STAAR Surgical (STAA) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014	Oct. 26, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	3-Oct-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'STAAR SURGICAL CO	'
Trading Symbol	'STAA	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	38,653,734
Entity Central Index Key	'0000718937	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-02	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$18,359	$22,954
Accounts receivable trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,517 and $1,449, respectively	11,666	10,731
Inventories, net	15,731	12,514
Prepaids, deposits and other current assets	3,293	3,503
Deferred income taxes	361	373
Total current assets	49,410	50,075
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,339	7,405
Intangible assets, net	1,033	1,380
Goodwill	1,786	1,786
Deferred income taxes	586	626
Other assets	640	659
Total assets	62,794	61,931
Current liabilities:	'	'
Line of credit	4,600	4,750
Accounts payable	6,259	6,263
Deferred income taxes	738	739
Obligations under capital leases	419	288
Other current liabilities	4,989	6,372
Total current liabilities	17,005	18,412
Obligations under capital leases	538	141
Deferred income taxes	1,773	1,654
Asset retirement obligations	127	157
Pension liability	2,708	2,715
Total liabilities	22,151	23,079
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 60,000 shares authorized; 38,390 and 37,911 shares issued and outstanding at October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014	384	379
Additional paid-in capital	178,049	170,246
Accumulated other comprehensive income	119	282
Accumulated deficit	-137,909	-132,055
Total stockholders’ equity	40,643	38,852
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$62,794	$61,931

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$1,517	$1,449
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000	60,000
Common stock, shares issued	38,390	37,911
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,390	37,911

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Net sales	$18,188	$17,106	$58,414	$53,271
Cost of sales	6,319	5,047	18,995	15,939
Gross profit	11,869	12,059	39,419	37,332
General and administrative	3,250	4,140	13,968	12,021
Marketing and selling	7,026	5,527	20,189	16,471
Research and development	3,137	1,684	9,118	4,736
Medical device tax	9	45	96	149
Other general and administrative expenses	0	490	334	2,004
Operating income (loss)	-1,553	173	-4,286	1,951
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	7	9	26	23
Interest expense	-35	-38	-102	-134
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions	-628	226	-696	-38
Other income, net	51	130	338	360
Other income (expense), net	-605	327	-434	211
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-2,158	500	-4,720	2,162
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	548	-25	1,134	888
Net income (loss)	($2,706)	$525	($5,854)	$1,274
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	$0.01	($0.15)	$0.03
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	$0.01	($0.15)	$0.03
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	38,369	36,750	38,044	36,552
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	38,369	39,284	38,044	38,482

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Net income (loss)	($2,706)	$525	($5,854)	$1,274
Defined benefit pension plans:	'	'	'	'
Net change in plan assets	-9	65	-32	35
Reclassification into earnings	6	-69	18	-50
Impact for change in discount rate	0	0	-558	0
Curtailment gain	150	0	687	0
Foreign currency translation loss	-704	-92	-402	-986
Tax effect	231	-1	124	-6
Other comprehensive loss	-326	-97	-163	-1,007
Comprehensive income (loss)	($3,032)	$428	($6,017)	$267

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	($5,854)	$1,274
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation of property and equipment	1,520	1,325
Amortization of intangibles	317	334
Deferred income taxes	161	-220
Fair value adjustment of warrant	0	-27
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	0	172
Change in net pension liability	118	124
Stock-based compensation expense	4,736	2,924
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	3	9
Other	0	157
Changes in working capital:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-1,064	-1,423
Inventories, net	-3,191	-707
Prepaids, deposits and other current assets	207	-614
Accounts payable	-17	-389
Other current liabilities	-1,364	489
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-4,428	3,428
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Disposal of property and equipment	68	0
Acquisition of property and equipment	-2,517	-2,984
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,449	-2,984
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-372	-675
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,793	2,723
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,421	2,048
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-139	-816
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-4,595	1,676
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of the period	22,954	21,675
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of the period	$18,359	$23,351

