STAAR Surgical (STAA) 10-Q 12 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	1-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	3-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	STAAR SURGICAL CO
Entity Central Index Key	718937
Current Fiscal Year End Date	0
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	STAA
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,845,236

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,809	$13,013
Accounts receivable trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,688 and $1,589 respectively	11,035	11,054
Inventories, net	15,273	15,717
Prepaids, deposits and other current assets	5,271	4,517
Deferred income taxes	600	596
Total current assets	42,988	44,897
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,923	10,066
Long-lived Intangible assets, net	824	870
Goodwill	1,786	1,786
Deferred income taxes	698	695
Other assets	590	597
Total assets	56,809	58,911
Current liabilities:
Line of credit	4,178	4,150
Accounts payable	4,943	6,620
Deferred income taxes	301	301
Obligations under capital leases	342	399
Other current liabilities	5,284	4,976
Total current liabilities	15,048	16,446
Obligations under capital leases	411	468
Deferred income taxes	1,756	1,704
Asset retirement obligations	117	115
Pension liability	3,128	3,079
Total liabilities	20,460	21,812
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 60,000 shares authorized; 38,790 and 38,429 shares issued and outstanding at April 3, 2015 and January 2, 2015, respectively	386	384
Additional paid-in capital	179,767	178,232
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,017	-1,070
Accumulated deficit	-142,787	-140,447
Total stockholders’ equity	36,349	37,099
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$56,809	$58,911

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$1,688	$1,589
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000	60,000
Common stock, shares issued	38,790	38,429
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,790	38,429

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Net sales	$18,858	$20,178
Cost of sales	5,959	6,294
Gross profit	12,899	13,884
General and administrative	5,114	5,396
Marketing and selling	5,668	6,138
Research and development	3,579	3,484
Medical device tax	48	40
Other general and administrative expenses	0	168
Operating loss	-1,510	-1,342
Other income (expense):
Interest income	0	9
Interest expense	-36	-33
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions	-892	66
Other income, net	70	160
Total other income (expense), net	-858	202
Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes	-2,368	-1,140
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-28	219
Net loss	($2,340)	($1,359)
Net loss per share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	($0.04)
Net loss per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	($0.04)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	38,481	37,794
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	38,481	37,794

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Net loss	($2,340)	($1,359)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans:
Net change in plan assets	-8	-11
Reclassification into earnings	15	6
Foreign currency translation	79	11
Tax effect	-24	-4
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	62	2
Comprehensive loss	($2,278)	($1,357)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($2,340)	($1,359)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	497	453
Amortization of long-lived intangibles	52	106
Deferred income taxes	-118	24
Change in net pension liability	50	45
Stock-based compensation expense	994	1,500
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	1	1
Provision for sales return and bad debt expense	99	-55
Changes in working capital:
Accounts receivable trade, net	-56	-295
Inventories	617	-1,137
Prepaids, deposits and other current assets	-573	-1,270
Accounts payable	-1,741	-610
Other current liabilities	309	3
Net cash used in operating activities	-2,209	-2,594
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-328	-1,414
Sale of property and equipment	2	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-326	-1,414
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-115	-46
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	421	2,188
Net cash provided by financing activities	306	2,142
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	25	-18
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-2,204	-1,884
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of the period	13,013	22,954
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of the period	$10,809	$21,070

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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. In accordance with those rules and regulations certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 2, 2015 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP. 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 2, 2015.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014, 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 three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014 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.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective
	There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the three months ended April 3, 2015, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2015, that are of significance or potential significance to us.
	Prior Year Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ unaudited condensed financial statements and related note disclosures to conform to current period’s presentation.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 - Inventories
	Inventories, net are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market and consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	2,078	$	2,146
	Work-in-process		1,881		1,781
	Finished goods		14,115		14,504
			18,074		18,431
	Less: inventory reserves		2,801		2,714
		$	15,273	$	15,717

Prepaids_Deposits_and_Other_Cu

Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Prepaids and deposits	$	2,835	$	1,991
	Income tax receivable		967		1,084
	Value added tax (VAT) receivable		622		721
	Deferred charge for foreign profits		483		338
	Other current assets		364		383
		$	5,271	$	4,517

