Snyder's-lance (LNCE) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000057528	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-03	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	70,095,180

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net revenue	$436,828	$418,572
Cost of sales	288,027	273,776
Gross margin	148,801	144,796
Selling, general and administrative	122,106	110,996
Impairment charges	1,000	0
Gain on sale of route businesses, net	-1,163	-110
Other income, net	-254	-1,476
Income before interest and income taxes	27,112	35,386
Interest expense, net	3,390	3,439
Income before income taxes	23,722	31,947
Income tax expense	6,911	12,039
Net income	16,811	19,908
Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-5	65
Net income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.	$16,816	$19,843
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.29
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in shares)	69,997	68,992
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.28
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)	70,771	69,839
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.16

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$16,811	$19,908
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax	36	-13
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,886	-1,558
Total other comprehensive loss	-1,850	-1,571
Total comprehensive income	14,961	18,337
Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	5	-65
Total comprehensive income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.	$14,966	$18,272

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,638	$14,080
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,396 and $1,579, respectively	152,604	144,988
Inventories	123,929	113,750
Prepaid income taxes	5,072	9,094
Deferred income taxes	14,990	15,391
Assets held for sale	13,036	15,314
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,047	23,649
Total current assets	339,316	336,266
Noncurrent assets:	'	'
Fixed assets	353,709	349,256
Goodwill	535,757	537,141
Other intangible assets, net	517,775	519,669
Other noncurrent assets	21,726	22,262
Total assets	1,768,283	1,764,594
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	17,291	17,291
Accounts payable	67,991	54,510
Accrued compensation	22,085	29,792
Accrued casualty insurance claims	6,262	6,262
Accrued selling and promotional costs	13,922	13,257
Other payables and accrued liabilities	27,837	25,092
Total current liabilities	155,388	146,204
Noncurrent liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	470,760	480,082
Deferred income taxes	190,146	190,393
Accrued casualty insurance claims	6,027	5,567
Other noncurrent liabilities	21,459	24,448
Total liabilities	843,780	846,694
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.83 1/3 par value. Authorized 110,000,000 shares; 70,079,148 and 69,891,890 shares outstanding, respectively	58,397	58,241
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	767,860	765,172
Retained earnings	90,760	85,146
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,321	10,171
Total Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. stockholders’ equity	925,338	918,730
Noncontrolling interests	-835	-830
Total stockholders’ equity	924,503	917,900
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,768,283	$1,764,594

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$1,396	$1,579
Common stock, par value	$0.83	$0.83
Common stock, shares authorized	110,000,000	110,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,079,148	69,891,890
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$16,811	$19,908
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	14,654	14,778
Stock-based compensation expense	1,514	1,181
Loss/(gain) on sale of fixed assets, net	136	-510
Gain on sale of route businesses	-1,163	-110
Impairment charges	1,000	0
Deferred income taxes	154	1,353
Provision for doubtful accounts	363	852
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	-7,870	-9,977
Net cash provided by operating activities	25,599	27,475
Investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of fixed assets	-17,242	-18,572
Purchases of route businesses	-4,393	-11,142
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	165	1,600
Proceeds from sale of route businesses	6,364	4,528
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,106	-23,586
Financing activities:	'	'
Dividends paid to stockholders	-11,202	-11,043
Issuances of common stock	2,481	4,567
Repurchases of common stock	-1,152	-703
Repayments of long-term debt	4,062	8,652
Net (repayments)/proceeds from existing credit facilities	-5,000	14,935
Net cash used in financing activities	-18,935	-896
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	-185
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-8,442	2,808
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	14,080	9,276
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	5,638	12,084
Supplemental information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $- and $30, respectively	3,795	10,196
Cash paid for interest	$2,126	$2,700

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Cash refunds from income taxes	$0	$30