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of STAAR Surgical Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2014.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The results of operations for the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year.
	Each of the Company's reporting periods ends on the Friday nearest to the quarter ending date and generally consists of 13 weeks.  Unless the context indicates otherwise “we,” “us,” the “Company,” and “STAAR” refer to STAAR Surgical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	Prior Year Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ unaudited condensed financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Shared Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. ASU 2014-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is assessing the impact, if any, to the consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This guidance includes the required steps to achieve the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective, and the impact on its consolidated financial statements is not currently estimable.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) – Disclosure of Uncertainties about and Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”.  Currently there is no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This amends that guidance requiring management to assess the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective, and is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 2 — Inventories, Net
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3,		January 3,
		2014		2014
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	2,077	$	1,367
	Work-in-process		2,147		913
	Finished goods		12,861		11,029
			17,085		13,309
	Less: inventory reserves		1,354		795
		$	15,731	$	12,514

Prepaids_Deposits_and_Other_Cu

Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Prepaid Expenses Deposits and Other Current Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Prepaid Expenses Deposits and Other Current Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 3 — Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets
	Prepaids, deposits, and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3,		January 3,
		2014		2014
	Prepaid and deposits	$	1,740	$	2,157
	Value added tax (VAT) receivable		800		618
	Deferred charges for foreign profits		378		362
	Other current assets		375		366
		$	3,293	$	3,503

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3,		January 3,
		2014		2014
	Machinery and equipment	$	16,473	$	16,225
	Furniture and fixtures		5,291		4,837
	Leasehold improvements		7,662		6,552
			29,426		27,614
	Less: accumulated depreciation		20,087		20,209
		$	9,339	$	7,405

Amortizable_Intangible_Assets

Amortizable Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 5 – Amortizable Intangible Assets
	Amortizable intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3, 2014						January 3, 2014
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Patents and licenses	$	10,617	$	-10,213	$	404	$	10,637	$	-10,057	$	580
	Customer relationships		1,443		-974		469		1,490		-894		596
	Developed technology		917		-757		160		947		-743		204
	Total	$	12,977	$	-11,944	$	1,033	$	13,074	$	-11,694	$	1,380

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 6 – Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3, 2013		January 3, 2014
	Accrued salaries and wages	$	1,936	$	1,630
	Accrued income taxes		523		485
	Accrued audit fees		426		328
	Accrued commissions		360		528
	A/R credit balances		252		153
	Accrued severance		245		731
	Accrued insurance		39		551
	Accrued bonuses		-		935
	Other (1)		1,208		1,031
		$	4,989	$	6,372
	(1)No item in “Other” above exceeds 5% of the total other current liabilities.

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 7 – Pension Plans
	During the three months ended July 4, 2014, pursuant to the Manufacturing Consolidation Project, the Company terminated certain employees in its Swiss subsidiary resulting in a Swiss pension plan curtailment as defined by ASC 715-30-35, Defined Benefit Plans – Pensions, Settlements, Curtailments, and Certain Termination Benefits. The curtailment resulted in a decrease of $1.2 million in the Swiss pension plan’s projected benefit obligation, of which $0.7 million was used to distribute cash payments to employees resulting in a decrease in plan assets. The remaining $0.5 million was recorded as a curtailment gain measured in accordance with ASC 715-30-35-93.
	For the three month period ended October 3, 2014, the Company recorded an additional curtailment in its Swiss pension plan, resulting in an decrease of $0.4 million in the Swiss pension plan’s projected benefit obligation, of which $0.2 million was used to distribute cash payments to employees from plan assets. The remaining $0.2 million was recorded as a curtailment gain measured in accordance with ASC 715-30-35-93.
	However, since the Swiss pension plan’s accumulated other comprehensive loss, immediately preceding the curtailments exceeded the curtailment gains, the curtailment gains were fully offset against the loss and no gain was recognized in earnings.
	As of July 4, 2014, the discount rate, one of the key assumptions used to calculate the Swiss pension plan’s projected benefit obligation, was reduced from 2.5% to 2%, resulting in an increase to the projected benefit obligation of $0.6 million recorded through an offsetting increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss account of the Swiss pension plan. As of October 3, 2014, no significant changes to any key assumptions were made.
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost recorded for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		October 3, 2014		September 27, 2013		October 3, 2014		September 27, 2013
	Service cost	$	116	$	81	$	349	$	284
	Interest cost		30		—		102		52
	Expected return on plan assets		-22		-25		-76		-73
	Amortization of unrecognized transitional obligation		—		—		—		4
	Amortization of prior service cost		—		—		—		—
	Recognized actuarial gain		6		-69		18		-50
		$	130	$	-13	$	393	$	217
	During the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, the Company made employer contributions totaling approximately $279,000 and $175,000 to its Swiss pension plan and does not expect to make any additional contributions during the remainder of 2014, as the Company has met the annual contribution requirement. The Company is not required to and does not make contributions to its Japan pension plan.