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Machinery and equipment	$	15,969	$	15,674
	Furniture and fixtures		6,540		6,535
	Leasehold improvements		8,413		8,400
			30,922		30,609
	Less: accumulated depreciation		20,999		20,543
		$	9,923	$	10,066

Longlived_Intangible_Assets_Ne

Long-lived Intangible Assets, Net	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5 - Long-lived Intangible Assets, Net
	Long-lived intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3, 2015						January 2, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated		Net		Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying		Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Long-lived intangible assets:
	Patents and licenses	$	9,209		-8,868	$	341	$	9,205	$	-8,859	$	346
	Customer relationships		1,310		-950		360		1,302		-911		391
	Developed technology		833		-710		123		827		-694		133
	Total	$	11,352	$	-10,528	$	824	$	11,334	$	-10,464	$	870

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6 - Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Accrued salaries and wages	$	2,050	$	1,647
	Accrued insurance		677		550
	Accrued bonuses		553		75
	Customer credit balances		230		186
	Accrued income taxes		204		867
	Accrued audit fees		194		352
	Accrued commissions		179		309
	Other(1)		1,197		990
		$	5,284	$	4,976
	(1)No item in “Other” above exceeds 5% of the total other current liabilities

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7 - Pension Plans
	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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Service cost	$	107	$	116
	Interest cost		19		35
	Expected return on plan assets		-21		-27
	Net amortization of transitional obligation (a)		3		-
	Actuarial loss, recognized in current period (a)		12		6
		$	120	$	130
	(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income.
	During the three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014, the Company made cash contributions totaling approximately $400,200 and $558,000, respectively, to its Swiss pension plan and does not expect to make additional cash contributions during the remainder of 2015. The Company is not required to and does not make contributions to its Japan pension plan.

Basic_and_Diluted_Loss_Per_Sha

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 8 - Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	-2,340	$	-1,359
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		38,638		38,116
	Less: Unvested restricted stock		157		322
	Denominator for basic calculation		38,481		37,794
	Weighted average effects of potentially dilutive common stock:
	Stock options		-		-
	Warrants		-		-
	Restricted stock		-		-
	Denominator for diluted calculation		38,481		37,794
	Net loss per share - basic	$	-0.06	$	-0.04
	Net loss per share - diluted	$	-0.06	$	-0.04
	The following table 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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Options		1,187		1,905
	Restricted stock and units		237		365
	Warrants		316		528
	Total		1,740		2,798

Geographic_and_Product_Data

Geographic and Product Data	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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 net sales. Sales are generally 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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Japan	$	4,286	$	5,008
	United States		2,867		2,874
	China		2,371		2,225
	Korea		2,343		2,621
	Spain		1,478		1,618
	France		1,150		946
	Other		4,363		4,886
	Total	$	18,858	$	20,178
	100% of the Company’s net 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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	ICLs	$	12,255	$	12,241
	IOLs		5,358		6,613
	Core products		17,613		18,854
	Other Surgical Products		1,245		1,324
	Total	$	18,858	$	20,178
	The Company sells its products internationally, which subjects the Company to several potential risks, 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, United States and foreign export and import duties and tariffs, and political instability.
	A single customer, our distributor in South Korea, has accounted for 12% and 13% of net sales for the three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014, respectively.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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
		April 3,			April 4,
		2015			2014
	Employee stock options	$	725		$	859
	Restricted stock		271			299
	Restricted stock units		129			398
	Nonemployee stock options		-7			22
	Total	$	1,116		$	1,578
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost in the following categories on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		April 3,			April 4,
		2015			2014
	General and administrative	$	593		$	928
	Marketing and selling		251			302
	Research and development		150			270
	Total stock compensation expense	$	994		$	1,500
	Amounts capitalized as part of inventory		122			78
	Total	$	1,116		$	1,578
	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, restricted stock units, and performance contingent stock units. 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 (as defined in the Plan). Pursuant to the Plan, options for 3,619,790 shares were outstanding at April 3, 2015 with exercise prices ranging between $0.95 and $17.62 per share. Restricted stock grants under the Plan generally vest over a period between one to four years. There were 156,763 shares of restricted stock and 135,500 restricted stock units (RSUs) outstanding at April 3, 2015. As of April 3, 2015, there were 1,662,958 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 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 6.92% 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
		April 3, 2015			April 4, 2014
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility		57.46	%		55.25	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.7	%		1.28	%
	Expected term (in years)		5.64			4.12
	A summary of option activity under the Plan for the period ended April 3, 2015 is presented below:
		Options
		Shares
		(000’s)
	Outstanding at January 2, 2015		3,175
	Granted		568
	Exercised		-104
	Forfeited or expired		-19
	Outstanding at April 3, 2015		3,620
	Exercisable at April 3, 2015		2,384
	Warrants outstanding and exercisable for the period ended April 3, 2015 and January 2, 2015 were 700,000.
	A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity under the Plan for the period ended April 3, 2015 is presented below:
		Restricted			Restricted
		Shares			Units
		(000’s)			(000’s)
	Outstanding at January 2, 2015		247			156
	Granted		-			12
	Vested		-90			-10
	Forfeited		-			-22
	Outstanding at April 3, 2015		157			136