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	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 28, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2014. The year-end condensed consolidated financial statement data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States of America. 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 ended March 29, 2014, 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.
	Certain prior year amounts shown in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	'
	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	On April 10, 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The amendments in this accounting standard raise the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This accounting standard update is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and related interim periods with early adoption allowed. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions	'
	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	On October 25, 2013, we acquired the remaining 20% of Michaud Distributors (“Michaud”) and now own all of the outstanding equity. We exchanged 342,212 newly issued unregistered shares of our common stock, approximately $10.2 million in equity consideration, for the remaining 20% equity in Michaud.
	On July 29, 2013, we acquired substantially all the assets of a snack food distributor in Massachusetts. Additionally, on November 5, 2013, we acquired substantially all the assets of a snack food distributor in Connecticut. These acquisitions were part of our plans to continue growing and strengthening our Direct-Store-Delivery (“DSD”) network.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
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.
	For the quarter ended March 29, 2014, no shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the quarter ended March 30, 2013, approximately 417,000 shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effects were antidilutive.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock-based compensation expense recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. During the quarter ended March 29, 2014, we issued 418,272 non-qualified stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $26.66 per share and 98,490 restricted shares to employees. During the quarter ended March 30, 2013, we issued 418,493 non-qualified stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $25.56 per share and 115,737 restricted shares to employees.
	For the quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, we repurchased 43,114 and 27,490 shares, respectively, of common stock from employees to cover withholding taxes payable by employees upon the vesting of restricted stock.
	In addition, we recorded $1.1 million and $0.8 million in incentive compensation expense for a performance-based cash incentive plan for the quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014		December 28, 2013
	Finished goods	$	78,406	$	70,973
	Raw materials	15,608		14,891
	Maintenance parts, packaging and supplies	29,915		27,886
	Total inventories	$	123,929	$	113,750