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Per_S

Basic and Diluted Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Note 8 — Basic and Diluted Income Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	-2,706	$	525	$	-5,854	$	1,274
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		38,618		37,108		38,311		36,860
	Less: Unvested restricted stock		249		358		267		308
	Denominator for basic calculation		38,369		36,750		38,044		36,552
	Weighted average effects of dilutive equity-based compensation awards:
	Employee stock options and restricted stock		—		1,612		—		1,188
	Warrants		—		922		—		742
	Denominator for diluted calculation		38,369		39,284		38,044		38,482
	Net income (loss) per share – basic	$	-0.07	$	0.01	$	-0.15	$	0.03
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	-0.07	$	0.01	$	-0.15	$	0.03
	The following tables sets forth (in thousands) the weighted average number of options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock, which were not included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Options		2,198		1,001		2,067		1,091
	Restricted stock and units		312		—		244		—
	Warrants		460		—		509		—
	Total		2,970		1,001		2,820		1,091

Geographic_and_Product_Data

Geographic and Product Data	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 9 — Geographic and Product Data
	The Company markets and sells its products in over 60 countries and has manufacturing sites in the United States and Switzerland. Other than the United States, Japan, Korea, China, Spain, and France, the Company does not conduct business in any country in which its sales exceed 5% of consolidated sales. Sales are attributed to countries based on location of customers. The composition of the Company’s net sales to unaffiliated customers is set forth below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Japan	$	4,792	$	4,040	$	14,349	$	13,427
	United States		2,875		2,993		8,676		9,388
	China		2,915		2,275		7,675		6,575
	Korea		1,098		1,982		5,671		5,851
	Spain		1,178		1,012		4,270		3,466
	France		820		595		2,956		1,722
	Other		4,510		4,209		14,817		12,842
	Total	$	18,188	$	17,106	$	58,414	$	53,271
	100% of the Company’s sales are generated from the ophthalmic surgical product segment and therefore the Company operates as one operating segment for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s principal products are implantable Collamer lenses (“ICLs”) used in refractive surgery and intraocular lenses (“IOLs”) used in cataract surgery. The composition of the Company’s net sales by product line is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	ICLs	$	10,640	$	10,725	$	35,052	$	32,616
	IOLs		5,763		5,322		18,804		17,533
	Core products		16,403		16,047		53,856		50,149
	Other Surgical Products		1,785		1,059		4,558		3,122
	Total	$	18,188	$	17,106	$	58,414	$	53,271
	The Company sells its products internationally, which subjects the Company to several potential risks, regional/country economic conditions and regulatory requirements, including fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates (to the extent the Company’s transactions are not in U.S. dollars), regulation of fund transfers by foreign governments, the United States and foreign export and import duties and tariffs, and political instability.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 10 — Stock-Based Compensation
	The cost that has been charged against income for stock-based compensation is set forth below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		October 3,			September 27,			October 3,			September 27,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Employee stock options	$	666		$	576		$	2,138		$	2,068
	Restricted stock		141			283			666			718
	Restricted stock units		705			—			1,857			—
	Nonemployee stock options		41			47			75			138
	Total	$	1,553		$	906		$	4,736		$	2,924
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in the following categories on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		October 3,			September 27,			October 3,			September 27,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	General and administrative	$	869		$	506		$	2,925		$	1,912
	Marketing and selling		326			211			906			593
	Research and development		358			189			905			419
	Total	$	1,553		$	906		$	4,736		$	2,924
	Stock Option Plans
	The Amended and Restated 2003 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (“the Plan”) provides for various forms of stock-based incentives. To date, of the available forms of awards under the Plan, the Company has granted only stock options, restricted stock, unrestricted share grants, and restricted stock units (RSUs). Options under the plan are granted at fair market value on the date of grant, become exercisable over a three year period, or as determined by the Board of Directors, and expire over periods not exceeding 10 years from the date of grant. Certain option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control and pre-established financial metrics are met (as defined in the Plan). Pursuant to the Plan, options for 3,227,435 shares were outstanding as of October 3, 2014 with exercise prices ranging between $0.95 and $17.62 per share. Grant of restricted stock  outstanding under the Plan generally vest over periods of one to three years. Grant of RSUs outstanding under the Plan generally vest based on time, performance or a combination of both. There were 246,763 shares of restricted stock and 289,000 shares of RSUs  outstanding as of October 3, 2014. As of October 3, 2014 there were 2,006,452 shares authorized and available for grants under the Plan.
	Assumptions
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model applying the weighted-average assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected term of options granted is derived from the historical exercises and post-vesting cancellations, and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company has calculated a 7% estimated forfeiture rate based on historical forfeiture experience. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve corresponding to the expected term at the time of the grant.
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 3,				September 27,				October 3,			September 27,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Expected dividend yield		0	%			0	%			0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility		56.24	%			58.43	%			55.47	%		71.69	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.36	%			1.32	%			1.29	%		0.69	%
	Expected term (in years)		4.12				4.12				4.12			4.12
	A summary of option activity under the Plan as of October 3, 2014 is presented below:
		Options
		Shares
		(000’s)
	Outstanding as of January 3, 2014		3,299
	Granted		614
	Exercised		-593
	Forfeited or expired		-93
	Outstanding as of October 3, 2014		3,227
	Exercisable as of October 3, 2014		2,098
	Warrants outstanding and exercisable as of October 3, 2104 and January 3, 2014 were 700,000.
	A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity under the Plan for the period ending October 3, 2014 is presented below:
		Restricted			Restricted
		Shares			Units
		(000’s)			(000’s)
	Outstanding as of January 3, 2014		341			135
	Granted		65			304
	Vested		-140			-135
	Forfeited or expired		-19			-15
	Outstanding as of October 3, 2014		247			289

