,361	11,625
Assets held for sale	22,707	11,038
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,492	28,676
Total current assets	372,564	320,733
Noncurrent assets:	'	'
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $351,985 and $331,053, respectively	344,746	331,385
Goodwill	536,655	540,389
Other intangible assets, net	519,517	531,735
Other noncurrent assets	23,139	22,490
Total assets	1,796,621	1,746,732
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	18,389	20,462
Accounts payable	59,276	54,791
Accrued compensation	26,780	31,037
Accrued selling and promotional costs	15,097	16,240
Income tax payable	0	1,263
Other payables and accrued liabilities	32,511	30,830
Total current liabilities	152,053	154,623
Noncurrent liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	526,405	514,587
Deferred income taxes	182,830	176,037
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,607	29,310
Total liabilities	889,895	874,557
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, 69,508,697 and 68,863,974 shares outstanding, respectively	57,922	57,384
Preferred stock, no shares outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	759,839	746,155
Retained earnings	73,324	50,847
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,874	15,118
Total Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. stockholders’ equity	903,959	869,504
Noncontrolling interests	2,767	2,671
Total stockholders’ equity	906,726	872,175
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,796,621	$1,746,732

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$2,300	$2,159
Fixed assets, accumulated depreciation	$351,985	$331,053
Common stock, shares outstanding	69,508,697	68,863,974
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$56,050	$51,701
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	44,805	39,255
Stock-based compensation expense	4,397	3,487
(Gain)/loss on sale of fixed assets, net	-1,022	87
Gain on sale of route businesses	-2,057	-21,596
Impairment charges	1,900	207
Deferred income taxes	8,962	-7,419
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding business acquisitions	-38,562	-5,938
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,473	59,784
Investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of fixed assets	-55,874	-55,962
Purchases of route businesses	-26,798	-27,747
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	4,552	8,185
Proceeds from sale of route businesses	25,004	88,672
Proceeds from sale of investments	921	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-1,513	0
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities	-53,708	13,148
Financing activities:	'	'
Dividends paid to stockholders	-33,243	-32,790
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-232	-234
Debt issuance costs	0	-567
Issuances of common stock	10,514	10,741
Repurchases of common stock	-709	-333
Repayments of long-term debt	-16,279	-1,647
Net proceeds/(repayments) from revolving credit facilities	26,805	-59,869
Net cash used in financing activities	-13,144	-84,699
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-195	-274
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,426	-12,041
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,276	20,841
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	16,702	8,800
Supplemental information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $36 and $12,361, respectively	29,056	20,636
Cash paid for interest	$9,806	$5,801

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Cash refunds from income taxes	$36	$12,361

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2013. In our opinion, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal, recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly our condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods presented herein. The consolidated results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, management’s determination of estimates and judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities requires the exercise of judgment in the selection and application of assumptions based on various factors, including historical experience, current and expected economic conditions and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. We routinely evaluate our estimates, including those related to sales and promotional allowances, customer returns, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory valuations, useful lives of fixed assets and related impairment, long-term investments, hedge transactions, goodwill and intangible asset valuations and impairments, incentive compensation, income taxes, self-insurance, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	Prior year amounts shown in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.
	Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012. An update to these accounting policies is below.
	Self-Insurance Reserves
	We maintain reserves for the self-funded portions of employee medical insurance benefits. Our portion of employee medical claims is generally limited to $0.3 million per participant annually by stop-loss insurance coverage. Due to the significance of certain historical claims, our 2013 stop-loss insurance coverage limit was increased to $5.0 million in aggregate for a specific portion of our self-funded claims. For the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013, we have recorded $0.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, in pre-tax expenses associated with these claims.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards [Text Block]	'
	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under the standard, an entity is required to disclose items reclassified in their entirety out of accumulated other comprehensive income, the effect of the reclassification on each affected net income line item and for items that are not classified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in their entirety, a cross reference to other required U.S. GAAP disclosures. The requirements were effective and adopted by the Company during the first quarter of 2013.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions [Text Block]	'
	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	2013 Acquisition
	On July 29, 2013, we acquired substantially all the assets of a snack food distributor in Massachusetts. This acquisition was part of our plans to continue growing and strengthening our independent business owner ("IBO") distribution network.
	2012 Acquisition
	On October 11, 2012, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares and membership interests of Snack Factory, LLC and certain affiliates ("Snack Factory") for $343.4 million. Transaction related costs of $0.5 million were recognized in selling, general and administrative expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended September 29, 2012.
	The following unaudited pro forma results for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2012, include estimates and assumptions regarding increased amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition, increased interest expense related to debt acquired in order to fund the acquisition and the related tax effects. Pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred on the date indicated, or that may result in the future for various reasons including the potential impact of revenue and cost synergies on the business.
		Quarter Ended		Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands, except per share data)	29-Sep-12		29-Sep-12
	Net revenue	$	435,346	$	1,278,264
	Income before interest and income taxes	35,401		101,456
	Net income attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.	19,302		53,780
	Weighted average diluted shares	69,526		69,190
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.28	$	0.78
	Merger and Integration Activities
	On December 6, 2010, Lance, Inc. and Snyder’s of Hanover, Inc. completed a merger (“Merger”) to create Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. In connection with this Merger, we converted our company owned distribution routes to an IBO distribution network.
	During the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2012, we incurred $0.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, in severance costs and professional fees related to the Merger and integration activities, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no such costs incurred during the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all securities representing potential common shares that were dilutive and outstanding during the period. In the calculation of diluted earnings per share, the denominator includes the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if our outstanding dilutive stock options had been exercised, as determined pursuant to the treasury stock method.
	No shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter or nine months ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012.
	On May 3, 2013, an amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Snyder's-Lance, Inc. was approved at the annual meeting of stockholders to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 75,000,000 to 110,000,000.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Compensation expense related to equity-based incentive plans of $1.6 million and $1.2 million was recognized for the quarters ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively, and was $4.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively, for the nine months then ended. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, we issued 442,493 non-qualified stock options at a weighted-average exercise price of $25.61 per share and 151,737 restricted shares to employees and directors. During the nine months ended September 29, 2012, we issued 534,994 non-qualified stock options at a weighted-average exercise price of $22.41 per share and 159,867 restricted shares to employees and directors.
	During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, we repurchased 27,755 and 14,803 shares, respectively, of common stock from employees to cover withholding taxes payable by employees upon the vesting of restricted stock. There were no share repurchases for the quarters ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012.
	In addition, we recorded $0.8 million and $0.7 million in incentive compensation expense for a performance-based cash incentive plan for the quarters ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, incentive compensation expense for this plan was $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories [Text Block]	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	Finished goods	$	92,084	$	74,627
	Raw materials	20,029		19,307
	Maintenance parts, packaging and supplies	27,651		24,322
	Inventories	$	139,764	$	118,256