Fixed_Assets

Fixed Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Fixed Assets	'
	FIXED ASSETS
	Fixed assets as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Land and land improvements	$	26,908		$	26,953
	Buildings and building improvements	145,959			144,245
	Machinery, equipment and computer systems	482,125			471,152
	Trucks, trailers and automobiles	31,441			30,847
	Furniture and fixtures	12,218			12,158
	Construction in progress	26,940			26,179
		$	725,591		$	711,534
	Accumulated depreciation	(370,051		)	(359,350		)
		355,540			352,184
	Fixed assets held for sale	(1,831		)	(2,928		)
	Fixed assets, net	$	353,709		$	349,256
	Depreciation expense related to fixed assets was $12.2 million and $12.4 million during the quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. There was a $1.0 million fixed asset impairment charge during the first quarter of 2014 related to the Corsicana, Texas facility currently classified as fixed assets held for sale. Based on recent activity, an impairment was recorded to write the building down to its current estimated fair market value. There were no fixed asset impairment charges recorded during the first quarter of 2013.
	The land and building related to our decision to close the manufacturing facility in Corsicana, Texas comprised the majority of the $1.8 million and $2.9 million in fixed assets held for sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	537,141
	Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	1,212
	Goodwill attributable to the sale of route businesses	(1,759		)
	Change in goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale	399
	Change in foreign currency exchange rate	(1,236		)
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	535,757
	As of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, acquired intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount
	As of March 29, 2014:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(21,079	)	$	127,877
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	110			(76		)	34
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(1,028		)	2,072
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(1,143		)	7,457
	Routes – unamortized	20,174			—			20,174
	Trademarks – unamortized	360,687			(526		)	360,161
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	541,627		$	(23,852	)	$	517,775
	As of December 28, 2013:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(18,969	)	$	129,987
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	110			(62		)	48
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(932		)	2,168
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(947		)	7,653
	Routes – unamortized	19,652			—			19,652
	Trademarks – unamortized	360,687			(526		)	360,161
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	541,105		$	(21,436	)	$	519,669
	Amortization expense related to intangibles was $2.4 million for each of the quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013.
	Routes 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. There were no impairment charges during the first quarter of 2013 or 2014. The majority of our trademarks, predominately those acquired in more 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 quarter ended March 29, 2014, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	19,652
	Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	3,181
	Sales of route businesses	(3,442		)
	Change in route businesses reclassified to assets held for sale	783
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	20,174
	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 March 29, 2014, $7.5 million in route businesses and $3.7 million of goodwill were included in assets held for sale. As of December 28, 2013, $8.3 million of route businesses and $4.1 million of goodwill were included in assets held for sale.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt outstanding as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Revolving credit facility	$	80,000		$	85,000
	Other long-term debt	408,051			412,373
	Total debt	488,051			497,373
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	(17,291		)	(17,291		)
	Total long-term debt	$	470,760		$	480,082
	Our revolving credit facility allows us to make revolving credit borrowings of up to $265 million through December 2015. As of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, we had available borrowings on this facility of $185 million and $180 million, respectively. During the quarter ended March 29, 2014, we repaid $47.0 million and received proceeds of $42.0 million from our revolving 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 $495 million and $504 million for March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. Level 2 fair value estimates were based on similar debt with the same maturities, company credit rating and interest rates.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	As of March 29, 2014, we recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions totaling $9.4 million and related interest and penalties of $2.3 million in other noncurrent liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of this total amount, $4.6 million would affect the effective tax rate if subsequently recognized. As of December 28, 2013, we recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $10.9 million and related interest and penalties of $2.5 million in other noncurrent liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expect certain income tax audits will be settled, positions will be resolved through administrative procedures or statutes of limitations will expire for various tax authorities during the next twelve months, resulting in a potential $6.0 million reduction of the unrecognized tax benefit. Of the $6.0 million reduction, approximately $0.6 million would impact the effective tax rate. We classify interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions within income tax expense.
	The unrecognized tax benefit balance, as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, includes $5.4 million for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility was certain, but the timing of the deductibility was uncertain.
	The effective tax rate decreased from 37.7% for the first quarter of 2013 to 29.1% for the first quarter of 2014. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of previously established unrecognized tax benefits. The effective rate was also impacted by the provision for future U.S. federal income taxes on the earnings of our Canadian subsidiary.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [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 for which there is little or no market data available, which required 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 quarter of 2014.
	The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair value due to their short-term nature.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	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		March 29, 2014				December 28, 2013
	Interest rate swaps	Other noncurrent liabilities		$	(804	)		$	(898	)
	Foreign currency forwards	Other current liabilities		(57		)		(31		)
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	(861	)		$	(929	)
	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 was 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 March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, was $50.0 million.
	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 was denominated in U.S. dollars and a substantial portion of its costs, such as raw materials and direct labor, 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 May 2014. The notional amount for foreign currency forwards was $4.2 million and $5.6 million as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	The changes in unrealized 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
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014				March 30, 2013
	Gains on interest rate swaps, net of income tax expense of ($36) and ($43), respectively	$	58			$	69
	Losses on foreign currency forwards, net of income tax benefit of $5 and $37, respectively	(22		)		(82		)
	Total change in unrealized losses from derivative instruments,	$	36			$	(13	)
	net of income tax (effective portion)