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 11 — Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate.  The effective tax rate may be subject to fluctuations during the year as new information is obtained, which may affect the assumptions used to estimate the annual effective tax rate, including factors such as the mix of pre-tax earnings in the various tax jurisdictions applicable to the Company, valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the recognition or de-recognition of tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, if any, and changes in or the interpretation of tax laws in jurisdictions where the Company conducts business.
	The income tax provision for the quarter ended October 3, 2014 was $0.5 million, compared to a small net income tax benefit of $0.03 million reported for the quarter ended September 27, 2013. The income tax benefit recorded in the prior year quarter is due to the release of a valuation allowance at STAAR Japan. The income tax provision for the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013 was  $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 12 — Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation and Claims
	From time to time the Company may be subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of our business. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred. These claims and legal proceedings may relate to contractual rights and obligations, securities or employment matters, or claims of product liability. The most significant of these actions, and proceedings is described below. STAAR maintains insurance coverage for product liability and certain securities claims. Legal proceedings can extend for several years, and the matter described below concerning the Company is at very early stages of the legal process. As a result, this matter has not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to determine whether the proceeding is material to the Company or to estimate a range of possible loss, if any. Unless otherwise disclosed, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss for the legal proceedings described below. While it is not possible to accurately predict or determine the eventual outcomes of this matter, an adverse determination in one or more of these items currently pending could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
	Todd v. STAAR
	On July 8, 2014, a putative securities class action lawsuit was filed by Edward Todd against the Company and three officers in federal court located in Los Angeles, California. The plaintiff claims that STAAR made misleading statements to and omitted material information from the Company’s investors between February 27, 2013 and June 30, 2014 about alleged regulatory violations at the Company’s Monrovia manufacturing facility. The Company was served with the Complaint on July 21, 2014.  Although the ultimate outcome of this action cannot be determined with certainty, the Company believes that the allegations in the Complaint are without merit. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. The Company intends to file a motion to dismiss the complaint, when appropriate, in the ongoing proceeding. On October 20, 2014, plaintiff amended its complaint, dismissed two Company officers, added one other officer, and reduced the alleged Class Period to November 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