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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, which is generally less than the U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to the Company’s net operating losses in the U.S. and certain lower- or zero- rate foreign jurisdictions where the Company operates.  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 derecognition 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 Company recorded an income tax benefit of $28,000 and an income tax provision of $219,000 for the three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014, respectively. The income tax benefit for the three months ended April 3, 2015 includes the pre-tax losses generated in certain foreign jurisdictions the Company consolidates for Swiss income tax purposes.  There are no unrecognized tax benefits as of any period presented.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies
	Lines of Credit
	The Company’s wholly owned Japanese subsidiary, STAAR Japan, has an agreement, as amended on December 28, 2012, with Mizuho Bank, which provides for borrowings of up to 500,000,000 Yen (approximately $4.2 million based on the rate of exchange on April 3, 2015), at an interest rate equal to the Tokyo short-term prime interest rate (approximately 1.475% as of April 3, 2015). The line of credit expires June 30, 2015 and is renewable quarterly. The Company had 500,000,000 Yen outstanding on the line of credit as of April 3, 2015 and January 2, 2015 (approximately $4.2 million based on the foreign currency exchange rates on April 3, 2015 and January 2, 2015). As of April 3, 2015 there were no available borrowings under the line.
	In August 2010, the Company’s wholly-owned Swiss subsidiary, STAAR Surgical AG, entered into a credit agreement with Credit Suisse (the “Bank”). The credit agreement provides for borrowings of up to 1,000,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $1.0 million at the rate of exchange on April 3, 2015), to be used for working capital purposes. Borrowings, if any, on the credit line are due in one year from the borrowing date. The credit agreement is renewed every three years with a current expiration date of September 1, 2016. There were no borrowings outstanding as of April 3, 2015 and January 2, 2015, and the full amount of the line was available for borrowing (see Note 13).
	Covenant Compliance
	The Company is in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities as of the date of this report.
	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. These claims and legal proceedings may relate to contractual rights and obligations, employment matters, and claims of product liability. The most significant of these actions, proceedings and investigations are described below. STAAR maintains insurance coverage for product liability and certain securities. Legal proceedings can extend for several years, and the matters described below concerning the Company are at very early stages of the legal and administrative process. As a result, these matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to determine whether the proceedings are 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 outcomes of these items, 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.
	On July 8, 2014, a putative securities class action lawsuit was filed by Edward Todd against STAAR and three officers in the federal court located in Los Angeles, California. The plaintiff claims that STAAR made misleading statements to and omitted material information from our investors between February 27, 2013 and June 30, 2014 about alleged regulatory violations at STAAR’s Monrovia manufacturing facility. On July 21, 2014, the Company was served with the Complaint. 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. 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.
	Employment Agreements
	The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and certain officers have as provisions of their agreements certain rights, including continuance of cash compensation and benefits, upon a “change in control,” which may include an acquisition of substantially all of its assets, or termination “without cause or for good reason” as defined in the employment agreements (see Note 13).