Fixed_Assets

Fixed Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Fixed Assets [Text Block]	'
	FIXED ASSETS
	Fixed assets as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Land and land improvements	$	27,983		$	28,501
	Buildings and building improvements	142,549			135,491
	Machinery, equipment and computer systems	469,216			416,767
	Trucks and automobiles	31,244			32,042
	Furniture and fixtures	12,164			12,158
	Construction in progress	18,461			41,257
		701,617			666,216
	Accumulated depreciation	(351,985		)	(331,053		)
		349,632			335,163
	Fixed assets held for sale	(4,886		)	(3,778		)
	Fixed assets, net	$	344,746		$	331,385
	Depreciation expense related to fixed assets was $12.8 million and $12.0 million during the quarters ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, depreciation expense was $37.6 million and $35.6 million, respectively. There were no fixed asset impairment charges during the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013, as compared to $0.1 million and $0.2 million recorded during the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2012, respectively.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, we made the decision to close our Cambridge, Ontario manufacturing facility in May 2013 in order to consolidate the operations of our two Canadian manufacturing facilities. In conjunction with this decision, an asset impairment charge of $2.5 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. Additional expenses of $1.0 million were incurred in the second quarter of 2013 associated with the relocation of assets and start-up costs in order to consolidate the two manufacturing facilities and these costs were included within cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 28, 2013. In addition, during the third quarter of 2013, we recognized $1.1 million in gains on the sale of assets associated with this consolidation of operations.
	The closure of the Corsicana, Texas manufacturing facility was completed during the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Upon closure of the facility, many of the assets were relocated to other manufacturing locations. Expenses incurred as part of the relocation process were $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2012 and were included in cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, during the quarter ended September 29, 2012, we made the decision to close our Greenville, Texas warehouse. Severance, lease termination costs and losses on the disposal of fixed assets totaling $0.8 million were recorded in conjunction with the closing of the warehouse during the quarter ended September 29, 2012.
	The land and buildings in Cambridge, Ontario and Corsicana, Texas comprise the majority of the $4.9 million in fixed assets held for sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2013.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	540,389
	Business acquisition	475
	Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	8,617
	Goodwill attributable to the sale of route businesses	(7,744		)
	Change in goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale	(3,689		)
	Change in foreign currency exchange rate	(1,393		)
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	536,655
	As of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, other intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount
	As of September 28, 2013:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(16,857	)	$	132,099
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	110			(48		)	62
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(835		)	2,265
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(752		)	7,848
	Routes businesses – unamortized	17,082			—			17,082
	Trademarks – unamortized	360,687			(526		)	360,161
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	538,535		$	(19,018	)	$	519,517
	As of December 29, 2012:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(10,524	)	$	138,432
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	100			(10		)	90
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(544		)	2,556
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(165		)	8,435
	Routes businesses – unamortized	20,161			—			20,161
	Trademarks – unamortized	362,587			(526		)	362,061
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	543,504		$	(11,769	)	$	531,735
	Amortization expense related to intangibles was $2.4 million and $1.2 million for the quarters ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $7.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for the nine months then ended. The increase in amortization expense was attributable to the additional intangible assets acquired related to the Snack Factory acquisition.
	Route businesses and trademarks are deemed to have indefinite useful lives because they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. Although not amortized, they are reviewed for impairment as conditions change or at least on an annual basis. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, we recorded a $1.9 million impairment charge to write off one of our trademarks. The impairment charge was necessary due to the decision to replace future sales of associated products with a more recognizable brand. The majority of our remaining trademarks, predominately those acquired through recent transactions, have a fair value which approximates the book value. Any changes in the use of these trademarks or the sales volumes of the associated products could result in an impairment charge.
	The changes in the carrying amount of route businesses for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance of route businesses as of December 29, 2012	$	20,161
	Business acquisition	813
	Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	18,181
	Sales of route businesses	(15,203		)
	Change in route businesses reclassified to assets held for sale	(6,870		)
	Balance of route businesses as of September 28, 2013	$	17,082
	Route businesses and associated goodwill allocated to assets held for sale represent assets available for sale in their present condition and for which actions to complete a sale have been initiated. As of September 28, 2013, $11.8 million of route businesses and $6.0 million of goodwill are included in assets held for sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 29, 2012, $4.9 million in route businesses and $2.3 million of goodwill were included in assets held for sale.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt [Text Block]	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt outstanding as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Revolving credit facilities	$	127,931		$	101,127