Manufacturing_Consolidation_Pr

Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 13 — Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy
	From fiscal 2011 through June 2014, the Company has devoted significant resources to two initiatives: a project to consolidate global manufacturing and development of a strategy to optimize its global organization for tax purposes. The goal of these initiatives is to further improve upon gross profit margin by streamlining operations, thereby reducing costs and increasing profits in the U.S., to enable the Company to utilize its approximately $122 million in net operating loss carryforwards and at the same time, reduce income taxes in foreign jurisdictions where it pays tax. STAAR had manufactured its products in four facilities worldwide (Monrovia, Ca., Aliso Viejo, Ca., Nidau, Switzerland, and Ichikawa City, Japan). As of June 2014, all international production has been consolidated into the Monrovia site. Aliso Viejo is expected to integrate into Monrovia by the end of 2015.
	The Company has invested approximately $6.3 million since inception of these initiatives, including $334,000 incurred during the nine months ended October 3, 2014, and future expenses, if any, are not expected to be material. These expenses are included in the other general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Expenditures have largely consisted of severance, employee costs, professional fees to advisors and consultants.
	A summary of the activity for these initiatives is presented below for the nine-month period ended October 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Termination Benefits		Other Associated Costs		Total
	Liability as of January 3, 2014	$	731	$	28	$	759
	Costs incurred and charged to expense		212		122		334
	Cash payments		-698		-150		-848
	Liability as of October 3, 2014	$	245	$	—	$	245

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of STAAR Surgical Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2014.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The results of operations for the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year.
	Each of the Company's reporting periods ends on the Friday nearest to the quarter ending date and generally consists of 13 weeks.  Unless the context indicates otherwise “we,” “us,” the “Company,” and “STAAR” refer to STAAR Surgical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Prior Year Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ unaudited condensed financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Shared Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. ASU 2014-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is assessing the impact, if any, to the consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This guidance includes the required steps to achieve the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective, and the impact on its consolidated financial statements is not currently estimable.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) – Disclosure of Uncertainties about and Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”.  Currently there is no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This amends that guidance requiring management to assess the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective, and is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3,		January 3,
		2014		2014
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	2,077	$	1,367
	Work-in-process		2,147		913
	Finished goods		12,861		11,029
			17,085		13,309
	Less: inventory reserves		1,354		795
		$	15,731	$	12,514

Prepaids_Deposits_and_Other_Cu1

Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses [Table Text Block]	'
	Prepaids, deposits, and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3,		January 3,
		2014		2014
	Prepaid and deposits	$	1,740	$	2,157
	Value added tax (VAT) receivable		800		618
	Deferred charges for foreign profits		378		362
	Other current assets		375		366
		$	3,293	$	3,503

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3,		January 3,
		2014		2014
	Machinery and equipment	$	16,473	$	16,225
	Furniture and fixtures		5,291		4,837
	Leasehold improvements		7,662		6,552
			29,426		27,614
	Less: accumulated depreciation		20,087		20,209
		$	9,339	$	7,405

Amortizable_Intangible_Assets_

Amortizable Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Amortizable intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3, 2014						January 3, 2014
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Patents and licenses	$	10,617	$	-10,213	$	404	$	10,637	$	-10,057	$	580
	Customer relationships		1,443		-974		469		1,490		-894		596
	Developed technology		917		-757		160		947		-743		204
	Total	$	12,977	$	-11,944	$	1,033	$	13,074	$	-11,694	$	1,380

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		October 3, 2013		January 3, 2014
	Accrued salaries and wages	$	1,936	$	1,630
	Accrued income taxes		523		485
	Accrued audit fees		426		328
	Accrued commissions		360		528
	A/R credit balances		252		153
	Accrued severance		245		731
	Accrued insurance		39		551
	Accrued bonuses		-		935
	Other (1)		1,208		1,031
		$	4,989	$	6,372
	(1)No item in “Other” above exceeds 5% of the total other current liabilities.