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 13 - Subsequent Events
	On April 7, 2015 the Company granted approximately 214,000 options and 88,000 restricted stock units to certain executives, directors and other employees.
	On May 1, 2015, STAAR Surgical AG entered into a guarantee agreement with Bankinter Spain (“Bankinter”). The agreement provides Bankinter with a guarantee of up to EUR 400,000 (approximately $446,000 at the rate of exchange on May 1, 2015) for trade receivables from the Company’s Spanish customers. The total guarantee amount can be offset against the credit agreement in place with Credit Suisse and therefore reduces the credit line available to STAAR Surgical AG for working capital requirements to up to 581,000 Swiss Francs (approximately up to $619,000 at the rate of exchange on May 1, 2015). Unless terminated sooner by Bankinter, the guarantee agreement expires on May 1, 2017. To date, no amounts are outstanding on the credit line with Credit Suisse or the guarantee with Bankinter.
	In May 2015, the Company recorded separation costs approximating $469,000 for certain executives and other employees.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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. In accordance with those rules and regulations certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 2, 2015 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP. 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 2, 2015.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014, 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 three months ended April 3, 2015 and April 4, 2014 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective
	There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the three months ended April 3, 2015, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2015, that are of significance or potential significance to us.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Prior Year Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ unaudited condensed financial statements and related note disclosures to conform to current period’s presentation.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventories, net are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market and consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	2,078	$	2,146
	Work-in-process		1,881		1,781
	Finished goods		14,115		14,504
			18,074		18,431
	Less: inventory reserves		2,801		2,714
		$	15,273	$	15,717

Prepaids_Deposits_and_Other_Cu1

Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Prepaids and deposits	$	2,835	$	1,991
	Income tax receivable		967		1,084
	Value added tax (VAT) receivable		622		721
	Deferred charge for foreign profits		483		338
	Other current assets		364		383
		$	5,271	$	4,517

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Machinery and equipment	$	15,969	$	15,674
	Furniture and fixtures		6,540		6,535
	Leasehold improvements		8,413		8,400
			30,922		30,609
	Less: accumulated depreciation		20,999		20,543
		$	9,923	$	10,066

Longlived_Intangible_Assets_Ne1

Long-lived Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Long-lived intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3, 2015						January 2, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated		Net		Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying		Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Long-lived intangible assets:
	Patents and licenses	$	9,209		-8,868	$	341	$	9,205	$	-8,859	$	346
	Customer relationships		1,310		-950		360		1,302		-911		391
	Developed technology		833		-710		123		827		-694		133
	Total	$	11,352	$	-10,528	$	824	$	11,334	$	-10,464	$	870

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		April 3,		January 2,
		2015		2015
	Accrued salaries and wages	$	2,050	$	1,647
	Accrued insurance		677		550
	Accrued bonuses		553		75
	Customer credit balances		230		186
	Accrued income taxes		204		867
	Accrued audit fees		194		352
	Accrued commissions		179		309
	Other(1)		1,197		990
		$	5,284	$	4,976
	(1)No item in “Other” above exceeds 5% of the total other current liabilities

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Service cost	$	107	$	116
	Interest cost		19		35
	Expected return on plan assets		-21		-27
	Net amortization of transitional obligation (a)		3		-
	Actuarial loss, recognized in current period (a)		12		6
		$	120	$	130
	(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income.

Basic_and_Diluted_Loss_Per_Sha1

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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 loss per share (in thousands except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	-2,340	$	-1,359
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		38,638		38,116
	Less: Unvested restricted stock		157		322
	Denominator for basic calculation		38,481		37,794
	Weighted average effects of potentially dilutive common stock:
	Stock options		-		-
	Warrants		-		-
	Restricted stock		-		-
	Denominator for diluted calculation		38,481		37,794
	Net loss per share - basic	$	-0.06	$	-0.04
	Net loss per share - diluted	$	-0.06	$	-0.04
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The following table 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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Options		1,187		1,905
	Restricted stock and units		237		365
	Warrants		316		528
	Total		1,740		2,798

Geographic_and_Product_Data_Ta

Geographic and Product Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	Japan	$	4,286	$	5,008
	United States		2,867		2,874
	China		2,371		2,225
	Korea		2,343		2,621
	Spain		1,478		1,618
	France		1,150		946
	Other		4,363		4,886
	Total	$	18,858	$	20,178
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
		April 3, 2015		April 4, 2014
	ICLs	$	12,255	$	12,241
	IOLs		5,358		6,613
	Core products		17,613		18,854
	Other Surgical Products		1,245		1,324
	Total	$	18,858	$	20,178