	Other long-term debt	416,863			433,922
	Total debt	544,794			535,049
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	(18,389		)	(20,462		)
	Total long-term debt	$	526,405		$	514,587
	Our primary credit agreement allows us to make revolving credit borrowings of up to $265 million through December 2015. As of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, we had available $138 million and $165 million, respectively, of unused credit on this credit facility. The credit agreement requires us to comply with certain defined covenants, and we are currently in compliance with all such covenants.
	The fair value of outstanding debt, including current maturities, was approximately $553 million and $544 million at September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively. The Level 2 fair value estimate was based on similar debt with comparable maturities, credit ratings and interest rates.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	We have recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 28, 2013, totaling $6.5 million and related interest and penalties of $2.5 million in other noncurrent liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of this total amount, $7.3 million would reduce the effective tax rate if subsequently recognized. As of December 29, 2012, we recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $6.0 million and related interest and penalties of $2.3 million in other noncurrent liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expect that certain income tax audits will be settled or various tax authorities’ statutes of limitations will expire during the next twelve months resulting in a potential $3.0 million reduction of the unrecognized tax benefit amount. We classify interest and penalties associated with income tax positions within income tax expense.
	The effective tax rate decreased from 39.4% for the third quarter of 2012 to 38.0% for the third quarter of 2013, and decreased from 40.3% for the first nine months of 2012 to 37.6% for the first nine months of 2013. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due to lower non-tax deductible expenses, primarily related to goodwill associated with the sale of route businesses.
	We permanently reinvest earnings from our Canadian subsidiary which cannot be repatriated without unfavorable tax consequences. As of September 28, 2013, $10.6 million of our cash and cash equivalents balance was held by our Canadian subsidiary compared to $8.2 million as of December 29, 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	We have classified assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value into the fair value hierarchy as set forth below:
	Level 1	–	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 2	–	observable inputs other than quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 3	–	unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which requires us to develop our own assumptions.
	We measure derivative instruments at fair value using Level 2 inputs. See Note 12 for additional information about our derivative instruments. The fair value of our outstanding debt is measured using Level 2 inputs and is disclosed in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. There were no changes among the levels during the first nine months of 2013.
	The carrying amount of cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments [Text Block]	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations. We use derivative instruments to manage interest rate and foreign exchange risks.
	The fair value of the derivative instrument liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets using Level 2 inputs was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		September 28,				December 29,
				2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps	Other payables and accrued liabilities		$	(1	)		$	(15	)
	Interest rate swaps	Other noncurrent liabilities		(993		)		(1,575		)
	Foreign currency forwards	Other payables and accrued liabilities		(2		)		—
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	(996	)		$	(1,590	)
	Interest Rate Swaps
	Our variable-rate debt obligations incur interest at floating rates based on changes in the Eurodollar rate and U.S. base rate interest. To manage exposure to changing interest rates, we selectively enter into interest rate swap agreements to maintain a desirable proportion of fixed to variable-rate debt. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined utilizing a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swaps and the observable inputs of time to maturity and interest rates. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments as of September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, was $50.2 million and $54.3 million, respectively.
	Foreign Currency Forwards
	We have exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations through the operations of our Canadian subsidiary. A majority of the revenue of our Canadian operations is denominated in U.S. dollars and a substantial portion of its costs, such as raw materials and labor costs, are denominated in Canadian dollars. We enter into derivative forward contracts to mitigate a portion of this foreign exchange rate exposure. These contracts have maturities through December 2013. The notional amount for foreign currency forwards was $5.4 million as of September 28, 2013. There were no contracts outstanding at December 29, 2012.
	The changes in unrealized gains/(losses), net of income tax, included in other comprehensive income due to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates were as follows:
		Quarter Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	September 28,				September 29,				September 28,			September 29,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Interest rate swaps, net of income tax (expense)/benefit of ($0), $62, ($144) and $231, respectively	$	1			$	(101	)		$	231		$	(370	)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of income tax (expense)/benefit of ($111), ($48), $1 and ($37), respectively	246				106				(2		)	82
	Total change in unrealized gains/(losses) from derivative instruments, net of income tax (effective portion)	$	247			$	5			$	229		$	(288	)