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost recorded for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		October 3, 2014		September 27, 2013		October 3, 2014		September 27, 2013
	Service cost	$	116	$	81	$	349	$	284
	Interest cost		30		—		102		52
	Expected return on plan assets		-22		-25		-76		-73
	Amortization of unrecognized transitional obligation		—		—		—		4
	Amortization of prior service cost		—		—		—		—
	Recognized actuarial gain		6		-69		18		-50
		$	130	$	-13	$	393	$	217

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Per_S1

Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	-2,706	$	525	$	-5,854	$	1,274
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		38,618		37,108		38,311		36,860
	Less: Unvested restricted stock		249		358		267		308
	Denominator for basic calculation		38,369		36,750		38,044		36,552
	Weighted average effects of dilutive equity-based compensation awards:
	Employee stock options and restricted stock		—		1,612		—		1,188
	Warrants		—		922		—		742
	Denominator for diluted calculation		38,369		39,284		38,044		38,482
	Net income (loss) per share – basic	$	-0.07	$	0.01	$	-0.15	$	0.03
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	-0.07	$	0.01	$	-0.15	$	0.03
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables sets forth (in thousands) the weighted average number of options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock, which were not included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Options		2,198		1,001		2,067		1,091
	Restricted stock and units		312		—		244		—
	Warrants		460		—		509		—
	Total		2,970		1,001		2,820		1,091

Geographic_and_Product_Data_Ta

Geographic and Product Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	'
	The composition of the Company’s net sales to unaffiliated customers is set forth below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Japan	$	4,792	$	4,040	$	14,349	$	13,427
	United States		2,875		2,993		8,676		9,388
	China		2,915		2,275		7,675		6,575
	Korea		1,098		1,982		5,671		5,851
	Spain		1,178		1,012		4,270		3,466
	France		820		595		2,956		1,722
	Other		4,510		4,209		14,817		12,842
	Total	$	18,188	$	17,106	$	58,414	$	53,271
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
	The composition of the Company’s net sales by product line is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 3,		September 27,		October 3,		September 27,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	ICLs	$	10,640	$	10,725	$	35,052	$	32,616
	IOLs		5,763		5,322		18,804		17,533
	Core products		16,403		16,047		53,856		50,149
	Other Surgical Products		1,785		1,059		4,558		3,122
	Total	$	18,188	$	17,106	$	58,414	$	53,271

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Compensation Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The cost that has been charged against income for stock-based compensation is set forth below (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		October 3,			September 27,			October 3,			September 27,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Employee stock options	$	666		$	576		$	2,138		$	2,068
	Restricted stock		141			283			666			718
	Restricted stock units		705			—			1,857			—
	Nonemployee stock options		41			47			75			138
	Total	$	1,553		$	906		$	4,736		$	2,924
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in the following categories on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		October 3,			September 27,			October 3,			September 27,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	General and administrative	$	869		$	506		$	2,925		$	1,912
	Marketing and selling		326			211			906			593
	Research and development		358			189			905			419
	Total	$	1,553		$	906		$	4,736		$	2,924
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve corresponding to the expected term at the time of the grant.
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 3,				September 27,				October 3,			September 27,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Expected dividend yield		0	%			0	%			0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility		56.24	%			58.43	%			55.47	%		71.69	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.36	%			1.32	%			1.29	%		0.69	%
	Expected term (in years)		4.12				4.12				4.12			4.12
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of option activity under the Plan as of October 3, 2014 is presented below:
		Options
		Shares
		(000’s)
	Outstanding as of January 3, 2014		3,299
	Granted		614
	Exercised		-593
	Forfeited or expired		-93
	Outstanding as of October 3, 2014		3,227
	Exercisable as of October 3, 2014		2,098
	A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity under the Plan for the period ending October 3, 2014 is presented below:
		Restricted			Restricted
		Shares			Units
		(000’s)			(000’s)
	Outstanding as of January 3, 2014		341			135
	Granted		65			304
	Vested		-140			-135
	Forfeited or expired		-19			-15
	Outstanding as of October 3, 2014		247			289