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
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
		April 3,			April 4,
		2015			2014
	Employee stock options	$	725		$	859
	Restricted stock		271			299
	Restricted stock units		129			398
	Nonemployee stock options		-7			22
	Total	$	1,116		$	1,578
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost in the following categories on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		April 3,			April 4,
		2015			2014
	General and administrative	$	593		$	928
	Marketing and selling		251			302
	Research and development		150			270
	Total stock compensation expense	$	994		$	1,500
	Amounts capitalized as part of inventory		122			78
	Total	$	1,116		$	1,578
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
		April 3, 2015			April 4, 2014
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%
	Expected volatility		57.46	%		55.25	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.7	%		1.28	%
	Expected term (in years)		5.64			4.12
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of option activity under the Plan for the period ended April 3, 2015 is presented below:
		Options
		Shares
		(000’s)
	Outstanding at January 2, 2015		3,175
	Granted		568
	Exercised		-104
	Forfeited or expired		-19
	Outstanding at April 3, 2015		3,620
	Exercisable at April 3, 2015		2,384
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity under the Plan for the period ended April 3, 2015 is presented below:
		Restricted			Restricted
		Shares			Units
		(000’s)			(000’s)
	Outstanding at January 2, 2015		247			156
	Granted		-			12
	Vested		-90			-10
	Forfeited		-			-22
	Outstanding at April 3, 2015		157			136

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials and purchased parts	$2,078	$2,146
Work-in-process	1,881	1,781
Finished goods	14,115	14,504
Inventory, Gross	18,074	18,431
Less: inventory reserves	2,801	2,714
Inventory, Net	$15,273	$15,717

Prepaids_Deposits_and_Other_Cu2

Prepaids, Deposits, and Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Line Items]
Prepaids and deposits	$2,835	$1,991
Income tax receivable	967	1,084
Value added tax (VAT) receivable	622	721
Deferred charge for foreign profits	483	338
Other current assets	364	383
Prepaid Expenses Deposits and Other Assets Current	$5,271	$4,517

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Machinery and equipment	$15,969	$15,674
Furniture and fixtures	6,540	6,535
Leasehold improvements	8,413	8,400
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	30,922	30,609
Less: accumulated depreciation	20,999	20,543
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$9,923	$10,066

Longlived_Intangible_Assets_Ne2

Long-lived Intangible Assets, Net (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-lived intangible assets:
Long-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$11,352	$11,334
Long-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-10,528	-10,464
Long-lived intangible assets, Net	824	870
Patents and Licenses [Member]
Long-lived intangible assets:
Long-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	9,209	9,205
Long-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-8,868	-8,859
Long-lived intangible assets, Net	341	346
Customer relationships [Member]
Long-lived intangible assets:
Long-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,310	1,302
Long-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-950	-911
Long-lived intangible assets, Net	360	391
Developed technology [Member]
Long-lived intangible assets:
Long-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	833	827
Long-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-710	-694
Long-lived intangible assets, Net	$123	$133

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015		Jan. 02, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Current [Line Items]
Accrued salaries and wages	$2,050		$1,647
Accrued insurance	677		550
Accrued bonuses	553		75
Customer credit balances	230		186
Accrued income taxes	204		867
Accrued audit fees	194		352
Accrued commissions	179		309
Other	1,197	[1]	990	[1]
Other Liabilities, Current	$5,284		$4,976
[1]	No item in “Other” above exceeds 5% of the total other current liabilities

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta1

Other Current Liabilities (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Line Items]
Percentage Of Other Current Liabilities	5.00%

Pension_Plans_Details

Pension Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015		Apr. 04, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$107		$116
Interest cost	19		35
Expected return on plan assets	-21		-27
Net amortization of transitional obligation (a)	3	[1]	0	[1]
Actuarial loss, recognized in current period (a)	12	[1]	6	[1]
Net periodic pension cost	$120		$130
[1]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income.