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Contractual Obligations
	In order to mitigate the risks of volatility in commodity markets to which we are exposed, we 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 totaled $115.1 million as of March 29, 2014, as compared to $117.6 million as of December 28, 2013. 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 $14.2 million as of March 29, 2014 and $14.0 million as of December 28, 2013.
	Guarantees
	We currently provide a partial guarantee for loans made to independent business owners (“IBO”) by third-party financial institutions for the purchase of route businesses. The outstanding aggregate balance on these loans was approximately $121.4 million as of March 29, 2014 compared to approximately $117.9 million as of December 28, 2013. 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 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 significant.
	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	We own 51% of Patriot Snacks Real Estate, LLC (“Patriot”) and consolidate its balance sheet and operating results into our consolidated financial statements. The remaining 49% is owned by an employee.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we acquired the remaining 20% of Michaud and now own all of the outstanding equity. Prior to this acquisition, we had an 80% ownership interest in Michaud, with the remaining 20% ownership held by two employees of the Company.
	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, 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 $1.1 million and $0.8 million during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, we purchase products from Late July to sell through our DSD network. Purchases from Late July were $1.6 million and $0.7 million during the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accounts receivable due from Late July totaled $0.6 million and $0.4 million at March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	ARWCO Corporation, MAW Associates, LP and Warehime Enterprises, Inc. are significantly owned or controlled by the Chairman of the Board of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. or direct family members. Among other unrelated business activities, these entities provide financing to IBOs for the purchase of trucks and routes. 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 March 29, 2014, there were outstanding loans made to IBOs by the related parties of approximately $30.1 million, compared to $30.6 million as of December 28, 2013. 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 affiliates. 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 DSD network is leased from a company partially owned by an employee. There were $0.1 million in lease payments made to this company during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013.
	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 $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2014 and $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Other_Comprehensive_Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'
	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Total comprehensive income attributable to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc., determined as net income adjusted by total other comprehensive income, was $15.0 million and $18.3 million for the quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. 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 accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, consisted of the following:
				Quarter Ended
	(in thousands)	Income Statement Location		March 29,				March 30,
				2014				2013
	Losses on cash flow hedges reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Interest rate swaps, net of tax of $60 and $69, respectively	Interest expense, net		$	(96	)		$	(111	)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $71 and $25, respectively	Net revenue		(159		)		(56		)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $12 and $4, respectively	Other income, net		(28		)		(8		)
	Total cash flow hedge reclassifications, net of tax			$	(283	)		$	(175	)
	During the quarter ended March 29, 2014, changes to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gains/(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Total
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	(574	)		$	10,745			$	10,171
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(247		)		(1,886		)		(2,133		)
	Losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	283				—				283
	Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	36				(1,886		)		(1,850		)
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	(538	)		$	8,859			$	8,321
	During the quarter ended March 30, 2013, changes to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gains/(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Total
	Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	(842	)		$	15,960			$	15,118
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(188		)		(1,558		)		(1,746		)
	Losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	175				—				175
	Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	(13		)		(1,558		)		(1,571		)
	Balance as of March 30, 2013	$	(855	)		$	14,402			$	13,547
	Income taxes on the foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income are not recognized because earnings generated by our Canadian subsidiary prior to December 28, 2013, are considered permanently reinvested.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [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
	(in thousands)	29-Mar-14		30-Mar-13
	Branded	$	259,171	$	258,187
	Partner brand	82,046		70,409
	Private brand	68,894		68,681
	Other	26,717		21,295
	Net revenue	$	436,828	$	418,572
	Significant Customers
	Sales to our largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., were approximately 16% of net revenue for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, and 17% of net revenue for the quarter ended March 30, 2013. Our sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. do not include sales from third-party distributors outside our DSD network. Sales to third-party retail distributors represent approximately 3% of our net revenue and may increase sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. by an amount we are unable to estimate. Accounts receivable as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, included receivables from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. of $27.6 million and $26.0 million, respectively.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Subsequent Event [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On May 6, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share payable on May 30, 2014 to stockholders of record on May 22, 2014.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components Of Inventory	'
	Inventories as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014		December 28, 2013
	Finished goods	$	78,406	$	70,973
	Raw materials	15,608		14,891
	Maintenance parts, packaging and supplies	29,915		27,886
	Total inventories	$	123,929	$	113,750

Fixed_Assets_Tables

Fixed Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Fixed Assets	'
	Fixed assets as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Land and land improvements	$	26,908		$	26,953
	Buildings and building improvements	145,959			144,245
	Machinery, equipment and computer systems	482,125			471,152
	Trucks, trailers and automobiles	31,441			30,847
	Furniture and fixtures	12,218			12,158
	Construction in progress	26,940			26,179
		$	725,591		$	711,534
	Accumulated depreciation	(370,051		)	(359,350		)
		355,540			352,184
	Fixed assets held for sale	(1,831		)	(2,928		)
	Fixed assets, net	$	353,709		$	349,256