Manufacturing_Consolidation_Pr1

Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the activity for these initiatives is presented below for the nine-month period ended October 3, 2014 (in thousands):
		Termination Benefits		Other		Total
				Associated Costs
	Liability at January 3, 2014	$	731	$	28	$	759
	Costs incurred and charged to expense		212		122		334
	Cash payments		-698		-150		-848
	Liability at October 3, 2014	$	245		-		245

Inventories_Net_Details

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials and purchased parts	$2,077	$1,367
Work-in-process	2,147	913
Finished goods	12,861	11,029
Inventory, Gross	17,085	13,309
Less: inventory reserves	1,354	795
Inventory, Net	$15,731	$12,514

Prepaids_Deposits_and_Other_Cu2

Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Line Items]	'	'
Prepaid and deposits	$1,740	$2,157
Value added tax (VAT) receivable	800	618
Deferred charges for foreign profits	378	362
Other current assets	375	366
Prepaid Expenses Deposits and Other Assets Current	$3,293	$3,503

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Machinery and equipment	$16,473	$16,225
Furniture and fixtures	5,291	4,837
Leasehold improvements	7,662	6,552
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	29,426	27,614
Less: accumulated depreciation	20,087	20,209
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$9,339	$7,405

Amortizable_Intangible_Assets_1

Amortizable Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized intangible assets:	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$12,977	$13,074
Amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-11,944	-11,694
Amortizable intangible assets, Net	1,033	1,380
Patents and Licenses [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets:	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	10,617	10,637
Amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-10,213	-10,057
Amortizable intangible assets, Net	404	580
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets:	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,443	1,490
Amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-974	-894
Amortizable intangible assets, Net	469	596
Developed technology [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets:	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	917	947
Amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-757	-743
Amortizable intangible assets, Net	$160	$204

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 03, 2014		Jan. 03, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Current [Line Items]	'		'
Accrued salaries and wages	$1,936		$1,630
Accrued income taxes	523		485
Accrued audit fees	426		328
Accrued commissions	360		528
A/R credit balances	252		153
Accrued severance	245		731
Accrued insurance	39		551
Accrued bonuses	0		935
Other	1,208	[1]	1,031	[1]
Other Liabilities, Current	$4,989		$6,372
[1]	No item in “Other” above exceeds 5% of the total other current liabilities.

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta1

Other Current Liabilities (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Line Items]	'
Percentage Of Other Current Liabilities	5.00%

Pension_Plans_Details

Pension Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$116	$81	$349	$284
Interest cost	30	0	102	52
Expected return on plan assets	-22	-25	-76	-73
Amortization of unrecognized transitional obligation	0	0	0	4
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial gain	6	-69	18	-50
Net periodic pension cost	$130	($13)	$393	$217

Pension_Plans_Details_Textual

Pension Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Jul. 05, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments	$400,000	'	$1,200,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements	200,000	'	700,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments	150,000	0	687,000	0	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	'	'	'	'	600,000
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Percentage	'	'	'	'	2.50%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Percentage	'	'	'	'	2.00%
Swiss Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions By Employer	'	'	$279,000	$175,000	'

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Per_S2

Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($2,706)	$525	($5,854)	$1,274
Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	38,618	37,108	38,311	36,860
Less: Unvested restricted stock	249	358	267	308
Denominator for basic calculation	38,369	36,750	38,044	36,552
Weighted average effects of dilutive equity-based compensation awards:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options and restricted stock	0	1,612	0	1,188
Warrants	0	922	0	742
Denominator for diluted calculation	38,369	39,284	38,044	38,482
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	$0.01	($0.15)	$0.03
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.07)	$0.01	($0.15)	$0.03

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Per_S3

Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Details 1)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,970	1,001	2,820	1,091
Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,198	1,001	2,067	1,091
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	312	0	244	0
Warrant [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	460	0	509	0