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Contractual Obligations
	In order to mitigate the risks of volatility in commodity markets to which we are exposed, we have entered into forward purchase agreements with certain suppliers based on market prices, forward price projections and expected usage levels. Purchase commitments for certain ingredients, packaging materials and energy decreased from $158.5 million as of December 29, 2012 to $127.8 million as of September 28, 2013, due primarily to the timing of new purchase agreements. In addition to these commitments, we have contracts for certain ingredients and packaging materials where we have secured a fixed price but do not have a minimum purchase quantity. We currently contract from approximately three to twelve months in advance for certain major ingredients and packaging.
	We also maintain standby letters of credit in connection with our self-insurance reserves for casualty claims. The total amount of these letters of credit was $13.9 million as of September 28, 2013, and $18.9 million as of December 29, 2012. The reduction was due to the lower collateral requirements of our insurance providers.
	Guarantees
	We currently provide a partial guarantee for loans made to IBOs by third party financial institutions for the purchase of route businesses and trucks. The outstanding aggregate balance on these loans was approximately $114.8 million as of September 28, 2013, compared to approximately $109.7 million as of December 29, 2012. The annual maximum amount of future payments we could be required to make under the guarantee equates to 25% of the outstanding loan balance on the first day of each calendar year plus 25% of the amount of any new loans issued during such calendar year. These loans are collateralized by the route businesses and trucks for which the loans are made. Accordingly, we have the ability to recover substantially all of the outstanding loan value upon default, and our liability associated with this guarantee is not material.
	Insurance Settlement
	For the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013, other income/expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income included approximately $4.0 million in income from the settlement of a business interruption claim primarily for lost profits incurred earlier in 2013.
	Legal Matters
	We are currently subject to various lawsuits and environmental matters arising in the normal course of business. In our opinion, such claims should not have a material effect upon our consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	We own 51% of Patriot Snacks Real Estate, LLC (“Patriot”) and consolidate its balance sheet and operating results into our condensed consolidated financial statements. The remaining 49% is owned by an employee.
	As of September 28, 2013, we owned 80% of Michaud Distributors (“Michaud”), which distributes our products in the northeastern United States, and consolidated its balance sheet and operating results into our condensed consolidated financial statements. We had notes receivable from stockholders and employees of Michaud of $0.2 million as of September 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012. The notes were unsecured and due upon demand. We acquired the remaining 20% of Michaud on October 25, 2013, as discussed in Note 17 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	We own a noncontrolling equity interest in Late July Snacks LLC (“Late July”), an organic snack food company. This investment is reflected in other noncurrent assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Equity earnings, which are not material, are included in other income/expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We also manufacture and distribute products for Late July. Contract manufacturing revenue from Late July was approximately $1.3 million and $0.8 million during the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $3.1 million and $3.3 million, for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, we purchase products from Late July to sell through our IBO distribution network. Purchases from Late July were $1.5 million and $0.5 million during the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $3.3 million and $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable due from Late July totaled $0.6 million and $0.5 million at September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively.
	ARWCO Corporation, MAW Associates, LP and Warehime Enterprises, Inc. are owned or controlled by the Chairman of the Board of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. or his family members. Among other unrelated business activities, these entities provide financing to IBOs for the purchase of route businesses and trucks. We have entered into loan service agreements with these related parties that allow us to repurchase certain distribution assets in the event an IBO defaults on a loan with the related party. We are required to repurchase the assets 30 days after default at the value as defined in the loan service agreement which approximates fair market value. As of September 28, 2013, there were outstanding loans made to IBOs by the related parties of approximately $32.0 million compared to $37.0 million in loans outstanding as of December 29, 2012. Our Chairman of the Board also serves as an officer and/or director of these entities. Transactions with these related parties are primarily related to the collection and remittance of loan payments on notes receivable held by the related parties. We are reimbursed for certain overhead and administrative services associated with the services provided to these related parties. The receivables from, payables to and administrative fees from these entities are not significant for any period presented.
	A Connecticut warehouse used to support our distribution network is leased from a company partially owned by an employee. There were $0.2 million in lease payments made to this company during both the first nine months of 2013 and of 2012.
	One of our directors, C. Peter Carlucci, Jr., is a member of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC (“Eckert”), which serves as one of our outside legal firms. Expenses incurred for services provided by Eckert were $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $0.6 million and $0.2 million for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Other_Comprehensive_Income

Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income [Text Block]	'
	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Total comprehensive income attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc., determined as net income adjusted by total other comprehensive income, was $24.6 million and $20.2 million for the quarters ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively, and $53.5 million and $53.8 million, respectively, for the nine months then ended. Total other comprehensive income presently consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses from our derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges.
	Amounts reclassified out of total other comprehensive income, net of tax, consisted of the following:
				Quarter Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	Income Statement Location		September 28,				September 29,				September 28,			September 29,
				2013				2012				2013			2012
	Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges reclassified out of total other comprehensive income:
	Interest rate swaps, net of tax of $56, $72, $181 and $219, respectively	Interest expense, net		$	(90	)		$	(113	)		$	(290	)	$	(350	)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $34, ($68), $119 and ($139), respectively	Net revenue		(75		)		149				(265		)	308
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $9, $6, $19 and $14, respectively	Other income/expense, net		(20		)		(15		)		(42		)	(32		)
	Total cash flow hedge reclassifications, net of tax			$	(185	)		$	21			$	(597	)	$	(74	)
	During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, changes to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gains/(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Total
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	(842	)		$	15,960			$	15,118
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(368		)		(2,473		)		(2,841		)
	Losses reclassified from other comprehensive income	597				—				597
	Net other comprehensive gain/(loss)	229				(2,473		)		(2,244		)
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	(613	)		$	13,487			$	12,874
	Income taxes on the foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income are not recognized because these earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes is required.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting [Text Block]	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	We operate in one business segment: the manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of snack food products. We define business segments as components of an organization for which discrete financial information is available and operating results are evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in order to assess performance and allocate resources. Our CODM is the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Characteristics of our organization which were relied upon in making this determination include the similar nature of all of the products that we sell, the functional alignment of our organizational structure and the reports that are regularly reviewed by the CODM for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources.
	Revenue by Product Category
	Net revenue by product category was as follows:
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Branded	$	273,923	$	238,904	$	801,779	$	703,254
	Partner brand	79,949		71,611		227,988		214,440
	Private brand	74,342		75,319		211,575		213,579
	Other	24,809		20,731		69,304		67,535
	Net revenue	$	453,023	$	406,565	$	1,310,646	$	1,198,808
	Significant Customers
	Sales to our largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., were approximately 16% of net revenue for the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013, and 18% and 17% of net revenue for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2012, respectively. Our sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. do not include sales from third-party distributors outside our IBO distribution network. Sales to these third-party distributors represent approximately 11% of our net revenue and may increase sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. by an amount we are unable to estimate. Accounts receivable at September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, included receivables from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. totaling $28.1 million and $25.9 million, respectively.

Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	On October 25, 2013, we acquired the remaining 20% equity in Michaud and now own all of the outstanding equity. We exchanged 342,212 newly issued unregistered shares of our common stock for the remaining 20% equity in Michaud.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Basis_of

Basis Of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Self-Insurance Reserves [Policy Text Block]	'
	Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012. An update to these accounting policies is below.
	Self-Insurance Reserves
	We maintain reserves for the self-funded portions of employee medical insurance benefits. Our portion of employee medical claims is generally limited to $0.3 million per participant annually by stop-loss insurance coverage. Due to the significance of certain historical claims, our 2013 stop-loss insurance coverage limit was increased to $5.0 million in aggregate for a specific portion of our self-funded claims. For the quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2013, we have recorded $0.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, in pre-tax expenses associated with these claims.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following unaudited pro forma results for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2012, include estimates and assumptions regarding increased amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition, increased interest expense related to debt acquired in order to fund the acquisition and the related tax effects. Pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had occurred on the date indicated, or that may result in the future for various reasons including the potential impact of revenue and cost synergies on the business.
		Quarter Ended		Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands, except per share data)	29-Sep-12		29-Sep-12
	Net revenue	$	435,346	$	1,278,264
	Income before interest and income taxes	35,401		101,456
	Net income attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.	19,302		53,780
	Weighted average diluted shares	69,526		69,190
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.28	$	0.78

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components Of Inventory [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	Finished goods	$	92,084	$	74,627
	Raw materials	20,029		19,307
	Maintenance parts, packaging and supplies	27,651		24,322
	Inventories	$	139,764	$	118,256

Fixed_Assets_Tables

Fixed Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Fixed Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Fixed assets as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Land and land improvements	$	27,983		$	28,501
	Buildings and building improvements	142,549			135,491
	Machinery, equipment and computer systems	469,216			416,767
	Trucks and automobiles	31,244			32,042
	Furniture and fixtures	12,164			12,158
	Construction in progress	18,461			41,257
		701,617			666,216
	Accumulated depreciation	(351,985		)	(331,053		)
		349,632			335,163
	Fixed assets held for sale	(4,886		)	(3,778		)
	Fixed assets, net	$	344,746		$	331,385