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	537,141
	Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	1,212
	Goodwill attributable to the sale of route businesses	(1,759		)
	Change in goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale	399
	Change in foreign currency exchange rate	(1,236		)
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	535,757
Acquired Intangible Assets	'
	As of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, acquired intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount
	As of March 29, 2014:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(21,079	)	$	127,877
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	110			(76		)	34
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(1,028		)	2,072
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(1,143		)	7,457
	Routes – unamortized	20,174			—			20,174
	Trademarks – unamortized	360,687			(526		)	360,161
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	541,627		$	(23,852	)	$	517,775
	As of December 28, 2013:
	Customer and contractual relationships – amortized	$	148,956		$	(18,969	)	$	129,987
	Non-compete agreement – amortized	110			(62		)	48
	Reacquired rights – amortized	3,100			(932		)	2,168
	Patents – amortized	8,600			(947		)	7,653
	Routes – unamortized	19,652			—			19,652
	Trademarks – unamortized	360,687			(526		)	360,161
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	541,105		$	(21,436	)	$	519,669
Changes In Carrying Value Of Route Businesses	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of route businesses for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Carrying Amount
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	19,652
	Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	3,181
	Sales of route businesses	(3,442		)
	Change in route businesses reclassified to assets held for sale	783
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	20,174

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt outstanding as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Revolving credit facility	$	80,000		$	85,000
	Other long-term debt	408,051			412,373
	Total debt	488,051			497,373
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	(17,291		)	(17,291		)
	Total long-term debt	$	470,760		$	480,082

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
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		March 29, 2014				December 28, 2013
	Interest rate swaps	Other noncurrent liabilities		$	(804	)		$	(898	)
	Foreign currency forwards	Other current liabilities		(57		)		(31		)
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	(861	)		$	(929	)
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 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
	(in thousands)	March 29, 2014				March 30, 2013
	Gains on interest rate swaps, net of income tax expense of ($36) and ($43), respectively	$	58			$	69
	Losses on foreign currency forwards, net of income tax benefit of $5 and $37, respectively	(22		)		(82		)
	Total change in unrealized losses from derivative instruments,	$	36			$	(13	)
	net of income tax (effective portion)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014												Mar. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'												'
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'												'
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, consisted of the following:
				Quarter Ended
	(in thousands)	Income Statement Location		March 29,				March 30,
				2014				2013
	Losses on cash flow hedges reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Interest rate swaps, net of tax of $60 and $69, respectively	Interest expense, net		$	(96	)		$	(111	)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $71 and $25, respectively	Net revenue		(159		)		(56		)
	Foreign currency forwards, net of tax of $12 and $4, respectively	Other income, net		(28		)		(8		)
	Total cash flow hedge reclassifications, net of tax			$	(283	)		$	(175	)
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'												'
	During the quarter ended March 29, 2014, changes to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:												During the quarter ended March 30, 2013, changes to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gains/(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Total			(in thousands)	Gains/(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
	Balance as of December 28, 2013	$	(574	)		$	10,745			$	10,171		Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	(842	)	$	15,960		$	15,118
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(247		)		(1,886		)		(2,133		)	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(188		)	(1,558		)	(1,746		)
	Losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	283				—				283			Losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	175			—			175
	Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	36				(1,886		)		(1,850		)	Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	(13		)	(1,558		)	(1,571		)
													Balance as of March 30, 2013	$	(855	)	$	14,402		$	13,547
	Balance as of March 29, 2014	$	(538	)		$	8,859			$	8,321

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue By Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
	Revenue by Product Category
	Net revenue by product category was as follows:
		Quarter Ended
	(in thousands)	29-Mar-14		30-Mar-13
	Branded	$	259,171	$	258,187
	Partner brand	82,046		70,409
	Private brand	68,894		68,681
	Other	26,717		21,295
	Net revenue	$	436,828	$	418,572

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (Michaud Distributors [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Michaud Distributors [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest owned by employees	'	20.00%
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	342,212	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	$10.20	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	417,000