Geographic_and_Product_Data_De

Geographic and Product Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$18,188	$17,106	$58,414	$53,271
Japan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	4,792	4,040	14,349	13,427
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	2,875	2,993	8,676	9,388
China [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	2,915	2,275	7,675	6,575
Korea [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	1,098	1,982	5,671	5,851
Spain [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	1,178	1,012	4,270	3,466
France [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	820	595	2,956	1,722
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$4,510	$4,209	$14,817	$12,842

Geographic_and_Product_Data_De1

Geographic and Product Data (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$18,188	$17,106	$58,414	$53,271
Implantable Collamer Lenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	10,640	10,725	35,052	32,616
Intraocular Lenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	5,763	5,322	18,804	17,533
Core products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	16,403	16,047	53,856	50,149
Other surgical products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,785	$1,059	$4,558	$3,122

Geographic_and_Product_Data_De2

Geographic and Product Data (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Description of Revenue from External Customers	'The Company markets and sells its products in over 60 countries and has manufacturing sites in the United States and Switzerland. Other than the United States, Japan, Korea, China,Spain, and France,the Company does not conduct business in any country in which its sales exceed 5% of consolidated sales.
Segment Sales To Consolidated Sales Percentage	100.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options	$666	$576	$2,138	$2,068
Restricted stock	141	283	666	718
Restricted stock units	705	0	1,857	0
Nonemployee stock options	41	47	75	138
Total	$1,553	$906	$4,736	$2,924

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	$1,553	$906	$4,736	$2,924
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	869	506	2,925	1,912
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	326	211	906	593
Research and Development Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost	$358	$189	$905	$419

StockBased_Compensation_Detail2

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	56.24%	58.43%	55.47%	71.69%
Risk-free interest rate	1.36%	1.32%	1.29%	0.69%
Expected term (in years)	'4 years 1 month 13 days	'4 years 1 month 13 days	'4 years 1 month 13 days	'4 years 1 month 13 days

StockBased_Compensation_Detail3

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'
Options,Outstanding as of January 3, 2014	3,299
Options, Granted, Shares	614
Options, Exercised, Shares	-593
Options, Forfeited or expired, Shares	-93
Options,Outstanding as of October 3, 2014	3,227
Options,Exercisable as of October 3, 2014	2,098
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'
Options,Outstanding as of January 3, 2014	341
Options, Granted, Shares	65
Options, Exercised, Shares	-140
Options, Forfeited or expired, Shares	-19
Options,Outstanding as of October 3, 2014	247
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'
Options,Outstanding as of January 3, 2014	135
Options, Granted, Shares	304
Options, Exercised, Shares	-135
Options, Forfeited or expired, Shares	-15
Options,Outstanding as of October 3, 2014	289

StockBased_Compensation_Detail4

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,390,000	37,911,000
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	7.00%	'
Warrants And Rights Exercisable	'	700,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	700,000	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	246,763	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	2,006,452	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	'3 years	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	'1 year	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	289,000	'
2003 Stock Option Plan [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	3,227,000	'
Lower Range of Exercise Prices	0.95	'
Upper Range of Exercise Prices	17.62	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'10 years	'

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 03, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$548	($25)	$1,134	$888

Manufacturing_Consolidation_Pr2

Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 03, 2014
Schedule Of Restructuring Reserve By Type Of Cost [Line Items]	'
Liability as of January 3, 2014	$759
Costs incurred and charged to expense	334
Cash payments	-848
Liability as of October 3, 2014	245
Termination Benefits [Member]	'
Schedule Of Restructuring Reserve By Type Of Cost [Line Items]	'
Liability as of January 3, 2014	731
Costs incurred and charged to expense	212
Cash payments	-698
Liability as of October 3, 2014	245
Other Associated Costs [Member]	'
Schedule Of Restructuring Reserve By Type Of Cost [Line Items]	'
Liability as of January 3, 2014	28
Costs incurred and charged to expense	122
Cash payments	-150
Liability as of October 3, 2014	$0

Manufacturing_Consolidation_Pr3

Manufacturing Consolidation Project and Tax Strategy (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2014
Schedule Of Restructuring Reserve By Type Of Cost [Line Items]	'
Estimated Cost Of Project Year Three And Half	$6,300,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	122,000,000
Restructuring Charges, Total	$334,000