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	540,389
	Business acquisition	475
	Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	8,617
	Goodwill attributable to the sale of route businesses	(7,744		)
	Change in goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale	(3,689		)
	Change in foreign currency exchange rate	(1,393		)
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	536,655
Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	As of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, other intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount
	As of September 28, 2013:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(16,857	)	$	132,099
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	110			(48		)	62
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(835		)	2,265
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(752		)	7,848
	Routes businesses – unamortized	17,082			—			17,082
	Trademarks – unamortized	360,687			(526		)	360,161
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	538,535		$	(19,018	)	$	519,517
	As of December 29, 2012:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(10,524	)	$	138,432
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	100			(10		)	90
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(544		)	2,556
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(165		)	8,435
	Routes businesses – unamortized	20,161			—			20,161
	Trademarks – unamortized	362,587			(526		)	362,061
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	543,504		$	(11,769	)	$	531,735
Changes In Carrying Amount Of Routes Businesses [Table Text Block]	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of route businesses for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance of route businesses as of December 29, 2012	$	20,161
	Business acquisition	813
	Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	18,181
	Sales of route businesses	(15,203		)
	Change in route businesses reclassified to assets held for sale	(6,870		)
	Balance of route businesses as of September 28, 2013	$	17,082

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt outstanding as of September 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Revolving credit facilities	$	127,931		$	101,127
	Other long-term debt	416,863			433,922
	Total debt	544,794			535,049
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	(18,389		)	(20,462		)
	Total long-term debt	$	526,405		$	514,587

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments In The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Using Level 2 Inputs	'
	The fair value of the derivative instrument liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets using Level 2 inputs was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		September 28,				December 29,
				2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps	Other payables and accrued liabilities		$	(1	)		$	(15	)
	Interest rate swaps	Other noncurrent liabilities		(993		)		(1,575		)
	Foreign currency forwards	Other payables and accrued liabilities		(2		)		—
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	(996	)		$	(1,590	)
Change In Unrealized Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) Included In Other Comprehensive Income Due To Fluctuations In Interest Rates And Foreign Exchange Rates	'
	The changes in unrealized gains/(losses), net of income tax, included in other comprehensive income due to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates were as follows:
		Quarter Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	September 28,				September 29,				September 28,			September 29,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Interest rate swaps, net of income tax (expense)/benefit of ($0), $62, ($144) and $231, respectively	$	1			$	(101	)		$	231		$	(370	)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of income tax (expense)/benefit of ($111), ($48), $1 and ($37), respectively	246				106				(2		)	82
	Total change in unrealized gains/(losses) from derivative instruments, net of income tax (effective portion)	$	247			$	5			$	229		$	(288	)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Amounts Reclassified Out of Total Comprehensive Income Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	Amounts reclassified out of total other comprehensive income, net of tax, consisted of the following:
				Quarter Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	Income Statement Location		September 28,				September 29,				September 28,			September 29,
				2013				2012				2013			2012
	Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges reclassified out of total other comprehensive income:
	Interest rate swaps, net of tax of $56, $72, $181 and $219, respectively	Interest expense, net		$	(90	)		$	(113	)		$	(290	)	$	(350	)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $34, ($68), $119 and ($139), respectively	Net revenue		(75		)		149				(265		)	308
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $9, $6, $19 and $14, respectively	Other income/expense, net		(20		)		(15		)		(42		)	(32		)
	Total cash flow hedge reclassifications, net of tax			$	(185	)		$	21			$	(597	)	$	(74	)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, changes to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gains/(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Total
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	(842	)		$	15,960			$	15,118
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(368		)		(2,473		)		(2,841		)
	Losses reclassified from other comprehensive income	597				—				597
	Net other comprehensive gain/(loss)	229				(2,473		)		(2,244		)
	Balance as of September 28, 2013	$	(613	)		$	13,487			$	12,874

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenue By Products And Services [Table Text Block]	'
	Revenue by Product Category
	Net revenue by product category was as follows:
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	September 28,		September 29,		September 28,		September 29,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Branded	$	273,923	$	238,904	$	801,779	$	703,254
	Partner brand	79,949		71,611		227,988		214,440
	Private brand	74,342		75,319		211,575		213,579
	Other	24,809		20,731		69,304		67,535
	Net revenue	$	453,023	$	406,565	$	1,310,646	$	1,198,808

Basis_Of_Presentation_Narrativ

Basis Of Presentation Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Health Care Organization, Stop Loss Insurance Premium Expense	'	$0.30
StopLossIncreaseForSpecificPortionofClaims [Member]	'	'
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Health Care Organization, Stop Loss Insurance Premium Expense	'	5
Medical Claim Expenses	$0.40	$5