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,514,000	$1,181,000
Options Outstanding, Granted	418,272	418,493
Weighted average fair value per share of options granted	$26.66	$25.56
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	43,114	27,490
Performance-based Incentive Expense	$1,100,000	$800,000
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	98,490	115,737

Inventories_Components_Of_Inve

Inventories (Components Of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$78,406	$70,973
Raw materials	15,608	14,891
Maintenance parts, packaging and supplies	29,915	27,886
Total inventories	$123,929	$113,750

Fixed_Assets_Schedule_Of_Fixed

Fixed Assets (Schedule Of Fixed Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	$725,591	$711,534
Accumulated depreciation	-370,051	-359,350
PP&E Net including assets held for sale	355,540	352,184
Fixed assets	353,709	349,256
Land and Land Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	26,908	26,953
Buildings and Building improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	145,959	144,245
Machinery, Equipment and Computer Systems	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	482,125	471,152
Trucks, Trailors and Automobiles	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	31,441	30,847
Furniture and Fixtures	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	12,218	12,158
Construction In Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Gross fixed assets	26,940	26,179
Fixed Assets Held For Sale [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed assets held for sale	($1,831)	($2,928)

Fixed_Assets_Narrative_Details

Fixed Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
			Fixed Assets [Member]	Fixed Assets [Member]	Fixed Assets Held For Sale [Member]	Fixed Assets Held For Sale [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense related to fixed assets	$12,200,000	$12,400,000	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	1,000,000	0	1,000,000	0	'	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Current	'	'	'	'	$1,831,000	$2,928,000

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	$537,141
Goodwill attributable to the sale of route businesses	1,759
Change in goodwill reclassified to assets held for sale	399
Change in foreign currency exchange rate	-1,236
Ending balance	535,757
Routes Intangible Assets [Member]	'
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Goodwill acquired in the purchase of route businesses	$1,212

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Acquired Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$541,627	$541,105
Accumulated Amortization	-23,852	-21,436
Net Carrying Amount	517,775	519,669
Routes Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	20,174	19,652
Accumulated Impairment	0	0
Net Carrying Amount	20,174	19,652
Trademarks - Unamortized [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	360,687	360,687
Accumulated Impairment	-526	-526
Net Carrying Amount	360,161	360,161
Customer And Contractual Relationships - Amortized [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	148,956	148,956
Accumulated Amortization	-21,079	-18,969
Net Carrying Amount	127,877	129,987
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	110	110
Accumulated Amortization	-76	-62
Net Carrying Amount	34	48
Reacquired Rights - Amortized [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	3,100	3,100
Accumulated Amortization	-1,028	-932
Net Carrying Amount	2,072	2,168
Patents [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	8,600	8,600
Accumulated Amortization	-1,143	-947
Net Carrying Amount	$7,457	$7,653

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Carrying Value Of Route Businesses) (Details) (Routes Intangible Assets [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Routes Intangible Assets [Member]	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance of routes	$19,652
Purchases of route businesses, exclusive of goodwill acquired	3,181
Sales of route businesses	-3,442
Change in route businesses reclassified to assets held for sale	783
Ending balance of routes	$20,174

Goodwill_And_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense related to intangibles	$2,400,000	$2,400,000	'
Other Asset Impairment Charges	1,000,000	0	'
Assets held for sale	13,036,000	'	15,314,000
Trademarks - Unamortized [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other Asset Impairment Charges	0	0	'
Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	3,700,000	'	4,100,000
Routes Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	$7,500,000	'	$8,300,000

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Debt

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Debt Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Revolving credit facility	$80,000	$85,000
Other long-term debt	408,051	412,373
Total debt	488,051	497,373
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	-17,291	-17,291
Total long-term debt	$470,760	$480,082

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Revolving credit facility borrowings, maximum	$265,000,000	'
Available unused credit facilities	185,000,000	180,000,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	47,000,000	'
Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit	42,000,000	'
Debt outstanding, fair value	$495,000,000	$504,000,000