Pension_Plans_Details_Textual

Pension Plans (Details Textual) (Swiss Plan [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Swiss Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions By Employer	$400,200	$558,000

Basic_and_Diluted_Loss_Per_Sha2

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Numerator:
Net loss	($2,340)	($1,359)
Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	38,638	38,116
Less: Unvested restricted stock	157	322
Denominator for basic calculation	38,481	37,794
Weighted average effects of potentially dilutive common stock:
Warrants	0	0
Denominator for diluted calculation	38,481	37,794
Net loss per share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	($0.04)
Net loss per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	($0.04)
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Weighted average effects of potentially dilutive common stock:
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Total	0	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Weighted average effects of potentially dilutive common stock:
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Total	0	0

Basic_and_Diluted_Loss_Per_Sha3

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Details 1)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,740	2,798
Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,187	1,905
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	237	365
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	316	528

Geographic_and_Product_Data_De

Geographic and Product Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	$18,858	$20,178
Japan [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	4,286	5,008
United States [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	2,867	2,874
China [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	2,371	2,225
Korea [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	2,343	2,621
Spain [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	1,478	1,618
France [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	1,150	946
Others [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Net sales	$4,363	$4,886

Geographic_and_Product_Data_De1

Geographic and Product Data (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Product Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$18,858	$20,178
Implantable Collamer Lenses [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Net sales	12,255	12,241
Intraocular Lenses [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,358	6,613
Core products [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Net sales	17,613	18,854
Other surgical products [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$1,245	$1,324

Geographic_and_Product_Data_De2

Geographic and Product Data (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 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 net sales.
Segment Sales To Consolidated Sales Percentage	100.00%
Single Customer [Member]
Geographic and Product Data [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	13.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$994	$1,500
Employee stock options [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	725	859
Restricted stock [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	271	299
Restricted stock units [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	129	398
Nonemployee stock options [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	($7)	$22

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Total stock compensation expense	$994	$1,500
Amounts capitalized as part of inventory	122	78
Total	1,116	1,578
General and administrative [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Total stock compensation expense	593	928
Marketing and selling [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Total stock compensation expense	251	302
Research and development [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Total stock compensation expense	$150	$270

StockBased_Compensation_Detail2

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	57.46%	55.25%
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.28%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 7 months 20 days	4 years 1 month 13 days

StockBased_Compensation_Detail3

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Options,Outstanding as of January 2, 2015	3,175
Options, Granted, Shares	568
Options, Exercised, Shares	-104
Options, Forfeited or expired, Shares	-19
Options,Outstanding as of April 3, 2015	3,620
Options,Exercisable as of April 3, 2015	2,384

StockBased_Compensation_Detail4

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	247
Granted	0
Vested	-90
Forfeited	0
Outstanding at April 3, 2015	157
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Outstanding at January 2, 2015	156
Granted	12
Vested	-10
Forfeited	-22
Outstanding at April 3, 2015	136

StockBased_Compensation_Detail5

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	3,620,000	3,175,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,790,000	38,429,000
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	6.92%
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	156,763
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,662,958
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	4 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	135,500
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	3,619,790
Lower Range of Exercise Prices	0.95
Upper Range of Exercise Prices	17.62
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 04, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($28)	$219

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 28, 2012	Apr. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2010
	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Mizuho Bank [Member]	Credit Suisse [Member]	Credit Suisse [Member]	Credit Suisse [Member]	Credit Suisse [Member]
	USD ($)	CNY	USD ($)	CNY	USD ($)	CNY	Prime Rate [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$4,200,000	500,000,000								$1,000,000	1,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End							1.48%
Long-term Line of Credit			$4,200,000	500,000,000	$4,200,000	500,000,000		$0	$0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	30-Jun-15	30-Jun-15

Subsequent_Events_Details_Text

Subsequent Events (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	1-May-15	1-May-15	1-May-15	1-May-15	Apr. 07, 2015	31-May-15
		STAAR Surgical AG [Member]	STAAR Surgical AG [Member]	Bankinter [Member]	Bankinter [Member]	Executives And Other Employees [Member]	Executives And Other Employees [Member]
		Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
		USD ($)	CHF	USD ($)	EUR (€)		USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants In Period, Gross	568					214
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period						88
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value				$446,000	€ 400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		619,000	581,000
Guarantor Obligations, Term				1-May-17	1-May-17
Separation Costs							$469,000