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 11, 2012
Snack Factory, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash paid for acquisition	'	'	$343,400,000
Pro forma net revenue	435,346,000	1,278,264,000	'
Pro forma income before interest and income taxes	35,401,000	101,456,000	'
Pro forma net income attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.	19,302,000	53,780,000	'
Pro forma weighted average diluted shares	69,526	69,190	'
Pro forma diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.28	$0.78	'
Snack Factory, LLC [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	500,000	'	'
Merger And Integration Activities [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Severance costs and professional fees	$200,000	$1,900,000	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	3-May-13	Mar. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	0	0	0	'	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	'	'	'	'	110,000,000	75,000,000

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$1,600,000	$1,200,000	$4,397,000	$3,487,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, gross	'	'	442,493	534,994
Share-based compensation arrangements by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$25.61	$22.41
Stock repurchased during period, shares	0	0	27,755	14,803
Performance-based incentive expense	$800,000	$700,000	$1,200,000	$1,500,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, grants in period	'	'	151,737	159,867

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$92,084	$74,627
Raw materials	20,029	19,307
Maintenance parts, packaging and supplies	27,651	24,322
Inventories	$139,764	$118,256

Fixed_Assets_Schedule_of_Fixed

Fixed Assets (Schedule of Fixed Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	$701,617	$666,216
Accumulated depreciation	-351,985	-331,053
PP&E Net including assets held for sale	349,632	335,163
Fixed assets, net	344,746	331,385
Land and land improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	27,983	28,501
Buildings and building improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	142,549	135,491
Machinery, equipment and computer systems	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	469,216	416,767
Trucks and automobiles	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	31,244	32,042
Furniture and fixtures	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	12,164	12,158
Construction in progress	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	18,461	41,257
Fixed assets held for sale	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed assets held for sale	($4,886)	($3,778)

Fixed_Assets_Details

Fixed Assets (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Cambridge Manufacturing Facility Closing [Member]

Cambridge Manufacturing Facility Closing [Member]

Corsicana Manufacturing Facility Closing [Member]

Fixed assets [Member]

Fixed assets [Member]

Fixed assets [Member]

Fixed assets [Member]

Machinery, equipment and computer systems

Fixed assets held for sale

Fixed assets held for sale

Cost of Sales [Member]

Cambridge Manufacturing Facility Closing [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation expense related to fixed assets

$12,800,000

$12,000,000

$37,600,000

$35,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charges

0

80,000

1,900,000

207,000

'

'

'

0

100,000

0

200,000

2,500,000

'

'

Asset relocation expense

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment

'

'

1,022,000

-87,000

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed assets held for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,886,000

-3,778,000

GreenvilleClosingCosts

'

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance of goodwill	$540,389
Goodwill attributable to the sale of route businesses	-7,744
Change in goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale	-3,689
Change in foreign currency exchange rate	-1,393
Ending balance of goodwill	536,655
Other Acquisitions [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	475
Routes [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	$8,617

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount	$538,535	$543,504
Accumulated amortization	-19,018	-11,769
Net carrying amount	519,517	531,735
Routes businesses – unamortized	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, indefinite-lived	17,082	20,161
Accumulated amortization	0	0
Net carrying amount, indefinite-lived	17,082	20,161
Trademarks – unamortized	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, indefinite-lived	360,687	362,587
Accumulated amortization	-526	-526
Net carrying amount, indefinite-lived	360,161	362,061
Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived	148,956	148,956
Accumulated amortization	-16,857	-10,524
Net carrying amount, finite-lived	132,099	138,432
Non-compete agreement – amortized	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived	110	100
Accumulated amortization	-48	-10
Net carrying amount, finite-lived	62	90
Reacquired rights – amortized	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived	3,100	3,100
Accumulated amortization	-835	-544
Net carrying amount, finite-lived	2,265	2,556
Patents – amortized	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross carrying amount, finite-lived	8,600	8,600
Accumulated amortization	-752	-165
Net carrying amount, finite-lived	$7,848	$8,435

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Route Businesses) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Routes businesses – unamortized	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance of routes	$20,161
Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	18,181
Sales of route businesses	-15,203
Change in route businesses reclassified to assets held for sale	-6,870
Ending balance of routes	17,082
Other Acquisitions [Member]	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	$813

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense related to intangibles	$2,400,000	$1,200,000	$7,200,000	$3,600,000	'
Assets held for sale	22,707,000	'	22,707,000	'	11,038,000
Routes businesses – unamortized	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	11,800,000	'	11,800,000	'	4,900,000
Trademarks – unamortized	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived	1,900,000	'	'	'	'
Number of intangible assets impaired	1	'	1	'	'
Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	$6,000,000	'	$6,000,000	'	$2,300,000

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Debt

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Debt Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Revolving credit facilities	$127,931	$101,127
Other long-term debt	416,863	433,922
Total debt	544,794	535,049
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	-18,389	-20,462
Total long-term debt	$526,405	$514,587

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Primary credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$265,000,000	'
Available unused credit facilities	138,000,000	165,000,000
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$553,000,000	$544,000,000