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$9.40	'	$10.90
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in noncurrent liabilities	2.3	'	2.5
Amount, if recognized, that affects the effective tax rate	4.6	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	6	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	29.10%	37.70%	'
Within Twelve Months [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount, if recognized, that affects the effective tax rate	0.6	'	'
Timing Unknown [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$5.40	'	$5.40

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments (Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments In The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Using Level 2 Inputs) (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	($861)	($929)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	-57	-31
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative instruments	($804)	($898)

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$36	($13)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	58	69
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-36	-43
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-22	-82
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$5	$37

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$50	$50
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$4.20	$5.60
Derivative, Maturity	'May 2014	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Financial Guarantee [Member]	Financial Guarantee [Member]	Minimum	Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase commitments for inventory	$115.10	$117.60	'	'	'	'
Advance contract period for purchase commitment of major ingredients and packaging (months)	'	'	'	'	'3 months	'12 months
Letters of credit	14.2	14	'	'	'	'
Outstanding aggregate balance on loans	'	'	$121.40	$117.90	'	'
Percentage of outstanding loans under the guarantee	'	'	25.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of new loans issued	'	'	25.00%	'	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2013

D

Loan Service Agreements [Member]

Loan Service Agreements [Member]

Patriot Snacks Real Estate Limited Liability Company [Member]

Michaud Distributors [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Late July Snacks LLC [Member]

Contract Manufacturing [Member]

Contract Manufacturing [Member]

Partnerbrands [Member]

Partnerbrands [Member]

Eckert Seamans Cherin And Mellott L L C [Member]

Eckert Seamans Cherin And Mellott L L C [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%

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net revenue

$436,828,000

$418,572,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000

$800,000

'

'

'

'

Cost of sales

288,027,000

273,776,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

700,000

'

'

Accounts receivable

152,604,000

'

144,988,000

'

'

'

'

600,000

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Right to repurchase asset period, days

30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor obligations, current carrying value

'

'

'

30,100,000

30,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments made to related party

$100,000

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000

$300,000

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Oth

Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	($283)	($175)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-96	-111
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	60	69
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-159	-56
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	71	25
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Income [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-28	-8
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	$12	$4

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Com

Other Comprehensive Income (Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax	($538)	($855)	($574)	($842)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	8,859	14,402	10,745	15,960
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,321	13,547	10,171	15,118
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-247	-188	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,886	-1,558	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,850	-1,571	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	283	175	'	'
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentOnForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax	0	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	36	-13	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-2,133	-1,746	'	'
Income Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	283	175	'	'
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-22	-82	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$58	$69	'	'

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Oth1

Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$14,966	$18,272

Segment_Reporting_Revenue_by_P

Segment Reporting (Revenue by Product Category) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Revenue by Products and Services [Line Items]	'	'
Net revenue	$436,828	$418,572
Branded [Member]	'	'
Revenue by Products and Services [Line Items]	'	'
Net revenue	259,171	258,187
Partnerbrands [Member]	'	'
Revenue by Products and Services [Line Items]	'	'
Net revenue	82,046	70,409
Privatebrands [Member]	'	'
Revenue by Products and Services [Line Items]	'	'
Net revenue	68,894	68,681
Otherproducts [Member]	'	'
Revenue by Products and Services [Line Items]	'	'
Net revenue	$26,717	$21,295

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
	D	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Third Party Distributors [Member]	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
					Walmart Stores Inc [Member]	Walmart Stores Inc [Member]
Revenue by Products and Services [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	1	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	'	'	3.00%	16.00%	17.00%
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Accounts Receivable	'	$27.60	$26	'	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	6-May-14	Dec. 28, 2013	6-May-14	6-May-14
	Subsequent Event [Member]	Ontario, Canada entity [Member]	Baptista's Bakery, Inc. [Member]	Privatebrands [Member]
			Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.16	'	'	'
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	30-May-14	'	'	'
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	22-May-14	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	'	'	$195,000,000	'
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	'	'	'	430,000,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	'	$0	'	'