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$16,702,000	$8,800,000	$16,702,000	$8,800,000	$9,276,000	$20,841,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	6,500,000	'	6,500,000	'	6,000,000	'
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in noncurrent liabilities	2,500,000	'	2,500,000	'	2,300,000	'
Amount, if recognized, that affects the effective tax rate	7,300,000	'	7,300,000	'	'	'
Potential reduction in unrecognized tax benefit	3,000,000	'	3,000,000	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	38.00%	39.40%	37.60%	40.30%	'	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Entity Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,600,000	'	$10,600,000	'	$8,200,000	'

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments (Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments In The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Using Level 2 Inputs) (Details) (Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member], Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	($996)	($1,590)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	-1	-15
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	-993	-1,575
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	($2)	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Change_

Derivative Instruments (Change In Unrealized Net of Tax Gains (Losses) Included In Other Comprehensive Income Due To Fluctuations In Interest Rates And Foreign Exchange Rates) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$247	$5	$229	($288)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	1	-101	231	-370
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	0	62	-144	231
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	246	106	-2	82
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	($111)	($48)	$1	($37)

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount of interest rate swap agreements	$50,200,000	$54,300,000
Notional amount for foreign currency forwards	$5,400,000	$0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Maturity	'December 2013	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Purchase commitments for inventory	$127.80	$158.50
Letters of credit	13.9	18.9
Gain on Business Interruption Insurance Recovery	4	'
Financial Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding aggregate balance on loans	$114.80	$109.70
Percentage of outstanding loans under the guarantee	25.00%	'
Percentage of new loans issued	25.00%	'
Minimum	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Advance contract period for purchase commitment of major ingredients and packaging (months)	'3 months	'
Maximum	'	'
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Advance contract period for purchase commitment of major ingredients and packaging (months)	'12 months	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 29, 2012

employee [Member]

employee [Member]

Loan Service Agreements [Member]

Loan Service Agreements [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Contract Manufacturing [Member]

Contract Manufacturing [Member]

Contract Manufacturing [Member]

Contract Manufacturing [Member]

Partner brand

Partner brand

Partner brand

Partner brand

Patriot Snacks Real Estate, LLC [Member]

Michaud Distributors Incorporated [Member]

Michaud Distributors Incorporated [Member]

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC [Member]

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC [Member]

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC [Member]

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage in related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51.00%

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest owned by employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable from two stockholders and an affiliate of Michaud Distributors, Inc.

$200,000

'

$200,000

'

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Net revenue

453,023,000

406,565,000

1,310,646,000

1,198,808,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

800,000

3,100,000

3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of sales

295,429,000

269,626,000

862,286,000

802,568,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

500,000

3,300,000

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts Receivable, Net, Current

152,266,000

'

152,266,000

'

141,862,000

'

'

'

'

600,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Right to repurchase asset period, days

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor obligations, current carrying value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,000,000

37,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments made to related party

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$100,000

$600,000

$200,000

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Amo

Other Comprehensive Income (Amounts Reclassified Out of Total Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member], Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Amounts Reclassified Out Of Total Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	($185)	$21	($597)	($74)
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amounts Reclassified Out Of Total Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	-90	-113	-290	-350
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	56	72	181	219
Net Revenue [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amounts Reclassified Out Of Total Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	-75	149	-265	308
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	34	-68	119	-139
Other Income [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amounts Reclassified Out Of Total Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	-20	-15	-42	-32
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	$9	$6	$19	$14

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Sch

Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	'	'	($842)	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	-368	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	247	5	229	-288
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	-613	'	-613	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	15,960	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	1,432	2,468	-2,473	2,794
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Included In Net Income, Net Of Tax	'	'	0	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	13,487	'	13,487	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	15,118	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,679	2,473	-2,244	2,506
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	12,874	'	12,874	'
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	185	-21	597	74
Income (Loss) Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	597	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	-2,841	'
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	246	106	-2	82
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Net Revenue [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	75	-149	265	-308
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Income [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	20	15	42	32
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	1	-101	231	-370
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	$90	$113	$290	$350

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Nar

Other Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$24,578	$20,238	$53,477	$53,810

Segment_Reporting_Net_Revenue_

Segment Reporting (Net Revenue By Product Category) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$453,023	$406,565	$1,310,646	$1,198,808
Branded	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	273,923	238,904	801,779	703,254
Partner brand	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	79,949	71,611	227,988	214,440
Private brand	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	74,342	75,319	211,575	213,579
Other	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$24,809	$20,731	$69,304	$67,535

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013
	operating_segment	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Third Party Distributors [Member]
				Net Revenue [Member]	Net Revenue [Member]	Net Revenue [Member]	Net Revenue [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	'	'	16.00%	18.00%	16.00%	17.00%	11.00%
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Accounts Receivable	'	$28.10	$25.90	'	'	'	'	'

Subsequent_Event_Subsequent_Ev1

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (Details) (Michaud Distributors Incorporated [Member])	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2013
Michaud Distributors Incorporated [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	20.00%
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	342,212